text
stringlengths 61
16.9k
| synonym_substitution
stringlengths 61
12.2k
| butter_fingers
stringlengths 61
12.2k
| random_deletion
stringlengths 56
11k
| change_char_case
stringlengths 61
16.9k
| whitespace_perturbation
stringlengths 65
12.7k
| underscore_trick
stringlengths 65
12.9k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In general, absorbent articles should comfortably fit the body of a wearer. Most absorbent articles include an absorbent pad formed by an absorbent core contained in a wrap comprising a barrier tissue and/or a forming tissue. The subject invention discloses an absorbent article generally having extensibility in at least one direction, preferably the cross-direction. Such extensibility permits an absorbent article to extend and expand about the wearer and thus to better conform to the body of the wearer. Such extension and expansion about the wearer is feasible because both the bodyside liner and the outer cover are extensible in at least the one direction.
In conventional structures, the outer cover is typically adhesively secured to the forming tissue of the absorbent pad. In such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross-direction extends the forming tissue in the cross-direction. The force used to extend the outer cover, and thence the absorbent pad, can tear or otherwise damage the forming tissue or the barrier tissue of the absorbent pad. Since the absorbent pad is typically a sealed enclosure, namely an absorbent core enclosed within the combination of a forming tissue and a barrier tissue, tearing the absorbent pad, namely either the forming tissue or the barrier tissue, can release superabsorbent particles and other absorbent materials, such as cellulose fluff into contact with the body of the wearer. Superabsorbent particles can irritate the skin of the wearer. Such tearing of the absorbent pad indicates failure of the absorbent article to perform properly. Therefore, it is critical to find a way to prevent tearing or other structural failure of the absorbent pad.
|
in general, absorbent articles should comfortably fit the body of a wearer. most absorbent articles include an elastic pad formed by an absorbent core contained in a wrap comprising a barrier tissue and / or a forming tissue. the subject invention discloses an absorbent article generally having extensibility in at least one direction, preferably the cross - direction. such extensibility permits an absorbent article to extend and expand about the wearer and thus to better conform to the body of the wearer. such extension and expansion about the wearer is feasible because both the bodyside liner and the outer cover are extensible in at least the one direction. in conventional structures, the outer cover is typically adhesively secured to the forming tissue of the absorbent pad. in such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross - direction extends the forming tissue in the cross - direction. the force generated to extend the outer cover, and thence the absorbent pad, can tear or significantly damage the forming tissue or the barrier tissue of the absorbent device. since the absorbent pad is typically a structural enclosure, namely an elastic core enclosed within the combination of a forming tissue and a barrier tissue, tearing the absorbent pad, namely either the forming tissue or the barrier tissue, can damage superabsorbent particles and other absorbent material, such as cellulose fluff into contact with the body of the wearer. superabsorbent particles can irritate the skin of the wearer. such tearing of the absorbent pad implies failure of the absorbent article to perform properly. therefore, it is critical to find a way to eliminate tearing or other structural failure of the absorbent pad.
|
In general, absorbent articles should comfortably fit the body of a wearer. Most absorbent articles include an absorbent pad formed by an absorbent core contained in a wrap comprising a barrier tissue and / or a forming tissue. The subject invention discloses an absorbent artic<2 generally having extensibility in at least one direction, preferably the cross - dir#c%ion. Such extensibolkty permits an absorbent article to extend and expand about the wearer and thus to better conform to the body of the wearer. Such extension and expansion about the wearer is feasible because both the bodyside liner and the outer cover are extensible in at least the one direction. In conventional strucrureQ, the lutfr c8ger is ttpica,ly adhesively secured to the forming tissue of the absorbent pad. In such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross - direction extends the forming tissue in the cross - direction. The force used to extend the outer cover, and thence the absorbent pad, can tear or otherwise damage the forming tissue or the barrier tissue of the absorbent pad. Since the absorbent pad is typically a sealed enclosure, namely an absorbent core enclosed Aithkn the combination of a forming tissue and a barrier tissue, tearing the absorbent pad, namely either the forming tissue or the barrier tissue, can release superabsorbent particles and other absorbent materials, such as cellulose fluff into contact with the body of the wearer. Superabsorbent particles can irritate the skin of the wearer. Such tearing of the absorbent pad indicates failure of the abqotbent article to perform properly. Therefore, it is critical to find a way to prevent %earLng or other structural failure of the absorbent pad.
|
In general, absorbent articles should comfortably the body of a wearer. articles include an absorbent pad formed by an absorbent core contained wrap comprising a barrier tissue and/or a forming tissue. subject invention discloses an absorbent article generally having extensibility in at least one direction, preferably the cross-direction. Such extensibility permits an absorbent article to extend and expand about the wearer and thus to better conform to the body the wearer. extension and expansion the wearer is feasible because both the bodyside liner the outer are extensible in at least the one direction. In conventional structures, the outer is typically secured to the tissue of the absorbent pad. In such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross-direction extends the forming tissue in the cross-direction. The force to extend the outer cover, and thence the absorbent pad, can tear or otherwise damage the forming tissue or the barrier tissue of the absorbent pad. Since the absorbent pad is a sealed enclosure, namely an absorbent core enclosed within the combination of a forming tissue and a tearing the pad, namely either the forming tissue or the barrier can superabsorbent particles and other materials, such as cellulose fluff into contact with the body of the wearer. Superabsorbent particles can the skin of the Such tearing of the pad indicates failure of the absorbent article perform properly. Therefore, it is critical to find a way to prevent tearing or other structural failure of the absorbent pad.
|
in genERAL, ABSORBent ARTIcLeS sHOuLd comfoRtaBly Fit THE bOdY oF A weARER. mosT aBsorBEnt ARtICLES IncLude an absorbENt PaD Formed BY An ABsoRbENT Core COntAinEd In a wrap comPRIsIng a BARRieR tIssuE And/oR a fOrmInG TISSue. THE SUbjEct InVEntiOn diSclOses an abSoRbEnt arTiCLe GENErally hAVINg eXtensIbilITY iN at leAst One DIrecTIOn, prEfERaBlY The croSs-dIrECtiON. sUch ExtensiBiLITY PeRMItS AN aBsORBENt ARTIcle to exTend aNd EXpANd AboUt thE WEareR ANd thUS TO betTEr ConfoRm TO tHE Body Of THE wEAREr. such eXTeNsIoN aND EXPANSIon about thE WEaReR IS FeASIBlE BEcaUSE bOTH THe bODYsIdE lIneR And thE OUter COVER are ExTEnSIble in aT LeasT tHe ONE dIrecTiON.
in CONVentIonAl STruCTureS, ThE outEr cOvEr iS TYpIcALly ADHesIVEly sECurEd to thE fORmIng TisSUE OF THE aBsorBENt PAd. in suCH EmbODiMENts, ExTEndING thE OUteR coVEr iN tHE cROSS-dIrEctIoN extends ThE fORMinG tissuE in THE CrOSS-dirECtiON. the FoRcE usED To ExtENd thE oUTER cOVer, AND THeNCe thE AbSorbEnT pAD, CAN teAR oR oTheRWIsE daMAge tHe Forming tiSsUe oR thE BArRIeR TISSUe of The AbSORbEnt Pad. sINce THe ABsoRBent pAd is TYpIcaLLY a seAlEd encLoSure, namELY AN AbSOrbENT cOrE EnclOSed WiTHIN tHe CombinaTIOn of a foRMiNG TiSSUe aND a bArrIEr tISsUe, tEArING tHE AbSOrBENT Pad, namely eitHEr tHe foRMING tISSuE Or THE barRIEr tisSUe, cAN releAse supeRABSOrbENT pArTiCleS aNd oThER AbsOrbEnt maTerIals, sUch aS CEllULOSE FLuff IntO cONTaCT WITH The BoDy of the WEaRer. SUPERabSoRBeNt PaRtIcLES cAn irriTaTe tHE skIn OF tHE weareR. sUCh teArinG of thE AbsoRBeNT PaD inDiCATeS faILure oF tHE abSoRBENT aRTiCLE To PERFoRm proPeRLY. thErefOre, It IS cRIticaL tO FInd a wAy tO PREVeNt TeARiNG Or othER STRUcturAl faIlUrE of tHe ABSoRbeNT pAD.
|
In general, absorbent articles shouldcomfortably fit the body of a wearer. Most absorbent articlesinclude an absorbentpad formed by an absorbent core contained in a wrap comprising a barriertissue and/or a formingtissue. The subject inventiondiscloses an absorbent article generally having extensibility in at least onedirection,preferably thecross-direction. Such extensibility permits an absorbent article to extend and expand aboutthe wearerand thusto better conform tothe body of the wearer. Such extension and expansionabout thewearer is feasible because both the bodyside liner and the outer cover are extensible in at least the one direction. Inconventionalstructures, theouter cover is typically adhesively secured to theforming tissue of the absorbent pad.In such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross-direction extends the forming tissuein the cross-direction.The force usedto extend the outer cover, and thencethe absorbent pad,can tear or otherwise damage the forming tissue or the barrier tissue of the absorbent pad. Since the absorbent pad is typically a sealedenclosure, namely an absorbent core enclosed withinthe combination ofa formingtissue anda barrier tissue, tearing the absorbent pad,namely either the forming tissue or the barrier tissue, can release superabsorbent particles and other absorbent materials, such as cellulosefluff into contact with the body of the wearer.Superabsorbent particles can irritate theskin of the wearer. Suchtearing of theabsorbent pad indicates failure of the absorbent article to perform properly. Therefore, it is critical to find a wayto prevent tearing or other structural failure of the absorbent pad.
|
In general, absorbent articles _should_ comfortably fit the body of a wearer. Most absorbent articles include _an_ absorbent pad formed _by_ an absorbent _core_ contained in a wrap comprising a barrier tissue and/or _a_ _forming_ tissue. The _subject_ invention discloses an absorbent _article_ generally having extensibility _in_ _at_ least one direction, preferably the cross-direction. Such extensibility permits an _absorbent_ article _to_ extend _and_ expand about the _wearer_ and _thus_ to better conform to the body of the wearer. Such extension and expansion about the wearer is feasible because _both_ the bodyside liner and the outer _cover_ are extensible in at least the one direction. In conventional _structures,_ _the_ outer cover is typically adhesively secured _to_ the forming tissue of the absorbent pad. In such embodiments, extending the outer cover in the cross-direction extends the _forming_ tissue in the _cross-direction._ The force used to extend the _outer_ cover, and thence the absorbent pad, can _tear_ or otherwise damage _the_ forming tissue or the barrier _tissue_ _of_ the absorbent pad. Since the _absorbent_ pad is typically _a_ sealed _enclosure,_ _namely_ an absorbent core enclosed within the combination of a forming tissue and a barrier tissue, tearing the absorbent pad, namely either the forming _tissue_ or the barrier tissue, _can_ release superabsorbent particles and other absorbent _materials,_ such as cellulose _fluff_ into contact _with_ the _body_ of the _wearer._ Superabsorbent particles can irritate the skin _of_ the wearer. Such tearing of the absorbent pad indicates failure of _the_ absorbent _article_ to perform properly. Therefore, it is critical _to_ find a way to _prevent_ tearing or other structural failure of _the_ absorbent pad.
|
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-159163, filed Mar. 31, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a method of forming a composite member, in which a conductive portion is formed in an insulator, the composite member being used in, for example, a wiring board in the fields of electric appliances, electronic appliances and electric and electronic communication. The present invention also relates to a photosensitive composition and an insulating material that can be suitably used in the manufacturing method of the composite member. Further, the present invention relates to a composite member manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention and to a multi-layer wiring board and an electronic package including the particular composite member.
In recent years, increase in the degree of integration and miniaturization of various electric and electronic parts including a semiconductor device are being promoted. The particular tendency will be further promoted in the future without fail. In this connection, various measures are being proposed and tried in an attempt to apply a high density mounting to a printed circuit board including formation of a fine pattern and a fine pitch of a metal wiring and formation of a steric wiring.
Particularly, the steric wiring is indispensable to a high density mounting and, thus, various methods are being proposed in an attempt to manufacture a wiring board having a steric wiring. In general, the steric wirings are of a multi-layered structure such as a built-up wiring board prepared by laminating two dimensional printed wiring boards and a multi-layered wiring board. It is difficult to form a steric wiring having a free three dimensional shape. The built-up wiring board or the multi-layered wiring board has a structure that adjacent wiring layers are connected to each other by a conductive column called via. The via is formed by processing an insulating layer by a photolithography process using a photosensitive polyimide or resist, followed by selectively applying a plating to the via or by filling the via with a conductive paste. For forming a via by such a method, it is necessary to repeat a plurality of times the steps of resist coating, light exposure and etching, making the via formation highly laborious. In addition, it is difficult to improve the yield.
It is also possible to form the via by forming a through-hole (via hole) of a predetermined size in an insulating substrate constituting a printed wiring board by using a drill or a CO2 laser, followed by applying plating to the via hole or by filling the via hole with a conductive paste. In these methods, however, it is difficult to form freely a fine via having a size of scores of microns or less at a desired position.
In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 7-207450, a compound having a hydrophilic group is introduced into pores of three dimensional porous film such as a PTFE film. Under this condition, the film is subjected to a light exposure in a predetermined pattern by using a low pressure mercury lamp (wave lengths of 185 nm and 254 nm), thereby forming the hydrophilic group on the three dimensional porous film. Further, a metal plating is applied to the three dimensional porous film.
In the conventional method described above, however, the material forming the three dimensional porous film is deteriorated because a light beam having a short wavelength is used for the light exposure. Also, the light for the light exposure is absorbed by the three dimensional porous film and, thus, fails to reach the inner region of the porous body, resulting in failure to form fine vias.
Further, in the conventional method described above, the PTFE forming the three dimensional porous film reacts with the light for the light exposure so as to selectively form hydrophilic groups. However, PTFE is defective in that the molding workability is low and that PTFE is costly.
Another method of forming a via is disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 11-24977. In this method, the entire surface of a porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing, for example, a photosensitive reducing agent and a metal salt. Then, a light exposure is applied in a predetermined pattern to the impregnated insulating member so as to reduce the cation of the metal salt in the light exposed portion to a metal nucleus, followed by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in the non-light exposed portion. Further, an electroless plating or a soldering is applied to the residual metal nuclei so as to form vias of a predetermined pattern.
In the method described above, however, the entire surface of the porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing a metal salt as described above, making it difficult to remove completely the metal salt adsorbed on the portion corresponding to the non-exposed portion after the light exposure step. As a result, a difficulty is brought about that the metal nuclei are precipitated on undesired portions in the subsequent reducing step. Such an abnormal deposition of the metal nuclei gives rise to a problem in terms of the insulating properties between adjacent vias and between adjacent wiring layers with progress in the fine pulverization of the pattern.
Also, in the via formed in the insulating substrate by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, the insulating body and the conductive portion are brought into a direct contact. In this case, since the adhesion between the insulating body and the conductive portion is poor, a problem is generated that the conductive portion is peeled off the insulating substrate during the use.
Further, where a multi-layered wiring board is prepared by laminating a plurality of wiring boards manufactured by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, it is required to further improve the electrical connection between the wiring layers of the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, in which deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about by the light exposure, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, which permits manufacturing a composite member at a low manufacturing cost without giving adverse effects to the selectivity of the material of the insulating portion and to the molding workability, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive composition and an insulating material used for the manufacturing method of a composite member described above.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite member manufactured by the method described above.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered wiring board comprising a composite member manufactured by the method described above.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic package using a composite member or a multi-layered wiring board manufactured by the method described above.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising:
(1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion-exchange group upon irradiation with light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm;
(2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to form ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion; and
(3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion-exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising:
(1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion-exchange group;
(2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to cause ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion-exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion; and
(3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to be bonded to the ion-exchange group remaining in the unexposed portion after the exposing.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising:
(1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion-exchange group upon irradiation with light, and said compound being selected from the group consisting of an onium salt derivative, a sulfonium ester derivative, a carboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide derivative;
(2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to form ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion; and
(3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion-exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising:
(1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion-exchange group;
(2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to cause ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion-exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion; and
(3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal
|
this application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior japanese patent application no. 2000 - 159163, filed mar. 31, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. the present invention relates to a method of forming a composite member, in which a conductive portion is formed in an insulator, the composite member being used in, for example, a wiring board in the fields of electric appliances, electronic appliances and electric and electronic communication. the present invention also relates to a photosensitive composition and partially insulating material that can be suitably used in the manufacturing method of the composite member. further, the present invention relates to a composite member manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention and then a multi - layer wiring board and an electronic package including the particular composite member. in recent years, increase in the degree of integration and miniaturization of various electric and electronic parts including a semiconductor device are being promoted. the particular tendency will be further promoted in the future without fail. in this connection, various measures are being proposed and tried in an attempt to apply a high density mounting of a printed circuit board including formation of a fine pattern and a fine pitch of a metal wiring and formation of a steric wiring. particularly, the steric wiring is indispensable to a high density mounting and, thus, various methods start being proposed in an attempt to manufacture a wiring board having a steric wiring. in general, the steric wirings are of a multi - layered structure such as a built - up wiring board constructed by producing two dimensional printed wiring boards and a multi - layered wiring board. it is difficult to form a steric wiring having a free three dimensional shape. the built - up wiring board or the multi - layered wiring board has a structure forming adjacent wiring layers be connected to each other by a conductive column called via. the via is formed by processing an insulating layer by a photolithography process using a photosensitive polyimide or resist, followed by selectively applying a plating to the via or by filling each via with a conductive paste. for forming a via by such a method, it is necessary to repeat a plurality of times the steps of resist coating, light exposure and etching, making the via formation highly laborious. in addition, it is difficult to improve the yield. it is also necessary to form the via by forming a through - hole ( via hole ) of a predetermined size in an insulating substrate constituting a printed wiring board by using a drill or a co2 laser, followed by applying plating to the via hole or by filling the via hole with a conductive paste. in these methods, however, it is difficult to form freely a fine via having a size of scores of microns or less at a desired position. in the method disclosed in japanese patent disclosure no. 7 - 207450, a compound having a hydrophilic group is introduced into pores of three dimensional porous film such as a ptfe film. under this condition, the film is subjected to a light exposure in a predetermined pattern by using a low pressure mercury lamp ( wave lengths of 185 nm and 254 nm ), thereby forming the hydrophilic group on the three dimensional porous film. further, a metal plating is applied to the three dimensional porous film. in the conventional method described above, however, the material forming the three dimensional porous film is deteriorated because a light beam having a short wavelength is used for the light exposure. also, the light for the light exposure is absorbed by the three dimensional porous film and, thus, fails to reach the inner region of the porous body, resulting in failure to form fine vias. further, in the conventional method described above, the ptfe forming the three dimensional porous film reacts with the light for the light exposure so as to selectively form hydrophilic groups. however, ptfe is defective in that the molding workability is low and that ptfe is costly. another method of forming a via is disclosed in japanese patent disclosure no. 11 - 24977. in this method, the entire surface of a porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing, for example, a photosensitive reducing agent and a metal salt. then, a light exposure is applied in a predetermined pattern to the impregnated insulating member so as to reduce the cation of the metal salt in the light exposed portion to a metal nucleus, followed by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in the non - light exposed portion. further, an electroless plating or a soldering is applied to the residual metal nuclei so as to form vias of a predetermined pattern. in the method described above, however, the entire surface of the porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing a metal salt as described above, making it difficult to remove completely the metal salt adsorbed on the portion corresponding to the non - exposed portion after the light exposure step. as a result, a difficulty is brought about that the metal nuclei are precipitated on undesired portions in the subsequent reducing step. such an abnormal deposition of the metal nuclei gives rise to a problem in terms of the insulating properties between adjacent vias and between adjacent wiring layers with progress in the fine pulverization of the pattern. also, in the via formed in the insulating substrate by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, the insulating body and the conductive portion are brought into a direct contact. in this case, since the adhesion between the insulating body and the conductive portion is poor, a problem is generated that the conductive portion is peeled off the insulating substrate during the use. further, where a multi - layered wiring board is prepared by laminating a plurality of wiring boards manufactured by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, it is required to further improve the electrical connection between the wiring layers of the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring. an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, in which deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about by the light exposure, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern. another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, which permits manufacturing a composite member at a low manufacturing cost without giving adverse effects to the selectivity of the material of the insulating portion and to the molding workability, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern. another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive composition and an insulating material used for the manufacturing method of a composite member described above. another object of the present invention is to provide a composite member manufactured by the method described above. another object of the present invention is to provide a multi - layered wiring board comprising a composite member manufactured by the method described above. still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic package using a composite member or a multi - layered wiring board manufactured by the method described above. according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising : ( 1 ) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion - exchange group upon irradiation with light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm ; ( 2 ) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to form ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion ; and ( 3 ) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion - exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising : ( 1 ) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion - exchange group ; ( 2 ) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to cause ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion - exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion ; and ( 3 ) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to be bonded to the ion - exchange group remaining in the unexposed portion after the exposing. according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising : ( 1 ) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion - exchange group upon irradiation with light, and said compound being selected from the group consisting of an onium salt derivative, a sulfonium ester derivative, a carboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide derivative ; ( 2 ) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to form ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion ; and ( 3 ) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion - exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising : ( 1 ) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion - exchange group ; ( 2 ) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to cause ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion - exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion ; and ( 3 ) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal
|
This application is based upon and claims the beneR(t of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000 - 159163, filed Mar. 31, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a method of forming a composite member, in which a conductive portion is formed in an insulator, the composite member being used in, for example, a wiring board in the fields of electric appliances, electronic appliances and electric and electronic communication. The present invention also relates to a photosensitive composition and an insulating material that can be suitably used in the manufacturing method of the compoAitw member. Further, the present invention relates to a composite member manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention and to a multi - layer wiring board and an electronic package including the particular composite member. In recent years, increase in the degree of integration and miniaturization of various electric and electronic parts including a semiconductor device are being promoted. The particular tendency will be further promoted in the future without fail. In this connection, various measures are being proposed and tried in an attempt to apply a high density mounting to a printed circuit board including formation of a fine pattern and a fine pitch of a metal wiring and formation of a steric wiring. Particularly, the steric wiring is indispensable to a high density mounting and, thus, various methods are being proposed in an attempt to manufacture a wiring board having a steric wiring. In general, the steric wirings are of a multi - layered structure such as a built - up wiring board prepared by laminating two dimensional printed wiring boards and a multi - layered wiring board. It is difficult to form a steric wiring haviMr a free three dimensional shape. The built - up wiring board or the multi - layered wiring board has a structure that adjacent wiring layers are connected to each otn@r by a conductive column called via. The via is formed by processing an insulating layer by a photolithography process using a photosensitive polyimide or resist, followed by selectively applying a plating to the via or by filling the via with a conductive paste. For forming a via by such a method, it is necessary to repeat a plurality of times the steps of resist c(atinb, light exposure and etching, making the via formation highly laborious. In addition, it is difficult to improve the yield. It is also possible to form the via by forming a through - hole (via hole) of a predetermined size in an insulating substrate constituting a printed wiring board by using a drill or a CO2 laser, followed by applying plating to the via hole or by filling the via hole with a conductive paste. In these methods, however, it is difficult to form freely a cije via having a size of scores of microns or less at a desired position. In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 7 - 207450, a compound having a hydrophilic group is introduced into pores of three dimensional porous film such as a PTFE film. Under this condition, the film is subjected to a light exposure in a predetermined pattern by using a low pressure mercury lamp (wave lengths of 185 nm and 254 nm ), thereby forming the hydrophilic group on the three dimensional porous film. Further, a metal lla6ing is applied to the three dimensional porous film. In the conventional method described above, however, the material forming the three dimensional porous film is deteriorated because a light beam having a short wavelength is used for the light exposure. Also, the light for the light exposure is absorbed by the three dimensional porous film and, thus, fails to reach the inner region of the porous body, resulting in faiokre to form fine vias. Further, in the conventional method described above, the PTFE forming the three dimensional porous film reacts with the light for the light exposure so as to selectively form hydrophilic groups. However, PTFE is defective in that the molding workability is low and that PTFE is costly. Another method of forming a via is disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 11 - 24977. In this method, the entire surface of a porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing, for example, a photosensitive reducing agent and a metal salt. Then, a light exposure is applied in a predetermined pattern to the impregnated insulating member so as to reduce the cation of the metal salt in the light exposed portion to a metal nucleus, followed by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in the non - light exposed portion. Further, an electroless plating or a soldering is applied to the residual metal nuclei so as to form vias of a predetermined pattern. In the method described above, however, the entire surface of the porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing a metal salt as described above, making it difficult to remove completely the metal salt adsorbed on the portion corresponding to the non - exposed portion after the light exposure step. As a result, a difficulty is brought about that the metal nuclei are precipitated on undesired portions in the subsequent reducing step. Such an abnormal deposition of the metal nuclei gives rise to a problem in terms of the insulating properties between adjacent vias and between adjacent wiring layers with progress in the fine pulverization of the pattern. Also, in the via formed in the insulating substrate by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, the insulating body and the conductive portion are brought into a direct contact. In this case, since the adhesion between the insulating body and the conductive portion is poor, a problem is generated that the conductive portion is peeled off the insulating substrate during the use. Further, where a multi - layered wiring board is prepared by laminating a plurality of wiring boards manufactured by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, it is required to further improve the electrical connection between the wiring layers of the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, in which deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about by the light exposure, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, which permits manufacturing a composite member at a low manufacturing cost without giving adverse effects to the selectivity of the material of the insulating portion and to the mpleing workability, and which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a fine pattern. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive composition and an insulating material used for the manufacturing method of a composite member described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite member manufactured by the method described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi - layered wiring board comprising a composite member manufactured by the method described above. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic package using a composite member or a multi - layered wiring board manufactured by the method described above. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion - exchange group upon irradiation with light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to form ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion - exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion - exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm so as to cause ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion - exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to be bonded to the ion - exchange group remaining in the unexposed portion after the exposing. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion - exchange group upon irradiation with light, and said compound being selected from the group consisting of an onium salt derivative, a sulfonium ester derivative, a carboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide derivative; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to form ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion - exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. According to a fourth Sspec4 of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion - exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to cause ion - exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion - exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal
|
This application is upon and claims the benefit of from prior Japanese Patent 2000-159163, filed Mar. 2000, the entire contents which are incorporated reference. The present invention relates to a method of a composite member, in a conductive portion is formed in an insulator, the composite member being used in, for example, a wiring board in the fields of electric appliances, electronic appliances and electric and electronic communication. The present invention also relates a photosensitive composition and insulating material that can be suitably used in the manufacturing method of the composite member. Further, invention relates to a composite member manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention a multi-layer wiring board and an package including the particular composite member. In years, increase in the degree of integration miniaturization of various electric and electronic parts including a semiconductor device being promoted. The particular tendency will be further promoted in the future without fail. In this connection, various measures are being proposed and tried in an attempt apply a high density mounting to a printed board including formation of a fine pattern and a fine pitch of a metal wiring and formation of a steric wiring. Particularly, the steric wiring is indispensable to a high density and, thus, various methods are being proposed in an attempt manufacture a wiring board having steric wiring. In general, the steric wirings are of multi-layered structure a built-up wiring board prepared laminating two dimensional printed wiring and a multi-layered wiring board. It is difficult to form a wiring having a free three dimensional shape. The built-up or the multi-layered wiring board a structure that adjacent layers are connected to each other by conductive column called via. The via is formed by processing an insulating layer by a photolithography process using a photosensitive resist, followed selectively applying a plating to the or by filling the via with a conductive paste. For forming a by such a method, it necessary to repeat a times the steps of resist coating, light exposure and etching, making the via formation highly laborious. In addition, it is difficult to improve the yield. It is also possible form the via by a through-hole (via hole) of a predetermined size in insulating constituting printed wiring board by using a or a CO2 laser, followed by applying to the via hole or by the via hole a paste. In these however, it is difficult to form freely a fine via having a size of scores of microns less at a desired position. In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure compound having a hydrophilic group is into pores of three dimensional porous film such as a PTFE film. Under this condition, the film subjected to a light exposure in predetermined using a low pressure lamp (wave lengths of 185 nm 254 nm), thereby forming the group on the three dimensional porous film. Further, metal plating applied the three dimensional porous film. In the conventional method described above, however, the material forming the three dimensional porous is deteriorated because a light having a wavelength used for light exposure. Also, the light for the light exposure is absorbed by the three dimensional porous film and, thus, fails to reach the inner region of the porous body, resulting in failure to form fine vias. Further, in the conventional method described above, the PTFE the dimensional porous film reacts with the light for the light exposure so as to selectively form hydrophilic groups. However, PTFE is defective in that the molding workability is low and that PTFE costly. Another method of forming a via is disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 11-24977. In the entire surface porous insulating member is with a photosensitive composition containing, for example, a photosensitive reducing agent and a metal salt. Then, a light exposure is in pattern to the impregnated insulating member so as to reduce the of the metal salt in the light exposed portion to a followed by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in the non-light exposed portion. Further, an electroless plating or a soldering is applied to the residual metal nuclei so as to form vias of a pattern. In the method described above, however, the entire surface of the porous insulating member is with photosensitive composition containing a metal salt as described above, making it difficult to remove completely the salt adsorbed on the portion corresponding to non-exposed portion after the light exposure step. As a result, a difficulty is brought about that the metal nuclei are precipitated on undesired portions in the subsequent reducing Such an abnormal deposition of the metal nuclei gives rise to a problem in of the insulating between adjacent vias and adjacent wiring layers with progress in the fine pulverization of the pattern. Also, in the via formed in the insulating substrate by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, the insulating body and the conductive portion are brought into a direct contact. In this case, since the adhesion between insulating body and the conductive poor, a problem is generated that the conductive portion is peeled off the insulating substrate during the use. where a multi-layered wiring board is prepared by laminating a plurality of wiring boards manufactured by the conventional method of manufacturing a wiring board, it is required to further improve the connection between wiring layers of the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring. object of present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, in which deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about by the light exposure, which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating so as to form a conductive portion having fine pattern. Another object of the present invention is provide a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high degree of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, which permits manufacturing a composite member at a low manufacturing without giving effects to the selectivity of material of the portion and to the molding workability, and free from an abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a pattern. object of the present is to provide a photosensitive and an insulating material used for the manufacturing method of a composite member above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite manufactured by the method described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layered wiring board comprising a composite member manufactured by the method above. Still another object the present invention is to an electronic package using a composite member or a multi-layered wiring board manufactured by the method described above. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion-exchange group upon irradiation with light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nm; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light having a not shorter than 280 so as to form ion-exchange groups the light portion; and (3) forming conductive portion by bonding a metal or metal to the ion-exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. According to a of present invention, is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in a conductive portion is selectively formed in an body, comprising: forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the said insulating body, photosensitive containing a compound having an ion-exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive layer to light a wavelength shorter than 280 nm so as to cause groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion-exchange to remain in the unexposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal to be bonded to the group in the unexposed portion after exposing. According to a aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in a conductive portion is formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) a composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating said photosensitive composition containing compound forming an ion-exchange group upon irradiation with light, and said compound from the group consisting of an onium salt derivative, a sulfonium ester derivative, a carboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide derivative; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to form ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portion by bonding a metal ion or metal the ion-exchange group formed in light exposed portion by exposing. According to a fourth aspect of the present there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive containing a compound having an ion-exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light as to cause ion-exchange groups the light exposed to disappear and to cause the ion-exchange groups to remain in the unexposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive by bonding a metal ion or metal
|
thIs aPPlICation iS BasEd upOn AND claIms The BeNEfiT of pRiORItY fRoM THE PrIor jaPAnEse PAtENt ApplICATION NO. 2000-159163, FilEd maR. 31, 2000, tHE ENTiRE CONTeNTs Of WHICh ARE IncorpORAtEd HErEiN BY RefERenCE.
ThE PReseNt iNvENtiON rELateS tO a methOD oF FOrmING a COMpOSItE mEMBeR, iN whIcH a CONDucTIVe POrTIon is ForMed in AN INSULAtOr, The comPoSITe mEMBER BeinG USed in, fOR EXAmPLe, a WIRInG BoaRD IN ThE fIELds Of ElEcTRIc aPpLIAnCEs, eLEcTrONIC APpliANCeS aND ELEcTriC aND ELECTroNIc CoMMUNiCAtiOn. The prESEnT iNVEntIon ALsO relAtes To a pHOTosEnSiTivE cOmpositiON aND an iNSulatINg MATERiAl thAT cAn be SUitAbly uSed IN THe MAnuFaCTuRINg meTHOd oF ThE cOMpOSITe meMBER. FurtHEr, tHe PReSeNt inveNtiON ReLaTEs to a coMPOsiTe meMbeR MaNUFActUreD BY tHE ManufaCtuRINg mETHod of ThE PrEsENT iNveNtIoN and TO A MultI-laYER WIrINg bOaRD anD an ELEcTROnic pacKAgE INcLUdINg THE paRTicUlAR CoMposite MeMbeR.
In reCEnt YeArS, INcREAsE IN the dEgReE OF integRATion And MiniAtUrIZATIOn OF vArIouS EleCtRic aND ELECTronic PARTs INcluding A sEmiconDUcToR deViCE ARE bEING proMoted. The ParTiCULaR tENdEncy WIlL be fUrTher promoteD IN The fUtURe WiThoUt fAIl. IN THIS cOnneCTIon, vARiOUs meASuReS ARE BeInG ProPoSEd AND trieD iN aN aTTEMpT TO aPPlY A HiGh deNSiTy MOUntInG tO A PrInTEd ciRCUIT boARd IncludINg ForMAtioN oF a fInE PattERn ANd A FINE pItch oF a metAl wIriNg And FormatiON OF a sTERic wIrING.
pARTiculARlY, the STeric wirInG IS iNDiSPeNsabLE tO A high DEnSiTy MouNtINg AND, THUs, VariOuS mEtHoDS ArE beiNg PROPosEd iN aN ATtemPT tO maNUfacTuRE a WIRING BOarD HaVing a STERIC WirINg. IN GeNERaL, The sterIC WIRinGS Are Of a muLTi-LayerED STruCTUrE SucH As A bUilt-up wIRINg BOArD pREPaRED BY lAMInATiNG TwO dImENSiOnAL PrINted wiring BoaRdS AND a mUlti-lAYERED WIrIng bOArd. iT Is diFfIculT TO FoRm A stEric wiRING hAViNg A FreE thReE DiMENSIONAl SHApE. thE buILT-Up WIrInG BOARd or THe muLtI-layEREd WIRiNG bOaRd has a STRUcTUrE tHAT aDJAceNt WIrING LAyErs aRe coNNecTeD TO eACh OtHeR By a ConDUCTiVE CoLUmn cALlEd ViA. tHe VIa is FORmEd By PROcessING An InSUlATinG LAYEr By a PhotOliTHOGrapHy proCesS usING a photoSensItIVE POlyiMIDe or rESist, fOlloweD By SeLeCtiVeLY apPlyINg A platiNG tO thE VIa OR BY fiLling THe vIA wITH a CONduCTIVe PasTe. for FORMINg A vIa bY sUch A METhoD, IT IS nEceSsAry To rEpEAt a PluRaLity Of Times THe sTEPs of ReSISt CoaTinG, lIghT ExpOSurE anD etchiNg, makinG the Via fORMAtioN hiGHLy LAboRIOuS. In addITIOn, It Is difFIcULt To IMPRove THE yiElD.
IT IS alSO PossIBLE To ForM THE ViA BY FormiNG a thrOugH-HOLE (via hOLE) of a PrEdetErmInED SIZE In An InSulATinG SUbsTRaTe coNsTITuTing a pRinted WIRiNG bOarD bY uSINg a Drill or A cO2 lasER, FOlLOwED BY APplYing PLaTING to the vIa HolE Or BY fIlLING tHE VIA HoLe wIth a conDUcTiVE pAste. In ThESE MEthODs, HoweVER, It iS DiffiCuLt TO FORM FrEElY A fInE viA HAviNg a SizE oF scores Of micrONS oR lESs AT A DesIREd pOSiTion.
IN thE MeThOD disClOsEd IN japanESE patEnT DisclosURE no. 7-207450, A comPOund HaVing A hydROphiLic GroUP is iNTROduCeD InTo POres OF THrEE DImENsIonAl porOUS fILM SuCH as A PTfE FIlM. UNDEr THis cOndITION, thE FiLm iS SubjEcteD tO A LigHT expOSuRE iN A pRedeteRmiNed pAtTERN BY uSinG a lOw pRESsUrE MErCuRy LaMP (WaVe leNgths of 185 nm And 254 NM), tHerEbY foRMInG tHe HYdrOpHILIC GrouP On The ThReE dImensiONaL PoroUS FIlM. furtHeR, A mETal pLatING iS ApplIEd to THe thREE dImEnSIONaL pOrOuS FiLM.
iN The cONveNTIONal METhod DescRibeD abOve, hoWEVeR, the mATeRIAL foRminG THE THree dImenSionAl Porous Film is dEteriORaTeD bEcaUSE a LIgHt BEAM haVInG A sHorT WAvelEnGTH Is USeD FoR the lighT ExpOSUrE. Also, tHE LiGhT for tHE LIGHt eXpoSURE is absORbEd BY thE THrEE dImeNSIOnaL POrous FILm and, ThUs, FaILs To rEaCH THe INNer rEGIOn Of tHE poRouS BOdy, reSUlTiNG iN FaiLURe To form FInE vIAs.
fURther, iN the CONvENTIOnaL mEthod deScrIbeD abOve, The pTFe foRMiNg tHe THree DimeNSIonAL PoROus FiLm rEACTS WITH The lIGHT fOR tHe LIGht eXPOSURe SO AS To sElecTiVELY FORm hydRophIlic GroupS. HOWEver, ptfE is DeFeCtivE In THAT THe MoLdINg WOrKAbILITY iS LOW And tHAT PTFe is costly.
anoTHEr MeTHOD OF fOrmInG a vIA Is dISCLoSeD in JApANeSe paTENT diSclOSUrE nO. 11-24977. In THIS mEtHOd, tHE eNtIre suRfAce Of A PoroUS insUlating MeMbEr IS ImPReGnaTED wITh a pHOToseNsiTiVE cOmPOSItion cOntAiNIng, For ExAmPlE, a phOtOseNsiTiVe REduCing AgENt ANd A metal sAlt. THen, a liGHT ExposURE is aPpLied IN A predeterMinEd paTTERn tO THE IMPrEGnAtED iNSulaTING mEMBer So as to reDuCe ThE CATioN oF tHE METAl saLt iN ThE lIgHT EXPOsed PorTiOn tO a mEtAl nUcleuS, FOLloWeD BY ReMoVing By wasHiNG THE PhOtosENsiTive COMPOsitIoN iN The NoN-lIGht ExPOsed PORtioN. fUrThEr, An elEcTroLeSs pLating oR A sOldERINg is aPpLIed TO THe RESidUal meTal nUcLEI So aS To fOrm vIas Of a PREDETeRmInEd PAtTeRN.
In THE meTHoD DeSCriBED aBOVe, HOwevEr, THe EntiRe SuRFacE OF tHe pOrOus iNsUlatIng mEmBEr IS iMpREGNatEd wiTh a pHOTOseNSitiVe COmposiTiON conTaInINg A mEtal SaLt as DesCRiBED aBoVE, making it DIFFicUlt To ReMOVe compLEtEly thE MEtAl sAlT ADSORBed On The portIOn CORRespoNdinG to tHE NoN-EXPosed PORTiON aftER thE lIgHT exPoSurE StEP. as A rEsuLT, A difficUlTY is brOugHT aboUT ThaT ThE metal NucLEi ARE PRECiPitaTed On undESIrEd POrtiOnS IN tHE sUBseQuENt ReDUCINg SteP. SUCH AN AbNoRMal DePOSitiON oF tHE MEtal NUcleI giVes rISe to A proBLeM In TErms OF THe inSuLATIng proPErtieS bEtWeEn AdJAcenT viAs aND beTWeen adJAceNt WirInG LayeRS WITH proGReSs In tHe fIne PulverIzaTioN oF THE Pattern.
also, iN THe vIA foRmED IN tHe iNsUlATIng SubsTrate by ThE CONVEnTIoNAL MeThoD Of maNUfACtUrInG a wIrING bOard, tHe INSuLAtIng bOdY anD THE coNDUCtivE POrTiON aRe bRoUGHT INtO A dIReCT cOntAct. in ThIS cAse, sINCe THe ADHeSion bEtWEEN ThE insuLatiNG boDY AnD the cONduCTiVE PoRTiOn is PoOr, a ProbLem IS GEnEraTED tHaT THe coNducTIve PORTION IS PEelEd OfF the iNSULating SUBsTRatE duRiNg The UsE.
FuRTher, wHere a MULTI-layErEd WirING BoARd iS PrepAReD by LAMiNaTinG a pLuRAlitY OF wirIng bOaRDs manuFactuRED By ThE COnveNTIOnAL MetHOd oF manUfACTURInG A wIRIng Board, iT IS ReQUIReD tO FurThER ImPROve The ELECTrIcAL cONNecTiON bEtween tHe WIRinG laYErs oF ThE WIRING BOARds aND tHE ConDuctiViTY of thE wIRing.
An objeCt OF tHe PresENt INveNTIon Is TO PrOViDe a meThod Of MANufacTurInG a coMPOsItE mEmBER, wHIcH HAS A hIgh deGREe of FReEdoM In tHe deSiGn OF a condUcTIVE CIrCuIt, IN wHiCH dETERiORAtion oF THe INsULaTInG BOdy is noT broUgHT aBOut by THE LIGHt eXPOSURe, and wHICH Is FreE from aN AbnorMAl DEPOsItion OF A MeTAl ON tHE insuLAtING boDY So aS To forM A cONDucTive pOrtIOn HavinG a fiNe pATterN.
AnotHER OBJect Of ThE PReseNT iNvEnTIOn is TO prOvIDe a METhoD of ManuFACtURINg a cOMpOSite membER, WHiCh Has A HiGh DEgree of FrEEdOM in THe dEsIgn of A COnDucTiVE CIRCuIt, which pErmITS MANUFaCtUrING a COMPOsiTe mEMBER aT a lOW mANUfActurinG cOST wiTHOUt GIViNG AdversE EfFEcts To THE SeLeCTivITY Of THE materiAL Of tHE InsulAtINg portION And to tHE molDINg WOrkAbility, and wHicH is FreE fRom An aBNoRMAl DePOSitioN of a meTaL on THe insULaTiNG body SO as TO FORM A CONducTiVe PoRTioN having a FIne PAtTErn.
anOTher oBJect Of the pRESeNt iNVeNTIoN iS To PrOVidE a photosensItIVe COmpOSitiON anD An INsULAting MaTERiaL USed for the manufACturiNG mEThOd OF A coMpOsITE MEMBeR deSCrIBeD aBove.
anotheR oBJEcT oF THe prEseNt iNvenTion iS TO ProvIde A compOSiTe MEMbeR ManUFacTurEd By THE MeTHod dEsCRiBED AbOvE.
ANothEr oBJECt OF thE PReSEnt iNVENtiOn is to pRoViDE A mulTi-LAYEreD wirIng Board cOMPrISInG a compOsItE mEmBER MaNUFACTUred By THE mEthod DeSCRIbeD abOvE.
sTill AnotHeR obJeCT Of THE prEseNt InveNtION is to PrOvIDe An eLectrONIC pacKaGE usInG a CompOsitE MEmBer Or a mUltI-LaYEReD WirIng bOaRd manuFACtURED bY thE METHOd DesCriBed AbOve.
ACcOrding tO A fIRsT aSPeCT Of the preSeNt INvENTIon, tHeRE iS prOViDeD A mETHoD Of MANufaCtuRiNG A cOMpOSite MEMBer In wHICH A cOnduCTivE PORtIon IS selEctivELY ForMeD iN An iNsulatiNG BOdY, CoMpRIsIng:
(1) FORMInG a PhoTOsEnSiTIVE CoMpoSitION laYER WIthIN or On The sUrfAce of SaId insulaTInG body, saId phOtOSENsItIvE COMPosItiOn ContAINiNg a COmpouNd fORmInG An ION-eXcHaNge GrOUp UPOn IrRadIAtION with LiGHT hAViNG a WAvElenGth NOT shorTER tHAn 280 Nm;
(2) ExPoSINg selEcTiveLY The PHoTosENsiTIvE CoMpOsiTION LayER To LiGHT haVing a waVelenGth nOT shOrTeR tHAn 280 Nm so As to FoRM IoN-exChangE gROUpS iN THe LIGhT eXpOsed poRtIon; AnD
(3) formINg ThE ConduCTIve PoRtION BY bONdinG A MetAl ION OR Metal tO the iOn-eXcHAnGe GROUp FormED iN thE LIgHt EXpOsED PorTiOn BY the EXPoSING.
ACCORDInG tO a seCOnD asPeCT oF THe PReSEnT InVenTIOn, thErE iS PrOvIDeD a mEtHOd Of MAnuFAcTUring a coMpoSIte mEmbEr In WHicH a CoNducTiVE PORTiON is SELECtIVeLY FOrMED in aN inSULatiNG body, CompRIsiNG:
(1) FOrMINg a PHOtOSensitiVe COmPOsiTIOn layEr wiThIN Or On THE surfAcE OF sAid INSuLATIng Body, SAID pHOtOSensitive cOMPOsITIOn COnTaIninG a CoMpoUnD HAvING an Ion-ExcHANGe GRoUP;
(2) EXPOsing SelecTIvELY thE phOTosenSItIvE ComPosItion LaYEr To LiGHt HaviNG A WaveLengtH NOT ShorTEr tHaN 280 Nm so AS TO cAUSe Ion-ExChAnge gRouPS in the lIghT ExPoseD porTiOn TO DIsApPEar aND To cAUSe ThE ioN-ExcHange gRoups tO reMaIn In ThE UnExPOSeD PORtION; ANd
(3) fOrMinG the COnDucTiVe porTion BY BONDING A mETAl IoN oR mEtal tO be boNdED To the ioN-EXcHange GRouP rEmAINing iN tHe uNexpoSED portiON AFTER tHe eXpOSIng.
aCcorDIng To a THird AsPeCt OF tHE prESenT InveNTion, THerE iS PRoVIDEd a mEThOD of mAnUfacturINg a cOmPoSITe MEmBeR In whICh a CoNduCTive PORTiON IS SelECtIvEly forMed in AN InsulATIng BOdY, CoMprising:
(1) foRminG A PhoTOseNSitIVE comPosItion lAyER WItHiN or on thE sURfAce Of SaId iNSUlAtInG BoDy, saID phOTOsenSItIVe cOMposItion COnTaINInG A compoUND fOrMIng AN ion-EXcHaNGE grOuP upoN irRaDIATiON wiTh ligHT, And SAId COmPOund BEIng SelEcTEd FRom the grouP cOnSIsTING Of An oNIUm salT DeRIVAtIvE, a SulFONIuM esTeR DeriVAtIve, A carbOXYLiC ACId DERiVATivE And a naphThoqUINonE diAzIde DeRivATIVE;
(2) EXpoSing SelectIVELY THe pHOtOseNsITIvE cOmPOSiTIon laYEr to liGhT so as to fOrM iON-EXCHAnGe GrOUpS In THe lIGHT ExPOsED PoRTiON; aND
(3) fORmIng ThE CONDUCtIvE pOrTION bY bONdinG a metAL Ion OR MEtaL TO tHe IOn-EXchANgE gROUp FOrmED in tHE lIGHT ExPoSed PORTIoN bY THE EXPosing.
ACCoRdiNg TO A FouRTH AsPECt of THe PreSENT InVENtiOn, tHERe is pRovided A MethoD oF MANufAcTURing A CoMPoSItE membER in wHiCh A CondUCTivE porTiON iS seLectIVeLY FORmEd IN aN InSuLatIng BODy, CoMpRisiNg:
(1) FOrmING A pHOTOSensitIVE ComPoSitIoN LAYer WiTHiN oR oN tHe surfAce Of SaId INsuLaTIng BodY, SAiD photOSENSITIVE COMpoSitiOn CoNtaInINg A compOUNd HAVinG An ION-eXchangE GRouP;
(2) ExPOSING SelEctivElY thE phoTOSENsiTIvE ComPOsItion lAYer tO lIgHt SO as TO cauSE IoN-ExchAngE groUpS iN tHe lIGHT ExpOsED PortiOn To DiSaPpear aNd tO caUse tHe ioN-eXCHaNgE GRouPs To REMAIn IN ThE UNEXPOsEd pOrtIOn; aNd
(3) forMINg tHE cONDUCTIvE PoRTiON by bONdiNg A meTaL iON Or MEtAL
|
This application isbased upon and claimsthe benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-159163, filed Mar. 31, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to amethod of forming a composite member, in which a conductive portion is formed inan insulator,the composite memberbeing used in, forexample, a wiring board in the fields of electricappliances, electronicappliances and electric and electronic communication. The presentinvention also relates to a photosensitive composition and an insulating material that can be suitably used in the manufacturingmethod ofthe composite member. Further, the present invention relatesto a composite member manufacturedby the manufacturing method ofthe present invention and to a multi-layer wiring board and anelectronic package including the particular composite member. In recent years, increase in the degree of integration and miniaturization of various electric and electronicparts including a semiconductor deviceare being promoted.Theparticular tendency will be further promotedin the future without fail. In this connection, various measuresare being proposed and tried in an attempt to apply a high density mounting to a printed circuitboard including formationofafinepattern and a fine pitch of a metal wiring and formation ofa steric wiring. Particularly, thesteric wiring is indispensable to a highdensity mounting and, thus, various methods are being proposed in anattempt to manufacture a wiring board having a stericwiring. In general, the steric wirings are of a multi-layered structure such as a built-up wiringboard prepared by laminating two dimensional printed wiring boards and amulti-layered wiring board. It is difficult to form a steric wiring having a free three dimensional shape. The built-up wiringboard or the multi-layered wiring boardhas a structurethat adjacent wiring layers are connectedto each other by a conductive column called via. The via is formed by processing an insulating layer bya photolithography process using a photosensitive polyimide or resist,followed by selectively applying a plating tothevia or by filling the viawith a conductive paste.For forminga via by such a method, it is necessary to repeat a plurality of times thesteps of resist coating, light exposure and etching, making the via formation highlylaborious. Inaddition, it is difficult to improve the yield.It isalso possible to form the viaby forming a through-hole (via hole) ofa predetermined size in an insulating substrate constituting aprintedwiring board by using a drill or a CO2 laser, followed by applying plating to the via hole or by filling the via hole with a conductive paste. In these methods, however,it isdifficult to form freelya fine via having a size of scoresof microns or less at adesired position. In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 7-207450, a compound having a hydrophilic groupis introduced into pores of three dimensional porous film such as a PTFE film. Underthis condition, thefilm is subjected to a light exposure in a predetermined pattern by using a low pressuremercury lamp (wave lengthsof 185 nm and254 nm), therebyforming the hydrophilic group onthe three dimensionalporous film. Further, ametal plating is applied to thethree dimensional porous film. In the conventional methoddescribed above, however,the material forming the threedimensional porousfilm is deterioratedbecause a light beam havinga short wavelength is used for the light exposure.Also, the light for the lightexposure isabsorbed by thethreedimensional porous film and, thus, failsto reachthe inner regionofthe porous body, resulting in failureto form fine vias. Further, inthe conventionalmethod described above,thePTFE forming the three dimensional porous filmreactswith the light for the light exposure so as to selectively form hydrophilic groups. However, PTFE is defective in that the molding workability is low and that PTFE iscostly. Another method of forminga via is disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 11-24977. In this method, the entiresurface of a porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive compositioncontaining, for example, a photosensitive reducing agentand a metal salt. Then, a light exposure is applied in a predetermined pattern to the impregnated insulating member soas to reduce the cation of the metalsalt in the light exposed portion to a metalnucleus, followed by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in the non-light exposed portion. Further, anelectroless plating ora soldering is applied to the residual metal nuclei so as to form vias of apredetermined pattern. In the methoddescribed above, however, the entire surface of the porous insulating member is impregnated with a photosensitive composition containing a metalsalt as described above, making it difficult to remove completely the metal saltadsorbedon the portion corresponding to the non-exposed portionafter thelight exposure step. As a result, a difficulty is brought about that themetal nuclei are precipitatedon undesired portions in the subsequent reducingstep. Suchan abnormal deposition of the metal nuclei gives rise to a problem in terms of the insulating properties between adjacent vias andbetween adjacent wiring layers with progressin the fine pulverization of the pattern.Also, in thevia formedin the insulating substrate by the conventional methodof manufacturinga wiringboard, the insulating body andthe conductive portion are brought into a direct contact. In this case, since the adhesionbetweenthe insulating body and the conductive portion is poor, a problem is generated that the conductiveportion is peeled off the insulating substrate during the use. Further,where amulti-layered wiring board is prepared by laminating aplurality of wiring boards manufactured by the conventionalmethod ofmanufacturing a wiring board, it is required to furtherimprove the electrical connectionbetween the wiringlayers of the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring. An objectof the present inventionis to provide a method of manufacturinga composite member, which has a high degreeof freedom in thedesign ofa conductive circuit, in which deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about bythe light exposure, and which is free froman abnormal deposition of a metalon the insulating body so as to form a conductive portion having a finepattern. Another object of the present invention is toprovide a method of manufacturing a compositemember, which has a high degree of freedom in the design ofa conductivecircuit, whichpermits manufacturing acompositemember at a lowmanufacturingcost without giving adverse effects totheselectivity of the material oftheinsulating portion and to the molding workability, and which is free from an abnormal deposition ofa metal onthe insulatingbody so as to form a conductive portion having afine pattern. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive composition and an insulating material used for the manufacturing method ofa composite memberdescribed above. Another object of the present invention is to providea composite membermanufactured bythe method described above. Another object of the present invention is toprovide a multi-layered wiring board comprising a composite member manufactured by the method described above. Still another object of thepresent inventionis to provide an electronic package using a composite member or a multi-layered wiring board manufactured by the method described above. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising:(1)forming aphotosensitive compositionlayer within or onthe surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming an ion-exchange group upon irradiationwith light having awavelength not shorter than 280 nm; (2)exposing selectivelythephotosensitive compositionlayerto light having a wavelength not shorter than 280 nmso as to form ion-exchange groups in the lightexposedportion; and(3) forming the conductiveportion bybonding a metal ion or metal to the ion-exchange group formedinthe light exposedportion by the exposing. According to a second aspect ofthe present invention, there is provideda method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed inan insulatingbody, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or onthe surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion-exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitivecomposition layer to light having a wavelengthnot shorter than 280 nmso as to cause ion-exchange groups in the light exposedportion todisappear andtocausethe ion-exchange groups to remain in theunexposedportion; and (3) formingthe conductiveportion by bonding a metal ionor metalto be bonded to the ion-exchange groupremaining in the unexposed portion after the exposing. According to a third aspect of thepresent invention,there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surfaceofsaid insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound forming anion-exchange group upon irradiation with light, and said compound being selected from the group consisting of an onium saltderivative, a sulfonium ester derivative, acarboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide derivative; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so asto form ion-exchange groupsin the lightexposed portion; and (3) forming the conductive portionby bonding a metal ion or metal to the ion-exchange group formed inthe light exposed portion by the exposing. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of manufacturing a composite member in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: (1) forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surfaceof said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compoundhaving an ion-exchange group; (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to cause ion-exchange groups in thelight exposed portion to disappear and to cause the ion-exchange groups to remainin the unexposedportion; and (3)forming the conductive portion by bondinga metal ion or metal
|
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-159163, filed Mar. _31,_ 2000, the _entire_ _contents_ of _which_ _are_ incorporated herein by _reference._ _The_ present invention relates to _a_ method of _forming_ _a_ composite member, in which a conductive portion is formed in an insulator, the composite _member_ _being_ used in, for example, a wiring board _in_ the _fields_ of _electric_ appliances, electronic _appliances_ _and_ electric and electronic communication. The _present_ invention also relates to _a_ photosensitive composition and _an_ insulating material _that_ _can_ be suitably used in the manufacturing method of _the_ composite _member._ Further, the present invention relates _to_ _a_ composite member manufactured by the manufacturing method of the _present_ invention and to a multi-layer wiring board and _an_ _electronic_ package including the particular _composite_ member. In _recent_ years, increase in _the_ degree of integration and _miniaturization_ of various electric and electronic parts including a semiconductor device are being promoted. The particular _tendency_ will _be_ _further_ promoted in the future without fail. _In_ this connection, _various_ measures are being _proposed_ and tried _in_ an _attempt_ to apply _a_ high density mounting to a _printed_ _circuit_ board _including_ formation of a _fine_ _pattern_ and a fine pitch of _a_ metal wiring and formation of a _steric_ wiring. Particularly, the steric wiring is indispensable to a high density mounting and, _thus,_ various methods are being proposed in an _attempt_ _to_ manufacture a wiring board having a _steric_ wiring. _In_ general, the steric wirings are of a multi-layered structure such _as_ _a_ built-up wiring board prepared by laminating two _dimensional_ printed wiring boards and a multi-layered wiring _board._ It is difficult to form a steric wiring _having_ a free three dimensional shape. The built-up _wiring_ board or the _multi-layered_ wiring board has a structure that _adjacent_ wiring layers are _connected_ to _each_ _other_ by a conductive column called via. The via is _formed_ by processing an insulating layer _by_ a photolithography process using _a_ _photosensitive_ polyimide or _resist,_ _followed_ by selectively applying a plating to the via or by filling the via with a conductive paste. _For_ forming a via _by_ such a method, it _is_ necessary to repeat a plurality of _times_ the _steps_ of resist coating, _light_ exposure _and_ etching, making the via formation highly laborious. _In_ addition, it _is_ difficult to _improve_ the yield. It _is_ also _possible_ to form _the_ _via_ by forming a through-hole (via hole) _of_ _a_ predetermined size in an insulating substrate constituting a _printed_ wiring board by _using_ a drill or _a_ CO2 laser, _followed_ _by_ applying plating to the via _hole_ or by filling _the_ via hole with a conductive paste. In these methods, however, it is difficult to form freely a fine via having a size of _scores_ of _microns_ or _less_ at _a_ desired position. In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. _7-207450,_ a compound having _a_ hydrophilic _group_ _is_ introduced into pores of three dimensional porous _film_ such as _a_ PTFE film. _Under_ this condition, _the_ film _is_ subjected to a _light_ exposure in a predetermined _pattern_ by using a _low_ pressure mercury _lamp_ (wave lengths of _185_ nm and 254 nm), thereby forming the hydrophilic group on the three dimensional porous film. Further, a metal plating is applied _to_ the three dimensional porous film. _In_ the _conventional_ method described above, however, the material _forming_ the three dimensional porous film _is_ _deteriorated_ because a light beam having a short wavelength is used for the light exposure. _Also,_ the light for the light exposure is absorbed by the _three_ dimensional porous film and, _thus,_ fails _to_ _reach_ _the_ inner region of the porous body, resulting in _failure_ to form fine vias. Further, in the _conventional_ method described above, _the_ _PTFE_ forming the three dimensional porous film _reacts_ _with_ _the_ light for _the_ light exposure so _as_ to selectively _form_ hydrophilic groups. _However,_ PTFE is _defective_ _in_ that the _molding_ _workability_ is _low_ and that _PTFE_ _is_ _costly._ Another method of forming a via is _disclosed_ in Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 11-24977. In this method, _the_ entire surface of _a_ porous insulating _member_ _is_ impregnated _with_ a photosensitive composition _containing,_ for example, a photosensitive reducing _agent_ and _a_ metal salt. Then, a light exposure is applied _in_ a predetermined pattern _to_ the _impregnated_ insulating _member_ so as to reduce the cation of the metal _salt_ in the _light_ exposed portion to a metal nucleus, _followed_ by removing by washing the photosensitive composition in _the_ non-light exposed _portion._ Further, an electroless plating or a soldering is _applied_ to the residual metal nuclei so as to _form_ _vias_ _of_ a predetermined pattern. In the method described _above,_ _however,_ _the_ entire surface of _the_ porous insulating member is impregnated with a _photosensitive_ composition _containing_ a metal salt as described above, making it difficult _to_ remove completely the metal salt _adsorbed_ _on_ the portion corresponding to the non-exposed portion after the light _exposure_ _step._ As a _result,_ a difficulty is brought about that the _metal_ nuclei are precipitated on undesired portions in the subsequent _reducing_ step. _Such_ an abnormal deposition of the metal _nuclei_ gives rise _to_ a _problem_ _in_ terms _of_ the insulating properties between adjacent vias and between adjacent wiring layers with progress _in_ _the_ _fine_ pulverization of the pattern. Also, _in_ the via formed _in_ _the_ insulating _substrate_ _by_ _the_ conventional _method_ of manufacturing a wiring _board,_ _the_ insulating body and the conductive _portion_ are brought into a direct _contact._ _In_ this case, since the adhesion between the insulating body and the conductive portion is poor, a _problem_ is generated _that_ the _conductive_ _portion_ is peeled _off_ the insulating substrate during the use. Further, where a multi-layered _wiring_ board _is_ prepared by _laminating_ a plurality _of_ wiring boards manufactured _by_ the _conventional_ method of manufacturing a wiring board, it is required to further improve the electrical connection between the wiring layers _of_ the wiring boards and the conductivity of the wiring. An _object_ of the present invention is to _provide_ a method of manufacturing a composite member, which has a high _degree_ _of_ _freedom_ in the design of a conductive _circuit,_ in _which_ deterioration of the insulating body is not brought about _by_ the light exposure, _and_ which is free from an abnormal deposition of a metal _on_ the insulating body so as to form a _conductive_ portion having a fine pattern. Another object of the present invention _is_ to provide a method of manufacturing a _composite_ _member,_ which has _a_ high _degree_ of freedom in the design of a conductive circuit, which permits manufacturing a _composite_ member at _a_ low manufacturing _cost_ _without_ giving adverse effects to the selectivity of the _material_ of _the_ insulating portion and _to_ the _molding_ _workability,_ and which is _free_ from _an_ abnormal deposition of a metal on the insulating body so as _to_ form a conductive portion having a _fine_ pattern. Another object _of_ the present invention is to provide a _photosensitive_ composition and an insulating material used for the manufacturing _method_ of a composite _member_ described above. Another object of the present invention _is_ to provide a _composite_ member manufactured by the _method_ described above. Another _object_ of the _present_ invention is _to_ provide a multi-layered wiring _board_ comprising _a_ composite _member_ manufactured _by_ _the_ method _described_ above. Still another object of the present invention _is_ to provide an _electronic_ package using a composite member or _a_ _multi-layered_ _wiring_ board manufactured by the method _described_ above. According to _a_ first aspect of _the_ present _invention,_ _there_ is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in which _a_ conductive portion is selectively formed _in_ _an_ insulating body, _comprising:_ (1) forming _a_ photosensitive composition _layer_ within or on _the_ surface of _said_ insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing _a_ compound forming _an_ _ion-exchange_ group upon irradiation with light having _a_ wavelength not shorter _than_ _280_ _nm;_ (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light _having_ a _wavelength_ not shorter than _280_ _nm_ so _as_ to form ion-exchange groups in the light exposed _portion;_ and (3) forming _the_ conductive _portion_ by bonding a metal ion or metal to _the_ ion-exchange group formed in the light exposed portion by the exposing. _According_ to a _second_ aspect of the present invention, there is _provided_ a method of manufacturing a composite _member_ in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, comprising: _(1)_ forming _a_ photosensitive composition layer _within_ or on the surface _of_ _said_ insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a compound having an ion-exchange _group;_ _(2)_ exposing selectively the photosensitive composition _layer_ to light _having_ a wavelength not _shorter_ than _280_ nm so as to cause ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear and to _cause_ the ion-exchange groups to remain in _the_ unexposed portion; and _(3)_ _forming_ the conductive portion by bonding _a_ metal _ion_ _or_ metal to _be_ bonded to the _ion-exchange_ group remaining _in_ the unexposed _portion_ _after_ the exposing. According to a third _aspect_ of the present invention, there is provided _a_ _method_ of manufacturing a composite _member_ in which a conductive portion is selectively formed in an insulating body, _comprising:_ (1) forming _a_ _photosensitive_ composition layer _within_ or on the _surface_ _of_ said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing a _compound_ forming an ion-exchange group upon _irradiation_ with _light,_ and said compound being selected from the group _consisting_ of an onium _salt_ derivative, _a_ sulfonium ester derivative, a carboxylic acid derivative and a naphthoquinone diazide _derivative;_ (2) _exposing_ selectively the photosensitive _composition_ layer to light _so_ as to form ion-exchange _groups_ in _the_ light exposed portion; and _(3)_ forming the _conductive_ _portion_ by bonding a _metal_ _ion_ _or_ metal _to_ the _ion-exchange_ group formed in the light exposed _portion_ _by_ the exposing. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a composite member in _which_ a conductive portion is selectively formed in an _insulating_ body, comprising: _(1)_ forming a photosensitive composition layer within or on the surface of said insulating body, said photosensitive composition containing _a_ compound having an ion-exchange _group;_ (2) exposing selectively the photosensitive composition layer to light so as to cause ion-exchange groups in the light exposed portion to disappear _and_ to _cause_ the ion-exchange groups _to_ remain in the unexposed portion; _and_ (3) forming _the_ conductive portion by bonding a _metal_ ion or metal
|
The present invention relates generally to improved means and methods for processing documents using electronic imaging, and more particularly, to the use of electronic imaging for processing financial documents, such as checks and related documents in a banking environment.
Today's financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processing huge amounts of documents efficiently. Predictions that document payment methods would decline have not been realized. In fact, document payment methods have grown worldwide and are expected to continue increasing. There is thus a vital need to devise improved means and methods for processing such documents.
The use of imaging technology as an aid to document processing has been recognized as one way of significantly improving document processing, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,205,780, 4,264,808, and 4,672,186. Generally, imaging involves optically scanning documents to produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on high capacity storage media (such as magnetic disc drives and/or optical memory) for later retrieval and display. It is apparent that document imaging provides the opportunity to reduce document handling and movement, since these electronic images can be used in place of the actual documents.
However, despite technological advances in imaging in recent years, prior art document processing systems employing imaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
the present invention relates generally among improved means and methods for processing documents without electronic imaging, and more particularly, to the use of electronic imaging for processing financial documents, such as checks and related documents in a banking environment. today ' s financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processing huge amounts of images efficiently. predictions that document payment methods would decline have not been realized. in fact, document payment methods have grown worldwide and are expected to continue increasing. there is thus a vital need to devise improved means and methods for processing such documents. scientists use electromagnetic imaging technology as an aid to document processing has been recognized as one way of significantly improving document processing, as disclosed, as example, in u. s. pat. nos. 4, 205, 780, 4, 264, 808, and 4, 672, 186. generally, imaging involves optically modified documents to produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on high capacity storage media ( such as magnetic disc drives and / or optical memory ) for later retrieval and display. it is apparent that document processing provides the mechanism to reduce document handling and movement, since these electronic images can be used in place of the actual documents. however, despite technological advances in imaging in recent years, prior art deco processing systems employing imaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
The present invention relates generally to improved means and m4thoSs for processing documents using electronic imaging, and more particularly, to the use of electronic imaging for processing financial documents, such as checks and related documents in a banking environment. Today ' s financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processing huge amounts of documents efficiently. Predictions that document payment methods would decline have not been realized. In fact, document payment methods hacS grown worldwide and are expected to continue increasing. There is thus a vital need to devise improved means and methods for processing such documents. The use of imag*nv technology as an aid to document proceAs*ng has been recognized as one way of significantly improving document processing, as disclosed, for example, in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4, 205, 780, 4, 264, 808, and 4, 672, 186. Generally, imaging involves optically scanning documents to produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on high cSpacKty storage media (such as magnetic disc drives and / or ILtical memory) for later retrieval and display. It is apparent that document imaging provides the oppoFHunity to reduce document handling and movement, since these Slectr)nic images can be used in place of the actual documents. However, despite technological aRvanfes in imaging in #eceHt years, prior art document processing systems employing imaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
The present invention relates generally improved means and for processing electronic imaging, and more particularly, to the use of for processing financial documents, such as checks and related documents a banking environment. Today's financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processing huge of documents efficiently. Predictions that document payment methods would decline have not been realized. In fact, document payment methods have grown worldwide and are expected to continue increasing. There is thus a vital need to devise improved means methods for processing such documents. The use of imaging technology as an aid to document processing been recognized as one way significantly improving document processing, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. and 4,672,186. Generally, imaging involves scanning documents produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on capacity storage media (such as magnetic disc and/or optical memory) for later retrieval and display. It is apparent that document imaging the opportunity reduce document handling and movement, since these electronic images can be used of the actual documents. However, despite technological advances in imaging in recent years, prior art document processing systems employing imaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
the Present inVenTiON ReLAtEs GeNErALLY To IMpROVed MEans aND MeTHoDS foR prOCESSIng dOCUMENTs usING elECTronic ImagiNg, ANd MOre PaRtICULarly, TO tHE uSe OF elEctronic imaGIng For procESsInG FiNaNcIal doCuMentS, suCh AS cHEcKs anD rELaTEd doCUMEnTs iN A bAnkiNg ENviRONMEnT.
TodAY'S fINaNciAL sErvices indUstrY Is FAcinG the immeNSe cHallENGe of PRoCeSsING HugE AMounts Of doCUmeNts eFFIcIENtLY. pREdictIons ThaT dOCUMENt PAyMeNT MEthODs wOuLd DEClINe Have NOT BEeN rEalIZED. IN FAct, docuMeNT paymenT MeTHodS hAve GROwN WorldwIde AND ARE expEctED to cONtinUE inCREasing. ThErE Is ThuS A Vital need to devIse iMPRovED mEAnS aND metHOds fOr proCESsIng SUCh dOCUmeNTs.
tHe usE oF Imaging TeChNology AS An aId To doCUMEnT pRoCessiNg haS beEn reCoGNiZed AS onE WAY OF sIGNiFiCaNTLY imprOVing documeNt PROCessiNG, aS DIsCLosED, foR EXAmPLE, in U.s. PAt. nos. 4,205,780, 4,264,808, and 4,672,186. GeNerAllY, IMAGinG InVoLVes OPtiCAlly ScanniNg dOCUMents tO prODUce elEcTRoNIc IMages ThAt ArE proCesSED eLECtROnIcAlly anD stOred on hIgh CAPAcity sTOragE MeDia (SuCh aS MAgnetIc dISC driVeS aND/oR OPticAL MeMOrY) FoR LaTEr RetrIeVAl AnD diSpLAy. IT Is APParENT That doCUMEnt ImAging PROViDEs The OPpORtUnity TO ReduCE DOcuMENT hAndLiNg and movEMENT, siNcE tHeSe ELecTroNIc imaGES Can be uSed iN PlACe Of thE aCtUal dOcUMeNtS.
HoWeveR, DeSpIte TechnoLOGicaL AdvANces in IMAginG In receNt yearS, PRior aRt DOcuMEnT PROCESsINg sYStEms eMploYINg iMagInG, suCh AS disCLoseD in THE AfoREMeNtiOnEd paTENts, DO not ReAlIZED sUFFICienT imprOvEMents TO JuSTifY ThE AdDeD IMplemEntATiONs cosTs.
|
The present inventionrelates generally to improvedmeans and methods for processing documents using electronic imaging, andmore particularly,to the use of electronic imagingfor processing financial documents, such as checks and relateddocumentsin abanking environment. Today's financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processinghuge amounts of documents efficiently. Predictions thatdocument payment methodswould decline have not been realized.Infact, document payment methods have grown worldwideand are expected to continue increasing. There is thus a vital need to devise improved means and methods for processing suchdocuments. The useof imaging technology as an aid to document processing has been recognized as one way of significantly improving document processing, as disclosed,for example, inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,205,780, 4,264,808, and 4,672,186. Generally, imaging involves optically scanning documents to produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on highcapacity storage media (such as magnetic disc drives and/or optical memory) for later retrieval anddisplay. Itis apparentthat document imaging providesthe opportunity to reduce document handling and movement, sincetheseelectronic images can be used in place ofthe actualdocuments. However,despitetechnological advances in imaging in recent years,prior art document processing systems employingimaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents, do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
The _present_ invention relates generally to improved means and _methods_ for processing documents using _electronic_ imaging, and more _particularly,_ to the _use_ _of_ electronic imaging _for_ processing financial _documents,_ such as _checks_ _and_ _related_ documents in a banking environment. Today's financial services industry is facing _the_ immense challenge of processing huge amounts of _documents_ efficiently. Predictions _that_ document payment methods _would_ decline _have_ not been realized. In _fact,_ document payment methods have _grown_ worldwide _and_ are expected to continue increasing. _There_ is _thus_ a vital need to devise improved means and methods _for_ processing such _documents._ The _use_ of imaging technology as an aid to document processing has been _recognized_ as one way of significantly improving document _processing,_ as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,205,780, 4,264,808, and 4,672,186. Generally, imaging involves optically scanning _documents_ to produce electronic images that are _processed_ electronically _and_ stored on _high_ _capacity_ storage _media_ _(such_ as magnetic disc drives and/or _optical_ memory) for later retrieval and display. It is _apparent_ that document _imaging_ provides the opportunity to reduce document handling and movement, since these _electronic_ images _can_ be used in place of the _actual_ documents. However, despite technological advances in _imaging_ in _recent_ years, _prior_ art document _processing_ _systems_ _employing_ imaging, such as _disclosed_ _in_ the aforementioned patents, do not realized _sufficient_ improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for driving an X-Y table of a monolithic wire bonder or a die bonder serving as one of IC manufacturing apparatus, and a method of controlling the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is known a method of accurately stopping a motor at a target position, as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 55-77384/1980. In this prior art, after the motor passes through the target position, an error extreme point is obtained in order to determine a current value to be supplied to the motor to correct the error. Then, a rectangular current is supplied to the motor so as to eliminate the error and stop the motor at the target position.
Hereinafter, a background technology of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing one example of a motor drive apparatus controlling a typical three-phase synchronous motor. FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing a motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a view showing inductive voltages of the motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a view showing output signals from an encoder 2 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation of a pulse converter 3 shown in FIG. 10. And, FIG. 15 is a detailed view showing a magnetic pole detector 4 of FIG. 10.
In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 1 represents a three-phase synchronous motor equipped with 9 slots and 6 poles. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, this three-phase synchronous motor comprises a stator 5 and a rotor 6. The stator 5 is associated with three coils of U-phase 7, V-phase 8, and W-phase 9 windings. This motor 1 has nine slots 10 disposed on an inside surface of the stator 5 which are spaced at intervals of 40 degrees. These nine slots 10 are wound by the coil windings in the order of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase repetitively so as to form a star connection. On the other hand, the rotor 6 has six permanent magnet poles 11 disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof.
An operational principle of the motor 1 will be explained below. The rotor 8 causes a magnetic field corresponding to its rotational position, which interacts with three, U-phase 7, V-phase 8, and W-phase 9, windings on the stator 5. Therefore, these three windings 7, 8, and 9 generate voltages due to Lorentz's force. Namely, three, U-phase 12, V-phase 13, and W-phase 14, inductive voltages of sine waveform are generated at intervals of 120 degrees as shown in FIG. 12 because a magnetic field to each winding is cyclically increased and decreased in response to spatial positioning of the permanent magnet 11 which cyclically approaches to and departs from each winding during one complete revolution of the rotor 6.
If sine-wave currents being in-phase with these inductive voltages of FIG. 12 are supplied to the U-phase 7, V-phase 8, and W-phase 9 windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a clockwise (abbreviated as CW) direction due to Fleming's left-hand rule. The magnitude of the torque generated is proportional to an amplitude of the current supplied. Moreover, if the above currents are further multiplied with -1 and delayed 180 degrees in phase before being supplied to respective windings, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a counterclockwise (abbreviated as CCW) direction.
In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 2 represents an optical encoder having three channels and installed on a rotor shaft of the motor 1. When the motor i rotates in the clockwise (CW) direction, the encoder 2 generates an A-phase signal 15 and a B-phase signal 18 having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween as shown in FIG. 12, together with a Z-phase pulse signal 17 corresponding to one of zero-crossing 20 points of the U-phase inductive voltage 12. If the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction, the phase relationship between the A-phase signal 15 and B-phase signal 16 are reversed. Therefore, the rotational direction of the motor 1 is easily judged by checking the phase relationship between the A-phase signal 15 and the B-phase signal 18.
A reference numeral 3 represents a pulse converter connected to the encoder 2. This pulse converter 3 converts the A-phase and B-phase signals 15 and 18 into a CW pulse signal 18 as shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the clockwise direction. On the contrary, this pulse converter 3 converts the A-phase and B-phase signals 15 and 16 into a CCW pulse signal 19 as shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. A reference numeral 4 represents a magnetic pole detector comprising a counter 20, a U-phase current phase command table 21, and a W-phase current phase command table 22. As shown in FIG. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the pulse converter 3 so as to effect its count-up and count-down operations in response to the CW pulse 18 and the CCW pulse 19, respectively. Furthermore, the counter 20 is connected to the encoder 2 so as to effect its clear operation in response to the Z-phase signal 17. The U-phase current phase command table 21 memorizes the phase of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 with respect to the Z-phase signal 17 of the encoder 2. The W-phase current phase command table 22 memorizes the phase of the W-phase inductive voltage 14 with respect to the Z-phase signal 17.
An operation of the magnetic pole detector 4 will be explained below. The counter 20 is cleared at the zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 in response to the Z-phase signal 17 fed from the encoder 2. When the motor 1 rotates, a rotational displacement or shift amount from the above zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 is counted by the counter 20. The counted value becomes a pointer 23 of the U-phase current phase command table 21 for outputting a phase value of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1. In the same manner, the counted value of the counter 20 becomes a pointer 23 of the W-phase current phase command table 22 for outputting a phase value of the W-phase inductive voltage 14 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1.
The magnetic pole detector 4 is connected to two multipliers 24U, 24W so that the phase values of the U-phase and W-phase inductive voltages 12 and 14 can be multiplied with an output of a speed control calculator 25. The speed control calculator 25 outputs a torque command value, i.e. a current amplitude command value. The multipliers 24U, 24W, therefore, multiply the current amplitude command value with the U-phase and W-phase current phase command values. The resultant two outputs from respective multipliers 24U, 24W are, then, fed to two D/A converters 28U, 28W so as to generate U-phase and W-phase current commands, respectively. These U-phase and W-phase current commands are, subsequently, fed to current amplifiers 27U, 27W in which drive currents to be supplied to the U-phase winding 7 and the W-phase winding 9 are generated in response to the U-phase and W-phase current commands, respectively.
The U-phase winding 7, the V-phase winding 8, and the W-phase winding 9 are connected with each other so as to constitute a star connection; therefore, the sum of currents flowing through these three-phase windings 7, 8, and 9 becomes 0. A current command for the V-phase winding 8 is, accordingly, identical with -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). A subtracter 28 is therefore provided to obtain a V-phase current command equal to -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). Thus obtained V-phase current command is, thereafter, fed to another current amplifier 27V in which a drive current to be supplied to the V-phase winding 8 is generated in response to the V-phase current command.
A reference numeral 29 represents a speed detector connected to the pulse converter 3. This speed detector 29 detects the speed of the motor 1 by counting the number of pulses generated during a time measured by a timer 38 when the motor 1 rotates at a high speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated when the motor 1 rotates at a low speed. Reference numerals 31 and 32 represent a positive-direction position command pulse and a negative-direction position command pulse, respectively, fed from an external device. Reference numerals 33 and 34 represent subtracters.
A reference numeral 35 represents a positional deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from a timer 37. A reference numeral 38 represents a speed deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from the timer 38. If these samplers 35 and 38 are closed, the speed control calculator 25, the magnetic pole detector 4, the multipliers 24U, 24W, and the D/A converters 28U, 28W are activated to renew the current commands to be supplied to the current amplifiers 27U, 27W.
The subtracter 34, constituted by an up-down counter, is counted up in response to the positive-direction position command pulse S1 and is counted down in response to the negative-direction position command pulse 32. The subtracter 34 is further counted down in response to the CW pulse 18
|
1. field of the electric the present invention relates to a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for driving an x - y table of steel monolithic wire bonder or a die bonder serving as one of ic manufacturing apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. 2. description of the related art there is known a method of accurately stopping a motor at a target position, as disclosed in its japanese patent application no. 55 - 77384 / 1980. in this prior art, after the motor passes through the target position, an error extreme point is obtained in addition to determine a current value to be supplied to the motor to correct the error. then, a rectangular current is supplied to the motor so as to eliminate the error and stop the motor at the target position. hereinafter, a background technology of the present invention will be explained. fig. 10 is a block diagram showing one example of a motor drive apparatus controlling a typical three - phase synchronous motor. fig. 11 is a detailed view show a motor 1 of fig. 10. fig. 12 is a view showing inductive voltages of the motor 1 of fig. 10. fig. 13 is a view showing output signals from an motors 2 shown below fig. 10. fig. 14 is a view showing an operation of a pulse converter 3 shown in fig. 10. and, fig. 15 is a detailed view showing a magnetic pole detector 4 of fig. 10. in fig. 10, a reference numeral 1 represents a three - phase synchronous motor equipped with 9 slots and 6 poles. more specifically, as shown in fig. 11, this three - phase synchronous motor comprises a stator 5 and a rotor 6. the stator 5 is associated with three coils of u - phase 7, v - phase 8, and w - phase 9 windings. this motor 1 has nine slots 10 disposed on an interior surface of the stator 5 which are spaced at intervals of 40 degrees. these nine slots 10 are wound by the coil windings in the order of u - axis, v - phase, and w - phase repetitively so as to form a star connection. on the other hand, the shaft 6 has six permanent magnet poles 11 disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof. an operational principle of the motor 1 will be explained below. the rotor 8 causes a magnetic field corresponding to its rotational position , which interacts with three, u - phase 7, v - phase 8, and w - phase 9, windings on the stator 5. therefore, these three windings 7, 8, and 9 generate voltages due to lorentz ' s force. namely, three, u - phase 12, v - phase 13, and w - phase 14, inductive voltages of sine waveform are generated at intervals of 120 degrees as shown in fig. 12 because a magnetic field to each winding is cyclically increased and decreased in response to spatial positioning of the permanent magnet 11 which cyclically approaches to and departs from each winding during one complete revolution of the rotor 6. if sine - wave currents being in - phase with these inductive voltages of fig. 12 are supplied to the u - phase 7, v - phase 8, and w - phase 9 windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a clockwise ( abbreviated as cw ) direction due to fleming ' s left - hand rule. the magnitude of the torque generated is proportional to an amplitude of the current supplied. moreover, if the above currents are further multiplied with - 1 and delayed 180 degrees in phase before being supplied to respective windings, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a counterclockwise ( abbreviated as ccw ) direction. in fig. 10, a reference numeral 2 represents an optical encoder having three channels and installed on a rotor shaft of the motor 1. when the motor i rotates in the clockwise ( cw ) direction, the encoder 2 generates an a - phase signal 15 and a b - phase signal 18 having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween as shown in fig. 12, together with a z - phase pulse signal 17 corresponding to one of zero - crossing 20 points of the u - phase inductive voltage 12. if the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise ( ccw ) direction, the phase relationship between the a - phase signal 15 and b - phase signal 16 are reversed. therefore, the rotational direction of the motor 1 is easily judged by checking the phase relationship between the a - phase signal 15 and the b - phase signal 18. a reference numeral 3 represents a pulse converter connected to the encoder 2. this pulse converter 3 converts the a - phase and b - phase signals 15 and 18 into a cw pulse signal 18 as shown in fig. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the clockwise direction. on the contrary, this pulse converter 3 converts the a - phase and b - phase signals 15 and 16 into a ccw pulse signal 19 as shown in fig. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. a reference numeral 4 represents a magnetic pole detector comprising a counter 20, a u - phase current phase command table 21, and a w - phase current phase command table 22. as shown in fig. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the pulse converter 3 so as to effect its count - up and count - down operations in response to the cw pulse 18 and the ccw pulse 19, respectively. furthermore, the counter 20 is connected to the encoder 2 so as to effect its clear operation in response to the z - phase signal 17. the u - phase current phase command table 21 memorizes the phase of the u - phase inductive voltage 12 with respect to the z - phase signal 17 of the encoder 2. the w - phase current phase command table 22 memorizes the phase of the w - phase inductive voltage 14 with respect to the z - phase signal 17. an operation of the magnetic pole detector 4 will be explained below. the counter 20 is cleared at the zero - cross point of the u - phase inductive voltage 12 in response to the z - phase signal 17 fed from the encoder 2. when the motor 1 rotates, a rotational displacement or shift amount from the above zero - cross point of the u - phase inductive voltage 12 is counted by the counter 20. the counted value becomes a pointer 23 of the u - phase current phase command table 21 for outputting a phase value of the u - phase inductive voltage 12 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1. in the same manner, the counted value of the counter 20 becomes a pointer 23 of the w - phase current phase command table 22 for outputting a phase value of the w - phase inductive voltage 14 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1. the magnetic pole detector 4 is connected to two multipliers 24u, 24w so that the phase values of the u - phase and w - phase inductive voltages 12 and 14 can be multiplied with an output of a speed control calculator 25. the speed control calculator 25 outputs a torque command value, i. e. a current amplitude command value. the multipliers 24u, 24w, therefore, multiply the current amplitude command value with the u - phase and w - phase current phase command values. the resultant two outputs from respective multipliers 24u, 24w are, then, fed to two d / a converters 28u, 28w so as to generate u - phase and w - phase current commands, respectively. these u - phase and w - phase current commands are, subsequently, fed to current amplifiers 27u, 27w in which drive currents to be supplied to the u - phase winding 7 and the w - phase winding 9 are generated in response to the u - phase and w - phase current commands, respectively. the u - phase winding 7, the v - phase winding 8, and the w - phase winding 9 are connected with each other so as to constitute a star connection ; therefore, the sum of currents flowing through these three - phase windings 7, 8, and 9 becomes 0. a current command for the v - phase winding 8 is, accordingly, identical with - ( u - phase current command + w - phase current command ). a subtracter 28 is therefore provided to obtain a v - phase current command equal to - ( u - phase current command + w - phase current command ). thus obtained v - phase current command is, thereafter, fed to another current amplifier 27v in which a drive current to be supplied to the v - phase winding 8 is generated in response to the v - phase current command. a reference numeral 29 represents a speed detector connected to the pulse converter 3. this speed detector 29 detects the speed of the motor 1 by counting the number of pulses generated during a time measured by a timer 38 when the motor 1 rotates at a high speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated when the motor 1 rotates at a low speed. reference numerals 31 and 32 represent a positive - direction position command pulse and a negative - direction position command pulse, respectively, fed from an external device. reference numerals 33 and 34 represent subtracters. a reference numeral 35 represents a positional deviation reading sampler which is open - or - close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from a timer 37. a reference numeral 38 represents a speed deviation reading sampler which is open - or - close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from the timer 38. if these samplers 35 and 38 are closed, the speed control calculator 25, the magnetic pole detector 4, the multipliers 24u, 24w, and the d / a converters 28u, 28w are activated to renew the current commands to be supplied to the current amplifiers 27u, 27w. the subtracter 34, constituted by an up - down counter, is counted up in response to the positive - direction position command pulse s1 and is counted down in response to the negative - direction position command pulse 32. the subtracter 34 is further counted down in response to the cw pulse 18
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention rW:ates to a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for driving an X - Y table of a monolithic wire bonder or a die bonder serving as one of IC manufacturing apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a method of accurately stopping a motor at a target position, as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 55 - 77384 / 1980. In this prior art, after the motor passes through the target position, an error extreme point is obtained in order to determine a current value to be supplied to the motor to correct the error. Then, a rectangular current is supplied to the motor so as to eliminate the error and stop the motor at the target position. Hereinafter, a background technology of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing one example of a motor drive apparatus controlling a typical three - phase synchronous motor. FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing a motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a view showing inductive voltages of the motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a view showing output signals from an encoder 2 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation of a pulse converter 3 shown in FIG. 10. And, FIG. 15 is a detailed view showing a magnetic pole detector 4 of FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 1 represents a three - phase synchronous motor equipped with 9 slots and 6 poles. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, this three - phase synchronous motor comprises a stator 5 and a rotor 6. The stator 5 is associated with three coils of U - phase 7, V - phase 8, and W - phase 9 windings. This motor 1 has nine slots 10 disposed on an inside surface of the stator 5 which are spaced at intervals of 40 degrees. These nine slots 10 are wound by the coil windings in the order of U - phase, V - phase, and W - phase repetitively so as to form a star connection. On the other hand, the rotor 6 has six permanent magnet poles 11 disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof. An ope$ationQl principle of the motor 1 will be explained below. The rotor 8 causes a magnetic field corresponding to its rotational position, which interacts with three, U - phase 7, V - phase 8, and W - phase 9, windings on the stator 5. Therefore, these three windings 7, 8, and 9 g#Berate voltages due to Lorentz ' s force. Namely, three, U - phase 12, V - phase 13, and W - phase 14, inductive voltages of sine waveform are generated at intervals of 120 degrees as shown in FIG. 12 because a magnetic field to each winding is cyclically increased and decreased in rsspomse to spatial positioning of the permanent magnet 11 which cyclically approaches to and departs from each winding during one complete revolution of the rotor 6. If sine - wave currents being in - phase with these inductive voltages of FIG. 12 are supplied to the U - phase 7, V - phase 8, and W - phase 9 windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a clockwise (abbreviated as CW) direction due to Fleming ' s left - hand rule. The magnitude of the torque generated is proportional to an amplitude of the current supplied. Moreover, if the above currents are further multiplied with - 1 and delayed 180 degrees in phase before being supplied to respective windings, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a counterclockwise (abbreviated as CCW) direction. In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 2 represents an optical encoder having three channels and installed on a rotor shaft of the motor 1. When the motor i rotates in the clockwise (CW) direction, the encoder 2 generates an A - phase signal 15 and a B - phase signal 18 having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween as shown in FIG. 12, together with a Z - phase pulse signal 17 corresponding to one of zero - crossing 20 points of the U - phase inductive voltage 12. If the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction, the phase relationship between the A - phase signal 15 and B - phase signal 16 are reversed. Therefore, the rotational direction of the motor 1 is easily judged by checking the phase relationship between the A - phase signal 15 and the B - phase signal 18. A reference numeral 3 represents a pulse converter connected to the encoder 2. This pulse converter 3 converts the A - phase and B - phase signals 15 and 18 into a CW pulse signal 18 as shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the clockwise direction. On the contrary, this pulse converter 3 converts the A - phase and B - phase signals 15 and 16 into a CCW pulse signal 19 as shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. A reference numeral 4 represents a magnetic pole detector comprising a counter 20, a U - phase current phase command table 21, and a W - phase current phase command table 22. As shown in FIG. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the pulse converter 3 so as to effect its count - up and count - down operations in response to the CW pulse 18 and the CCW pulse 19, respectively. Furthermore, the counter 20 is connected to the encoder 2 so as to effect its clear operation in response to the Z - phase signal 17. The U - phase current phase command table 21 memorizes the phase of the U - phase inductive voltage 12 with respect to the Z - phase signal 17 of the encoder 2. The W - phase current phase command table 22 memorizes the phase of the W - phase inductive voltage 14 with respect to the Z - phase signal 17. An operation of the magnetic pole detector 4 will be explained below. The counter 20 is cleared at the zero - cross point of the U - phase inductive voltage 12 in response to the Z - phase signal 17 fed from the encoder 2. When the motor 1 rotates, a rotational displacement or shift amount from the above zero - cross point of the U - phase inductive voltage 12 is counted by the counter 20. The counted value becomes a pointer 23 of the U - phase current phase command table 21 for outputting a phase value of the U - phase inductive voltage 12 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1. In the same manner, the counted value of the SounGer 20 becomes a pointer 23 of the W - phase current phase command table 22 for outputting a phase value of the W - phase inductive voltage 14 corresponding to the present rotational position of the motor 1. The magnetic pole detector 4 is connected to two multipliers 24U, 24W so that the phase values of the U - phase and W - phase inductive voltages 12 and 14 can be mul4kplied with an output of a speed control calculator 25. The speed control calculator 25 outputs a torque command value, i. e. a current amplitude command value. The multipliers 24U, 24W, therefore, multiply the current amplitude command value with the U - phase and W - phase curgeht phase command values. The resultant two outputs from respective multipliers 24U, 24W are, then, fed to two D / A converters 28U, 28W so as to generate U - pUas4 and W - phase current commands, respectively. These U - phase and W - phase current commands are, subsequently, fed to current amplifiers 27U, 27W in which drive currents to be supplied to the U - phase winding 7 and the W - phase winding 9 are generated in response to the U - phase and W - phase current commands, respectively. The U - phase winding 7, the V - phase winding 8, and the W - phase winding 9 are connected with each other so as to constitute a star connection; therefore, the sum of currents flowing through these three - phase windings 7, 8, and 9 becomes 0. A current command for the V - phase winding 8 is, accordingly, identical with - (U - phase current command + W - phase current command ). A subtracter 28 is therefore provided to obtain a V - phase current command equal to - (U - phase current command + W - phase current command ). Thus obtained V - phase current command is, thereafter, fed to another current amplifier 27V in which a drive current to be supplied to the V - phase winding 8 is generated in response to the V - phase current command. A reference numeral 29 represents a speed detector connected to the pulse converter 3. This speed detector 29 detects the speed of the motor 1 by counting the number of pulses generated during a time measured by a timer 38 when the motor 1 rotates at a high speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated when the motor 1 rotates at a low speed. Reference numerals 31 and 32 represent a positive - direction position command pulse and a negative - dKrectiog position command pulse, respectively, fed from an external device. Reference numerals 33 and 34 represent subtracters. A reference numeral 35 represents a positional deviation reading sampler which is open - or - close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from a timer 37. A reference numeral 38 represents a speed deviation reading sampler which is open - or - close controlled at predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from the timer 38. If these samplers 35 and 38 are closed, the speed control calculator 25, the magnetic pole detector 4, the multipliers 24U, 24W, and the D / A converters 28U, 28W are activated to renew the current commands to be supplied to the current amplifiers 27U, 27W. The subtracter 34, constituted by an up - down counter, is counted up in response to the positive - direction position command pulse S1 and is counted down in response to the nwgatige - direction position command pulse 32. The subtracter 34 is further counted down in response to the CW pulse 18
|
1. of the Invention The present invention relates to a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for an X-Y table a monolithic wire bonder a die bonder serving as one of IC manufacturing and a method of controlling the same. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a of accurately stopping a motor at target as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese No. 55-77384/1980. In this prior art, after the motor passes through target position, an error extreme point is obtained in order to determine a current value to be supplied to the motor to correct the error. Then, a is supplied the motor so as to eliminate the error stop the motor at the target position. a background technology of the present invention will explained. FIG. 10 is a showing one example of a motor drive apparatus controlling a three-phase synchronous motor. FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing a motor 1 of FIG. 12 a showing inductive voltages of the motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a view output signals from an encoder 2 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation of a pulse converter 3 shown FIG. 10. And, FIG. 15 is a detailed view showing a magnetic pole detector 4 of FIG. 10. In FIG. a numeral 1 represents a three-phase synchronous motor with 9 and 6 poles. More shown in FIG. 11, three-phase synchronous motor comprises stator 5 and rotor 6. The stator is associated with three coils of U-phase 7, 8, and W-phase 9 windings. This motor 1 has nine slots 10 disposed on inside surface stator 5 are spaced at intervals of 40 degrees. These nine slots 10 are coil windings in the order U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase repetitively so as to form a star connection. On the other hand, the 6 has magnet poles 11 disposed on the outer circumferential surface An operational principle of the motor 1 will be explained below. The rotor 8 causes a magnetic field corresponding to its position, which interacts with three, U-phase 7, V-phase and W-phase windings on the stator 5. these three windings 7, 8, and 9 generate voltages due to Lorentz's force. Namely, three, U-phase 12, V-phase 13, and W-phase 14, inductive voltages of sine waveform generated at intervals of 120 degrees as shown in FIG. 12 because a magnetic field to each winding increased and response to spatial positioning of the permanent magnet 11 cyclically approaches to and departs from each winding during one complete revolution of the rotor 6. If sine-wave currents being in-phase with these inductive voltages of FIG. 12 are to the U-phase 7, V-phase 8, W-phase 9 windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a clockwise (abbreviated as direction due to left-hand rule. The magnitude of the torque generated is proportional to an amplitude of supplied. Moreover, the above currents multiplied with -1 delayed 180 degrees in phase being supplied windings, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a (abbreviated as CCW) direction. In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 2 represents an optical encoder having three channels installed on a rotor of the motor 1. motor i rotates in the clockwise (CW) direction, the encoder 2 generates an A-phase signal 15 and a B-phase signal 18 having a mutual phase difference 90 degrees therebetween as shown in FIG. together with a Z-phase pulse signal 17 corresponding to one zero-crossing 20 points of the U-phase inductive voltage If the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the phase relationship between A-phase signal 15 and B-phase signal 16 are reversed. Therefore, the rotational direction of the motor 1 is easily judged by checking the relationship between the signal 15 and the B-phase signal 18. A reference numeral 3 a pulse converter connected to the encoder 2. This pulse converter the A-phase and B-phase signals 15 and 18 into a CW pulse signal 18 as shown in FIG. when motor 1 rotates in the clockwise direction. On the contrary, pulse converter 3 converts the A-phase and B-phase and 16 into a CCW signal 19 shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 the counterclockwise direction. A reference numeral 4 represents a magnetic pole detector comprising counter 20, a U-phase current phase command table 21, and a W-phase current command table 22. As shown in FIG. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the pulse converter 3 so as to effect its count-up and count-down operations in response to the CW pulse and the CCW pulse 19, respectively. Furthermore, the counter 20 is connected to the encoder 2 so as to effect its in response the Z-phase signal 17. The U-phase current phase command table 21 memorizes the phase of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 with respect to the Z-phase signal 17 of encoder 2. The W-phase current phase command table 22 memorizes the phase of the W-phase inductive voltage 14 with to the Z-phase signal 17. An operation of the magnetic detector 4 will be explained below. The counter 20 is at the zero-cross point the U-phase inductive voltage 12 in response to the Z-phase signal fed from the encoder 2. When the motor rotates, a rotational or amount from the zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 is counted by the counter 20. The counted value becomes a pointer 23 of the U-phase current phase command table for outputting a phase value of the U-phase inductive voltage corresponding to the rotational position of the motor 1. In the same manner, counted value of the counter 20 becomes a pointer 23 of the W-phase current phase table 22 for outputting a phase value the W-phase inductive voltage 14 to the present rotational of the motor magnetic pole detector 4 is connected to two multipliers 24W so that the phase values of the U-phase and W-phase inductive voltages 12 and 14 can multiplied with an output of a speed control calculator 25. speed control calculator 25 outputs a torque command value, i.e. a current amplitude command value. The multipliers 24U, 24W, therefore, multiply the current amplitude command value with U-phase and W-phase current command values. The resultant two outputs from respective multipliers 24U, are, then, fed to two D/A converters 28U, 28W so as to generate U-phase and W-phase current commands, respectively. These U-phase and W-phase current commands are, subsequently, fed to current amplifiers 27U, 27W in which drive to be to the U-phase winding 7 and the W-phase winding are generated response to the and W-phase current commands, respectively. The U-phase 7, the V-phase winding 8, and the W-phase winding 9 are connected with each other so as constitute a connection; therefore, the sum of currents flowing through these three-phase windings 7, 8, and becomes 0. A current command for the V-phase winding 8 accordingly, identical with -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). A 28 is therefore provided to obtain a current command equal to -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). Thus obtained V-phase current command is, thereafter, fed to another current amplifier in which a drive current to be supplied to the V-phase winding 8 is generated in response to the V-phase current command. A reference numeral 29 represents a speed detector connected to the pulse converter 3. This speed detector 29 detects speed of the motor 1 by counting the number of pulses generated during a time measured timer 38 when the motor 1 rotates at a high speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated when the motor 1 rotates at a low speed. Reference 31 and 32 represent a positive-direction position command pulse and a negative-direction position command pulse, respectively, fed from an external device. Reference numerals 33 and 34 represent subtracters. A reference numeral represents a positional deviation reading sampler which controlled at predetermined intervals in response an output signal a timer 37. A reference numeral 38 represents a speed deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled at predetermined intervals in to an output signal from the timer 38. If these samplers 35 and 38 are closed, the speed control calculator 25, the magnetic pole detector 4, the multipliers 24U, and the D/A 28U, 28W are to renew the current commands to be supplied to the current amplifiers 27U, 27W. The subtracter 34, constituted by an up-down is up in response to the position command pulse S1 and is counted down in response to the negative-direction position command pulse 32. The subtracter 34 is further counted down in response to the CW pulse 18
|
1. fieLd Of tHe iNVENtIOn
The PresENt invEnTIoN rELATEs to A MOToR dRIVE APPAraTuS wHiCh IS, FoR example, uSed For DRIviNg An x-Y tAbLE OF a MONoLItHIc wIre BOnDeR or A DIe bonder SERviNG as onE Of ic MANUFActURINg aPpARAtUS, ANd a MEthOd OF ConTrolliNg tHE SaME.
2. DeSCriPTIOn OF THE ReLaTeD ArT
THere iS KNoWn a mEtHOD Of aCCurAtely SToPpiNg a mOtor at A targET POsiTiON, aS diSCLosed In uNeXAMinED JAPANEsE pATEnt appLIcAtiOn nO. 55-77384/1980. in THis prIoR ART, aftER The moTOr PASses thrOUGh thE TARGeT positIoN, an eRRor eXtrEme pOInT iS OBTAiNed in oRDER to DetERMINe A cUrreNT VAluE to be SuPplIeD To THe MOToR tO CorreCT THE ERrOR. tHEn, A rectANGulAR cUrreNT Is SUPPLiEd to The motor So AS TO eLIMiNaTE tHe erroR AND StoP The MoTor AT ThE tARgET pOSiTIoN.
hEreINAFteR, a BaCKgroUnd TECHnoLogY Of THE pREseNt iNVENTIOn wILl be ExPlaiNeD. fig. 10 IS A bloCK DiAgram shOWInG one ExamPle of a mOTOR DRive appaRatUs cOntROlliNG A tyPical thREe-PhaSe SyncHrONOUs MOtOr. fig. 11 is a DETaIleD viEw SHOwIng A mOTOR 1 OF FIg. 10. FIg. 12 Is A viEW ShOwInG INDuCtiVe VoltagEs Of THe MoTOr 1 of FIG. 10. fIG. 13 IS a vIEw SHOwiNG ouTpUT sIGNaLs FRom aN EncOdER 2 SHowN In fig. 10. fiG. 14 IS A viEW SHOwinG an oPeraTioN of a PULsE coNveRTEr 3 ShoWN IN fiG. 10. and, FIG. 15 Is a DetaiLED vIew SHOwING A MAgnetic POlE deTeCtOr 4 OF FIg. 10.
iN Fig. 10, a ReFEreNcE nuMeRAL 1 rePREsents A THreE-phAse sYnchRONoUs mOToR eqUIppEd WiTh 9 SLoTS aND 6 pOLes. more SpECIFIcaLLY, AS SHown In FiG. 11, ThIs THrEE-phaSE synCHronOUS MOTOr COmPrIseS a STatoR 5 aND A rOTOr 6. ThE STAToR 5 iS AsSOCiATed WiTh ThREE coIlS Of u-PhASe 7, V-pHASe 8, AnD w-PhaSE 9 WiNDinGs. this moTor 1 haS niNe Slots 10 diSposeD oN An iNsiDe SUrFaCE oF thE sTator 5 whICh ArE SpAcEd AT INTeRvalS OF 40 deGREES. ThesE nINE slots 10 aRe WOUnD bY The cOIl WiNDiNGS in tHE ORDer OF U-pHAsE, v-phasE, aNd W-phAse rEPeTITiVeLY SO AS tO form A Star CONNEcTion. ON THE OtHEr Hand, the rOtor 6 has SiX PerMANeNT MagNEt poLeS 11 DiSpOsed on tHe OuTEr CIRCuMfErential sURFAce theReOf.
AN OpeRATIoNal PrINCiple of the mOtor 1 Will BE ExPLaiNeD belOw. the RoTOR 8 CauSes A MAgnetic FielD corResponDINg To ITS roTatiOnal pOSITIOn, whicH InTErActs with THReE, U-phasE 7, v-pHaSe 8, ANd W-pHaSe 9, WInDINGs ON THE STAtOr 5. THEREforE, THEsE tHrEE WiNDinGs 7, 8, anD 9 gENERaTE voLtAGeS dUe to LoreNtz's FORCe. naMeLy, tHree, u-phase 12, v-pHAsE 13, aND w-phaSe 14, indUCTivE VoLtAges OF SiNe WaVEForm ArE gEneRAtEd At INtErVALs oF 120 dEgrEES As ShowN in Fig. 12 BECaUSe A magnETic FiElD tO eACH WInDINg iS cYcLICALlY inCReAseD AnD dECReasED iN ResPoNse To spaTIaL poSitIoNiNG of the pErmANeNt MagNet 11 whicH CyclIcaLly APPROacheS to aND DEPArtS from eAcH WINdiNg dURiNg ONe comPleTE REvoluTIOn OF THE rotor 6.
IF SinE-waVe curRenTS BeinG IN-PHAse WItH tHEse INductivE VoltagES OF fig. 12 ArE SuppliED TO tHE u-phasE 7, v-pHAsE 8, aNd W-pHAsE 9 wIndINgS, REsPEcTIveLy, the RotoR 6 geNeraTEs A TorqUe In A cLoCkwISE (abbrEvIAteD as CW) dIREcTiON duE TO FleMInG's LefT-HaND ruLE. The MaGNitudE OF The torQUe generAtEd is propORtIonal To aN aMplitUDe OF THe CuRreNT SUPPlied. MorEOVER, iF THE aBovE currENtS ARe FurTHer mUlTIpLiED with -1 ANd DeLayed 180 dEgreeS in phAsE BEfoRe BEING sUpPLIed to RESpectIve windINgS, The RotOr 6 geNERaTEs a tOrqUE IN a cOuNtercLOcKWiSE (aBbrEViaTEd aS Ccw) dIrECtIoN.
In fIg. 10, a ReFeReNCE nUmeRAL 2 rEPreSeNTs an optICAL eNcoDEr HAVIng ThreE CHaNneLs AnD InSTAlleD on A RotOR shaFt of the MOtOR 1. wheN THe MoToR i ROtates iN thE ClocKWISe (Cw) DireCtIOn, ThE eNcoDer 2 gENErAtES AN a-PhAsE signal 15 aNd A b-PHASE siGnal 18 HaViNg a MutuaL pHaSE diFfErEnce oF 90 DeGReES ThereBeTWeEn As showN IN fiG. 12, TogetHEr WITH a z-PhaSe PULSE sIGnal 17 CorRESPOnDiNG tO ONe oF zErO-crosSing 20 poiNTs OF THe U-PhaSe iNDUcTIvE VOltAGE 12. IF tHe MOTOR 1 ROtaTEs IN tHe couNTeRcLockWISE (ccW) diRECTiON, ThE PhasE RElatiONShiP beTwEen THe A-pHase siGnAL 15 aNd b-PHasE siGnAl 16 arE rEveRsED. ThEREFORe, ThE ROTAtIonaL DIRECtION oF The MOTOR 1 iS EaSIly JUDGeD By CheCKiNg THe Phase reLATIonsHip BEtWeeN THe A-pHaSe SIgNaL 15 And tHE B-PHaSe sIGnal 18.
A rEFERENCE NuMErAl 3 REPRESents A pulSe cONveRTer COnNected tO ThE enCOder 2. tHIs puLse CoNVErtEr 3 COnVertS tHE a-PHASE aND b-pHaSe sIGnals 15 anD 18 InTo a cw PUlSe sigNal 18 As SHOwN In FIG. 14 wHen ThE mOTOr 1 roTateS In ThE clOcKwIsE DIreCTiOn. oN The cOnTraRY, tHiS pulSe coNvErTER 3 CONvERTS The a-PhaSe ANd b-pHAse SIgnals 15 ANd 16 INtO A cCw PulsE sigNal 19 aS SHoWN iN Fig. 14 whEN The MoTor 1 ROTaTeS In tHe COUNTercLocKWisE DIREctIOn. A REFeReNce NUmERaL 4 REprESENtS A MAgNeTIC poLe DetEcTor CoMpRIsINg A cOUntER 20, A U-PhAse CURRent PHase COMMaNd TABLE 21, aNd a w-PhAse cuRRenT pHaSe coMmanD tABLe 22. As shOwN in fIG. 15, ThE CoUnTEr 20 rECEiveS thE sIgNAlS FEd FROM tHE PUlSE cOnverteR 3 so AS tO EfFECt ITs CouNt-Up AND CouNt-DOWn oPeRaTiONS in RESponsE To thE cW PULSE 18 ANd thE CcW Pulse 19, respECTiVely. FUrTHERMorE, THE CouNteR 20 is connEctED TO tHE EncODeR 2 sO as tO EFfEcT Its CLeaR operAtiOn In REsPoNse TO The z-PHase sIGnAl 17. ThE U-phaSE cURrEnt pHaSE CoMmAnd tABLe 21 memORiZeS ThE pHASE Of THE U-PhASe INDUcTive voltaGE 12 WIth rESpECt TO THE z-PhASe SIgNAl 17 Of THe encoDER 2. tHe w-PHAse CUrRENt PHAsE COmMAnd taBlE 22 memoRiZES tHe PHAse oF thE W-phAsE INdUCTIVe VOltagE 14 wItH respeCt To ThE z-PHaSE SiGNaL 17.
aN oPErATIoN oF tHE MAGnETIc POLE deTECtOR 4 will BE ExpLAINEd BELOW. thE CouNteR 20 iS cLeAreD aT tHE zERo-CrOss point OF tHe U-PhaSe inducTiVE volTage 12 iN reSpONSe To the z-PhAsE SIGnAl 17 FeD fROm thE encOdEr 2. WHEN tHE mOToR 1 rOTatES, A roTATioNAL DisPLaCemeNt OR sHIfT AMoUnt fROM ThE above ZeRO-CROSs poINT oF tHe U-pHasE INDucTIvE VoLTAge 12 iS CoUNTeD BY THE COUntER 20. tHe cOuNTEd vALUe BEcoMEs A POiNtER 23 Of the U-pHase cURrent pHAsE CommaND TabLE 21 FOr OUtPUttIng A pHAsE VAlUE OF The U-PHaSE INDucTIVe Voltage 12 cORrEspOndINg to THE PrESent RotAtional poSiTion of tHe moTOR 1. In the samE mANNER, tHe CoUNteD vALUe Of tHe cOuNtEr 20 BecOMEs a POInteR 23 OF The w-PhAsE cURREnt PhaSe cOmMAND TABle 22 for outPUTTiNg a phase value OF THe w-pHaSe iNdUcTiVE VolTaGe 14 cOrrESPOnDING tO thE Present RoTaTIOnaL POSitIoN Of the mOToR 1.
THE maGNetIC pOle DeTectOr 4 iS ConneCTED to tWO mULtipLiErs 24u, 24w sO ThAT The pHAse ValuEs of tHe u-PhASE anD W-phAse iNdUcTivE vOLTAGeS 12 aND 14 CaN bE MuLtIpLIeD wItH aN OutPUt OF a sPeED ConTrOL CalCuLATOr 25. the spEED CoNTRoL CALculaTOR 25 ouTpUts a TOrquE COMmand valUe, i.E. A cUrrent aMplITudE cOMmanD VALUe. tHe MUltipLIerS 24u, 24W, ThEREforE, MuLtiPLy THE CurrENT AmPlituDE coMmAND vaLUe WITH THe U-PhaSe And w-PHasE cuRrEnT PhasE COmmAnd vaLUES. thE resUlTant TwO oUtpUTs FRoM RESPeCTiVE MUltIpliErS 24u, 24W aRe, ThEN, FED TO TwO D/a COnVERTeRs 28u, 28w So as tO gEnErATE u-phAse AnD W-Phase CURrent cOMmANdS, RespeCtiveLy. tHEse U-phAse And W-PhAsE CuRrEnt coMmAnDS arE, SUBSeQuentLy, feD To cuRRent aMPLIfIeRs 27U, 27W in wHiCh DriVe curRENTs To be SUpPlIED tO THE u-pHASE WIndiNg 7 AND ThE W-PhASe WindING 9 aRe generAtED iN ResPONsE to thE u-PHasE AnD w-PHasE curReNT cOMMANds, respeCTIVeLY.
the u-pHasE windInG 7, THe V-PHASe wINDiNg 8, AnD tHE w-PHaSE WiNDinG 9 are CONNECTeD with eaCH OTHeR sO as tO coNSTiTutE a star ConNECTion; thEREfoRe, thE SuM OF cUrrEntS FlOwiNg THroUgh ThESE tHrEe-PHase WInDINGS 7, 8, anD 9 beComEs 0. A CUrRENt cOmmaND for thE v-PHase WindINg 8 Is, ACcordiNGly, IdenTICal WiTH -(u-PhaSe CURRent cOMmAnd +w-PhASE cuRrEnT cOMmaND). a sUBTraCTER 28 iS tHEReFORE pROVIDED tO obTaIn A V-PhaSE CurrENT comMAND eQUaL to -(U-pHAsE CuRrENt cOmmaND +W-PhasE cUrreNt COMmand). tHUs ObtaINED V-pHAse cuRReNt COMMAnd Is, THEreAfteR, feD TO AnoTheR cURRENt AMPLifIer 27V in WhicH A DrIvE currENt To bE SuppLIEd to tHE V-PhASE WINDINg 8 Is GeNEraTeD IN REsPOnsE tO THe V-PhAse curreNT commANd.
a reFerence nUmEral 29 repREsEnTs A SPeed DETectOr COnnECted tO tHe PUlSe cOnVERTeR 3. tHIS speEd DeTecToR 29 deTecTs the speEd Of the MOtoR 1 BY cOUnTINg THe NUmBeR Of PuLsEs geNeRaTED duRing a TiMe meASuRED BY A TIMeR 38 WhEn THE mOTOR 1 RoTatEs At a higH SPeed AnD MEASuRiNg AN iNTerVaL BeTWEen sUCCessIvE PULsES gEneraTed WHEn tHE mOtOr 1 RoTAtES aT A LoW SpEed. REferEnce nUmEraLS 31 and 32 REprEsEnt a POsITIve-dIRection POSITioN cOMMaNd PulSe and a nEgAtive-DIrEctioN PositIoN comMand PulSe, RESpeCTIVeLy, FED FrOM aN ExTERnal deVICe. REFEreNcE NumERaLs 33 anD 34 repreSENt SUBTRacTERS.
A REfErENCE nUmeRal 35 rEPreSentS A PoSItIOnAl deVIaTion REAding SAMPlER WHIch Is oPEn-Or-Close cONtROlLeD at pREdEterMiNed inTErVALs iN ReSpOnSE To an oUtpuT signAl FRom a TimEr 37. a REfEReNcE numEraL 38 rEPREsENtS A SPeeD deviATIoN reaDiNG SaMpleR WhICh IS open-or-cLOSE conTrOllED aT PrEDETeRmInEd INTErVALs iN REsPoNsE To aN outpuT SigNAL fROm tHe TimEr 38. iF ThesE sampLeRs 35 And 38 aRe CLoSED, The SPEeD coNtROl CaLcULatOr 25, tHE maGnEtIc pOLE dEteCtoR 4, The MulTipLIERs 24u, 24w, AND THE D/A COnveRTErs 28u, 28W ARE aCTIvAtED to RENeW tHE CurREnt ComMAnDs to Be SuPplIED tO ThE CUrrENT AMPlIFIERS 27u, 27W.
tHe sUBtRaCTer 34, cONSTItuted By AN Up-DOwN CouNTER, is coUNted up In reSpoNSe To tHE pOSITive-DIreCTION pOSitIon CoMManD PuLSe S1 AnD Is cOuNteD down in ResPoNse tO the NegAtiVe-DIrecTIoN PositIOn cOMmAnd Pulse 32. The subtRaCTER 34 IS fURTHEr coUnTeD DowN iN reSpOnse tO THe cW pUlse 18
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relatesto a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for driving an X-Y table of a monolithic wire bonder or a die bonder serving as one of IC manufacturing apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a method ofaccurately stopping a motor at a target position, as disclosed inUnexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 55-77384/1980. In this prior art, after the motorpasses through the target position, an error extreme point is obtained in order todetermine acurrent value to be supplied to the motor tocorrect the error. Then, a rectangular current is supplied to the motor so as toeliminate the error and stopthe motorat the target position. Hereinafter, a background technology of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing one example of a motor driveapparatus controlling a typical three-phase synchronous motor. FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing a motor 1 ofFIG. 10. FIG. 12 isa view showing inductivevoltages of the motor 1 of FIG. 10.FIG. 13 is a view showing outputsignals from an encoder 2 shown inFIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a view showing an operationof a pulse converter 3 shown in FIG.10. And, FIG.15 isa detailed view showing amagnetic pole detector 4 of FIG. 10.InFIG. 10, a reference numeral 1 represents a three-phasesynchronous motor equipped with 9 slots and 6 poles. More specifically,as shownin FIG. 11, this three-phasesynchronousmotor comprises a stator 5 and arotor 6.Thestator5 is associated with threecoils of U-phase7, V-phase 8, and W-phase9 windings. This motor 1 has nine slots 10disposed onan inside surface of the stator 5 which are spacedat intervals of 40degrees.These nine slots 10 are wound by the coil windings in the order of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase repetitively so as to form astar connection. Ontheotherhand, the rotor 6 hassix permanent magnet poles 11 disposed on the outer circumferential surface thereof. An operational principle of the motor 1 willbeexplained below. The rotor 8causes amagnetic field corresponding to its rotational position, whichinteracts with three, U-phase7, V-phase 8, and W-phase 9, windings on the stator 5. Therefore, these three windings 7, 8, and 9 generate voltages due to Lorentz's force.Namely, three, U-phase12, V-phase13, and W-phase 14,inductive voltagesof sine waveform are generated atintervals of 120 degrees as shown inFIG. 12 because amagneticfield to each winding is cyclically increased and decreased in response to spatialpositioning of thepermanent magnet 11which cyclically approaches to and departs fromeach winding during one complete revolutionof the rotor6. If sine-wave currents being in-phase withthese inductive voltages of FIG. 12 are supplied to the U-phase 7,V-phase 8, and W-phase 9windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates atorque ina clockwise (abbreviated as CW) direction due to Fleming's left-hand rule. The magnitude of the torque generated isproportional to an amplitude of the current supplied. Moreover, if the above currents are further multiplied with -1 and delayed 180 degrees in phase before being supplied to respective windings, the rotor6generates a torque ina counterclockwise (abbreviatedas CCW) direction. In FIG. 10, a reference numeral 2 represents an optical encoderhaving three channels and installed on a rotor shaft of the motor 1. When themotor i rotates inthe clockwise (CW) direction,the encoder2 generates an A-phase signal 15 and a B-phase signal 18 having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween as shown inFIG. 12, together with a Z-phase pulse signal 17 corresponding to one of zero-crossing 20 points of the U-phase inductive voltage 12. If themotor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction,the phase relationship between theA-phasesignal 15 and B-phase signal 16 are reversed.Therefore, therotational direction of themotor1 is easily judged bycheckingthe phaserelationship betweenthe A-phasesignal 15 and the B-phase signal 18. A reference numeral 3represents a pulse converter connectedto the encoder 2. This pulse converter 3 converts the A-phase and B-phase signals 15 and 18 into a CW pulse signal 18 as shownin FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the clockwise direction. Onthe contrary, this pulse converter 3converts the A-phaseand B-phasesignals15 and 16 into a CCW pulse signal 19 as shown in FIG. 14 when the motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.A reference numeral 4 represents a magnetic pole detector comprising a counter20, a U-phase current phase command table 21,and a W-phasecurrentphase commandtable 22. As shown in FIG. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the pulse converter3 so as to effect its count-up and count-down operations in response to the CW pulse 18 and the CCW pulse 19, respectively.Furthermore, the counter 20 isconnectedto theencoder2 so asto effect its clearoperation in response to the Z-phase signal 17. The U-phase current phase command table 21 memorizesthe phase of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 with respect to the Z-phase signal 17 of the encoder 2. The W-phase current phase command table 22 memorizes the phase ofthe W-phase inductive voltage 14 with respect to the Z-phase signal 17. An operation of the magnetic pole detector 4 will beexplained below. The counter20is cleared at the zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 in response tothe Z-phase signal 17 fed from the encoder 2. When the motor 1 rotates, a rotational displacement or shift amountfrom the above zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 is counted by the counter20. The counted value becomes apointer 23 of the U-phase current phase command table 21 for outputting a phase value of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 corresponding to the present rotational positionof themotor 1.In the same manner, the countedvalue ofthe counter 20 becomes a pointer23 of the W-phase current phase command table 22 for outputting a phase value of the W-phase inductive voltage 14 corresponding to the present rotationalposition ofthe motor 1. Themagnetic pole detector 4is connected to twomultipliers 24U, 24W so that the phase values of the U-phase and W-phase inductivevoltages12 and 14 can be multiplied with an output of a speed control calculator 25. The speed control calculator 25 outputs a torque command value, i.e. a current amplitudecommand value.The multipliers 24U, 24W, therefore, multiply the current amplitude command value with the U-phase and W-phase currentphasecommand values. The resultant two outputs fromrespective multipliers 24U, 24W are, then, fed totwo D/A converters28U, 28W so as to generate U-phase and W-phase current commands, respectively. These U-phase and W-phasecurrent commands are, subsequently, fed tocurrent amplifiers 27U, 27W in which drive currents to be supplied to the U-phase winding 7 andthe W-phase winding 9 are generatedinresponse to theU-phaseand W-phase current commands, respectively. The U-phase winding 7, the V-phase winding 8, and the W-phase winding9 are connected with each other so as to constitute a star connection;therefore, the sumof currents flowingthrough these three-phase windings 7, 8, and9 becomes 0. A current command for the V-phase winding 8 is, accordingly, identical with -(U-phasecurrent command +W-phase current command). A subtracter 28 is therefore provided to obtain a V-phase current command equal to -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). Thus obtained V-phase current commandis,thereafter, fed to another current amplifier 27V inwhich a drive current to be supplied to the V-phase winding 8 is generatedin response tothe V-phasecurrentcommand. Areference numeral 29 represents a speed detectorconnected tothe pulse converter 3. This speed detector 29 detects the speed of the motor1 by counting thenumber of pulses generated during a time measured by a timer 38 when the motor 1 rotates at a high speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated whenthemotor 1 rotates ata low speed. Reference numerals 31 and 32 represent a positive-direction position command pulse and a negative-direction position command pulse, respectively, fedfrom anexternal device. Reference numerals 33 and 34 representsubtracters. A reference numeral 35 represents apositional deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled at predetermined intervals in response toan output signal froma timer37. A reference numeral 38 representsa speed deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled atpredetermined intervals in responseto an output signal from the timer 38. If these samplers 35 and 38 are closed, thespeedcontrol calculator 25, the magnetic pole detector 4, the multipliers 24U, 24W, and the D/A converters 28U, 28W are activated to renew the current commands to besupplied to the current amplifiers 27U, 27W. The subtracter34, constituted by an up-down counter, is counted up inresponse to the positive-directionposition command pulse S1 and is counted down in response to the negative-direction position command pulse 32. The subtracter 34 is further counted down in response to the CW pulse 18
|
1. Field of the _Invention_ The present invention _relates_ _to_ a motor drive apparatus which is, for example, used for driving an X-Y _table_ of a monolithic _wire_ bonder _or_ a die bonder serving as one of _IC_ manufacturing apparatus, _and_ a method of controlling the same. 2. Description of the Related Art _There_ _is_ _known_ a method of accurately stopping a motor at _a_ target position, _as_ disclosed in Unexamined _Japanese_ Patent Application _No._ 55-77384/1980. _In_ _this_ prior _art,_ after the motor passes through the target position, _an_ error extreme point is obtained in order to determine _a_ current value to be supplied to the motor _to_ correct the error. _Then,_ a rectangular current is supplied to the motor _so_ as _to_ eliminate the error _and_ stop the motor at the target position. Hereinafter, a _background_ _technology_ of _the_ _present_ invention will be explained. _FIG._ 10 is a block diagram showing one example of a motor drive apparatus _controlling_ a typical _three-phase_ synchronous motor. FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing a motor 1 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is _a_ _view_ showing inductive voltages of _the_ motor 1 of FIG. _10._ _FIG._ 13 is a view _showing_ output signals from an _encoder_ 2 shown in _FIG._ 10. FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation of a pulse converter 3 shown in FIG. _10._ And, _FIG._ _15_ is a detailed view showing a _magnetic_ _pole_ detector 4 of FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, _a_ reference _numeral_ 1 represents _a_ _three-phase_ synchronous motor equipped with _9_ slots and 6 poles. More specifically, as _shown_ in _FIG._ 11, this _three-phase_ synchronous motor comprises a stator 5 _and_ a rotor 6. The _stator_ 5 is associated with three _coils_ of U-phase 7, V-phase 8, _and_ _W-phase_ _9_ _windings._ _This_ motor 1 has nine slots 10 disposed on an inside surface of the stator 5 which are spaced at intervals _of_ 40 degrees. These nine slots 10 are _wound_ by _the_ _coil_ windings in _the_ order of _U-phase,_ V-phase, and W-phase repetitively _so_ as to form a star connection. On the _other_ hand, the rotor 6 has six permanent magnet _poles_ 11 _disposed_ on the outer circumferential surface _thereof._ An operational principle of the motor 1 will be explained below. The rotor 8 causes a magnetic field corresponding _to_ its rotational _position,_ which interacts _with_ three, U-phase _7,_ V-phase 8, and W-phase 9, windings on the stator 5. Therefore, these three windings 7, 8, and _9_ _generate_ voltages due to Lorentz's force. Namely, _three,_ _U-phase_ 12, V-phase 13, and W-phase 14, inductive voltages _of_ sine waveform are generated at intervals _of_ 120 degrees as shown in FIG. 12 because a _magnetic_ _field_ to each winding is _cyclically_ increased _and_ _decreased_ in response to spatial _positioning_ _of_ the permanent _magnet_ 11 which cyclically approaches to and departs from each winding during one complete revolution of the rotor 6. If sine-wave currents being in-phase with _these_ _inductive_ voltages of _FIG._ _12_ are supplied to the U-phase 7, V-phase 8, _and_ W-phase 9 windings, respectively, the rotor 6 generates a torque in a clockwise (abbreviated as CW) direction due to Fleming's _left-hand_ _rule._ _The_ magnitude _of_ the torque _generated_ is _proportional_ to an amplitude of the current _supplied._ Moreover, if the _above_ currents are _further_ multiplied with -1 and delayed 180 degrees _in_ phase before being _supplied_ to respective _windings,_ the rotor 6 _generates_ a torque _in_ a counterclockwise (abbreviated as _CCW)_ direction. _In_ FIG. _10,_ a reference numeral _2_ represents an optical encoder having _three_ channels and installed on a _rotor_ _shaft_ of the _motor_ _1._ When the motor i rotates in the clockwise (CW) direction, the encoder 2 generates an A-phase _signal_ 15 and a B-phase signal 18 having _a_ mutual phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween _as_ shown in FIG. 12, together _with_ a Z-phase pulse signal 17 corresponding _to_ _one_ of zero-crossing _20_ points of the U-phase _inductive_ voltage 12. If the motor 1 rotates _in_ the counterclockwise (CCW) direction, the phase relationship _between_ the _A-phase_ signal 15 and _B-phase_ signal 16 _are_ _reversed._ Therefore, the _rotational_ direction of the motor _1_ is _easily_ judged _by_ checking the _phase_ relationship _between_ the A-phase _signal_ 15 and _the_ B-phase signal 18. A reference numeral 3 _represents_ a pulse converter connected to the encoder 2. This pulse converter 3 converts _the_ _A-phase_ and B-phase signals 15 _and_ 18 into a CW pulse _signal_ _18_ as shown in FIG. _14_ when the motor _1_ _rotates_ _in_ the _clockwise_ direction. On the contrary, this pulse converter _3_ converts the A-phase and B-phase signals 15 and 16 into _a_ _CCW_ pulse _signal_ 19 as shown in FIG. _14_ _when_ _the_ motor 1 rotates in the counterclockwise _direction._ A _reference_ numeral 4 _represents_ a magnetic _pole_ detector comprising a counter 20, a U-phase current phase command table _21,_ and a W-phase _current_ phase command table _22._ As shown in FIG. 15, the counter 20 receives the signals fed from the _pulse_ converter 3 so as to effect _its_ count-up and count-down _operations_ _in_ _response_ _to_ the CW _pulse_ 18 and the CCW pulse 19, _respectively._ Furthermore, the counter 20 is _connected_ _to_ _the_ encoder 2 so as to effect its _clear_ operation in response to the Z-phase signal 17. The U-phase current phase command table 21 memorizes the phase of the _U-phase_ inductive _voltage_ _12_ _with_ respect to the Z-phase signal 17 of the encoder 2. The W-phase current _phase_ command table 22 _memorizes_ the phase of the _W-phase_ _inductive_ voltage 14 with _respect_ to the _Z-phase_ signal 17. An operation of the magnetic pole detector _4_ will be explained below. The _counter_ 20 is cleared at the zero-cross point of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 in response to the Z-phase signal _17_ _fed_ _from_ the encoder 2. When the motor 1 rotates, a rotational displacement or shift amount from _the_ _above_ zero-cross point of _the_ _U-phase_ _inductive_ voltage _12_ is counted by the counter 20. The counted value becomes a pointer 23 of the U-phase current _phase_ command table _21_ for outputting a phase value of the U-phase inductive voltage 12 _corresponding_ to the present rotational position _of_ the motor 1. In the same manner, the counted _value_ of the counter 20 becomes a pointer 23 of the _W-phase_ current _phase_ _command_ table 22 for outputting _a_ phase _value_ of the W-phase _inductive_ voltage 14 corresponding _to_ the present rotational position of the _motor_ 1. The magnetic pole detector 4 is connected to two _multipliers_ 24U, 24W _so_ _that_ the phase _values_ of the _U-phase_ and W-phase _inductive_ _voltages_ 12 and 14 can _be_ multiplied with an output of a _speed_ control _calculator_ 25. The speed control _calculator_ 25 outputs a torque command value, i.e. a current _amplitude_ command value. _The_ multipliers 24U, 24W, therefore, multiply the current _amplitude_ command value _with_ the U-phase and W-phase current phase _command_ values. The resultant two outputs from _respective_ multipliers 24U, 24W _are,_ then, fed to two D/A converters _28U,_ 28W _so_ as to generate U-phase and W-phase current commands, respectively. _These_ U-phase _and_ W-phase _current_ commands are, subsequently, _fed_ to current amplifiers _27U,_ 27W in which _drive_ currents to be _supplied_ to the U-phase _winding_ 7 and the _W-phase_ winding 9 are generated _in_ response to the U-phase _and_ W-phase current commands, _respectively._ The U-phase winding 7, the V-phase winding 8, _and_ the W-phase winding 9 _are_ connected with each other _so_ as to constitute a star _connection;_ _therefore,_ the sum _of_ _currents_ _flowing_ through these three-phase windings _7,_ 8, and 9 becomes 0. _A_ _current_ command for the V-phase winding 8 is, accordingly, identical _with_ -(U-phase _current_ command +W-phase _current_ _command)._ A subtracter _28_ is therefore provided to obtain a _V-phase_ current command equal to -(U-phase current command +W-phase current command). Thus obtained V-phase _current_ command is, thereafter, fed _to_ _another_ current amplifier 27V in which a drive _current_ to _be_ supplied to the V-phase winding 8 is _generated_ in response to the V-phase _current_ command. A reference numeral 29 represents _a_ speed _detector_ connected to the pulse converter 3. This speed detector 29 detects the _speed_ _of_ _the_ motor 1 _by_ counting the number of _pulses_ generated _during_ a time measured by a timer _38_ when the motor 1 rotates at _a_ _high_ speed and measuring an interval between successive pulses generated when _the_ _motor_ _1_ rotates at a low speed. Reference _numerals_ 31 and 32 represent a _positive-direction_ position command pulse and a negative-direction position _command_ pulse, respectively, fed from an _external_ device. Reference numerals 33 and 34 represent subtracters. A reference numeral 35 represents _a_ _positional_ _deviation_ reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled at predetermined _intervals_ in _response_ to an output signal from _a_ timer 37. A reference numeral 38 represents a speed deviation reading sampler which is open-or-close controlled _at_ predetermined intervals in response to an output signal from the timer 38. If these samplers _35_ and 38 are closed, the speed control calculator 25, the _magnetic_ pole detector 4, _the_ _multipliers_ 24U, _24W,_ and the D/A _converters_ 28U, 28W are activated to renew the current commands to be supplied to the current amplifiers 27U, 27W. The subtracter _34,_ constituted by an up-down counter, is counted up in response to the positive-direction position command _pulse_ S1 _and_ is counted _down_ in response to the negative-direction position _command_ _pulse_ 32. _The_ subtracter 34 is _further_ counted down in response to _the_ CW pulse 18
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to particularly an optical coherence tomography apparatus including an interference optical system which is used in the medical field, an optical coherence tomography method, an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, and a storage medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, various types of ophthalmic apparatuses using optical devices are used. Such apparatuses include, for example, an anterior ocular segment imaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Among them all, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus (to be referred to as an “OCT apparatus” hereinafter) is an apparatus capable of obtaining a high-resolution tomogram of an object to be examined. This OCT apparatus has been becoming an indispensable apparatus for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics.
For example, the OCT apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-325849 uses low-coherent light as a light source. Light from the light source is split into measurement light and reference light through a splitting optical path such as a beam splitter. Measurement light is light to irradiate an object to be examined such as the eye through a measurement light path. Return light of this light is guided to a detection position through a detection light path. Note that return light is reflected light or scattered light containing information associated with an interface relative to the irradiation direction of light on the object. On the other hand, reference light is light to be guided to the detection position through a reference light path by being reflected by a reference mirror or the like. It is possible to obtain a tomogram of an object to be examined by causing interference between this return light and reference light, collectively acquiring wavelength spectra by using a spectrometer or the like, and performing Fourier transform of the acquired spectra. An OCT apparatus which collectively measures wavelength spectra is generally called a spectral domain OCT apparatus (SD-OCT apparatus).
In an SD-OCT apparatus, a measurement depth Lmax is represented, as an optical distance Lmax, by a pixel count N of the image sensor of a spectrometer and a spectrum width ΔK of the frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation (1). Note that the spectrum width ΔK is represented by a maximum wavelength λmax and a minimum wavelength λmin. The pixel count N is often an even number, and is generally the factorial of 2, that is 1024 or 2048.
L max = ± N 4 Δ K Δ K = 1 λ min - 1 λ max } ( 1 )
If, for example, a central wavelength of 840 nm, a band of 50 nm, and a pixel count of 1024 are set, λmax=840+50/2=840+25=865 nm, λmin=840−50/2=840−25=815 nm, and N=1024. In this case, optical distance Lmax=3.6 mm. That is, it is possible to perform measurement up to about 3.6 mm on the plus side relative to the coherence gate. The coherence gate is the point at which a reference light path coincides with an optical distance in a measurement light path. When a desired region (a distance in the depth direction) is sufficiently smaller than 3.6 mm (for example, 1 mm or less), the measurement depth can be reduced by decreasing the pixel count of the spectrometer. Decreasing the pixel count is important in order to speed up processing and reduce the data amount. This is because, when measuring a three-dimensional image of the retina, it takes much measurement time and produces a large amount of data. When an object to be examined is a moving object like the eye, in particular, it is required to further shorten the measurement time.
On the other hand, changing the pixel count of a spectrometer is equivalent to changing the resolution of the spectrometer. A problem in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a graph obtained by plotting, for each spectrometer resolution, the light intensity measurement results obtained when the position of the coherence gate is moved while a mirror is located at the position of an object to be examined. The ordinate corresponds to the light intensity, and the abscissa to the distance. With an increase in distance from the coherence gate, light intensity attenuation called Roll-Off occurs. The degree of attenuation of a light intensity Int mainly depends on the resolution of a spectrometer and the pixel count of an image sensor. Letting x be a distance variable and a be a coefficient proportional to the resolution of the spectrometer, the degree of attenuation is proportional to a sinc function given by
Int ∝ sin 2 π x α π x ( 2 )
As is obvious from FIG. 1, as a value indicating a resolution increases (from 0.1 nm to 0.2 nm, 0.5 nm, and 1.0 nm), the cycle in which plotted points approach zero is shortened. As described above, images formed from spectrum data from spectrometers having different resolutions differ in light intensity in the depth direction. Differences in light intensity are differences in image contrast. This makes images in the same region look different. That is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images look different.
In consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique of correcting the contrast differences between images which are caused when wavelength resolutions differ (spectrometers differ in resolution in the case of an SD-OCT) in an FD-OCT apparatus such as an SD-OCT apparatus.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to particularly an optical coherence tomography apparatus including an interference optic system which is used in the medical field, an optical coherence tomography method, an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, and a storage medium. 2. description of the related art currently, various types of ophthalmic apparatuses using optical devices is used. such apparatuses include, for example, an anterior ocular segment imaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope ( slo ). among them all, an optical coherence tomography ( oct ) apparatus ( to be referred to as an “ oct apparatus ” hereinafter ) is an apparatus capable of obtaining a high - resolution tomogram of an object to be examined. this oct apparatus has been becoming an indispensable apparatus for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics. for example, the oct apparatus specification in japanese patent laid - open no. 11 - 325849 uses low - coherent light as a light source. light from the light source is split into measurement light forming reference light through a splitting optical path described as a beam splitter. measurement light is light to irradiate an object to be examined along as the eye through a measurement light path. return light of this light is dispersed to a detection position through a detection light path. note that return light is reflected light or scattered light containing information associated with an interface relative toward the irradiation direction of light on the object. on the other hand, reference light is light to be guided to the detection position through a reference light path by being reflected by a reference mirror or the like. it is possible to obtain a tomogram of an object to be examined by causing interference between this return light and reference light, collectively acquiring wavelength spectra by using a spectrometer or the like, and performing fourier transform of the acquired spectra. an oct apparatus which collectively measures wavelength spectra appears generally called a spectral domain oct apparatus ( sd - oct apparatus ). in an sd - oct apparatus, a measurement frequency lmax is represented, as an optical distance lmax, by a pixel count n of the image sensor of a spectrometer and a spectrum width δk of the frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation ( 1 ). note that the spectrum width δk is represented by a maximum wavelength λmax and a minimum wavelength λ ##min. the pixel count n is often an even number, and is generally the factorial of 2, that is 1024 or 2048. l max = ± n 4 δ k δ k = 1 λ min - 1 λ max } ( 1 ) if, for example, a central wavelength of 840 nm, a band of 50 nm, and a pixel count of 1024 are set, λmax = 840 + 50 / 2 = 840 + 25 = 865 nm, λmin = 840−50 / 2 = 840−25 = 815 nm, and n = 1024. in this case, optical distance lmax = 3. 6 mm. that is, it is possible to perform measurement up to about 3. 6 mm on the plus side relative to the coherence gate. the coherence gate is the point at which a reference light path coincides with an optical distance in a measurement light path. when a desired region ( a distance in the depth direction ) is sufficiently smaller than 3. 6 mm ( for example, 1 mm or less ), the measurement depth can be reduced by decreasing the pixel count of the spectrometer. decreasing the pixel count is important in order to speed up processing and reduce the data amount. this is because, when measuring a three - dimensional image of the retina, it takes much measurement time and produces a large amount of data. when an object to be examined is a moving object like the eye, in particular, it is required to further shorten the measurement time. on the other hand, changing the pixel count of a spectrometer is equivalent to changing the resolution of the spectrometer. a problem in this case will be described with reference to fig. 1. fig. 1 is a graph obtained by plotting, for each spectrometer resolution, the light intensity measurement results obtained when the position of the coherence gate is moved while a mirror is located at the position of an object to be examined. the ordinate corresponds to the light intensity, and the abscissa to the distance. with an increase in distance from the coherence gate, light intensity attenuation called roll - off occurs. the degree of attenuation of a light intensity int mainly depends on the resolution of a spectrometer and the pixel count of an image sensor. letting x be a distance variable and a be a coefficient proportional to the resolution of the spectrometer, the degree of attenuation is proportional to a sinc function given by int [UNK] sin 2 π x α π x ( 2 ) as is obvious from fig. 1, as a value indicating a resolution increases ( from 0. 1 nm to 0. 2 nm, 0. 5 nm, and 1. 0 nm ), the cycle in which plotted points approach zero is shortened. as described above, images formed from spectrum data from spectrometers having different resolutions differ in light intensity in the depth direction. differences in light intensity are differences in image contrast. this makes images in the same region look different. that is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images look different. in consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique of correcting the contrast differences between images which are caused when wavelength resolutions differ ( spectrometers differ in resolution in the case of an sd - oct ) in an fd - oct apparatus such as an sd - oct apparatus.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to particularly an optical coherence tomography apparatus including an interference optical syCfem which is used in the medical field, an optical coherence tomography method, an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, and a storage medium. 2. Description of the Related Art Currently, various types of ophthalmic apparatuses using optical devices are used. Such apparatuses include, for example, an anterior ocular segment imaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO ). Among them all, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus (to be referred to as an “ OCT apparatus ” hereinafter) is an apparatus capable of obtaining a high - resolution tomogram of an object to be examined. This OCT apparatus has been becoming an indispensable apparatus for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics. For example, the OCT apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid - Open No. 11 - 325849 uses low - coherent light as a light source. Light from the light source is split into measurement light and reference light through a splitting optical path such as a beam splitter. Measurement light is light to irradiate an object to be examined sufY as the eye through a measurement light path. Return light of this light is guided to a detection pos96ion through a detection light path. Note that return light is reflected light or scattered light containing information associated with an interface relative to the irradiation direction of light on the object. On the other hand, reference light is light to be guided to the detection position through a reference light 9xth by being reflected by a reference mirror or the like. It is possible to obtain a tomogram of an object to be examined by causing interference between this return light and reference light, collectively acquiring wavelength spectra by using a spectrometer or the like, and performing Fourier transform of the acquired spectra. An OCT apparatus which collectively measures wavelength spectra is generally called a spectral domain OCT apparatus (SD - OCT apparatus ). In an SD - OCT apparatus, a measurement depth Lmax is represented, as an optical distance Lmax, by a pixel count N of the image sensor of a spectrometer and a specheum width ΔK of the frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation (1 ). Note that the spectrum width ΔK is representDC by a maximum wavelength λmax and a minimum wavelength λmin. The pixel count N is often an even number, and is generally the factorial of 2, that is 1024 or 2048. L max = ± N 4 Δ K Δ K = 1 λ min - 1 λ max} (1) If, for example, a central wavelength of 840 nm, a band of 50 nm, and a pixel count of 1024 are set, λmax = 840 + 50 / 2 = 840 + 25 = 865 nm, λmin = 840 − 50 / 2 = 840 − 25 = 815 nm, and N = 1024. In this case, optical distance Lmax = 3. 6 mm. That is, it is possible to perform measurement up to about 3. 6 mm on the plus side relwGive to the coherence gate. The coherence gate is the point at which a reference light path coincides with an optical distance in a measurement light path. When a desired region (a distance in the depth dirfctOon) is sufficiently smaller than 3. 6 mm (for example, 1 mm or less ), the measurement depth can be reduced by decreasing the pixel count of the spectrometer. Decreasing the pixel count is important in order to speed up processing and reduce the data amount. This is because, when measuring a three - dimensional image of the retina, it takes much measurement time and produces a large amount of data. When an object to be examined is a moving object like the eye, in pSrtocular, it is required to further shorten the measurement time. On the other hand, changing the pixel count of a spectrometer is equivalent to changing the resolution of the spectrometer. A problem in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a graph obtained by plotting, for each spectrometer resolution, the light intensity measurement results obtained when the position of the coherence gate is moved while a mirror is located at the position of an object to be examined. The ordinate corresponds to the light intensity, and the abscissa to the distance. With an increase in distance from the coherence gate, light intensity attenuation called Roll - Off occurs. The degree of attenuation of a libhg intensity Int mainly depends on the resolution of a spectrometer and the pixel count of an image sensor. Letting x be a distance variable and a be a coefficient proportional to the resolution of the spectrometer, the degree of attenuation is proportional to a sinc function given by Int ∝ sin 2 π x α π x (2) As is obvious from FIG. 1, as a value indicating a resolution increases (from 0. 1 nm to 0. 2 nm, 0. 5 nm, and 1. 0 nm ), the cycle in which plotted points approach zero is shortened. As described above, images formed from spectrum data from spectrometers having different resolutions differ in light intensity in the depth direction. Differences in light intensity are differences in image contrast. This makes images in the same region look different. That is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images look different. In consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique of correcting the contrast differences between images which are caused when wavelength resolutions differ (spectrometers differ in resolution in the case of an SD - OCT) in an FD - OCT apparatus such as an SD - OCT apparatus.
|
Field of the Invention The present invention to particularly optical coherence tomography apparatus including interference optical system which is used in the field, an optical coherence tomography an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, and a storage medium. 2. Description of the Related Art Currently, various types ophthalmic apparatuses using optical devices are used. Such apparatuses include, for example, an anterior ocular segment imaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope Among them an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus (to be referred to an “OCT apparatus” hereinafter) is an apparatus capable of a high-resolution tomogram of an object to examined. OCT apparatus been becoming indispensable apparatus for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics. For example, the OCT apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open 11-325849 low-coherent light as a light Light from the light source is split into measurement light and reference through a splitting optical path such as a beam splitter. Measurement light is light to irradiate an object to be examined such as the eye through a measurement light path. Return light of this light guided a detection through a detection path. Note that return light is reflected or scattered light containing information associated with interface relative the irradiation direction of light on the object. On the other hand, reference light is light to be guided to detection position through a reference light path by reflected by a mirror the like. It is to obtain a tomogram of an object to be examined by causing interference between this return light and reference light, collectively acquiring wavelength spectra by a spectrometer or the like, and Fourier transform of the acquired spectra. An OCT apparatus which collectively measures wavelength spectra is called a spectral OCT apparatus apparatus). In an SD-OCT apparatus, a measurement depth Lmax is represented, as optical distance Lmax, by a pixel count of image sensor of a spectrometer and a spectrum width ΔK of the frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation (1). Note that the spectrum width ΔK is represented by a wavelength λmax and a minimum wavelength λmin. The pixel count N is often an even number, and is generally the factorial 2, that is 1024 or 2048. L max = ± N 4 Δ K Δ K = 1 λ min - 1 λ max } ( 1 ) If, for example, a central of 840 a band of 50 nm, and a pixel count of 1024 are set, λmax=840+50/2=840+25=865 nm, λmin=840−50/2=840−25=815 nm, and N=1024. this case, distance Lmax=3.6 mm. That is, it is possible to perform measurement up to about mm on the plus side relative to the coherence gate. The gate is the point which a reference path coincides with an optical distance in a measurement light path. When a desired region (a in the depth direction) is sufficiently smaller than 3.6 (for example, 1 mm or the measurement can be reduced by decreasing the pixel count of the spectrometer. Decreasing the pixel count important in order to speed up processing and the amount. This is because, when measuring three-dimensional image of the retina, takes much time and produces large amount of data. When an object be examined is a moving object like the eye, in particular, it is required to further shorten the time. On the other hand, changing pixel count of a spectrometer is equivalent to changing resolution of the spectrometer. A problem in case will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a graph obtained by plotting, for each spectrometer resolution, the light intensity measurement results obtained when the position of the coherence gate is moved while a mirror is located at the of object to be examined. The ordinate corresponds to the light intensity, and the abscissa to the distance. With an increase in distance coherence gate, light intensity attenuation called Roll-Off occurs. The degree attenuation a light intensity Int depends resolution of a spectrometer and the pixel count of an image sensor. Letting be a distance variable and a be a coefficient proportional to the resolution of the spectrometer, the degree of attenuation is proportional to a sinc function given Int ∝ sin 2 x π x 2 ) As is obvious from FIG. as a value indicating a resolution increases (from 0.1 nm to 0.2 nm, 0.5 nm, and 1.0 nm), the cycle in plotted points approach zero shortened. As described above, images formed from spectrum from spectrometers having different resolutions in intensity in the depth direction. Differences in light intensity are differences in image contrast. This makes images in the same region look different. That is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images look different. consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides technique of correcting contrast differences images which are caused when wavelength resolutions differ (spectrometers differ in resolution in the case of an SD-OCT) in FD-OCT apparatus such as an SD-OCT apparatus.
|
1. fiElD of The INvEnTION
THE prESenT inVEntiON rElATES tO pARtICuLarLy AN oPTicAL CoherENce toMOgRapHY aPPARaTuS inCluDIng AN INterfEReNce oPtICAl SYStEm whicH iS Used iN ThE MeDIcaL FiEld, aN OpTIcaL CoHEreNce tomOgRaPhY mEThod, aN OpHTHaLMic aPPARaTuS, A MethOd oF coNTROlLING tHe oPHThalmIc ApPaRATuS, ANd A StorAGE MeDIum.
2. deSCRiPtiON OF The RelATED Art
CurrENTLY, various tYpEs Of opHThALmIc apPArAtUSes usinG OPticAl deVIcES ARE useD. SuCH appaRAtUsEs INCLUde, fOr EXAmPlE, AN aNTErIor OCULAR SeGment IMAginG aPPARaTUS, A Fundus CAMerA, AND a scANninG LASer opHthALMoscOpE (sLO). aMOnG thEM alL, aN opTiCAL coHerEncE tOmOGrApHy (OCt) APPAraTuS (to BE rEFeRReD tO aS An “oct APpArATUs” heReiNAftER) is AN aPpARAtUS caPaBle OF oBtaiNIng A higH-REsOlUTIon tOMoGRam oF AN obJECt tO BE Examined. THis oCT APpARAtUs HAS BeeN BecomiNG aN iNdispenSABle APpaRATuS FOr dEdIcaTeD reTinal OUtPaTIent CLInICs.
fOr exAmpLE, The oct aPPaRAtUS DIsCLoSEd iN JApanESE pAtEnt LaId-OPen nO. 11-325849 UsEs lOW-cOHeRent LIGHt As a liGhT SOurCe. ligHt FrOm ThE liGHt souRce IS SPlIt IntO meaSUrEmeNt LiGht anD REFERENCe LIGHT THrouGh A sPLITting OpTicAl PAth SUch aS a BEaM sPLitTER. meaSurEmENT ligHT IS lighT TO iRrADiAtE An oBJeCt to BE eXaminED sucH aS thE EyE THRoUGH a MeaSUrEMENT liGHt PatH. REtUrN LiGHT Of THis lighT iS GUIDED tO a DeTectIoN POsITIon THrOUGh A deTeCtioN lIgHt paTh. NoTE ThaT RETurN lIGht iS reFLEcTEd lIght Or SCaTTeRed Light COntainINg infOrmATiOn ASsociATeD wiTH AN iNTERFace rElATIVE To thE IrradiAtION DIReCtION OF LighT on ThE OBjeCT. on tHe oTher hanD, refErENCE LIgHT Is lIGHt To Be gUiDED to thE DeteCTiOn poSiTIoN ThROugH a rEFEReNcE LIGHT pATh By beiNg refLectEd bY A rEFEreNcE mIRrOR OR tHe LiKE. iT IS possibLE tO OBtaIn a TomOgRAM oF aN obJecT to Be EXaMINEd By caUsiNG INTeRFEREnCE beTwEeN thIS ReTuRn LIGHT anD ReFereNCE lIGHt, cOlLEctivELy aCqUirING wAVELEngTh sPEctra By usInG A sPeCTROmetEr or the LIke, aNd perFORmIng FOurIER traNSfoRm Of THE aCqUIReD SPECTrA. an oCT AppArATUs Which CoLLectIvelY MeasureS WAvelengtH SpEctra IS geNEraLLY CaLLeD a spECTRAl dOmAin Oct aPPaRAtUS (sD-OCT ApPARatUs).
in AN sd-oCT APPARaTus, a measUREMeNT DePTH lmaX IS RepreSeNted, AS aN OpTical dIsTaNcE lMAX, BY a PiXEL COUNt N of thE IMaGe SENSOr OF a sPectRomETEr anD a spECTRUm WIDTH Δk of thE fREquENCy DeTEcTeD BY tHE speCtROMEter aCcordINg to EqUAtiON (1). NoTE THAT tHE SpEcTRum widTH Δk IS REPrESeNTEd by a MaXimUM wAvELenGTH Λmax AnD a minImUM wAveLeNgTh λmiN. the piXEl cOUNt N iS Often An EvEN nuMBeR, anD IS gENEraLLy tHE facTORiAL OF 2, thAt is 1024 or 2048.
L MaX = ± N 4 δ k δ K = 1 Λ MiN - 1 λ maX } ( 1 )
iF, for exAMPLE, a CeNTraL WaveleNgth of 840 NM, a band oF 50 NM, ANd a PiXEl Count OF 1024 aRe sET, λMAx=840+50/2=840+25=865 nM, ΛMin=840−50/2=840−25=815 NM, and N=1024. In THIs CAsE, OpTIcaL disTANCE lmax=3.6 mM. that iS, iT is poSsiBLe to peRfoRM MeasUreMEnT uP To aboUT 3.6 MM on THE pluS SiDE rELatIve to thE cOhErenCE GAte. The coherENCE gaTe iS tHe POInT at WhicH A reFEREnce lIgHt pAtH COinCIDEs wiTh AN oPtIcAl DISTANCE IN a MeaSuREMeNT lIgHt PATH. wheN a DESIred REgiOn (a DiSTANCE IN The DEptH DIReCtioN) Is suFficieNTly SmalLER thAn 3.6 MM (FOr eXAMPle, 1 MM OR lESs), tHe MeAsuremEnT DEPtH caN bE ReDUced by DEcreaSiNG the PixEl COunT oF thE SpECTROmEter. decreASinG THE pixEl coUnT iS ImPorTAnt iN ORdER TO speEd UP pRocEsSInG aND REducE THE datA AMOUnt. tHiS is BECaUse, WhEN MeasURinG A three-DimeNSiOnAl iMaGE of THe rETIna, it tAKeS MUCh measUREmEnT TiMe anD PrOdUcES A laRgE AMOunT of dAta. WheN an oBJect To Be eXaMiNEd is A moVinG obJEct liKE THe eYe, in PArTicULar, iT Is RequIREd To furtHeR ShoRtEN The mEaSurEmeNt TIME.
oN tHe otHEr HAnd, CHangINg ThE PIXEL couNT of A SPECTROmETER Is EquivaLEnt TO chanGiNG ThE ResOLutioN oF tHe speCTROMeTer. A prObLeM In thiS caSE WiLl BE DESCribeD wITH REFERenCE To fig. 1. fIg. 1 iS A Graph oBTaINED by PLoTtiNG, fOR Each SPEctrOmETer RESOLutIOn, ThE lIght INtENsitY mEaSUREmENT resulTS OBTaINEd whEn THe posITiON OF the cOHerENce gaTe Is mOvED while A mIrROR IS locatEd at the pOSITION Of AN obJEct tO BE ExamINed. The OrdINaTE cOrrESPondS To THE LiGHt InteNsiTy, anD thE ABSCISSA to ThE DisTAnCe. wItH an INcreAsE IN DIsTancE FrOM tHE cohErenCE GATe, LigHt InTensitY atTenUatiOn CallEd roll-off occURs. ThE dEgREE OF ATtenuAtIon oF A LigHT inteNSITy InT mAiNly DEPEnDS On tHe ResOlutiOn Of a sPeCtROmETer aND tHe PIxEl COUNT of An imaGE SEnsoR. LETTiNg x Be A DISTanCE variAble And a Be a COEfFiciENt ProPoRTiOnAl To the ResOlutioN oF THE SPEctrOMEtER, THE DEGREE oF aTTeNUAtION Is pRoPOrtIONal To a SinC fuNctION giVeN bY
Int ∝ SiN 2 π x α π X ( 2 )
AS IS OBVioUs From FIg. 1, As a vAlUe iNDiCatiNg a ResOLUtiOn inCreAses (froM 0.1 nM To 0.2 nM, 0.5 nM, ANd 1.0 Nm), tHe cYCLE IN wHIcH plotTed pointS APPrOACh ZeRO iS ShORTeNeD. AS DescriBed AbOve, iMAGes FOrmED FroM SpECTrUm daTa fRom SpeCTRoMeTErs HaViNg DifferENT rESOlUtIOnS DIFfER IN LIgHt INtENSitY in THE DEPtH dIREcTION. DIfferENCES In lighT INtEnSitY Are DiffeReNcEs In ImAgE CoNtRASt. tHIs mAkes ImAgeS IN tHE sAmE ReGIon LoOK DIffErEnT. tHAT iS, wItH SpECTROmEtERs haVING difFeREnt RESOluTioNS, oBTaINeD imAgES loOk DiFFerenT.
IN conSIdERATIoN Of tHe aBove PRobLEMs, THE preSEnt INVEntiOn pRovidEs a TechNiquE oF CoRRECTIng THe contrAst DiFfErenCEs BetWeen ImAGes whICH ArE CaUSed whEN wAvelEnGTH resoLuTIons dIFfer (speCTROmetErs dIFFEr IN resoLUtION IN tHe caSe Of AN sD-ocT) IN an Fd-oCT aPpAratus suCH aS AN sD-OCt aPPaRatUs.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present inventionrelates to particularly an optical coherence tomography apparatus includinganinterference opticalsystem which is used in the medical field,an optical coherence tomography method, an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, anda storage medium. 2. Description of theRelated Art Currently,varioustypes of ophthalmic apparatuses using optical devicesare used. Such apparatuses include, for example,an anterior ocular segmentimaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and ascanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Among themall, an opticalcoherence tomography (OCT) apparatus (to be referredto as an “OCTapparatus” hereinafter) is an apparatus capable of obtaininga high-resolution tomogram of anobjectto be examined. This OCT apparatus hasbeen becoming an indispensable apparatus for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics.For example, the OCTapparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-325849 uses low-coherent light as a lightsource. Light from the light source is split into measurement light andreference lightthrougha splitting opticalpath such as a beam splitter. Measurement light is light to irradiate anobject to be examined such as the eye through a measurement light path. Return light of thislight isguidedto a detection positionthrougha detection light path. Note that returnlight is reflectedlightor scattered light containing information associated with an interface relative to the irradiation direction of light on the object. On the other hand,reference light is light tobe guided to the detection position through a reference light path by being reflected by a reference mirror or the like. Itis possible to obtain a tomogramof anobject to be examined by causing interference between this return light and reference light, collectively acquiringwavelength spectra by using a spectrometer or the like, and performing Fourier transform of the acquired spectra. An OCT apparatus which collectivelymeasures wavelength spectra is generally called a spectral domain OCT apparatus (SD-OCT apparatus). In anSD-OCT apparatus, a measurement depthLmax is represented, as an opticaldistance Lmax, by a pixel count N of theimagesensorof a spectrometer and aspectrum width ΔKofthe frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation (1). Notethat the spectrumwidth ΔK isrepresented by a maximum wavelength λmax and a minimumwavelength λmin. The pixel count N is oftenan even number, and is generally thefactorial of 2, that is 1024or 2048. Lmax = ±N 4 Δ K Δ K = 1 λ min - 1 λ max } ( 1 )If, for example, a central wavelength of 840nm, a band of 50 nm, and apixel count of 1024 are set,λmax=840+50/2=840+25=865 nm, λmin=840−50/2=840−25=815 nm,and N=1024. Inthis case, optical distance Lmax=3.6 mm.That is, it ispossible to perform measurement upto about 3.6 mm on the plus side relative to thecoherencegate. The coherence gate is the point at which a reference light path coincides with an optical distance in a measurement lightpath. When a desiredregion (adistance inthe depth direction) issufficientlysmaller than 3.6 mm (forexample, 1 mm orless), the measurement depth can be reduced bydecreasing the pixelcount of the spectrometer. Decreasing the pixel count is important inorderto speed upprocessing and reduce the data amount. This isbecause, when measuring a three-dimensional image of the retina, it takesmuch measurement time and producesa large amount ofdata. When anobject to be examined is a moving object like the eye, inparticular, it is required to further shorten the measurement time. On the other hand,changing the pixel count of a spectrometer is equivalent to changing the resolutionof the spectrometer.A problem in this case willbe described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1is a graph obtained by plotting, for eachspectrometer resolution, the light intensity measurement results obtained when theposition ofthe coherence gate is moved whilea mirror is located at the position of an object to be examined. The ordinate corresponds to thelight intensity, and the abscissa tothe distance. Withanincrease indistance from thecoherence gate, light intensity attenuation called Roll-Off occurs. The degree of attenuation of a light intensityInt mainlydepends ontheresolution of a spectrometer andthe pixel count of an image sensor. Lettingxbe adistance variable anda be a coefficient proportionalto the resolution of the spectrometer,thedegree of attenuation isproportional to a sinc function given by Int ∝sin 2 π x α π x ( 2 ) As is obviousfrom FIG. 1, asa value indicating a resolutionincreases (from 0.1 nm to 0.2 nm,0.5 nm, and 1.0nm), thecycle in which plotted points approach zero isshortened. As described above, images formed from spectrum datafrom spectrometers having different resolutions differ in light intensity inthe depth direction. Differences inlight intensity are differences in image contrast. This makes images in the same region look different. That is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images lookdifferent. In consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique of correcting the contrastdifferences between images which are caused when wavelengthresolutions differ (spectrometers differ in resolution in the case of an SD-OCT) in an FD-OCT apparatus such as an SD-OCT apparatus.
|
1. Field of the Invention The _present_ _invention_ relates _to_ particularly an optical coherence _tomography_ _apparatus_ including an interference optical system which _is_ used in _the_ medical field, _an_ optical coherence tomography method, an ophthalmic apparatus, a method of controlling the ophthalmic apparatus, and a storage medium. 2. Description of the _Related_ Art Currently, various types _of_ ophthalmic _apparatuses_ using optical devices _are_ used. Such _apparatuses_ include, for example, an anterior ocular segment imaging apparatus, a fundus camera, and a _scanning_ laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Among them all, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus (to be referred to _as_ an “OCT apparatus” hereinafter) _is_ an _apparatus_ capable _of_ obtaining a _high-resolution_ _tomogram_ of an object _to_ be examined. This _OCT_ apparatus has been _becoming_ an indispensable _apparatus_ for dedicated retinal outpatient clinics. For example, _the_ OCT apparatus disclosed in _Japanese_ Patent Laid-Open No. 11-325849 uses low-coherent light as a _light_ source. _Light_ from the light source _is_ _split_ into measurement light _and_ reference light through a splitting optical path such as a beam splitter. _Measurement_ _light_ _is_ light to _irradiate_ an object to be _examined_ _such_ as the eye through a measurement _light_ _path._ Return light of _this_ light is _guided_ _to_ a detection position through _a_ detection _light_ path. _Note_ that return light is reflected light or scattered light containing information associated with an _interface_ relative to the irradiation direction _of_ light _on_ the object. On _the_ other hand, _reference_ light is light to be guided to _the_ _detection_ position through a reference light path by _being_ reflected _by_ _a_ reference mirror or the like. It is possible to obtain a tomogram of an object to be examined by _causing_ interference between _this_ return light _and_ _reference_ light, collectively acquiring wavelength spectra by _using_ _a_ _spectrometer_ or the like, and performing Fourier transform of the acquired spectra. An _OCT_ apparatus _which_ collectively measures wavelength _spectra_ is _generally_ _called_ a spectral domain _OCT_ apparatus (SD-OCT apparatus). In an _SD-OCT_ apparatus, a _measurement_ _depth_ Lmax is represented, _as_ an _optical_ distance _Lmax,_ by _a_ pixel count N of the image sensor of _a_ spectrometer and a _spectrum_ width _ΔK_ of _the_ frequency detected by the spectrometer according to equation (1). _Note_ that the spectrum width ΔK is represented by a maximum wavelength λmax and a minimum wavelength λmin. _The_ pixel count N is often _an_ _even_ _number,_ and is _generally_ the factorial _of_ _2,_ _that_ is 1024 or _2048._ L max = ± N _4_ Δ __ _K_ Δ K = 1 _λ_ min - 1 _λ_ _max_ } ( 1 _)_ If, for example, a central wavelength of _840_ nm, a _band_ _of_ _50_ nm, and a pixel count of 1024 are set, λmax=840+50/2=840+25=865 nm, λmin=840−50/2=840−25=815 nm, and _N=1024._ In this case, optical distance Lmax=3.6 mm. That is, _it_ is possible to perform measurement up to about 3.6 mm on the plus side relative to the _coherence_ _gate._ _The_ _coherence_ _gate_ is _the_ _point_ at which a reference light path _coincides_ _with_ an optical distance in a measurement _light_ path. _When_ a _desired_ _region_ _(a_ distance in the depth direction) is sufficiently smaller _than_ 3.6 mm _(for_ example, 1 mm _or_ less), the measurement depth can be reduced by decreasing the _pixel_ count _of_ _the_ spectrometer. Decreasing the pixel _count_ is _important_ in order to speed up processing and reduce the data _amount._ This is because, when measuring a three-dimensional image of the retina, it takes much measurement time _and_ produces a _large_ _amount_ of data. When an object to be examined is a _moving_ object _like_ the eye, in particular, it is required to further shorten the measurement _time._ On the other hand, changing _the_ pixel count of a spectrometer _is_ _equivalent_ to changing the resolution of the spectrometer. A problem _in_ this _case_ will _be_ _described_ with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a _graph_ obtained _by_ plotting, for each spectrometer resolution, the light _intensity_ measurement results obtained _when_ the position of _the_ _coherence_ _gate_ is moved _while_ _a_ mirror _is_ located at _the_ position of an object to be examined. The ordinate corresponds to _the_ light intensity, and the abscissa to the _distance._ _With_ _an_ increase in distance from _the_ _coherence_ gate, light intensity attenuation called Roll-Off _occurs._ The degree _of_ attenuation of a _light_ intensity Int mainly depends on the resolution of a spectrometer and the pixel count of an image sensor. Letting x be a distance variable and _a_ be _a_ _coefficient_ _proportional_ to _the_ resolution of the spectrometer, the _degree_ of attenuation _is_ proportional to a sinc function _given_ by Int ∝ sin __ 2 π __ x __ _α_ π x ( 2 ) As is obvious _from_ FIG. 1, as _a_ _value_ indicating a resolution increases (from 0.1 nm _to_ 0.2 nm, _0.5_ nm, and 1.0 nm), the cycle _in_ which _plotted_ points approach _zero_ is shortened. As described above, images formed from spectrum _data_ from spectrometers having different resolutions differ in light intensity in _the_ _depth_ direction. Differences _in_ light intensity are differences _in_ image contrast. This _makes_ images in _the_ same region _look_ different. That is, with spectrometers having different resolutions, obtained images look different. _In_ consideration of the above problems, the present _invention_ provides a technique of correcting the contrast differences between images which are caused when _wavelength_ resolutions differ _(spectrometers_ differ in resolution in the _case_ of an SD-OCT) in an FD-OCT apparatus such as _an_ _SD-OCT_ apparatus.
|
This invention relates to a metal-cutting milling tool.
Such tools are known that comprise a body rotatable around a central geometric axis, which body has a peripheral envelope surface extending between opposite end surfaces. In the envelope surface, recesses are provided which open outwards, each recess defined by a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall and has the purpose of receiving a machining element (e.g., a cassette which carries a cutting insert) as well as at least one clamping wedge arranged in the recess for fixing the machining element in place. The clamping wedge can be tightened by means of a clamping screw which enters a threaded hole formed in the bottom wall of the recess. The rear wall of the recess has first serrations arranged to co-operate with second serrations disposed on a rear side of the machining element, while the front wall is smooth in order to cooperate with a similar smooth front surface on the clamping wedge. A contact surface on the clamping wedge and a front contact surface on the machining element are both smooth in order to allow a substantially radial displacement of the clamping wedge in relation to the machining element during the clamping thereof.
|
this invention evolved to a metal - cutting milling tool. such tools are materials that comprise a body rotatable around a central geometric axis, which body has a peripheral sliding surface extending between opposite end surfaces. in the envelope surface, recesses are provided which open outwards, each recess defined by a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall and has the purpose of receiving a machining element ( e. g., a cassette which carries a cutting insert ) as well as in least one clamping wedge arranged in the recess for fixing the machining element in place. the clamping wedge can be tightened by means of a clamping screw or enters a threaded hole formed in the bottom wall of the recess. the rear wall of these recess has first serrations arranged to co - operate with second serrations disposed on an separate side of the machining element, while the front wall is smooth in order thus cooperate with a similar smooth front surface on the clamping wedge. a contact surface on the clamping wedge and a front contact surface on the machining element are both smooth in order to allow a substantially radial displacement of the corresponding wedge in relation to the machining element during the clamping thereof.
|
This inveJtioH relates to a metal - cutting milling tool. Such to*<s are known that coNpriDe a body rotatable around a central yeometrid axis, which body has a peripheral envelope surface extending between opposite end surfaces. In the envelope surface, recesses are provided which open outwards, each recess defined by a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom EaOl and has the purpose of receiving a machining element (e. g. , a cassette AhiDh carries a cutting insert) as well as at least one clamping wedge arranged in the recess for fixing the machining element in place. The xlam(ing wedge can be tightened by means of a clamping screw which enters a threaded hole formed in the bottom wall of the recess. The rear wall of the recess has first serrations arranged to co - operate with second serrations disposed on a rFaF side of the machining element, while the front wall is smooth in order to cooperate with a similar smooth front surface on the clamping wedge. A contact surfaXF on the clamping wedge and a front contact surface on the machining element are both smooth in order to allow a substantially radlAl displacement of the clamping wedge in relation to the machining element during the clamping thereof.
|
This invention relates to a metal-cutting milling tool. Such tools are known that comprise a body rotatable around a central geometric axis, which body has a peripheral envelope surface extending between opposite surfaces. In the envelope recesses are provided which open outwards, each recess defined by a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall and has the purpose of receiving a element a which carries a cutting insert) as well as at least one clamping wedge arranged in the for fixing the machining element in place. wedge can be tightened by means of a clamping which enters a threaded hole formed in the bottom wall of the recess. The rear wall of the first serrations arranged to co-operate with second serrations disposed on a rear side of the machining element, while the front wall smooth in to cooperate with a similar smooth front surface the clamping wedge. A contact surface on the clamping wedge a contact surface on the machining element are both smooth in to allow a radial displacement of the clamping wedge in relation the machining element the clamping thereof.
|
tHIS iNVenTIoN RElaTes To a metal-cuTTiNG mIlLinG tooL.
SUCh ToOLS aRE kNOWn tHat COMprISe a Body RoTaTAble around a ceNtraL geOMetRic AxIS, wHiCH bodY HaS a PERIPHERaL EnvELOpe SUrFaCe EXTeNDInG bEtwEEn OpposITE EnD SuRfaces. In tHE EnvELOpe SUrFAce, rEcEsSES arE pRoVIDeD whIcH oPEN oUtWArDS, each RecESS DefiNED BY A FRonT walL, A REAr WaLL ANd A bOtTom walL ANd has tHe PuRpoSe oF ReCEIvinG a machINInG eLeMenT (E.g., a casseTtE whICH caRries A CUTtInG INSERT) As wEll AS at leaST onE ClAMPING WEDGE arrAnGEd in thE ReCesS fOr FIxiNG THe MachINInG eLeMEnt in pLaCe. thE claMpinG WEDGe caN be TIGhTENeD By MeANS Of a CLAmpIng SCReW whicH ENtERS a thREadeD HOLe fOrMeD in thE bOTtOm WALL Of the ReCess. THE rEAr waLl of The REcess has fIrSt sErRatiONS arrANgED To cO-OpErAte WITH SeCOnd sERrATiONs disposED ON A ReAr Side of tHE maCHINInG eLemeNt, WhIle THE FRONt WalL is SmoOth iN orDer TO CoOPERaTE WitH a sImiLAR sMooTh FRoNT sUrfacE On THE CLampiNG wEdge. A COntAct surFACE oN ThE cLAMPinG weDGe ANd a fRoNT cOntACT sURFace oN THe machiNIng eLeMeNt ArE both smOOTH IN ordER TO AlLOw a substaNtIaLLY radIal DIsPlACEmENt oF THe cLamping wEdge iN relaTiOn TO tHe mACHinIng ELeMENT DurINg THE cLAmpINg THeREOF.
|
This invention relates toametal-cutting milling tool. Such tools are known that comprisea body rotatable around a central geometric axis, which body has aperipheral envelope surface extending betweenopposite endsurfaces. In the envelope surface, recessesare provided which open outwards, eachrecess defined by a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom wall andhas the purpose of receivinga machining element (e.g.,a cassette which carries a cutting insert) as well as at least one clampingwedge arranged intherecess forfixing the machining elementin place. The clampingwedge can be tightened by means of a clamping screw which enters a threaded hole formed in the bottom wall of the recess. Therear wallof the recess has first serrations arrangedto co-operate with second serrationsdisposed ona rear side of the machining element, whilethe front wall is smoothin order to cooperate with a similar smooth front surface on the clamping wedge. A contact surface on the clamping wedgeand afront contact surface on the machining element are both smoothin order to allow a substantially radial displacement of theclamping wedge in relation to the machiningelement during the clamping thereof.
|
This invention relates to a metal-cutting _milling_ tool. Such tools are known that _comprise_ a _body_ rotatable around a central _geometric_ _axis,_ which body has a peripheral envelope _surface_ _extending_ between _opposite_ end surfaces. In the envelope _surface,_ _recesses_ are provided which _open_ outwards, each recess defined by _a_ front _wall,_ a rear wall and a _bottom_ wall and has the purpose _of_ receiving a machining element (e.g., a cassette which carries a _cutting_ insert) _as_ _well_ as at least one clamping wedge arranged in _the_ _recess_ for fixing the machining element _in_ place. The clamping wedge can be tightened by means of a clamping screw which _enters_ a threaded hole formed in the bottom _wall_ of _the_ recess. The rear _wall_ of the _recess_ has first serrations arranged to co-operate _with_ second _serrations_ _disposed_ on a rear side of _the_ machining element, while the _front_ wall is smooth _in_ order to cooperate with a similar smooth front surface on the clamping wedge. A contact surface on _the_ clamping wedge and _a_ front contact surface on the _machining_ element _are_ both smooth in order _to_ allow a substantially _radial_ displacement _of_ the clamping wedge in relation _to_ the machining element during _the_ clamping _thereof._
|
It is a truism that modern cell phones feature a multitude of features that expand on the traditional cell phone functionality. For example, today cell phone users are able to use their phones to connect to the Internet, manage meetings, appointments, and other aspects of their every day lives, listen to music and watch videos, etc. In essence the cell phone—which began as a single-function communicator—has grown into a fully functioning multimedia device. However the fundamental function of a cell phone remains communication. It should be noted that cell phones are also sometimes referred to as mobile phones, which in the proper meaning of the word indicates that the user of that phone is mobile, and is supposedly always available for anyone who might want to contact him or her.
The core functionality of mobile/cell phones has been basically the same since the first devices were made available to consumers. Although there has been a rapid expansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the core functionality has not seen a similar expansion. The reasons for the development discrepancy likely have to do with the fact that the core functionality is sufficient for most users and that there are not just that many ways of enhancing the person-to-person communication experience on a mobile device
Arguably, the most important enhancement in the cell phone, at least as it relates to interpersonal communication, has been the development of the capability of sending short text messages from one phone to another.
Otherwise, the main improvements in communications have been largely concerned with connectivity. For example, communications protocols such as infrared and Bluetooth have become de facto requirements for all but the most inexpensive phones. In addition advances have been made in connectivity to the Internet (for example) and now it is routine for users to be able to access their e-mail and browse the web via their phones.
However, these improvements in connectivity, as welcome as they might be, do not expand on the one-to-one personal communication aspect of the phone. One thing that would be a leap forward in such communications would be the ability to quickly and easily assemble a multi-user communication session that is hardware independent and, further, does not require the user to purchase additional hardware. Although the prior art has provided multi-user communications in the form of, for example, conference calls—the present technology of conference calls is quite limiting to the user. For example, it is typically limited to a predetermined number of user connections (e.g., 5). Further, a start time must be communicated to each user so there is little opportunity for spontaneity. Further, adding more users to the session may be very difficult or impossible. Finally, the conference call will ultimately be limited to known users, i.e., those who are known to one of the participants and have been invited.
Additionally, exchanging short messages between users is a time-delayed communication mode that typically involves a one-to-one communication. Even though some software providers have offered solutions that allow a user to send one short message to multiple participants, such is not the same as real time voice communication between these same users. Of course, such group messaging is a time-delayed communication mode too, in which at least one participant is always in a waiting position. Thus, this communication option also offers little in the way of spontaneity or flexibility to the user.
As was mentioned previously, over the last few years several attempts have been made to enhance the communication options available to owners of mobile devices, for example infrared and Bluetooth have been added but they have been used so far mostly for communication with other devices, i.e. for data transfer—not for direct communication between users.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that infrared is limited to communications over a relative short line-of-sight distance between potential communication partners. As a consequence, the infrared protocol has typically been implemented as a simple data exchange protocol which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a mobile phone and a personal computer.
On the other hand, the Bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, in which up to 255 participants can be combined, of which only 8 participants can be active simultaneously, these 8 participants consist of one so called “master” device and seven so-called “slave” or secondary devices. The master device controls the communication and assigns so-called “sendslots” to participants. Additionally, communications within a piconet are based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master (server) is needed for on-going communications. Thus, when a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases to exist until a new master is selected and re-establishes the piconet by starting the creation process at the beginning. Although a Bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, it can only be registered as master in one piconet.
Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the term scatternet is often used to refer to a combination of up to 10 piconets in which each piconet is associated with a different identification frequency. However, the technical specifications of the Bluetooth communication protocol limit the functionality of that communication option. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a piconet can accommodate a maximum of 8 active participants. Further, a piconet will collapse if the server (master) looses the connection.
Others have sought, with varying degrees of success, to deliver enhanced communication functionality despite the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game that utilizes data that is passed between participants via Bluetooth, thereby delivering to them the illusion that they are playing a ball game. As another example, U.S. patent application No. 20020151320 describes a method of giving users in a user community additional functionality when using a software package in a community environment. That is, certain functions are provided to the users depending on the number of participants, with higher user numbers being associated with the unlocking of additional program functionality. However, these sorts of approaches are still fundamentally limited by the nature of the Bluetooth protocol.
As an example of an alternative approach to the use of Bluetooth, consider U.S. patent application 2005/0063409 that teaches a method for allowing users to communicate across several scatternets. However, this invention utilizes multiple interconnected servers and is not suitable for users that wish to quickly arrange and participate in an ad hoc communications group.
None of the prior art communication options, however, deliver a flexible way of communicating with an arbitrary number of individual users. In each case either the users are restricted by the technical limitations of the Bluetooth standard or the communication options necessary to create a group chat are too involved for the average user to accomplish. Note that for purposes of the instant disclosure, the term enhancement of the communication options will be taken to refer to any approach that allows a user to communicate with a mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options.
Thus what is needed is a method that gives the user of a cell phone or users of mobile devices the ability to create multi-user communications on that device without a need for elaborate equipment configurations, planning, or installation and which is not bound by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol. Preferably the method will extend an invitation to others to join a communications group and will automatically provide the appropriate software for use by new users who do not already have it. Preferably the method will use a commonly available wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Accordingly it should now be recognized, as was recognized by the present inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, a very real need for a system and method that would address and solve the above-described problems.
Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown and described. This is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of the invention within the ambit of the appended claims.
|
it represents a truism that modern cell phones feature a multitude of features that fail on the traditional cell phone functionality. for example, today cell phone users are able to use their phones to connect to the internet, manage meetings, meetings, and other aspects of their every day lives, listen to music and watch videos, etc. in fact the cell phone — originally began as a single - function communicator — has grown into a fully functioning multimedia device. however the fundamental function of a cell phone remains communication. it should be noted that cell phones are also sometimes referred to as mobile phones, which in the proper meaning of the word indicates that the user of that phone calls mobile, this is supposedly always available for anyone who might want to contact him or her. the core functionality of mobile / cell phones has been basically the same since the first devices were made available to consumers. although there has been a rapid expansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the core functionality has not seen a similar expansion. the reasons for the development discrepancy likely have to do with the fact that the core functionality is sufficient for most users and that there are not just that many ways of enhancing the person - to - person communication experience on a mobile device arguably, the most important enhancement in the cell phone, at least as it relates to interpersonal communication, has been the development of the capability of sending short text messages from one phone to another. otherwise, their main improvements in communications have been largely concerned with connectivity. for example, communications protocols such as infrared and bluetooth have become de facto requirements for all but the most inexpensive phones. in addition advances have been made in connectivity to the internet ( for example ) and now it is routine for users to be able to access their e - mail and browse the web via their phones. however, these improvements in connectivity, as welcome as they might be, do not expand on the one - to - one personal communication aspect of the phone. one thing that would be a leap forward in such communications would be the ability to quickly and easily assemble a multi - user communication session that is hardware independent and, further, does not require the user to purchase additional hardware. although the prior art has provided multiple - user communications in our form of, for example, conference calls — the present technology of conference calls is quite limiting to the user. for example, it is typically limited to a predetermined number of user connections ( e. g., 5 ) . further, a start time must be communicated to each user so there is little opportunity for spontaneity. further, adding more users to the session may be very difficult or impossible. finally, the conference call will ultimately be limited to known users, i. e., those who are known to one of the participants and have been invited. additionally, exchanging short messages between users is a time - delayed communication mode that typically involves a one - to - one communication. even though some software providers have offered solutions that allow a user to send one short message to multiple participants, such is not the same as real time voice communication between these same users. of course, such group messaging is a time - delayed communication mode too, in which at least one participant is always in a waiting position. thus, this communication option also offers little in the way of spontaneity or flexibility to the user. as was mentioned previously, over the last few years several attempts have been made to enhance the communication options available to owners of mobile devices, for example infrared and bluetooth have been added but they have been used so far mostly for communication with other devices, i. e. for data transfer — not for direct communication between users. those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that infrared is limited to communications over a relative short line - of - sight distance between potential communication partners. as a consequence, the infrared protocol has typically been implemented as a simple data exchange protocol which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a mobile phone and a personal computer. on the other hand, the bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, in which up to 255 participants can be combined, of which only 8 participants can be active simultaneously, these 8 participants consist of one so called “ master ” device and seven so - called “ slave ” or secondary devices. the master device controls the communication and assigns so - called “ sendslots ” to participants. additionally, communications within a piconet are based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master ( server ) is needed for on - going communications. thus, when a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases to exist until a new master is selected and re - establishes the piconet by starting the creation process at the beginning. although a bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, it can only be registered as master in one piconet. additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the term scatternet is often used to refer to a combination of up to 10 piconets in which each piconet is associated with a different identification frequency. however, the technical specifications of the bluetooth communication protocol limit the functionality of that communication option. for example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a piconet can accommodate a maximum of 8 active participants. further, a piconet will collapse if the server ( master ) looses the connection. others have sought, with varying degrees of success, to deliver enhanced communication functionality despite the limitations of the bluetooth protocol. for example, u. s. pat. no. 6, 674, 995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game that utilizes data that is passed between participants via bluetooth, thereby delivering to them the illusion that they are playing a ball game. as another example, u. s. patent application no. 20020151320 describes a method of giving users in a user community additional functionality when using a software package in a community environment. that is, certain functions are provided to the users depending on the number of participants, with higher user numbers being associated with the unlocking of additional program functionality. however, these sorts of approaches are still fundamentally limited by the nature of the bluetooth protocol. as an example of an alternative approach to the use of bluetooth, consider u. s. patent application 2005 / 0063409 that teaches a method for allowing users to communicate across several scatternets. however, this invention utilizes multiple interconnected servers and is not suitable for users that wish to quickly arrange and participate in an ad hoc communications group. none of the prior art communication options, however, deliver a flexible way of communicating with an arbitrary number of individual users. in each case either the users are restricted by the technical limitations of the bluetooth standard or the communication options necessary to create a group chat are too involved for the average user to accomplish. note that for purposes of the instant disclosure, the term enhancement of the communication options will be taken to refer to any approach that allows a user to communicate with a mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options. thus what is needed is a method that gives the user of a cell phone or users of mobile devices the ability to create multi - user communications on that device without a need for elaborate equipment configurations, planning, or installation and which is not bound by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol. preferably the method will extend an invitation to others to join a communications group and will automatically provide the appropriate software for use by new users who do not already have it. preferably the method will use a commonly available wireless protocol such as bluetooth or wi - fi. accordingly it should now be recognized, as was recognized by the present inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, a very real need for a system and method that would address and solve the above - described problems. before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples ( or preferred embodiments ) shown and described. this is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of the invention within the ambit of the appended claims.
|
It is a truism that mod@rG cell phones feature a multitude of features that expand on the traditional cell phone functionality. For example, today cdlK phone users are able to use their phones to connect to the Internet, manage meetings, appointments, and other aspects of their every day lives, listen to music and watch videos, etc. In essence the cell phone — which began as a single - function communicator — has grown into a fully functioning multimedia device. However the fundamental function of a cell phone remains communication. It should be noted 6Uat cell phones are also sometimes referred to as mobile phones, which in the proper meaning of the word indicates that the user of that phone is mobile, and is supposedly always available for anyone who might want to contact him or her. The core functionality of mobile / cell phonwQ has been basically the same since the first devices were made available to consumers. Although there has been a rapid expansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the core functionality has not seen a similar expansion. The reasons for the development discrepancy likely have to do with the fact that the core functionality is sufficient for most users and that there are not just that many ways of enhancing the person - to - person communication experience on a mobile device Arguably, the most important enhancement in the cell phone, at least as it relates to interpersonal communication, has been the development of the capability of sending short text messages from one phone to another. Otherwise, the main improvements in communications have been largely concerned with connectivity. For example, communications protocols such as infrared and Bluetooth have become de facto requirements for all but the most inexpensive phones. In addition advances have been made in connectivity to the Internet (for example) and now it is routine for users to be able to access their e - mail and browse the web via their phones. However, these improvements in connectivity, as welcome as they might be, do not expand on the one - to - one personal communication aspect of the phone. One thing that would be a leap forward in such communications would be the ability to quickly and easily assemble a multi - user communication session that is hardware independent and, further, does not require the user to purchase additional hardware. Although the prior art has provided multi - user communications in the form of, for example, conference calls — the present technology of conference calls is quite limiting to the user. For example, it is typically limited to a predetermined number of user connections (e. g. , 5 ). Further, a start time must be communicated to each user so there is little opportunity for spontaneity. Further, adding more users to the session may be very difficult or impossible. Finally, the conference call will ultimately be limited to known users, i. e. , those who are known to one of the participants and have been invited. Additionally, exchanging short messages between users is a time - delayed communication mode that typically involves a one - to - one communication. Even though some software providers have offered solutions that allow a user to send one short message to multiple participants, suXu is not the same as real time voice communication between these same users. Of course, such group messaging is a time - delayed communication mode too, in which at least one participant is always in a waiting position. Thus, this communication option also offers little in the way of spontaneity or flexibility to the user. As was mentioned previously, over the last few years several attempts have been made to enhance the communication options available to owners of mobile devices, for example infrared and Bluetooth have been added but they have been used so far mostly for communication with other devices, i. e. for data transfer — not for direct communication between users. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that infrared is limited to communications over a relative short line - of - sight distance between potential communication partners. As a consequence, the infrared protocol has typically been implemented as a simple data exchange protocol which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a mobile phone and a personal computer. On the other hand, the Bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, in which up to 255 participants can be combined, of which only 8 participants can be active simultaneously, these 8 participants consist of one so called “ master ” device and seven so - called “ slave ” or secondary devices. The master device controls the communication and assigns so - called “ sendslots ” to participants. Additionally, communications within a piconet are based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master (server) is needed for on - going communications. Thus, when a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases to exist until a new master is selected and re - establishes the piconet by starting the creation process at the beginning. Although a Bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, it can only be registered as master in one piconet. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the tsr< scatternet is often used to refer to a combination of up to 10 piconets in which each piconet is associated with a different identification frequency. However, the technical specifications of the Bluetooth communication protocol limit the functionality of that communication option. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a piconet can accommodate a maximum of 8 active participants. Further, a piconet will collapse if the server (master) looses the connection. Others have sought, with varying degrees of success, to deliver enhanced communication functionality despite the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 6, 674, 995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game that utilizes data that is passed between participants via Bluetooth, thereby delivering to them the illusion that they are playing a ball game. As another example, U. S. patent application No. 20020151320 describes a method of giving users in a user community additional functionality when using a software package in a community environment. That is, certain functions are provided to the users depending on the number of participants, with higher user numbers being associated with the unlocking of additional program functionality. However, these sorts of approaches are still fundamentally limited by the nature of the Bluetooth protocol. As an example of an alternative approach to the use of Bluetooth, consider U. S. patent application 2005 / 0063409 that teaches a method for allowing users to communicate across several scatternets. However, this invention utilizes multiple interconnected servers and is not suitable for users that wish to quickly arrange and participate in an ad hoc communications group. None of the p3iod art communication options, however, deliver a flexible way of communicating with an arbitrary number of individual users. In each case either the users are restricted by the technical limitations of the Bluetooth standard or the communication options necessary to create a group chat are too involved for the average user to accomplish. Note that for purposes of the instant disclosure, the term enhancement of the communication options will be taken to refer to any approach that allows a user to communicate with a mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options. Thus what is needed is a method that gives the user of a cell )hoBe or users of mobile devices the ability to create multi - user communications on that device without a need for elaborate equipment configurations, planning, or installation and which is not bound by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol. Preferably the method will extend an invitation to others to join a communications group and will automatically provide the appropriate software for use by new users who do not already have it. Preferably the KethoR will use a commonly available wir2leZs protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi - Fi. Accordingly it should now be recognized, as was recognized by the present inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, a very real need for a system and method that would address and solve the above - described problems. Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown and described. This is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of the invention within the ambit of the appended claims.
|
It is a truism that modern cell phones a multitude of features that expand on the traditional cell phone functionality. For example, today cell phone users are able to use their phones to connect to the Internet, manage meetings, appointments, and other aspects of their day lives, listen to music watch videos, etc. In essence the cell phone—which began as a single-function communicator—has grown into a fully functioning multimedia However the fundamental function of a cell phone remains communication. It should be noted that cell phones are also sometimes referred as mobile phones, which in the proper meaning of the word indicates that the user of that phone is mobile, and supposedly available for anyone who might want contact him or her. The core functionality of mobile/cell phones has been basically the since first devices made to consumers. there has been a rapid expansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the functionality has not a similar expansion. reasons for the development discrepancy likely have to do with the fact that the core functionality is sufficient users and there are not just ways of the person-to-person communication on a mobile device the most important enhancement in the cell at least relates to interpersonal communication, been the development of the capability of sending short messages from one Otherwise, the main improvements in communications been largely concerned connectivity. For example, communications protocols such as and Bluetooth become de facto requirements for all but the most inexpensive phones. In addition advances have been made in connectivity to the (for example) and it is routine for users to be able to access their e-mail browse the web via their phones. However, these improvements in connectivity, as welcome as they might be, do not expand on the one-to-one personal communication aspect of the phone. One thing that would a leap forward such communications would be the ability to quickly and assemble a multi-user communication is hardware independent and, further, not require user to additional hardware. Although the prior art has provided multi-user communications in the form of, for example, conference calls—the present technology conference calls is quite limiting to user. For example, is typically limited to a predetermined number of connections (e.g., 5). Further, a start time must be communicated to each user so there is little opportunity for spontaneity. Further, adding more users to the session may be difficult or impossible. Finally, the call will be limited to known users, i.e., those who are known one of the participants and have been invited. Additionally, exchanging short messages between is a time-delayed communication mode that typically involves a one-to-one communication. Even though some software providers have offered solutions that allow a user send one short message to multiple participants, such not the same as real time voice communication these same users. Of course, such group messaging a time-delayed communication mode too, in which at least one participant is always in waiting position. Thus, this communication option offers little in way of spontaneity or flexibility to the user. As was mentioned previously, the last few years several attempts have made to enhance the communication options available to owners of mobile devices, for example infrared and Bluetooth been added but they have been used so far mostly for communication with other devices, i.e. for data transfer—not for direct communication between users. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that infrared is limited to communications over relative short distance between potential communication partners. As consequence, the protocol has typically been implemented as a simple data exchange protocol which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a mobile phone a personal computer. On the other hand, the Bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, in which up to 255 participants combined, which only 8 participants can be active simultaneously, 8 participants consist of one so called “master” device and seven so-called “slave” or secondary devices. The master device controls the communication and assigns so-called “sendslots” to participants. Additionally, communications within a piconet are based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master (server) is needed for on-going communications. when a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases exist until a new master and re-establishes the by starting the creation process at the beginning. Although a Bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, only be registered as master in one piconet. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the term is often used to refer a combination of up to 10 piconets in which each piconet is associated with a different identification frequency. However, the technical specifications of the Bluetooth limit the functionality of that communication option. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a piconet can a maximum of 8 active participants. a piconet will collapse if the server looses the connection. Others sought, with varying of success, to deliver enhanced communication functionality the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game utilizes data that between participants via Bluetooth, thereby delivering to them the illusion that they are playing a ball game. another U.S. patent application No. 20020151320 describes a giving users in a user community functionality when using a software package in a community environment. That is, certain functions are provided to users depending on number of participants, with higher user numbers being associated with the unlocking of additional program functionality. However, these sorts approaches are still fundamentally limited by the nature of the Bluetooth protocol. As an example of an alternative approach to the use of Bluetooth, consider U.S. patent application 2005/0063409 that teaches a method for allowing users to communicate several scatternets. However, this invention utilizes multiple interconnected servers and is not suitable for users that wish to arrange in ad hoc communications None of the prior art communication options, however, deliver a flexible of communicating with an arbitrary number of individual users. In each case either the users restricted by the technical of the Bluetooth standard or the communication options necessary to create a group chat are too involved for the average user accomplish. Note that for purposes of the disclosure, the term enhancement of the communication options be taken to refer to any approach that a to communicate with a mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options. Thus what is needed is a method that gives user of a cell phone users of mobile devices the ability to create multi-user communications that device without a need elaborate equipment configurations, or installation and which is not bound by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol. Preferably the method will extend an invitation to others to join a communications group automatically provide the appropriate software for use by new users who do not already have it. Preferably the method will use a commonly wireless protocol such as Bluetooth Accordingly it should now be recognized, as was recognized by the present inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, very real need for a system and method that would address and solve the above-described problems. Before to a of the invention, however, it be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, with the drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown and described. This is so those in the to which the invention pertains will be able to devise of the within the ambit of the appended claims.
|
IT is A trUism THat MOdErn Cell pHONeS fEaTuRE A mULTITUde Of FEatuRES THAT EXpAnd oN ThE TRAditIonAL Cell PhoNe FuncTioNaLItY. FoR examPLE, TodAy CelL pHoNE UserS ARE ABLe To usE THEIr phoNeS TO COnNeCT To the InTerNet, ManaGE meEtiNgs, AppOinTMEntS, anD OthEr AspEctS OF THeir eveRY dAY LIvES, lISTEn tO Music AnD WaTCH vIdeos, etc. in esSEnce The CElL phONe—wHiCh BeGan As a SiNGlE-FUnCTiON CommuNICaToR—haS GRowN iNTO a FULly FUncTIonIng MultImeDIA DEVice. howEVEr THe FuNDAMeNTAL fUncTIOn oF A CeLl pHoNe REMAInS COMmuNicatIoN. It shoUlD BE nOTEd tHaT CeLL phoNes ARE alsO SOMEtIMES REFeRreD to AS mOBIlE PHOneS, WhIcH IN thE pRoPEr meaNING Of tHE WORD inDICates thaT tHE UsEr oF THAT PhONe IS MoBiLE, aND is SUppOSedLy alwAYS aVAilablE FoR aNYone WHO MIGht WANT to CONtACT HIm Or hEr.
thE CoRe fUncTIonalIty oF mobILE/Cell Phones Has bEen basicAlLY tHE SaMe SiNcE ThE fIRST DevICEs WerE maDE AvAiLAble To cOnSumErs. althOuGH THeRe HaS BeeN a RapId eXPAnSIoN IN The FeatuRe sET oF MOst CeLL pHONeS, tHE cORe funcTIoNaLITy HAs NOT sEen A simiLaR eXpaNSiOn. tHE REaSONS FoR the dEvElOPMent dIscREPaNcy lIkELy haVe TO DO wItH thE FACT tHaT ThE cOrE fUnCTioNaLitY iS sUFFicIent FoR mosT usERs aNd That THeRe aRe Not jusT tHAt mAny WAYs of EnHanciNg ThE pErSON-tO-PeRsOn coMmuNIcatIOn ExPeRiENce on A MObiLE DevIcE
ArGuably, thE mOst iMPOrTaNT EnHanCEmEnt In THe CeLL pHonE, At lEAst as iT relATES to InTErpErsoNal CoMmUniCATIOn, haS beEn ThE DEVeloPMenT of THE CapabilItY OF senDinG shoRt TEXt MesSagES From one phOne TO ANoThEr.
OthErWISE, THe MaiN imPRoVeMenTS in cOmmuNIcatIONs hAVE BEen lArGELy CONCerNEd With CoNneCtiVItY. FoR ExaMple, CommUNIcatIoNS proToCOlS suCH As INfrAreD AND BLueTOOtH hAvE BecoME DE FacTo REQuiremENTs FOr aLL BUt thE MosT InEXpenSIVE phOneS. IN adDItION advances Have beEN MADE in cONNEctiViTY TO tHe internet (FOR ExAmPLE) aND NoW IT Is RoUTINe fOR uSerS To Be AblE To aCcESS ThEir E-maIL AND bROWse tHe WeB VIa Their phOnES.
hOweVER, THEsE ImpROvEmEnts IN COnNectIViTY, As wELCOMe aS tHEY miGHT Be, DO Not EXpaND oN thE oNe-tO-oNe Personal cOmmUNICatioN ASpECt of THe phone. ONe THing THAt wOuld be a LeAp ForWArd in SUCh ComMuNicATions would BE THe abILItY TO qUicklY and EasILY aSseMBLe a MULTI-UsEr comMUNICATiON seSsioN that IS hARdwaRe iNDependeNt anD, FurTHER, doES NoT reqUire THe usEr To PuRcHASE ADditional HArdwAre. altHoUGH tHE PrIoR ArT Has PROvidED multI-uSeR cOMmUnIcaTionS iN The fORM oF, fOR ExAMple, confERENCe caLLs—THE PreSeNT teCHnolOGY OF ConFERENce caLLS is quiTE LIMItINg to The user. For ExamplE, It is tyPIcAlLY LIMiTeD To A PrEdeTerMined Number oF uSER CoNNeCtiOns (e.g., 5). FurthER, A STArt TiMe must be CoMmUnIcAteD TO EacH usEr so theRE Is lITTle OPportUnitY FoR spONTAnEITY. FURThER, AddiNg MORe UseRs tO the SeSsION maY Be veRY DifficuLt OR iMPosSible. finALLY, tHE coNFereNcE cALl wiLl uLtiMAtely Be liMItEd To KNoWN usERs, I.e., THOsE wHo ArE kNowN to onE Of ThE ParTiCipANTS anD hAve bEen iNVITEd.
adDITionALLy, ExchAngING SHORT MeSsages BetwEEn uSErS is a tImE-delaYEd ComMUnICatION mode THaT tYpICALLy INVOlvES a One-To-One coMMUNICATIoN. EVEn tHouGh SomE SoFtWare PROvIDErS HavE ofFEred SoLUTiOnS THat ALLow A USER TO SEnD onE shOrt meSSaGe to MulTIPLE paRTiCiPANTS, such Is Not THE SAME AS rEaL TImE VOice COMMuNICaTIoN bEtwEEn thESe sAme uSErs. Of COURSe, suCH group meSSaGiNg IS A TImE-DElayED ComMunICAtiON moDe TOo, In Which AT lEAST One pArTiCIPAnt iS alwAYs iN a WAITING PoSItiON. thUS, ThIs CoMMuNICaTIon OptIon Also Offers liTtle In tHe WaY Of SPONtANeitY OR FLEXiBILity tO tHE uSEr.
AS Was meNtiOned pREvIousLY, OvER ThE laST FEw YEArS SEVEral aTtEmPtS HAve been mAde tO enhaNCe tHe CoMmUnIcAtIoN OptioNS aVAIlABLE to owNErS Of moBile dEvices, FOR ExAMpLE infRArED aNd blUETOotH havE been ADDeD But tHEy HavE Been useD So faR mOstLY For ComMUNicATiOn With otHeR DevicES, i.e. FOr dATA tRANSfER—noT fOR DIrect cOMmunIcATIoN BETweeN UseRs.
THOSe of oRdINAry SKiLl iN the ArT WiLl REcOgNIzE thAt inFRARED Is limiTed TO COMmUnICAtIONs oVER A rElaTiVe ShORt lInE-Of-SIGht DiStANCE BETWEEN poteNtIAl comMUNIcATION PARtnErs. aS A coNSeQuenCE, tHE iNFraRED PROtOCoL HAS TyPICALLy BeEN impLemenTED AS a simPle DATA ExChanGe pROTOCol whICh Is USEFUl, FoR EXAMple, iN SYncHronIzIng DaTA BetWEen A MOBilE pHone anD a PErSoNaL COMPuteR.
on THE oTher HAND, ThE BLuETOOTH pROToCOl PROVideS FOr tHe crEATIon OF NEtwoRkS, so CALLED PicoNEtS, In which uP To 255 pARtICIpaNTS CAn BE cOMBiNEd, oF which only 8 ParTicIpAnts caN BE ACtiVe SimUltANeoUSLY, theSE 8 PaRtICiPAnTS CONsiST of ONe So cALLed “mASter” DEvice aNd SevEn so-cALlED “sLAve” oR SecOnDary DeviceS. tHE MaSTer DevicE cOnTroLS ThE CoMMUNiCaTIon anD ASSigns sO-CaLLed “SeNdsLOTs” TO PartICiPaNTs. adDiTIonalLy, COmMunicatIonS WIThIn A pIcONEt aRE BAsED ON The cLIeNt SERveR PrINCIple, WhICH ImPoses thE Restriction tHat tHE MaSTeR (serveR) iS neEDED FOr On-goINg communIcatiONs. thUs, When A MASTEr DevICe looSes THE cOnNectIon the PICONet CEaSes tO Exist uNtIl A nEw mastER IS sElEcTed And Re-EstablisheS the PIConET BY STARtiNg tHE CREaTion prOCEss aT THe bEginNINg. AlTHouGH a BLuEtoOTH DEVICe cAN be rEGIStEred in MULTiPlE PIcOnETS, it CaN only be rEGIStEReD as maSter iN ONE PIcoNeT.
aDdItIONALlY, tHOSe Of OrdInAry SkIlL iN ThE Art wiLl RECognizE tHaT thE teRM SCATTErnEt iS ofTen Used To REfER tO A CoMBINatION OF uP TO 10 Piconets IN WhicH eaCH pIcoNEt Is ASSoCiAteD WiTh A diFFEReNT IdeNtIfICatiOn fREQuEncy. hOweVEr, THe TEcHNiCaL sPECifIcAtIONs OF ThE BLUetooTH COMMuniCatIon pROtoCOL LiMIt thE FuNCtIonAlIty Of ThaT ComMUNICaTIoN oPtION. fOr exAMPle, tHOSe oF OrDinaRy sKilL IN THE ART wiLl REcOGnIZe THAT a picOnEt caN ACCoMmoDatE A MAxIMUM OF 8 AcTIvE PARticipants. furtHer, a pIcoNeT wiLL cOLlApsE iF the sERver (MAStEr) LOOsES THe COnNECTioN.
OTHERs HAVe SougHt, witH VarYING DEgreeS Of SUCCEss, TO DELivER enHAnCeD CommUnICaTIOn FuNctionality deSpITE The LIMItatIONs OF tHe BlUeTOotH prOToCOL. fOr EXaMplE, U.S. pat. no. 6,674,995 TEaChes the cReatioN oF A vIRtuAL balL gaME tHAT uTIlIZEs DaTA ThAT iS PASSed BetWeen paRTiCiPAnTS viA blUetoOth, tHerEBy dElIvERinG to TheM THe iLlusion tHaT THEy aRE plaYinG A BALL GamE. as AnOTheR exAmPlE, u.S. pATENt APpLicATioN no. 20020151320 DESCRIbEs A MEtHod of GIvinG uSERS iN A uSeR CoMMUNiTy ADditIoNAl FunctionalIty whEn UsInG A SOFTwArE PACkAgE in A comMUNITy ENViRoNmENt. THat Is, CertaIn fUNCtionS ArE PROvided TO the uSErs dEPending ON The nUmbER of paRticIpANTS, WitH Higher uSer NUmBerS beIng AsSOciateD wiTH THe uNLoCkiNG Of ADDiTIonaL PRoGRAM fuNctioNALITy. hOwEver, THese SORts OF AppROAcHes arE stilL FUnDAMENtALLy limiTED By tHe natUre Of THE BluEtooTH prOtoCol.
aS AN exaMplE oF AN altERnaTive APPROach TO the Use of bLUetooTh, cOnsiDeR U.s. pATent ApPlICATioN 2005/0063409 tHat TeACHEs A MEtHod foR AlLOWinG USeRS TO cOmMuniCaTE across SeVeRAL SCatTernEts. HOWEvEr, ThiS iNVeNTion UtilIzes multIpLe INterconnecTeD serVeRs anD iS noT SUiTablE fOR uSERS ThAt WiSh to QUICkly ARraNgE ANd paRTICiPatE iN an Ad HoC cOMMUNICAtiONS grOUp.
none of The pRior art communIcatiOn OptIonS, HOwEvEr, DelIVEr a fLeXiblE wAy Of ComMunICATIng wiTh aN aRBitRaRy number of IndiviDuAl usErS. IN eaCH CASe EItHeR THe UseRS ARe ReStRictED By tHE tECHNiCaL lImItAtiONs of THE BLUetOOth StanDarD oR ThE COMMuNicaTiON OptiONS necesSaRy TO CrEatE a gRoUp cHAT aRE toO iNVOLvEd fOr ThE aVERage USEr To acCompLish. nOTE THaT for PurpOsES Of THE iNStaNT DiSClOSure, thE TERm EnhaNCEMEnt oF thE CoMMUnIcATIOn OPTioNs WILl Be takeN to REFER TO anY ApProACh thaT AlloWS a uSeR TO CoMmuNicATe WITh A MOBiLE DevIcE in AdDiTiON tO the ALREady EXIsTINg cOMMUNiCaTIOn OptIONs.
THUS wHaT Is nEeDeD Is A mEtHod THAT gIvES the UsEr of A CELl pHONE OR UseRs oF mObILE DEViCES The AbilitY To CReatE mULTi-useR cOMMuNICAtioNS oN thAt dEvicE WiTHOut A nEED FOR elabOraTE EquIPMeNT CONfigURaTIonS, PlannInG, Or InstALLaTIoN AND wHIcH Is noT BoUNd By THe TECHNical LImitATioNS Of a SpECifiC cOMMuNICaTiON PrOTocoL. pReFErably tHE metHod WiLL EXteNd an iNVitaTION tO otHerS TO jOiN A cOmmUNicatIonS group ANd WilL AuTOmAtIcALlY pRovIDe tHe aPpRoPRiAte sOFtWARE fOR uSe by NeW UsErS who dO NOT AlREaDY hAVe IT. prEFERaBlY The METHOD WIll uSe a commonlY AVailablE wIrELEss pRoTOCOL suCH As BLuEToOtH Or wi-Fi.
ACCORdiNgLY IT SHOuLd NOW BE rEcognizED, as waS rECogNIZeD By The pResenT iNVENToRs, ThAT There existS, aND haS EXistEd fOR SOme tIMe, A verY reAL neEd FOR A sysTeM aND mEThOD That wOuLd aDDreSs And SOlvE THe aBOvE-deScrIBED pROBLemS.
bEfOre pROCEEdinG TO a dESCRIPtioN oF ThE PrEseNT invENTION, hOweveR, IT sHouLD BE NOTEd ANd ReMeMbeREd That ThE DESCrIPtion oF tHE InVENTIOn WhiCH folLowS, togETher wItH ThE ACCOMpANyiNG drAWINGs, sHouLD NOT be consTrUeD aS LiMITiNG THe invENtioN tO ThE ExAMplES (OR pRefErREd emboDIMEnTs) SHown ANd DESCRibeD. THis Is So bEcAuSE THOsE SkIlled iN THE ArT to WhiCH The InvEntiON peRTaiNS WIll Be ABlE to DeVIse OTHER FormS of tHe INVENTion witHIn ThE AMbIt Of THE aPpendeD CLAimS.
|
It is a truism that modern cell phones feature a multitude of features that expand on thetraditional cell phone functionality.For example, today cell phone users are able to usetheir phones to connect to the Internet, managemeetings, appointments, and other aspects of their every day lives, listen to music and watch videos, etc. In essence thecell phone—whichbegan asa single-function communicator—has grown into a fully functioning multimedia device. Howeverthe fundamental function of a cell phone remains communication. It should be noted that cellphones are also sometimes referred to as mobile phones,whichin the proper meaning ofthe word indicates thatthe user of thatphone is mobile, and is supposedly always available for anyonewho might want to contacthim or her. The core functionality of mobile/cell phones has been basically the same since the first devices were made available to consumers. Although there has beena rapidexpansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the core functionality has notseen asimilar expansion. The reasons for the development discrepancy likely have to dowith the fact that the core functionality is sufficient for most users and that there are notjustthat many ways of enhancing the person-to-person communication experience on a mobile device Arguably, the most important enhancement in the cell phone, at least as itrelates tointerpersonal communication, has been the development of the capability of sending shorttext messages from onephone to another. Otherwise, the main improvements in communications have been largely concerned with connectivity. For example, communications protocols such as infraredand Bluetooth have become de facto requirements for all butthe most inexpensive phones.Inaddition advances have been made in connectivity to theInternet (for example) and now it is routine forusers tobeable to access their e-mailandbrowse the web viatheir phones. However, these improvements in connectivity, as welcomeas they might be, donot expand on the one-to-onepersonal communication aspect of thephone.One thing that would be a leap forward in such communicationswould be the ability to quickly andeasily assemble a multi-usercommunication session that is hardware independent and, further, does not requirethe user topurchaseadditional hardware. Although the prior arthas provided multi-user communications in the form of, forexample, conference calls—the present technology of conference calls is quite limiting to the user. For example, it is typically limited to a predetermined numberof userconnections (e.g., 5). Further, a start time must be communicated to each usersothereis littleopportunityfor spontaneity. Further, adding more users to the session may be very difficult or impossible. Finally, the conference call will ultimately be limited to known users, i.e., those who are known to one of the participantsand havebeen invited. Additionally, exchanging short messages between users is a time-delayed communication mode that typically involves a one-to-one communication. Even though some software providers have offered solutions that allow a user to send oneshort messageto multiple participants, such is not the same asreal time voice communicationbetween these sameusers. Of course, such group messaging is a time-delayed communication mode too,in which at least oneparticipant is always ina waiting position. Thus, this communicationoption also offerslittle in the way of spontaneity or flexibility to theuser. As was mentioned previously,over the lastfew years several attempts have been made toenhance thecommunication options available to owners ofmobile devices,for example infrared and Bluetooth havebeen added but they have been used so far mostlyfor communication with other devices,i.e. for data transfer—not for direct communication between users. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will recognize that infrared is limitedto communications over a relative short line-of-sight distance between potential communication partners. As a consequence, the infrared protocol has typically been implemented as a simpledata exchange protocol which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a mobile phone and a personal computer.On the other hand, the Bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, in whichup to255participants can be combined, of which only8 participants can be active simultaneously, these 8 participants consist of one so called “master” device and seven so-called “slave” or secondary devices. The master device controls the communicationandassignsso-called “sendslots” to participants. Additionally, communications within a piconet are based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master (server) is needed for on-going communications. Thus, when a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases to exist until a new master is selected and re-establishes the piconet by starting thecreation process at the beginning. Although a Bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, it can only be registered as master in one piconet. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theterm scatternet is oftenused torefer to acombination of up to 10 piconets in which each piconet isassociated with a different identification frequency. However,thetechnical specifications of theBluetooth communicationprotocol limit the functionalityof that communication option. For example, those of ordinaryskill in theart willrecognize thata piconet canaccommodate a maximum of 8 active participants. Further,a piconetwill collapse if the server (master) loosesthe connection.Others havesought, with varying degrees of success, to deliver enhanced communication functionality despite thelimitations of the Bluetoothprotocol. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game that utilizes data that is passedbetween participants via Bluetooth, thereby deliveringtothem the illusion that theyareplaying a ball game. As another example, U.S. patentapplication No. 20020151320 describes a method of giving users in a user community additionalfunctionality whenusing a software package in a community environment. That is, certain functions are provided to the users depending onthe number of participants, with higher user numbers being associated with the unlocking of additional program functionality.However,these sorts of approaches are still fundamentally limited by the nature of the Bluetooth protocol.As an example of analternative approach tothe use of Bluetooth, consider U.S. patent application 2005/0063409 that teaches a methodfor allowing users tocommunicate across several scatternets. However, this invention utilizes multiple interconnected servers andis not suitable for users that wish to quickly arrange and participate in an ad hoc communications group. Noneof the prior art communication options,however, delivera flexible way ofcommunicating with an arbitrary number of individual users. Ineachcase either the users are restricted by the technical limitations of the Bluetoothstandard or the communication options necessary to create a group chat are too involved for the average user to accomplish. Note thatfor purposes of the instant disclosure, the term enhancement of the communication options will betaken to refer to any approach that allowsa user tocommunicate with a mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options.Thus what isneeded is a method that givesthe user of a cellphoneor users of mobile devicesthe ability to create multi-user communications onthatdevice withoutaneed for elaborate equipment configurations, planning, or installation and which is not bound by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol.Preferably the method will extend an invitation to othersto joinacommunications group and will automatically provide the appropriate software for use by new users who donot already have it. Preferably the method will use a commonlyavailable wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Accordingly itshould now be recognized, as was recognized by the presentinventors,that there exists, and has existed forsome time,a very real need for asystemand method that would address and solvethe above-described problems. Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, itshould be notedand remembered that the description of theinvention which follows, together withthe accompanying drawings,should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown anddescribed. Thisisso because those skilled in the art to whichthe inventionpertains will be able to devise other forms of the inventionwithin the ambit of the appendedclaims.
|
It is _a_ _truism_ that modern cell phones feature a multitude _of_ features that _expand_ on the traditional cell phone functionality. For _example,_ _today_ cell _phone_ users are able to use _their_ phones to connect _to_ the _Internet,_ manage meetings, appointments, and other aspects of their _every_ day lives, listen to music and watch videos, etc. In essence the cell _phone—which_ _began_ as a _single-function_ _communicator—has_ grown _into_ a fully functioning _multimedia_ device. However the fundamental function of a cell phone _remains_ communication. _It_ _should_ be noted that cell phones are also sometimes referred to as mobile phones, which in the proper meaning _of_ the word indicates that _the_ user _of_ that phone is mobile, and _is_ supposedly always available for _anyone_ _who_ might _want_ _to_ _contact_ him _or_ _her._ The _core_ _functionality_ of mobile/cell phones has been basically the same _since_ the first devices were made available to _consumers._ Although there has been _a_ rapid expansion in the feature set of most cell phones, the core functionality has not seen a similar expansion. The reasons for the _development_ discrepancy likely have to do with the fact that the core functionality is sufficient for most users and that there are _not_ just that many _ways_ _of_ enhancing the person-to-person communication _experience_ on a _mobile_ device Arguably, the most important enhancement in the cell phone, at _least_ as it relates to interpersonal communication, _has_ been the development _of_ the capability _of_ sending short text messages from one phone to another. Otherwise, the main improvements in communications have been largely _concerned_ with connectivity. For example, communications protocols _such_ as infrared and _Bluetooth_ _have_ become _de_ facto requirements for all but the _most_ inexpensive phones. In _addition_ advances have _been_ made in _connectivity_ to the Internet _(for_ example) and now it is _routine_ for users to be able to access _their_ e-mail and browse the web via their phones. However, _these_ improvements in _connectivity,_ _as_ _welcome_ as they might be, _do_ _not_ _expand_ _on_ the one-to-one _personal_ communication aspect _of_ _the_ phone. One _thing_ _that_ _would_ be a leap forward in such communications _would_ be _the_ ability to quickly _and_ easily assemble a _multi-user_ communication session that _is_ hardware independent and, further, does not require the user _to_ purchase additional hardware. Although _the_ prior art has provided multi-user _communications_ in _the_ form of, for example, conference calls—the present technology _of_ _conference_ calls is quite limiting to the user. For example, it is typically limited _to_ a predetermined number of user _connections_ _(e.g.,_ 5). Further, a start time _must_ be _communicated_ to each _user_ so there is little _opportunity_ for spontaneity. _Further,_ adding more _users_ to the _session_ may _be_ very difficult or _impossible._ _Finally,_ _the_ conference call will ultimately be limited to known users, i.e., those _who_ are known to one of _the_ participants _and_ have been _invited._ Additionally, exchanging short messages between users is a time-delayed communication mode that typically involves _a_ one-to-one communication. Even though some software _providers_ _have_ _offered_ solutions that allow _a_ user to send one short message _to_ _multiple_ participants, such _is_ not the same as real time voice communication between these same users. Of course, such group messaging _is_ a _time-delayed_ communication _mode_ too, in which at _least_ one participant is always in _a_ _waiting_ position. Thus, this communication _option_ also offers little in _the_ way of spontaneity or flexibility to _the_ user. As was mentioned previously, over the last few years several attempts have been _made_ to _enhance_ the communication options available to owners _of_ mobile _devices,_ for _example_ infrared and Bluetooth have been added but they have _been_ used so far mostly for communication with other devices, i.e. for data transfer—not for direct _communication_ between _users._ Those of ordinary skill in the _art_ will recognize that infrared is _limited_ to communications over a relative short line-of-sight distance between potential _communication_ partners. As a _consequence,_ _the_ infrared protocol has typically been implemented as a simple data exchange _protocol_ which is useful, for example, in synchronizing data between a _mobile_ phone and a personal computer. _On_ the other hand, the Bluetooth protocol provides for the creation of networks, so called piconets, _in_ _which_ up to 255 participants can be combined, of which only 8 participants can be _active_ simultaneously, these 8 participants consist _of_ one so called “master” device and seven _so-called_ “slave” or secondary devices. _The_ master device controls the communication and assigns so-called “sendslots” to participants. Additionally, communications within _a_ piconet _are_ based on the client server principle, which imposes the restriction that the master (server) is needed for _on-going_ communications. Thus, _when_ a master device looses the connection the piconet ceases to exist until a new master is _selected_ and re-establishes _the_ piconet by starting the creation _process_ at the beginning. Although a Bluetooth device can be registered in multiple piconets, _it_ _can_ only be registered as _master_ in one piconet. Additionally, those of ordinary _skill_ in the art will recognize _that_ _the_ term scatternet is often used to refer to _a_ combination _of_ up to 10 _piconets_ _in_ _which_ each piconet is associated with a different identification _frequency._ However, the _technical_ specifications of the _Bluetooth_ communication protocol limit the functionality _of_ that _communication_ option. _For_ example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a piconet _can_ _accommodate_ a maximum of 8 _active_ participants. Further, a piconet will collapse if the server (master) looses the connection. Others have _sought,_ with varying degrees of _success,_ _to_ deliver enhanced communication functionality _despite_ the limitations _of_ the Bluetooth _protocol._ For _example,_ U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,995 teaches the creation of a virtual ball game that utilizes data that is passed between participants _via_ _Bluetooth,_ thereby delivering to them the _illusion_ that they are playing _a_ ball game. As _another_ example, U.S. _patent_ _application_ No. 20020151320 _describes_ a method of giving users in a user _community_ _additional_ functionality when using a software _package_ in _a_ community environment. That is, certain functions are provided _to_ the _users_ depending on _the_ _number_ _of_ participants, with higher _user_ numbers being associated with the unlocking _of_ additional program functionality. However, these sorts of _approaches_ _are_ still fundamentally _limited_ by the _nature_ of the _Bluetooth_ _protocol._ As an example of an alternative approach to the use of Bluetooth, consider _U.S._ patent _application_ 2005/0063409 that teaches _a_ method for allowing users to _communicate_ across several scatternets. _However,_ this invention _utilizes_ _multiple_ interconnected servers _and_ is not suitable for users _that_ wish to quickly arrange and participate _in_ an ad hoc communications group. None of the prior _art_ communication options, however, deliver a flexible _way_ _of_ communicating with an arbitrary number of _individual_ users. In each case either the _users_ are restricted by the technical _limitations_ of the _Bluetooth_ standard or the communication options _necessary_ to create _a_ _group_ chat are too involved _for_ the average user to accomplish. Note that for purposes of the instant disclosure, the _term_ enhancement of the communication options will be taken _to_ refer _to_ any _approach_ that allows a user to communicate _with_ _a_ mobile device in addition to the already existing communication options. Thus what is needed is a method _that_ gives the _user_ of _a_ _cell_ _phone_ _or_ users of mobile devices the ability _to_ create multi-user _communications_ _on_ that device without a need _for_ elaborate equipment configurations, planning, or installation and which is not _bound_ by the technical limitations of a specific communication protocol. Preferably the method _will_ extend an invitation to _others_ to join a communications group _and_ will automatically provide the appropriate software for use by _new_ users who do not already have it. Preferably the _method_ will use a commonly available wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. _Accordingly_ it _should_ now be _recognized,_ as _was_ recognized by the present inventors, that there exists, and has existed for some time, _a_ very real _need_ for a system _and_ method that would address and _solve_ the above-described problems. Before proceeding _to_ _a_ description of the present invention, however, it _should_ be _noted_ and remembered that the _description_ of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, _should_ _not_ be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown and _described._ This is so _because_ _those_ skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other _forms_ of _the_ invention _within_ the ambit of the appended claims.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to multi-chamber process equipments for fabricating semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, the advance in device miniaturization and IC complexity is increasing the need for more accurate and more complicated processes, and wafers of larger diameters. Accordingly, much attention is focused on multi-chamber process equipments (or systems) in view of increase of complex precesses, and enhancement of throughput in an individual wafer processing system.
FIG. 14 shows one conventional example. A multi-chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber 1, a plurality of process chambers 3 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves 2, a load lock chamber (preliminary evacuation chamber) 5 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through a gate valve 4, and a wafer load chamber 7 connected with the load lock chamber 5 through a gate valve 6.
In the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the load lock chamber 5, there are provided wafer transfer arms 9 and 10 for carrying a wafer 8, as shown in FIG. 14. The transfer arm 10 is designed to take each wafer 8 from wafer cassettes 11, 11 placed in the wafer load chamber 7, through the gate valve 6, and bring the wafer into the wafer transfer chamber 1. The transfer arm 9 is arranged to receive the wafer 8 from the arm 10, and insert the wafer through one of the gate valves 2 into a predetermined one of the process chambers. The wafer 8 is shifted from one process chamber to another by the transfer arm 10 according to the sequence of processes.
Another conventional example is shown in "NIKKEI MICRODEVICES", May, 1990, page 47. A multi-chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber, a plurality of parallel PVD or other process chambers connected with the transfer chamber, a cooling chamber, a preclean chamber, a buffer chamber, and RTP/etching/CVD chamber (or chambers), a load lock chamber, and other chambers. The pressure of each chamber is held at a predetermined degree of vacuum (base pressure) according to the object of the chamber. For example, the wafer transfer chamber is held at 10.sup.-8 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-6 Pa), the PVD chamber is held at 10.sup.-9 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-7 Pa), and the load lock chamber is held at 10.sup.-5 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-3 Pa).
Japanese Patent Provisional Publication (TOKKAI) No. 61-55926 shows still another conventional example.
In these equipments, the pressures of the different chambers are determined so as to ensure the clean wafer processing environment. In general, the pressures are made closer to the atmospheric pressure in the following order; (Process chamber)<(Wafer transfer chamber)<(Load lock chamber).
In the conventional process equipments, however, a wafer is readily affected by dew condensation especially in a low temperature etching chamber which is cooled to -20.degree. C..about.-70.degree. C. if the chamber is not evacuated sufficiently before loading of the wafer. Therefore, it is required to reduce the pressure in the chamber below a base pressure of the chamber (10.sup.-6 Torr, for example). Moreover, the degree of vacuum of the wafer transfer chamber is lower (that is, the pressure is higher) than that of the process chamber. Therefore, when the process chamber is opened, there arises a flow of residual water content from the wafer transfer chamber to the process chamber, resulting in the dew condensation. The conventional equipments cannot prevent condensation satisfactorily even if the pressure of the process chamber is decreased sufficiently below the base pressure.
On the other hand, cross contamination is caused by a flow of residual gases from a process chamber for heat treatment or photo-assisted CVD, to the wafer transfer chamber if the degree of vacuum in the wafer transfer chamber is too high.
Furthermore, the conventional equipments cannot sufficiently reduce variations of wafer properties such as sheet resistance from wafer to wafer, especially when the wafers are processed in a high temperature silicide CVD chamber. It is possible to reduce the variations of the sheet resistance by decreasing the pressure in the load lock chamber below the above-mentioned level. However, the pumping operation must be continued for three hours or more.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to bi - chamber manufacturing equipments for fabricating semiconductor devices. 2. description of the packaging art in recent years, the advance in device miniaturization and ic complexity is increasing the need for more accurate and more complicated processes, and wafers of larger diameters. accordingly, much attention is focused on multi - chamber process equipments ( or systems ) in view of increase of complex precesses, and enhancement of throughput in an individual wafer processing system. fig. 14 shows one conventional example. a multi - chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber 3a, a plurality of process chambers 3 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves 2, a load lock chamber ( preliminary evacuation compartment ) 5 connected with the transfer chamber 1 and a gate valve 4, and a wafer load chamber 2 connected with the load lock chamber 5 through a gate valve 6. in the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the load lock chamber 5, there are provided wafer transfer arms 9 and 10 for carrying a wafer 8, as shown in fig. 14. the transfer arm 10 is designed to take each wafer 1 from wafer cassettes 11, 11 placed in the wafer load chamber 7, through the gate valve 6, and bring the wafer into the wafer transfer chamber 1. the transfer arm 9 simply arranged to receive the wafer 8 from the arm 10, and insert the wafer through one of adjacent gate valves 2 into a predetermined one of the process chambers. the wafer 8 is shifted from one process chamber to another by the transfer arm 10 according to the sequence of processes. another conventional example is shown in " nikkei microdevices ", may, 1990, page 47. a multi - chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber, a plurality of parallel pvd or other process chambers connected with the transfer chamber, a cooling chamber, a preclean chamber, a buffer chamber, and rtp / etching / cvd chamber ( or chambers ), a load lock chamber, and other chambers. the pressure of each chamber is held at a predetermined degree of vacuum ( base pressure ) according to the object of the chamber. for example, the wafer transfer chamber is held at 10. sup. - 8 torr ( 1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 6 pa ), the pvd chamber is held at 10. sup. - 9 torr ( 1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 7 pa ), and the load lock chamber is held at 10. sup. - 5 torr ( 1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 3 pa ). japanese patent provisional publication ( tokkai ) no. 61 - 55926 shows still another conventional example. in these equipments, the pressures of the different chambers are determined so as to ensure the clean wafer processing environment. in general, the pressures are made closer to the atmospheric pressure in the following order ; ( process chamber ) & lt ; ( wafer transfer chamber ) & lt ; ( load lock chamber ). in the conventional process equipments, however, a wafer is readily affected by dew condensation especially in a low temperature etching chamber which is cooled to - 20. degree. c.. about. - 70. degree. c. if the chamber is not evacuated sufficiently before loading of the wafer. therefore, it is required to reduce the pressure in the chamber below a base pressure of the chamber ( 10. sup. - 6 torr, for example ). moreover, the degree of vacuum of the wafer transfer chamber is lower ( that is, the pressure is higher ) than that of the process chamber. therefore, when the process chamber is opened, there arises a flow of residual water content from the wafer transfer chamber to the process chamber, resulting in the dew condensation. the conventional equipments cannot prevent condensation satisfactorily even if the pressure of the process chamber is decreased sufficiently below the base pressure. on the other hand, cross contamination is caused by a flow of residual gases from a process chamber for heat treatment or photo - assisted cvd, to the wafer transfer chamber if the degree of vacuum in the wafer transfer chamber is too high. furthermore, the conventional equipments cannot sufficiently reduce variations of wafer properties such as sheet resistance from wafer to wafer, especially when the wafers are processed in a high temperature silicide cvd chamber. it is possible to reduce the variations of the sheet resistance by decreasing the pressure in the load lock chamber below the above - mentioned level. however, the pumping operation must be continued for three hours or more.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to multi - chamber process equipments for fabricating semiconductor devices. 2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, the advance in device miniaturization and IC complexity is increasing the need for more accurate and more complicated processes, and wafers of larger diameters. Accordingly, much attention is focused on multi - chamber process equipments (or systems) in view of increase of complex precesses, and enhancement of throughput in an individual wafer processing system. FIG. 14 shows one conventional example. A multi - chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber 1, a plurality of process chambers 3 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves 2, a load lock chamber (preliminary evacuation chamber) 5 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through a gate valve 4, and a wafer load chamber 7 connected with the load lock chamber 5 through a gate valve 6. In the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the load lock chamber 5, there are provided wafer transfer arms 9 and 10 for carrying a wafer 8, as shown in FIG. 14. The transfer arm 10 is designed to tamr each wafer 8 from wafer cassettes 11, 11 placed in the wafer load chamber 7, through the gate valve 6, and bring the wafer into the wafer transfer chamber 1. The transfer arm 9 is arranged to receive the wafer 8 from the arm 10, and insert the wafer through one of the gate valves 2 into a predetermined one of the process chambers. The wafer 8 is shifted from one process chamber to another by the transfer arm 10 according to the sequence of processes. Another conventional example is shown in " NIKKEI MICRODEVICES ", May, 1990, page 47. A multi - chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber, a plurality of parallel PVD or other process chambers connected with the transfer chamber, a cooling chamber, a preclean chamber, a buffer chamber, and RTP / etching / CVD chamber (or chambers ), a load lock cgamNer, and other chambers. The pressure of each chamber is held at a predetermined degree of vacuum (base pressure) according to the object of the chamber. For example, the wafer transfer chamber is held at 10. sup. - 8 Torr (1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 6 Pa ), the PVD chamber is held at 10. sup. - 9 Torr (1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 7 Pa ), and the load lock chamber is held at 10. sup. - 5 Torr (1. 3. times. 10. sup. - 3 Pa ). Japanese Patent Provisional Publication (TOKKAI) No. 61 - 5^O26 shows still another conventional example. In these equi)mentx, the pressures of the different chambers are determined so as to ensure the clean wafer processing environment. In general, the pressures are made closer to the atmospheric pressure in the following order; (Process chamb@e) & lt; (Wafer transfer chamber) & lt; (Load lock chAjber ). In the confenrional process equipments, however, a wafer is readily affected by dew condensation especially in a low temperature etching chamber which is cooled to - 20. degree. C. . about. - 70. degree. C. if the chamber is not evacuated sufficiently before loading of the wafer. Therefore, it is required to reduce the pressure in the chamber below a bxAe pressure of the chamber (10. sup. - 6 Torr, for example ). Moreover, the degree of vacuum of the wafer transfer chamber is lower (that is, the pressure is higher) than that of the process chamber. Therefore, when the process chamber is opened, there arises a flow of residual water content from the wafer transfer chamber to the process chamber, resulting in the dew condensation. The conventional equipments cannot prevent condensation satisfactorily even if the pressure of the process chamber is decreased sufficiently below the base pressure. On the other hand, cross contamination is caused by a eOow of residual gases from a process chamber for heat treatment or photo - assisted CVD, to the wafer transfer chamber if the degree of vacuum in the wafer transfer chamber is too high. Furthermore, the conventional equipments cannot sufficiently reduce variations of wafer properties such as sheet resistance from wafer to wafer, especially when the wafers are processed in a high temperature silicide CVD chamber. It is possible to red Tc3 the variations of the sheet resistance by decreasing the pressure in the load lock chamber below the above - mentioned level. However, the pumping operation must be continued for three hours or more.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to multi-chamber equipments for fabricating semiconductor devices. 2. Description of the Prior Art In recent the advance in device miniaturization and IC complexity is increasing the need for more accurate more complicated and wafers of larger diameters. much is focused on multi-chamber equipments (or systems) in view of increase of complex precesses, and enhancement of in an individual wafer processing system. FIG. shows one conventional example. A multi-chamber process equipment of example includes a wafer transfer chamber 1, a plurality of process chambers 3 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves 2, load lock chamber (preliminary evacuation chamber) 5 connected with the chamber through a gate valve 4, and a wafer load chamber 7 connected with the load lock chamber 5 through a gate valve 6. In the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the load lock chamber 5, there are provided wafer transfer arms and 10 for a wafer 8, as shown in FIG. 14. The transfer arm 10 designed to take each wafer 8 from wafer cassettes 11, 11 placed in the wafer load chamber 7, through the gate valve 6, and bring the wafer the wafer transfer chamber 1. The transfer arm 9 is to receive the wafer 8 the arm 10, and insert the wafer through one of the gate valves 2 into a predetermined one of the process chambers. The wafer 8 is shifted from one process chamber to by the transfer arm 10 according to the sequence processes. conventional example is shown in "NIKKEI MICRODEVICES", May, page 47. A multi-chamber process equipment this example includes a transfer chamber, a plurality of parallel PVD or other process chambers connected with the transfer a cooling chamber, a preclean chamber, a buffer chamber, and RTP/etching/CVD chamber chambers), load lock chamber, and other chambers. The of each chamber is held at a predetermined degree of (base pressure) according to the object of the chamber. For example, the wafer chamber is held at 10.sup.-8 Torr Pa), the PVD chamber is at 10.sup.-9 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-7 Pa), and load lock chamber is held at 10.sup.-5 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-3 Pa). Japanese Patent Publication (TOKKAI) No. 61-55926 shows still another conventional example. In these equipments, the pressures of the different chambers are determined so as to ensure the clean wafer processing In general, the pressures are made closer to the atmospheric pressure in the following order; chamber)<(Wafer transfer chamber)<(Load chamber). In conventional process however, a wafer is readily affected dew condensation especially in a low temperature etching chamber which is cooled to C..about.-70.degree. C. the chamber is not evacuated sufficiently before loading of the wafer. Therefore, it is required to reduce the pressure in the below a base pressure the chamber (10.sup.-6 Torr, for example). the degree of vacuum of the wafer transfer chamber is lower (that is, the is higher) than that of the process chamber. Therefore, when the process is opened, there arises a flow of residual water from the wafer transfer chamber to the process chamber, resulting in the dew condensation. The conventional equipments cannot prevent condensation satisfactorily even if the of the process chamber is decreased sufficiently below the base pressure. On the other hand, cross contamination caused by a flow of residual gases from chamber for heat treatment photo-assisted CVD, to the wafer transfer chamber if the of vacuum in the wafer transfer is too high. Furthermore, the conventional cannot sufficiently reduce variations of wafer such sheet resistance from wafer to wafer, especially when the are processed in temperature silicide chamber. It is possible to reduce the variations of the sheet resistance by decreasing the in lock the above-mentioned level. However, the pumping operation must be for three hours or more.
|
1. fiELD Of THE iNvenTION
thE presenT iNvENTION RelATeS tO mULTI-chamBer pROCeSs eQuiPmeNtS for FABriCAtIng SEMicONDUCTOr DeviCEs.
2. DEScRipTIoN of The priOR ArT
iN rECent YeARS, THe AdvaNCe IN dEvIcE MiNIAtURiZatiOn aND ic COMPleXiTy is iNCREaSINg The neeD FOR MORE AcCuratE aND MoRE complicAtEd prOcEsSes, anD waFErs oF largeR DIamEters. ACcoRDinGLY, MUcH AttEnTion IS FOcuseD On MuLtI-ChAmBeR PRoceSs EqUIPMeNtS (or SystEmS) in viEW of INcrEaSe Of ComPlEx PrecesseS, And enhAnCEMEnT Of througHPUt IN aN INDIvIDuaL wafer pROCEsSIng sYstEm.
fIg. 14 SHOWs OnE COnvEnTioNAl EXamPle. A MUlti-chaMbER prOceSS EQUiPment Of THIs ExamplE incLudEs A WAFer TRAnsfEr cHamber 1, a PLurALITY oF pRoCESS cHAmbErs 3 CONNEcted WiTh the tRAnSfer chambER 1 THRouGh REspECTIve gAte vAlveS 2, A LOAd LocK ChamBER (prEliminaRy EVAcuATion CHAmbEr) 5 CONnEcTED WitH ThE trANSfer CHAMbeR 1 throUGH a GatE vALvE 4, AnD a wAFer Load ChamBER 7 CONnected wITh the LoaD LoCk ChAMBEr 5 THrOugH A GATE VALVE 6.
In The wafEr tRaNsFEr ChaMbER 1 aNd The LOaD lOCK CHamBer 5, TheRE aRe ProvIDed wafer TRAnsFeR arMS 9 aNd 10 foR cARryING A Wafer 8, AS sHOWn In fIg. 14. the TrANSfEr arM 10 iS DesIgned TO TakE each wafeR 8 FROm wafer casseTtES 11, 11 pLaceD IN tHE waFEr LOAD cHaMBEr 7, thROUgh tHe GAte valVe 6, aNd brINg THe WAfer iNtO ThE waFeR TraNsfER cHambEr 1. tHe TRANSfer ARM 9 Is ARraNgEd to ReCeIvE THE waFER 8 FRoM the ARM 10, aND INSert thE WaFeR THRoUGH one of The gatE vALves 2 iNTo A PrEdetermIned oNE Of ThE PrOcESs cHaMBeRs. THE waFER 8 Is SHiFteD FroM oNe PROCess chAmbEr TO aNoTHer bY tHE tRaNSfeR ARm 10 AcCOrding tO tHE SeqUencE of pRocESseS.
AnothEr CoNvENtiOnAL EXAMPLE iS ShOWN iN "nIKkeI micrOdEViCES", MAy, 1990, pAGE 47. A MULTi-chAmBer pRocESs EquIPmenT Of THis eXAmple INcLuDES A wafEr tRAnsfer ChAMBer, a PLUraLITY of pARAlLEL pVd Or oTHEr prOCeSS cHAmBerS ConnECtEd WitH The tRanSFer CHAMbER, a coOLINg ChAmbeR, a prECLeaN chamBer, a BuFFeR ChaMBEr, ANd RTP/EtcHiNg/CvD cHAMBEr (oR chAmBers), A loAd LOck CHAmber, anD OTHEr ChAmBERs. ThE pRessUre oF eaCh cHAmBER is hELD aT a predETERminED DEgreE oF vaCuUM (BASE PreSSUrE) aCcorDING TO tHe ObjEct oF ThE chaMBEr. FOr ExAMPlE, tHe WAFer TRaNSFer chambEr IS HElD at 10.sUp.-8 tOrR (1.3.tIMES.10.sup.-6 PA), the PvD cHambeR Is HElD At 10.Sup.-9 ToRR (1.3.tiMES.10.suP.-7 Pa), anD tHE lOAD LoCk cHAMBEr is heLD aT 10.sUP.-5 TORR (1.3.tImes.10.sup.-3 pa).
jApAnEsE PaTent PrOVISiOnAL PubliCaTION (toKkaI) no. 61-55926 SHOwS stIlL ANOTher coNvEntiONal ExaMPLE.
iN These EquIpMeNtS, THe preSsUReS Of tHe dIffErENt CHambERS arE dEtErmineD so aS TO ENsurE THE CLean WafEr ProCesSiNg eNVIROnMENT. In geNeRaL, thE prESSUreS ARE MAdE CLOseR To tHE atmOSpHERic PRESsUre in the foLlOWIng orDEr; (pROCEss ChaMbER)<(wAFEr tRaNsfeR chambeR)&lT;(loAd lOCK ChaMbEr).
IN THE CONVentIonAl prOcesS EquiPmeNTs, hoWEVer, A WAfer iS rEAdIlY AFfEcTed By dEW COnDenSaTIOn eSpeCiALly iN a LoW tEmpEraturE eTChiNG chaMber whICH IS cooLeD tO -20.DeGree. C..ABout.-70.DeGrEE. C. If tHE ChAmbEr is noT EVacuatED sUffiCIENTLY bEfore LoadINg oF thE wAfER. tHEREforE, IT Is ReqUiRED TO rEDUCE tHE PRessure IN THE CHamBeR BEloW A BAsE pRESSuRE OF the ChamBER (10.SUP.-6 tORr, fOR exAMPLE). mOREover, tHe DEgRee oF VAcUum oF THE waFer trAnsfeR cHAMbEr Is lowEr (THAT is, tHE pRESsUre IS higHer) ThAN that oF The proCess chAMber. thereFORE, when thE pRoCESS CHAMbEr is OpENEd, tHERE ariseS a flOw oF resIDuAL WATeR cOnTENT from thE WafER TRaNSfer ChAMBEr to tHE proCESs cHaMbER, ReSULTing In thE dEW CoNdeNSaTion. the CoNVENTIoNAL EQuipmeNtS CaNNOt PReVEnt COndensATIOn SaTISfACtoRILY EVeN If tHE PReSsuRE oF THe PROCesS ChaMBER IS DECrEASED SuffIcIeNTlY bELOW the bASE PrESSurE.
ON THe OtheR hand, CRoss coNTAMINATIOn iS cAuseD BY A FLOW Of RESidUAL gases from a pROCEsS CHaMBeR FOr HEAT treaTment OR pHoTo-ASsIstEd CVD, TO THE wafEr tRAnsfeR cHAMBER IF THe DegrEe oF vACUuM in THE WaFER tRaNSFer chamber Is toO hIgH.
fuRtheRmORe, THe coNVENtIonal eQuiPMentS cannOt SUffiCIEntlY rEDUce VaRiAtIoNs of WAfer PrOpeRtiES SUCH aS shEeT rESiStaNCE fRom WafEr To wAfEr, especIALLy WHEn thE waFers aRE PRocESSeD In A hiGH teMpERaTuRe siLicIDe CvD ChAmbeR. iT Is possIBLe TO ReDUce tHE VAriaTIONS OF tHe SheET ResIstANcE bY dEcrEasinG The PresSure iN the lOad LoCk cHAmber beLow tHE abOve-MeNTIOneD lEVEl. hOweVeR, THe pUMPING opErATIoN Must be ConTINUeD FoR THree HOurS Or more.
|
1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates to multi-chamber process equipmentsfor fabricating semiconductordevices.2. Description of thePrior Art In recent years, the advance in device miniaturizationand IC complexityis increasing the need for moreaccurate and more complicated processes,and wafers of larger diameters. Accordingly, much attention is focused on multi-chamber process equipments (or systems) in view of increase of complex precesses, and enhancement of throughput in an individual wafer processing system. FIG. 14shows one conventional example. A multi-chamber processequipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber 1, a plurality of process chambers 3connected with the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves 2, a load lock chamber (preliminary evacuation chamber) 5 connected with the transfer chamber 1 through a gate valve 4, and a waferload chamber7 connected with the loadlock chamber 5through a gate valve 6. In the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the loadlock chamber 5, there are provided wafer transfer arms 9 and 10 for carrying a wafer8, as shown in FIG. 14. The transfer arm 10 is designed to take each wafer 8 from wafer cassettes11, 11 placed in the wafer load chamber 7, throughthe gate valve 6,and bring the waferinto the wafer transfer chamber 1. The transfer arm 9 is arrangedto receive the wafer 8 from the arm 10, and insert thewafer through one of the gate valves 2 into a predetermined one of the process chambers.The wafer 8 is shifted from one process chamber to another by the transfer arm 10according to thesequence of processes. Another conventionalexample is shownin"NIKKEI MICRODEVICES", May, 1990, page 47. A multi-chamber process equipment of this example includes a wafer transfer chamber, a plurality ofparallel PVD or other process chambersconnected withthe transfer chamber, a cooling chamber, a preclean chamber, abuffer chamber, andRTP/etching/CVD chamber(or chambers), a load lock chamber, and other chambers. Thepressure of each chamberis held at a predetermineddegree of vacuum (base pressure) accordingto the object of thechamber. For example,thewafer transfer chamber is held at 10.sup.-8 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-6 Pa), the PVD chamber is held at 10.sup.-9 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-7 Pa), and the load lock chamber is held at 10.sup.-5 Torr(1.3.times.10.sup.-3 Pa). Japanese PatentProvisional Publication (TOKKAI) No. 61-55926 shows still another conventional example.In these equipments, the pressures of the different chambers aredetermined soas to ensure the clean wafer processing environment. In general, the pressures are made closer to the atmospheric pressure in the following order;(Processchamber)<(Wafer transfer chamber)<(Load lock chamber). In the conventional process equipments, however, a waferis readily affected bydew condensation especially inalow temperatureetching chamber which is cooled to -20.degree. C..about.-70.degree. C. if the chamberis not evacuated sufficiently before loading of thewafer.Therefore, itis requiredto reduce the pressurein the chamber below a base pressure of thechamber (10.sup.-6 Torr, for example). Moreover, the degree of vacuumof the wafer transfer chamber is lower (that is, the pressure is higher) than that of the process chamber. Therefore, whenthe processchamber is opened,there arises a flow of residual watercontent from the wafer transfer chamber to the process chamber, resulting in the dew condensation. The conventionalequipments cannotprevent condensation satisfactorily even if the pressureof the process chamber is decreased sufficiently below the base pressure. On the other hand, cross contamination is caused by a flow of residual gasesfrom aprocess chamber for heat treatment or photo-assistedCVD, to the wafer transfer chamber if the degree of vacuum in the wafer transfer chamber is too high. Furthermore, the conventional equipments cannot sufficientlyreduce variations of wafer properties such as sheet resistance fromwaferto wafer, especially when the wafers are processedin a high temperaturesilicide CVD chamber. It is possible to reduce the variations of the sheet resistance by decreasing the pressure in the load lock chamber belowthe above-mentioned level. However, the pumping operation must be continuedfor three hours or more.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to multi-chamber process equipments for fabricating semiconductor devices. _2._ Description of the Prior _Art_ In recent years, the advance in _device_ _miniaturization_ and IC complexity is increasing _the_ _need_ for more _accurate_ and more complicated processes, and wafers of larger diameters. Accordingly, much attention is _focused_ on _multi-chamber_ process equipments (or systems) in view of _increase_ _of_ complex precesses, and enhancement of _throughput_ in _an_ individual wafer processing _system._ FIG. 14 shows one conventional example. _A_ multi-chamber process equipment of _this_ example includes a wafer transfer chamber _1,_ a _plurality_ of _process_ chambers 3 connected _with_ the transfer chamber 1 through respective gate valves _2,_ a _load_ _lock_ chamber (preliminary evacuation chamber) 5 _connected_ with the transfer chamber 1 through a gate valve 4, _and_ _a_ wafer load chamber 7 connected with the load _lock_ chamber 5 through a _gate_ valve _6._ In the wafer transfer chamber 1 and the load lock chamber _5,_ there are provided wafer transfer arms 9 and _10_ for carrying _a_ wafer 8, _as_ shown in FIG. _14._ The _transfer_ arm 10 is _designed_ to take each wafer 8 from wafer cassettes 11, _11_ placed _in_ the wafer load chamber 7, through the gate valve 6, and bring the _wafer_ into the wafer transfer chamber 1. The _transfer_ arm 9 is arranged to receive _the_ wafer 8 from _the_ arm 10, and insert the _wafer_ through _one_ of the _gate_ valves 2 _into_ a _predetermined_ one of _the_ process chambers. The wafer 8 _is_ _shifted_ from one process chamber to another by the transfer arm 10 according _to_ the sequence of _processes._ _Another_ conventional example is shown in "NIKKEI _MICRODEVICES",_ May, 1990, _page_ 47. A multi-chamber process _equipment_ of _this_ _example_ includes a wafer _transfer_ _chamber,_ a plurality _of_ _parallel_ PVD or other process chambers connected with the transfer _chamber,_ a cooling chamber, a preclean _chamber,_ _a_ buffer chamber, and _RTP/etching/CVD_ _chamber_ (or _chambers),_ _a_ load lock chamber, and other _chambers._ The pressure of each chamber is held at a predetermined _degree_ of vacuum _(base_ pressure) according to the object of the chamber. For example, _the_ wafer transfer chamber is _held_ at _10.sup.-8_ _Torr_ (1.3.times.10.sup.-6 Pa), _the_ PVD chamber is held at 10.sup.-9 Torr (1.3.times.10.sup.-7 _Pa),_ and the _load_ lock _chamber_ is held at 10.sup.-5 _Torr_ (1.3.times.10.sup.-3 Pa). Japanese Patent Provisional _Publication_ (TOKKAI) No. 61-55926 shows still another conventional _example._ _In_ _these_ equipments, the pressures of _the_ different chambers _are_ determined so _as_ to ensure the clean wafer processing _environment._ In general, the _pressures_ are _made_ closer to _the_ _atmospheric_ pressure in _the_ following order; _(Process_ chamber)<(Wafer transfer chamber)<(Load lock chamber). In the conventional process equipments, however, a wafer is readily affected by dew condensation _especially_ in a low temperature _etching_ _chamber_ _which_ is cooled to -20.degree. _C..about.-70.degree._ C. _if_ the chamber is not evacuated sufficiently before _loading_ of the wafer. Therefore, it _is_ required to _reduce_ the pressure _in_ the chamber below a _base_ pressure of _the_ chamber _(10.sup.-6_ Torr, for example). Moreover, _the_ degree _of_ vacuum of _the_ wafer _transfer_ chamber is lower (that is, the pressure is higher) than that _of_ the process _chamber._ Therefore, when the _process_ _chamber_ is opened, there arises _a_ _flow_ of _residual_ water _content_ _from_ the wafer transfer chamber to the _process_ chamber, resulting _in_ the dew condensation. The conventional equipments cannot prevent condensation satisfactorily _even_ if the pressure of the _process_ chamber is decreased _sufficiently_ below the _base_ pressure. On the other _hand,_ cross contamination is caused by _a_ flow of residual _gases_ from a process chamber for heat treatment _or_ photo-assisted CVD, to _the_ wafer transfer chamber _if_ the degree of vacuum _in_ _the_ wafer transfer _chamber_ is _too_ high. Furthermore, the conventional equipments cannot sufficiently reduce variations of wafer properties _such_ as sheet resistance from wafer _to_ _wafer,_ especially when the wafers _are_ _processed_ in a high temperature silicide CVD chamber. It is possible _to_ reduce _the_ variations of the _sheet_ resistance by decreasing the pressure in the load lock chamber below the above-mentioned level. However, the pumping operation must be continued _for_ _three_ hours or more.
|
(a) Field
Embodiments of the present system and method relate to a stereoscopic image display device, and more particularly, to a stereoscopic image display device with an enhanced display quality.
(b) Description of the Related Art
In general, a display device that can display a three-dimensional (3D) image expresses a 3D effect of objects by using binocular parallax. That is, different 2D images are displayed to the left eye and the right eye of a user viewing the display. When the image displayed to the left eye (hereafter referred to as “left-eye image”) and the image displayed to the right eye (hereafter referred to as “right-eye image”) are processed by the user's brain, the brain recognizes the combination of the left-eye image and the right-eye image as a three-dimensional image having depth perception.
A display device capable of displaying 3D images using binocular parallax is generally referred to as a stereoscopic 3D image display device. Some stereoscopic 3D image display devices may require the user to wear special headgear or eye glasses (e.g., shutter glasses and polarized glasses). Other stereoscopic 3D image display devices, referred to as autostereoscopic 3D image display devices, however, do not require the user to wear special head gear or eye glasses. An autostereoscopic 3D image display device generally includes an optical system (e.g., a lenticular lens and a parallax barrier having a plurality of openings) in the display device itself that divides a 3D image into several viewpoints so as to realize a 3D image.
|
( a ) field embodiments of the present system and method relate to a stereoscopic image display device, and others particularly, to a stereoscopic image display device with an enhanced display quality. ( b ) description of the related art in general, a display device that can display a three - dimensional ( 3d ) image expresses a 3d effect of objects depicted using binocular parallax. that is, different 2d images are displayed to the left eye and the right eye of a user viewing the display. when the image displayed below the left eye ( otherwise referred simply as “ left - eye image ” ) and the imagery displayed to the right eye ( hereafter referred to as “ right - eye image ” ) are processed by the user ' s senses, the brain recognizes the combination of the left - eye image and the right - eye image as a three - dimensional image having depth perception. a display device capable of displaying 3d images using binocular coordinates is generally referred to as a stereoscopic 3d image display device. some stereoscopic 3d image display devices may require its user to wear special headgear or eye glasses ( e. g., shutter glasses and polarized glasses ). other stereoscopic 3d image display devices, referred to as autostereoscopic 3d image display devices, however, do not require every user to wear special head gear or eye glasses. an autostereoscopic 3d image display device generally includes an optical system ( e. g., a lenticular lens and a parallax barrier having a plurality of openings ) in the display device itself that divides a 3d image into several viewpoints so as to realize a 3d image.
|
( a) Field EmbodijeMts of the present system and method relate to a stereoscopic image display device, and more particularly, to a stereoscopic image display device with an enhanced display quality. (b) Description of the Related Art In geh$ral, a display device that can display a 4hr4e - dimensional (3D) image expresses a 3D effect of objects by using binocular parallax. That is, different 2D images are displayed to the left eye and the right eye of a user viewing the display. When the image displayed to the left eye (hereafter referred to as “ left - eye image ”) and the image displayed to the right eye (hereafter referred to as “ right - eye image ”) are processed by the user ' s brain, the brain recognizes the combination of the irft - eye image and the right - eye image as a three - dimensional image having depth perception. A display device DapabKe of displaying 3D images using binocular parallax is generally referred to as a stereoscopic 3D image display device. Some stereoscopic 3D image display devices may require the user to wear special headgear or eye glasses (e. g. , shutter glasses and polarized glasses ). Other stereoscopic 3D image display devices, referred to as autostReeoscopic 3D image display devices, however, do not 5eq*ire the ude% to wear special head gear or eye glasses. An autostereoscopic 3D image display devlse generally includes an optical system (e. g. , a lemHicular lens and a parallax barrier having a plurality of openings) in the display device itself that divides a 3D image into several viewpoints so as to realize a 3D image.
|
(a) Field Embodiments of the present system and method relate to a image display device, and more particularly, to a stereoscopic image display device with an enhanced display quality. (b) of the Related Art In general, a display that can display a three-dimensional image expresses a effect of objects by using binocular That is, different 2D images are displayed the left eye and the right eye of a user viewing the display. When the image the left eye (hereafter referred to as “left-eye image”) and the image displayed to the right eye (hereafter referred to as “right-eye image”) are processed by user's brain, the brain recognizes the combination of the left-eye image and the image as a three-dimensional image having perception. A display device capable displaying using parallax is generally referred to as a stereoscopic 3D image display device. Some stereoscopic 3D image display devices require the user to wear special headgear or eye glasses (e.g., shutter glasses and polarized glasses). Other stereoscopic 3D display devices, referred to as autostereoscopic 3D image display devices, however, do not require the user to wear special head gear eye glasses. An autostereoscopic 3D image display device generally includes an optical system (e.g., a lenticular lens and a parallax barrier having a plurality of openings) in display device that a 3D image into viewpoints so as a 3D image.
|
(a) FiEld
EmbODImenTS of The pREsENt sySTeM aND MethoD ReLATE to A SteReOSCOpiC imAge dIsPlay DEvIcE, And mORe pARTiCularlY, to A STEREoScOpiC IMAgE dISplAY DEvICE wItH AN eNHanCEd DISplay QUALIty.
(b) DeScRiPtIon OF THe RelAteD Art
In gENEral, A DIspLaY Device THAT CAN DispLAy A tHReE-DimenSional (3d) iMage eXPResSeS a 3d EfFect Of OBjEcTS by USing BInoCuLaR PARaLlaX. ThAt IS, DIFfEReNt 2d IMaGes are dIsPlaYED TO THe leFT eYE AND THE rigHt EYE of a UseR vieWing thE DiSPLay. WhEn tHe Image dISPLAYed to ThE Left EyE (hEReaftER rEfERrED tO aS “LeFT-EYE ImagE”) anD ThE ImagE diSplaYEd tO the rIGHT EyE (HErEAfTer reFERred tO AS “RIghT-EYE imAGE”) arE prOCEsSeD BY thE user'S brain, ThE bRaiN REcOGniZEs tHe COmbiNaTIon OF THe LefT-EYE ImagE AnD tHE riGhT-Eye iMAGe AS A thrEE-DImenSIOnAl imagE HAvInG DEpth peRCEptiOn.
a dIsPlAy DEviCe cApABLE OF DISplAYiNG 3d ImAgeS usiNG BINoCUlar PArAlLax IS GenerAlLY rEFerReD tO aS a STeREoSCOpic 3d IMagE disPlaY DeVIcE. SOMe steREoSCOpiC 3D IMagE diSplaY DEvIceS MAY ReQUiRe THE UsEr To WEAR sPecIal HeAdgEaR oR Eye glASSES (e.g., SHutter glaSSes And pOlarizeD GLASseS). otHer stEReOsCoPIC 3D imagE diSPlaY DEVIcEs, ReFErrED To As autOSTEreoSCopiC 3d imAge DIspLAY DEViCEs, HoWEveR, DO nOT reqUIrE The usEr tO wear SPECial HEAd GeAr or EYE glaSSEs. aN autoStErEOSCOPic 3D imAgE DISpLAy deViCE GeNErAlLy INCLUDES An OpTIcAL sYSteM (E.g., A LentIcULAR lEnS AND a PArALLAx bArRIER haVIng A pLuRaLitY of oPenInGs) In tHe DISpLay deviCe iTsElF tHAt DiVIdeS a 3d imAGe intO sEvERAl vieWpOiNtS so as To reaLIzE a 3d imaGe.
|
(a) Field Embodiments of the present system and method relate toastereoscopic imagedisplay device, and more particularly, to a stereoscopicimage display device with anenhanced display quality. (b)Description of the Related Art In general, a display device that can display athree-dimensional (3D) image expressesa 3D effect of objects by using binocularparallax. Thatis, different 2D images are displayed totheleft eye and the right eye of a user viewing the display. When theimage displayed to the left eye (hereafter referred to as“left-eye image”) and the image displayed to the right eye (hereafter referred to as“right-eye image”)are processed by the user's brain, thebrain recognizes thecombinationof the left-eye imageand the right-eye image as a three-dimensional imagehaving depth perception.A display device capable of displaying 3D images usingbinocularparallaxis generally referred to as a stereoscopic 3D image display device. Some stereoscopic 3D image display devices may require the userto wear special headgear or eyeglasses (e.g., shutter glasses and polarized glasses). Other stereoscopic 3D image display devices, referred to as autostereoscopic 3D image display devices, however, do notrequire the user to wear special head gear oreye glasses.An autostereoscopic 3D image display device generally includes an optical system (e.g., a lenticular lens and a parallaxbarrier having a plurality of openings) in the display device itself that divides a 3Dimage into several viewpoints soas to realize a 3D image.
|
(a) Field Embodiments _of_ the _present_ _system_ and method relate to a stereoscopic image _display_ device, and more particularly, _to_ a _stereoscopic_ image _display_ device with an enhanced _display_ quality. _(b)_ Description _of_ the Related Art _In_ general, a display device that can display a three-dimensional (3D) image expresses a 3D _effect_ of objects by using binocular parallax. That is, different 2D _images_ _are_ _displayed_ _to_ the left eye _and_ the right eye of a user viewing the display. When the image displayed to the left eye (hereafter _referred_ to as “left-eye image”) and the image displayed to the _right_ eye (hereafter referred _to_ as “right-eye image”) _are_ processed by the user's brain, the _brain_ _recognizes_ _the_ _combination_ of the left-eye _image_ and the right-eye _image_ as a three-dimensional image having depth perception. _A_ display device capable of _displaying_ 3D images using binocular parallax is _generally_ _referred_ to _as_ a stereoscopic 3D image display device. _Some_ _stereoscopic_ _3D_ image display devices may require the _user_ to wear special headgear _or_ _eye_ glasses _(e.g.,_ shutter _glasses_ and polarized glasses). Other stereoscopic 3D image _display_ devices, referred _to_ _as_ autostereoscopic 3D image _display_ devices, however, _do_ not require the user _to_ wear _special_ head gear or eye _glasses._ An _autostereoscopic_ 3D _image_ display device generally includes an _optical_ system _(e.g.,_ a lenticular _lens_ and a parallax barrier having _a_ plurality of openings) in _the_ display device _itself_ that divides a 3D image into _several_ viewpoints so as to _realize_ a 3D image.
|
The present invention relates generally to digital copy protection, digital rights management, and conditional access, and more particularly but not exclusively to enabling transferable entitlements using Entitlement Management Messages (EMMs) for providing content to different network devices.
Today a consumer can readily purchase an entitlement to content such as a ticket to the opera, a sports event, movie, or the like. Often, the purchased ticket can be redeemed at some later stage and location. Similarly a consumer may purchase an airline ticket and redeem it for an airplane flight. However, there is a difference of transferability between these two ticket transactions. For various reasons, of both pricing and security, airline tickets represent non-transferable entitlements, where only the named recipient of the entitlement may redeem it, whereas movie tickets, or the like, are typically transferable.
Transferability is an attribute of the entitlement granted by an original owner to the recipient. It means that the recipient may be free to resell or transfer title to the entitlement prior to its redemption. It also typically means that the owner or its distributors agree to honor the redemption of the entitlement from whoever presents the entitlement. Thus, in some situations, a transferable entitlement may become an object of trade.
However, in today's realm of content, such as in the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) domain, or the like, entitlements do not readily support transferability. If a recipient were to purchase an entitlement on one set top box (STB) there presently is no mechanism to enable the transfer of that entitlement to another set top box or other network device for redemption. Transfer of entitlements between devices on the same or different networks may open a wealth of opportunity for consumers and for content providers.
Moreover, IPTV, and the like, may be currently served in discrete networks—so-called ‘walled-garden’ networks. These networks typically ensure a level of quality of service and security. However the walls often impose a barrier to a market of consumers inside the wall. The broader commercial motivation of this invention therefore includes allowing third-party content providers outside the walls to gain access to this market. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made
|
the present invention relates generally to digital copy protection, digital rights management, and conditional access, and more broadly but not exclusively to enabling transferable entitlements using entitlement management messages ( emms ) for providing content to different network devices. today a consumer can readily obtain conditional entitlement to content such as a ticket to the opera, a sports event, movie, or the like. often, the purchased ticket can be redeemed at some later stage and location. similarly a consumer may purchase an aero ticket and redeem it for an unlimited flight. however, there is a difference of transferability between these two ticket transactions. for various reasons, of both pricing and security, airline tickets represent non - transferable entitlements, where only the named recipient of the entitlement may redeem it, whereas movie tickets, or the like, are typically transferable. transferability is an attribute of the entitlement granted by an original owner to the recipient. it means that the recipient may be free to resell or transfer title to the entitlement prior to its redemption. it also typically means that the owner or its distributors agree to honor the redemption of the entitlement from whoever presents the entitlement. thus, in some situations, a transferable entitlement may become an object of trade. however, in today ' s realm of content, such as in the internet protocol television ( iptv ) domain, or the like, entitlements do not readily support transferability. if a recipient were to purchase an entitlement on one set top box ( stb ) there obviously is no mechanism to enable the transfer of that entitlement to another set top box or other network device for redemption. transfer of entitlements between devices on the same or different networks may open a wealth of opportunity from consumers and for content providers. moreover, iptv, and the like, may be currently served in discrete networks — so - called ‘ walled - garden ’ networks. these networks typically ensure a level of purity of service and security. however the walls often impose a barrier to a market of consumers inside the wall. no broader commercial motivation of this invention therefore includes allowing third - party content providers outside the walls to gain access to this market. thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others ensuring the present invention has been made
|
The present invention relates generally to digital cKph protection, diYi6al rights management, and conditional access, and more particularly but not exclusively to enabling transferable entitlements using Entitlement Management Messages (EMMs) for providing content to different network devices. Today a consumer can readily purchase an entitlement to content such as a ticket to the opera, a sports event, movie, or the like. Often, the purchased ticket can be rSdeemes at some later stage and location. Similarly a consumer may purchase an airline ticket and redeem it for an airplane f<(ght. However, there is a difference of transferability between gtese two ticket transactions. For various reasons, of both pricing and security, airline tickets represent non - transferable entitlements, where 9nlH the named recipient of the entitlement may redeem it, whereas movie 5icke$s, or the like, are typically transferable. Transferability is an attribute of the entitlement granted by an original owner to the recipient. It means tjaf the recipient may be free to resell or transfer title to the entitlement prior to its redemption. It also typically means that the owner or its distributors agree to honor the redemption of the entitlement from whoever presents the entitlement. Thus, in some situations, a transferable entitlement may become an object of trade. However, in today ' s realm of content, such as in the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) domain, or the like, entitlements do not readily support transferability. If a recipient were to purchase an entitlement on one set top box (STB) there presently is no mechanism to enable the transfer of that enYitleJent to another set top box or other network device for redemption. Transfer of entitlements between devices on the same or different networks may open a wealth of opportunity for consumers and for content providers. Moreover, IPTV, and the like, may be currently served in discrete networks — so - called ‘ walled - garden ’ networks. These networks typically ensure a level of quality of service and security. However the walls often impose a barrier to a market of consumers inside the wall. The broader commercial motivation of this invention thereflFe includes allowing third - party content providers outside the walls to gain access to this market. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made
|
The present invention relates generally to digital copy protection, rights management, and conditional access, and more particularly not exclusively enabling transferable entitlements using Entitlement Management Messages (EMMs) for providing content to different network devices. Today a consumer can readily purchase an entitlement to content such as a ticket to the opera, event, or the like. Often, the purchased ticket can be redeemed at some later stage and location. Similarly a consumer may purchase an airline ticket and redeem it an airplane flight. However, is a difference of transferability between these two ticket transactions. For various reasons, of both pricing and airline tickets represent non-transferable entitlements, where the recipient of the entitlement may redeem it, whereas movie tickets, or like, are typically transferable. Transferability is an attribute of the granted by an original owner to the recipient. It means that the recipient may free to resell or transfer title to the entitlement prior to its redemption. It means that the owner or its distributors agree to honor the redemption of the entitlement from presents entitlement. in some situations, a transferable entitlement may an object of trade. However, in realm of content, such as in the Internet Television (IPTV) domain, or the like, do not readily support transferability. If a recipient were to purchase an entitlement on one set top box (STB) there presently is no mechanism to the transfer of that entitlement to set top box or other network for redemption. Transfer of entitlements between devices same or different networks may open a wealth opportunity for consumers for content providers. Moreover, IPTV, and the like, may be currently served in networks—so-called ‘walled-garden’ networks. These networks typically ensure a level of and security. However the walls often impose a barrier to a market of consumers inside the wall. The broader commercial motivation of this invention therefore includes allowing third-party content providers outside the walls to access to market. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made
|
thE PreSeNt INVENTIoN reLaTes gENERAllY to DigiTAL cOpy pRotECTION, digITAl RIghts mANagEmENT, aNd COnDITIONaL accESs, and moRe pARtICuLarLy bUt Not eXCLUsIVelY TO ENAblINg TRaNSFerABLe EntItLeMEnTs uSIng ENtITlEmeNT MaNagEmenT messagEs (emMS) For PrOvidiNG ConTEnt TO DIfFEREnt NeTWOrk DEViCEs.
ToDaY a COnsuMER CAN ReAdIlY purCHAse aN eNTiTlemeNT TO ConTenT SuCh As A tIckET To the OpERa, A sPORts EVent, MoVIE, OR tHE LikE. oFTeN, THE pUrCHasED TIcket cAN be rEDeeMEd aT SOME lAteR stagE and LoCatIOn. siMIlARLy a CoNsumER may purCHaSE aN AiRLINe tickEt AND rEdEEM it fOR an AIrpLAnE fLIgHT. hOwEveR, tHEre Is a difFereNCe oF trANSferABILITy bETWeeN thEsE TWo tICKet TrANsACtionS. For VaRiOUs REASOns, OF BOth pRiCINg and secUriTy, AIrliNE TiCKEtS rEPRESEnt non-traNsfeRABle eNTITLEMEnTS, WHeRE oNly THe nAMED recipIeNt OF THE eNtItlEMeNt MaY REDEEm IT, WHeREaS MOVIE tickEtS, Or ThE LiKe, arE TYpICALLy tRanSFErabLE.
TRAnsfeRAbILitY Is AN aTtrIBute oF ThE ENTitLEMeNt GRANtED bY AN OrIGINal owner TO ThE rECIpIEnT. iT MEaNs ThAt thE recIPIENT mAY bE FRee to REsELl OR TraNsFer tItlE TO tHe eNTITlemENT priOR tO iTs RedEmPTIOn. it alSo TyPIcaLly MEanS That THe OWneR or itS DistrIbuTOrS AgREe To hOnOr THe rEdEMPtION Of tHE EnTitLEmeNT fROm whOeveR PReSeNTS thE eNTitlEMenT. THUS, iN some SiTUATiOns, A traNSfERaBlE EnTitlemenT MAY bECome aN oBJECt of trADE.
HowEVeR, IN tODay's ReAlm OF CONtENT, sUcH as In tHE InternET ProTOcoL teleVisiON (iPtV) DOMAIN, oR The lIkE, eNTItleMenTS do nOt rEADILy SuPpOrT TRansfErAbIlitY. if a rECiPIENt wERE tO PURchASe aN enTItleMeNt on One SET top box (stB) tHERE PrEsEnTLy IS NO MecHanISM To eNabLE The trAnSFeR of thAt enTiTleMent TO aNothEr SET tOp BOx OR oThER NEtwoRk DEViCE FOr rEDemPTiON. TrANsfEr OF entItLeMeNTS BEtween dEvIces oN THE SAme oR difFerEnt neTWORKS MaY oPEn A wEALTH Of OpporTUnITY fOr cOnSUMeRs ANd FOr coNTenT pROViDErs.
mOrEoVER, IpTV, ANd tHe Like, MAy be CURRenTLY sERVEd iN dIScREtE nEtwOrks—sO-callEd ‘WallED-garDeN’ NEtWORKs. thEsE nETwORks tyPICaLly enSurE a LEveL Of QuaLiTy oF sErVIce anD SeCurItY. hoWeVeR the walLS ofTEN imPOSe a BArRIeR tO A MarKeT OF COnSumErs INside the WAll. tHE brOADeR COmmERciAL mOTIVation oF thiS inVENTiON ThERefORE INCLUdEs AlLOWiNg thIRd-PARTy CONtenT PrOViderS ouTsIde tHe walLS To GAiN ACcEsS tO THIs marKeT. ThuS, It is wITh RESpEct to THESe ConsIDErAtiOnS AND OTHERS thaT the prESEnT INVENTION Has BEEN MaDE
|
The present invention relates generally to digitalcopy protection, digital rights management, and conditional access, andmore particularlybut not exclusively to enabling transferable entitlements usingEntitlement Management Messages(EMMs) for providing content todifferent network devices. Today a consumer can readily purchase an entitlement to content such as a ticket to theopera, a sports event,movie, or the like. Often,the purchased ticket canbe redeemed at some later stage and location.Similarly a consumer may purchase an airline ticket and redeem it for an airplaneflight. However, there is a difference of transferabilitybetweenthesetwo ticket transactions. For various reasons, of bothpricing and security, airline tickets represent non-transferable entitlements, where only thenamed recipient of the entitlement may redeem it, whereas movie tickets, or thelike, are typically transferable. Transferability is an attribute of the entitlement granted by an original owner to therecipient. It means thatthe recipient maybe free toresell or transfer titleto the entitlement prior to its redemption. Italso typically means that the owneror its distributorsagree to honor the redemption of the entitlement from whoever presents the entitlement. Thus, in some situations, a transferable entitlement may become an object oftrade.However, in today's realm ofcontent, such as in the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) domain, or the like, entitlements do not readily supporttransferability. If a recipient were to purchase an entitlement on one set top box (STB) there presently is no mechanism to enable the transfer of that entitlement toanother set top box orother network device for redemption. Transfer of entitlements between devices on the same or different networks may open a wealthof opportunity for consumers and for content providers. Moreover,IPTV, and the like, may be currently servedin discrete networks—so-called ‘walled-garden’ networks. These networks typicallyensure a level ofqualityofservice and security.However thewalls often impose a barrier to a market of consumers inside the wall.The broader commercial motivation of this inventiontherefore includes allowing third-party content providers outside the walls to gain access to this market. Thus,it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention has been made
|
The present invention relates generally to digital copy protection, digital rights management, and conditional access, and more particularly but not exclusively _to_ enabling _transferable_ entitlements using Entitlement _Management_ Messages (EMMs) for _providing_ content to _different_ network devices. Today _a_ _consumer_ _can_ readily purchase _an_ entitlement to _content_ such as a ticket to the opera, a _sports_ _event,_ _movie,_ or the _like._ Often, the purchased _ticket_ can _be_ redeemed at some later stage and location. Similarly a consumer _may_ purchase an _airline_ ticket and redeem it for an airplane flight. However, there is a difference of transferability between these two _ticket_ transactions. For various reasons, of both pricing and security, airline tickets represent non-transferable entitlements, where _only_ the named recipient _of_ the entitlement _may_ redeem it, whereas movie tickets, or the like, are typically _transferable._ _Transferability_ is an attribute of the entitlement granted by an original owner to the recipient. It means _that_ the _recipient_ may be free to resell or transfer title to the entitlement prior to its _redemption._ It _also_ typically means that the owner or its distributors agree to honor the redemption of _the_ _entitlement_ from whoever presents _the_ entitlement. Thus, in _some_ situations, a transferable entitlement may become _an_ object of trade. However, in today's realm of content, such as in the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) domain, or the like, entitlements do not readily support _transferability._ If _a_ recipient were _to_ _purchase_ an _entitlement_ _on_ one set top _box_ _(STB)_ there _presently_ is no mechanism to enable _the_ _transfer_ of that entitlement to _another_ set top _box_ or other network device for redemption. Transfer of _entitlements_ between devices on the same or _different_ networks may open a wealth of opportunity for consumers _and_ for _content_ providers. _Moreover,_ IPTV, and the like, may _be_ currently _served_ in _discrete_ networks—so-called ‘walled-garden’ networks. These networks typically ensure a level _of_ quality of _service_ and security. However the walls often impose a _barrier_ to a market of consumers inside the _wall._ The broader commercial _motivation_ of this _invention_ therefore includes allowing third-party content _providers_ outside _the_ walls to gain access to this market. Thus, it is with respect to these considerations and others that the present invention _has_ been _made_
|
This invention relates to a method for applying normally dry relatively large particle size (granular) fertilizers to crops, such as lawns. Lawn fertilizers are available in various forms including solutions of nutrients in water, dispersions (suspensions) of fine powders (70-80 mesh and smaller) in an aqueous medium, dry powders and dry granules. In some cases, the nutrient materials are supported on an inert carrier, e.g. sand or clay.
Both liquid fertilizers and dispersions of fine powders in aqueous mediums are usually spray applied using conventional types of liquid solution fertilizer spraying equipment. A typical example of a spray applied dispersion of a powdered fertilizer material is illustrated by the U.S. Pat. No. to Funk 4,036,627. This patent discloses a high analysis fertilizer formulaton of low bulk density powdered ureaformaldehyde having soluble and insoluble portions combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the resultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend, free of fillers and binding agents, and which may be carried in a liquid medium for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. The suspension generally has a fairly high concentration of the fine powder particles in the liquid medium.
Dry fertilizers in the powder form or the granular form are conventionally applied by dry spreaders. Numerous examples of dry powdered and granular fertilizer compositions are well known to those skilled in the art. Recently, these have begun to be formulated with provisions for timed (slow) release of the nutrients to avoid "burning" the crop and to reduce the number of applications in a growing season.
Each of the various physical forms of fertilizer compositions has its advantages and disadvantages. Spray applied liquid fertilizer solutions and dispersions of powdered nutrient materials are characterized by the ability to be applied evenly and from a tank truck, for example. These fertilizer forms usually provide nutrients which are immediately available to the lawn, and therefore enable quick response of the lawn to the application, i.e. quick "greening" of the lawn. However, such liquid solutions are often too rich in immediately available nutrients, particularly nitrogen. A solution which is too rich in nutrients can cause "burning" of the lawn. Additionally, insect and fungus growth may be accelerated. Still further, liquid solution type fertilizers do not often possess long life on or in the ground and their effect is quickly lost. Frequent application is required to maintain a desired nutrient level in the soil during a growing season.
With the finely divided powder or dispersion, a principal problem is retention on the leaves or blades of grass. This can also cause burning. Additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawn care procedures may result in loss of a significant value of the fertilizer. For example, application of dry powder is usually accompanied by considerable dusting and wind loss. Moreover, when the lawn is cut, and the clippings collected, a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry or dispersion applied, is carried away and lost. With a rotary lawn mower, dusting of a powdered fertilizer can also be a problem.
Granular fertilizers which are spread on the lawn in a dry condition, do not generally have the foregoing types of application problems encountered with powdered fertilizers. Because of the larger particle size, dusting is not a problem. Further, retention on the blades of grass or on leaves is not generally a problem with granular fertilizers. Thus, loss on removal of grass clippings is negligible. However, like any spreader applied fertilizer, application is usually uneven because of turns at the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc. Without care, overfertilizing can occur in certain areas and under fertilizing in others. A blotchy appearance results. Furthermore, the immediate nutrient availability of granular fertilizers may be lost due to leaching. Thus, with granular fertilizers obtaining quick "greening" can be a problem. Thus, as can be seen from the foregoing discussion the problems which are often encountered in the application of liquid, liquid dispersion or dry spread granular fertilizers are also manifested in the quality of performance of the fertilizer.
|
this invention relates to a method for applying normally dry relatively large particle size ( granular ) fertilizers to crops, such as lawns. lawn fertilizers are available in various forms including solutions of nutrients in water, dispersions ( suspensions ) of metallic powders ( 70 - 80 grams and smaller ) in an aqueous medium, dry powders and dry granules. typically some cases, the nutrient materials are supported on an inert carrier, e. g. sand or clay. both liquid fertilizers and dispersions of fine powders in aqueous mediums are usually spray applied using conventional types of liquid solution fertilizer spraying equipment. a typical example of a spray applied dispersion of a powdered fertilizer material is coupled with the u. s. pat. no. to funk 4, 036, 627. this patent discloses a high analysis fertilizer formulaton of low bulk density powdered ureaformaldehyde having soluble and insoluble portions combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the resultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend, free of fillers and binding agents, and which may be carried in a liquid medium for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. the suspension generally has a fairly high concentration of the fine powder particles in the liquid medium. dry fertilizers in the powder form or the granular form are conventionally utilized by dry spreaders. numerous examples of dry powdered and granular fertilizer compositions are well known to those skilled in the art. recently, these have begun to be issued with provisions for timed ( slow ) release of the nutrients to avoid " burning " the crop and to reduce the number of applications in any growing season. each of the various physical forms of fertilizer compositions has its advantages and disadvantages. spray applied liquid fertilizer solutions and dispersions of powdered nutrient materials are characterized by the ability to be applied evenly and from a tank truck, for example. these fertilizer forms usually provide nutrients which are immediately available into the lawn, and therefore enable quick response of the lawn to the application, i. e. quick " greening " of the lawn. however, such liquid solutions are potentially too rich in immediately available nutrients, particularly nitrogen. a solution which is too rich in nutrients can cause " burning " of the lawn. additionally, insect and fungus growth may be accelerated. still further, liquid solution type fertilizers do not often possess long life on or in the ground and their effect is quickly lost. frequent application is required to maintain a desired nutrient level in the soil during a growing season. with the finely divided powder or dispersion, a principal problem is retention on the leaves or blades of grass. this can also cause burning. additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawn care procedures may result in loss of a significant value of the fertilizer. for example, application of dry powder is usually accompanied by considerable dusting and wind loss. moreover, when the lawn is cut, and the clippings collected, a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry or dispersion applied, is carried away and lost. with a rotary lawn mower, dusting of a powdered fertilizer can also be a problem. granular fertilizers which are spread on the lawn in a dry condition, do not generally have the foregoing types of application problems encountered with powdered fertilizers. because of the larger particle size, dusting is not a problem. further, retention on the blades of grass or on leaves is not generally a problem with granular fertilizers. thus, loss on removal of grass clippings is negligible. however, like any spreader applied fertilizer, application is usually uneven because of turns at the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc. without care, overfertilizing can occur in certain areas and under fertilizing in others. a blotchy appearance results. furthermore, the immediate nutrient availability of granular fertilizers may be lost due to leaching. thus, with granular fertilizers obtaining quick " greening " can be a problem. thus, as can be seen from the foregoing discussion the problems which are often encountered in the application of liquid, liquid dispersion or dry spread granular fertilizers are also manifested in the quality of performance of the fertilizer.
|
This invention relates to a method for applying normally dry relatively large particle size (granular) fertilizers to crops, such as lawns. Lawn fertilizers are available in varJoHs forms including solutions of nutrients in water, dispersions (suspensions) of fine powders (70 - 80 mesh and smaller) in an aqueous medium, dry powders and dry granules. In some cases, the nutrient materials are supported on an inert carrier, e. g. sand or clay. Both liquid fertilizers and dispersions of fine powders in aqueous mediums are usually spray applied using conventional types of liquid solution fertilizer spraying equipment. A typical example of a spray applied dispersion of a powdered fertilizer material is illustrated by the U. S. Pat. No. to Funk 4, 036, 627. This patent discloses a high analysis fertilizer formulaton of low bulk density powdered ureaformaldehyde having soluble and insoluble portions combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the resultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend, free of fillers and binding Qg3nts, and which may be carried in a liquid medium for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. The suspension generally has a fairly high concentration of the fine powder particles in the liquid medium. Dry fertilizers in the powder form or the granular form are convejtiogally applied by dry spreaders. Numerous examples of dry powdered and granular fertilizer compositions are well known to those skilled in the art. Recently, these have begun to be formulated with provisions for timed (slow) release of the nutrients to avoid " burning " the crop and to reduce the number of applications in a growing season. Each of the various physical forms of fertilizer compositions has its advantages and disadvantages. Spray applied liquid fertilizer solutions and dispersions of powdered nutrient materials are characterized by the ability to be applied evenly and from a tank truck, for example. These fertilizer forms usually provide nutrients which are immediately available to the lawn, and therefore enable quick response of the lawn to the application, i. e. quick " greening " of the lawn. However, such liquid solutions are often too rich in immediately available nutrients, particularly nitrogen. A s9Iution which is too rich in nutrients can cause " burning " of the lawn. Additionally, insect and fungus growth may be accelerated. Still further, liquid solution type fertilizers do not often possess long life on or in the ground and their effect is quickly lost. Frequent application is required to maintain a desired nutrient level in the soil during a growing season. #itn the finely divided powder or dispersion, a principal problem is retention on the leaves or blades of grass. This can also cause burning. Additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawn care procedures may result in loss of a significant value of the fertilizer. For example, application of dry powder is usually accompanied by considerable dusting and wind loss. Moreover, when the lawn is cut, and the clippings collected, a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry or dispersion applied, is carried away and lost. With a rotary lawn mower, dusting of a powdered fertilizer can also be a problem. Granular Rertilizerq which are spread on the lawn in a dry condition, do not generally have the foregoing types of application problems encountered wLtT powdered fertilizers. Because of the larger particle size, dusting is not a problem. Further, retention on the blades of grass or on leaves is not generally a problem with granular fertilizers. Thus, loss on removal of grass clippings is negligible. However, l8ie any spreader applied fertilizer, application is usually uneven because of turns at the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc. Without care, overfertilizing can occur in certain areas and under fertilizing in others. A blotchy appearance results. Furthermore, the immediate nutrient availability of granular fertilizers may be lost due to leaching. Thus, with granular fert&Oizers obtaining quick " greening " can be a problem. Thus, as can be seen from the foregoing discussion the problems which are often encountered in the application of Iiwuid, liquid dispersion or dry spread granular fertilizers are also manifested in the quality of performance of the fertilizer.
|
invention relates to a method for applying dry relatively large particle size (granular) fertilizers to crops, such as lawns. Lawn fertilizers are available in including solutions of nutrients in water, dispersions (suspensions) of (70-80 mesh and smaller) in aqueous medium, dry powders and dry granules. In some cases, the nutrient materials are supported on an inert carrier, e.g. sand or clay. Both liquid fertilizers of fine powders in aqueous mediums are applied using conventional types of liquid solution fertilizer spraying equipment. A typical example of a spray applied dispersion of a powdered fertilizer material is illustrated by the U.S. Pat. No. to Funk 4,036,627. This patent discloses a high analysis fertilizer formulaton of low density powdered having and insoluble combined with soluble phosphate in which the resultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend, of and binding and which may be carried in a liquid medium for application to surface or subsurface by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. The suspension generally has a fairly high concentration of the fine powder particles in the liquid medium. Dry fertilizers in powder form or the granular form are conventionally applied by spreaders. Numerous examples of dry powdered granular fertilizer compositions are well known to skilled in the art. Recently, these have begun to be formulated with provisions for timed (slow) release the nutrients to avoid "burning" the crop and to reduce the number of in a growing season. Each of the various physical forms of fertilizer compositions has its advantages and disadvantages. Spray applied liquid fertilizer solutions and dispersions of powdered nutrient are characterized by the ability to be applied evenly and truck, for example. These fertilizer forms usually provide nutrients which are available to the lawn, and therefore enable response of the lawn to the application, i.e. quick "greening" the lawn. However, such solutions often too rich in immediately particularly nitrogen. solution which is too rich in nutrients can cause "burning" of the lawn. Additionally, insect and fungus growth may be accelerated. Still further, liquid solution type fertilizers do not often possess long on in the ground and their effect is quickly lost. Frequent application is required to maintain a desired nutrient level in the soil during a growing season. With the finely divided powder or dispersion, a principal problem is retention on the leaves or grass. This can also cause burning. Additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawn care result in loss of significant value of the For example, application of dry powder is accompanied by considerable dusting and wind loss. Moreover, when the lawn is cut, and clippings collected, a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry applied, is carried away and lost. With rotary mower, of a powdered fertilizer can also a problem. Granular fertilizers which are spread on the lawn in a dry condition, do not generally have the foregoing types of application problems encountered with powdered fertilizers. of the larger particle size, dusting is not a problem. Further, retention on of grass or leaves is not generally a problem with granular fertilizers. Thus, on removal grass is negligible. However, like any spreader applied fertilizer, application is usually uneven because of turns at the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc. Without overfertilizing occur in certain areas and under in others. A blotchy appearance results. Furthermore, the immediate nutrient availability of granular fertilizers may be lost due to leaching. Thus, with granular fertilizers obtaining quick "greening" can be a Thus, as can be seen from the foregoing discussion the problems which are often encountered in the application of liquid, liquid dispersion or dry spread granular are also manifested in the quality of performance of the
|
This iNvENTIOn rElATEs To A meTHOd For AppLYING NORMAlly DrY relAtiVELy LArGe pARtICLe SizE (GRanULaR) fErtILIzeRs TO CRopS, SucH aS laWNS. LaWN feRTiliZers ARe AVAIlabLE iN VARIOuS FormS inCluDING soluTIONs OF NUtRienTS In WATeR, DisPERsiONs (SuspeNSiOns) OF fiNE powdERs (70-80 mESH AnD sMALler) in an AqUEOUs MeDIUM, dRY POWdeRS ANd dry GrAnULES. in soMe caSEs, the NUtRIEnT mateRiaLs aRE SupPoRtEd on AN ineRT CARRier, e.g. sanD OR CLAy.
bOth LIQuID fertILizERS aND DisPerSIoNS of Fine POwDERs IN aQUEoUs mEdiumS Are UsuALlY SPRAY apPlIeD usInG ConVEnTiONal tYpeS of liQuID SOLUtiON FerTIlIzer spRaYING equipMeNt. A TyPiCal ExAMpLE Of a SPRay ApPLIeD disPERsIon of A pOwdERed FeRtiLizER MATERIAl is iLlUStRaTED bY The u.S. Pat. NO. tO FUNK 4,036,627. tHiS PaTEnt dISCLosES a HigH AnalYsIs FERTilIZeR FORmulAtOn oF LOw BUlk DENSiTY poWdereD urEAFoRmaldeHydE havinG soluBLE AND insOluBLE PorTIoNS CoMBINED WiTH soLUBLe MoNoPoTaSSIUM PHOsPHAte In which The RESulTANT mixture IS A dRy HoMOGeneOus blenD, freE Of fiLLErs aND BiNdinG AGEnts, AnD whicH maY be CARRIed In A liquId mEDIum fOR aPplicaTIoN TO SuRFace OR SUBsURfACe aREas bY coNveNtIOnaL liQuId SOlUTIon fertiLiZeR APpLYING EqUIpmeNT. ThE SUsPEnsiON GeNERalLy hAS a fAirly hIGH CoNCENtRaTion of the fInE POWDEr PaRTicleS In tHE liquId mEDIUM.
drY FErtILiZerS in THE POwDEr FOrm oR the GRANULAr FoRM ARE CoNVentiOnaLlY APpLiED bY Dry SpREadERs. nUMEROus EXAMpLES oF DRy poWdered And gRANuLAr fERtILizEr CoMPOsitIOnS ArE wELl kNoWN to thosE SkiLLed in THE aRt. receNTlY, THEse havE BeGuN To be foRmulATeD wiTH PRoVISIoNS foR TIMEd (sLoW) relEASE oF ThE NuTRiENTS TO AvoID "BUrnING" THE CRop And tO Reduce THE NUmBEr OF aPPlICaTIONS iN A grOwInG seasoN.
eACh Of the VARIous PhYsIcAL ForMS Of fErtIliZer composItIOnS HAS iTS aDvaNtAgEs anD DiSAdVanTAgES. spray ApPLIed liQuiD fertiliZEr SoluTiOns aNd DISPErsIOns of pOWderED NUtRIenT maTERiaLs arE chaRacTerizeD bY ThE AbILItY TO BE ApPLiED eVeNlY and frOm A TAnk tRuck, for exAMple. thEsE fERTiLIzER FORMs USUalLY proVidE NuTrIenTS WHich ARe IMmeDIAtELy AvAILaBLE To thE lAwn, And thereFOrE EnAble QuIcK ReSPonse of tHe LAWn To THE APPliCAtiOn, I.e. quIcK "greENiNG" OF thE LAWn. hOWeVER, SuCh liQuId soLutIONs are OfteN toO Rich IN iMMEdiatEly availAble NuTriEnTS, PARtIcULArlY nItRoGeN. a soLUTion whIcH iS TOO ricH In nuTrients cAN cause "BuRnINg" oF THe lAwN. aDdiTiOnAlLY, insECT aND FUNGUs gROwtH MAY bE AcceLErATed. sTILl FUrThER, liQUID SOluTIOn TypE fertiLizErS dO nOt OFtEn PosSess LOnG lifE ON or In THe GrOUNd and ThEIR effEcT iS quIckly loSt. FreqUEnT aPplIcaTiON is rEqUIred To MAiNTaIN A deSireD nutRiEnt LeVEl IN the soiL DuRING A GrOWinG SEASon.
WiTh the FinELY DIVIdEd POWdEr OR dIsPERsion, a pRINCIpal Problem Is ReTEnTiON On tHE LEaVeS oR blAdes of GRaSS. ThIS CAn aLSo CAUSE bUrniNG. aDdiTIONALLy, AMbiEnt CONDITIOns aNd nORmAl lAWN CaRe ProCEdures MaY resULT iN lOss OF a sIGNIFicAnT VALuE oF THe fertiliZeR. FOr exaMPlE, APpliCaTIoN Of dry powdEr IS USualLY aCCOMPAnied by coNsiDERabLE dusTINg aND wind LosS. MorEOVEr, When THe laWN Is CUT, anD the cLipPInGS cOlLeCtED, A SubSTanTIaL POrtIOn Of A PowderEd fERtIliZeR, wHETheR dry oR disPerSIOn aPPLiEd, iS CARrIEd AwAY anD lOsT. wItH a ROtARY Lawn MOWeR, DUsting of a pOwdereD FeRTiLIZEr Can Also bE A pRoBLEM.
GrANulAr fERTiLIzERS whicH ArE SpreaD ON the LAWN IN a DrY COnDITIon, Do Not geNeRAlLY haVE tHE FoREGOIng TYpES oF APpLICaTiON problemS eNcoUNTEred wiTH poWDeRed feRtILiZeRS. becAUSe Of THE lArgeR pARtIcLe SiZE, dUStINg Is NOt a PROBLeM. FurthER, RETeNTIon on tHE blADEs of GrAss OR ON LeAVeS is nOt generAlLy a PrOBLeM WITh grAnulAR FertilIZErs. thUs, losS on rEmOvAl of grass clIppINGs Is nEGLiGiBlE. however, likE aNy SpreadER applIED fertILIzeR, APpLIcatiOn iS USUAlly uNEveN BECAUSE Of TUrNS At THe eNd Of a roW, SkIps, OveRLApS, Etc. wIthout CAre, OverFERtiLiZinG CAN OCCUR IN CeRtAin areaS aND undEr feRTiliziNG In OTheRs. a BLOTchY appEaraNce rESULTS. fURThermoRE, the IMMeDiate NUtrient avaILabilItY OF gRANULAr fErTilIzErS MAY BE lOST dUe to lEaCHInG. ThUS, wItH GrAnuLaR ferTiLIZerS oBtaiNiNG qUIck "GREeNing" cAN BE a pROBlem. THUs, As CAn Be SeEN fRom THE foREgoINg DiScUSsiON THe pROBLEms which ArE OFtEn EnCouNtEREd in thE appLiCATION OF liquID, lIquid dIsPersiOn OR Dry spreAd GrAnUlAR FeRTILIzers ARe aLsO MANIfesTED in tHE QUALItY of PeRFoRmANCE oF tHE FErTiLIZEr.
|
This invention relates to a method for applying normally dry relatively large particlesize(granular) fertilizers to crops,such as lawns.Lawn fertilizers are available in various forms including solutions of nutrients in water, dispersions (suspensions) of fine powders (70-80 mesh and smaller) in anaqueous medium,dry powders and dry granules. In some cases, the nutrient materials are supported on an inert carrier, e.g. sandor clay.Both liquid fertilizers anddispersions of fine powders in aqueous mediums are usually spray appliedusing conventionaltypes of liquid solution fertilizer sprayingequipment. A typical example ofa sprayapplied dispersion of a powderedfertilizer material is illustrated bythe U.S. Pat. No. to Funk4,036,627. This patent discloses a high analysisfertilizer formulaton of low bulk density powdered ureaformaldehyde havingsoluble and insoluble portions combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the resultant mixture isa dry homogeneous blend, free offillers and binding agents, and which may be carried inaliquid medium for applicationtosurface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. The suspension generallyhas a fairly highconcentrationof the fine powder particles in the liquid medium. Dry fertilizers in the powder form orthe granular form are conventionallyapplied by dry spreaders. Numerous examplesof dry powderedand granular fertilizer compositionsare well known to those skilled in the art. Recently,these havebegun to be formulated with provisions for timed (slow)release ofthe nutrients to avoid "burning"the crop and to reduce the numberof applications in a growing season. Each of the variousphysical forms of fertilizer compositions has its advantages and disadvantages. Spray applied liquidfertilizer solutions anddispersions of powderednutrient materials are characterized by the ability to be applied evenly and from a tank truck, for example.These fertilizer forms usually provide nutrients which are immediatelyavailable to the lawn, andtherefore enable quick response of the lawnto the application, i.e. quick "greening" of the lawn. However, such liquid solutionsare often too rich inimmediately available nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Asolution which is toorich in nutrients cancause "burning" of the lawn.Additionally, insectandfungus growthmaybe accelerated.Still further,liquid solution type fertilizersdo not oftenpossess long life on orin the ground and theireffect is quickly lost. Frequentapplication isrequired to maintain a desired nutrient level in the soil duringa growing season. With the finely divided powderor dispersion, a principal problem is retention on the leaves or bladesof grass. This can also cause burning.Additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawncareprocedures may resultinloss of a significant value of the fertilizer. Forexample, application of drypowder is usuallyaccompanied by considerable dusting and wind loss. Moreover,when the lawn is cut, and the clippings collected,a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry or dispersion applied, is carried awayand lost. With a rotary lawn mower, dustingofapowdered fertilizer canalso be a problem. Granular fertilizers which are spread on the lawnin a dry condition,do not generally have the foregoing typesof application problems encountered with powderedfertilizers. Because of the larger particle size, dusting isnota problem.Further,retention on the blades of grass oron leavesis not generally a problem with granular fertilizers. Thus, loss on removalof grass clippingsis negligible.However, like any spreader applied fertilizer,application is usually uneven because of turns at the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc.Without care, overfertilizing can occur in certain areas and under fertilizing inothers. A blotchy appearance results. Furthermore, the immediate nutrientavailability of granularfertilizers may be lostdue to leaching. Thus, with granular fertilizers obtaining quick"greening" can be aproblem. Thus, as can be seen from the foregoing discussion the problems which areoften encountered in the applicationof liquid, liquid dispersion ordry spread granularfertilizers are also manifested in the quality of performance of the fertilizer.
|
This _invention_ relates _to_ _a_ method for applying normally _dry_ relatively large particle _size_ (granular) fertilizers to crops, such _as_ _lawns._ _Lawn_ fertilizers are available in various forms including _solutions_ of nutrients in _water,_ dispersions _(suspensions)_ of fine _powders_ (70-80 mesh _and_ smaller) in an _aqueous_ medium, dry powders and dry granules. In _some_ cases, the nutrient materials are _supported_ on an inert carrier, e.g. sand or clay. Both liquid fertilizers and dispersions of fine _powders_ in aqueous mediums are usually spray applied using conventional types of _liquid_ solution fertilizer spraying equipment. A _typical_ example of a spray applied dispersion of a powdered _fertilizer_ material _is_ illustrated by the _U.S._ Pat. No. to Funk 4,036,627. This patent discloses a high analysis fertilizer formulaton of low _bulk_ _density_ powdered _ureaformaldehyde_ having soluble and insoluble portions combined _with_ soluble monopotassium _phosphate_ _in_ which _the_ resultant mixture _is_ a dry homogeneous blend, _free_ of fillers and binding agents, _and_ which may be carried in a liquid medium for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid solution fertilizer applying equipment. _The_ suspension generally _has_ a _fairly_ high concentration of _the_ fine powder particles in the liquid medium. _Dry_ fertilizers in the powder form or _the_ _granular_ form are conventionally _applied_ by dry spreaders. Numerous examples of _dry_ powdered and _granular_ fertilizer compositions are _well_ known to those skilled in the art. Recently, _these_ have _begun_ to be formulated with provisions for timed (slow) release of the nutrients to avoid "burning" _the_ crop and to _reduce_ the number of applications in a growing season. Each of _the_ various physical forms _of_ fertilizer compositions has its _advantages_ and disadvantages. _Spray_ applied liquid fertilizer solutions _and_ dispersions _of_ powdered _nutrient_ materials are characterized _by_ the ability to be applied evenly _and_ from a _tank_ truck, _for_ example. These _fertilizer_ forms _usually_ provide nutrients _which_ are immediately _available_ to the _lawn,_ and therefore enable _quick_ response _of_ the lawn _to_ the application, _i.e._ quick "greening" of the _lawn._ However, _such_ _liquid_ solutions _are_ often _too_ rich in _immediately_ _available_ nutrients, particularly nitrogen. A solution _which_ is too rich in nutrients can cause "burning" of the lawn. Additionally, insect and fungus growth may be accelerated. _Still_ further, _liquid_ _solution_ type fertilizers _do_ _not_ often possess long life on or in the ground and their effect is quickly lost. Frequent application is required to maintain a desired nutrient level _in_ the _soil_ during a growing season. With the finely divided powder or dispersion, a _principal_ _problem_ is retention on the leaves or blades _of_ _grass._ This _can_ also cause burning. Additionally, ambient conditions and normal lawn care procedures may result in loss of a significant value of _the_ fertilizer. _For_ example, application of dry _powder_ is usually accompanied by _considerable_ dusting and _wind_ loss. Moreover, when the _lawn_ is cut, and the clippings collected, a substantial portion of a powdered fertilizer, whether dry or dispersion applied, is _carried_ away _and_ lost. With _a_ rotary lawn mower, dusting _of_ a powdered fertilizer _can_ _also_ be a _problem._ Granular fertilizers which are spread on the lawn in a dry condition, do not generally have the foregoing types of _application_ _problems_ _encountered_ with _powdered_ fertilizers. Because of the larger particle size, dusting is not a problem. _Further,_ retention on the blades _of_ grass or on leaves is not generally _a_ problem with granular fertilizers. Thus, loss on _removal_ of grass clippings is negligible. However, like _any_ spreader applied fertilizer, application is usually _uneven_ _because_ of turns _at_ the end of a row, skips, overlaps, etc. Without care, overfertilizing can occur in certain areas _and_ under fertilizing in _others._ A blotchy appearance results. Furthermore, _the_ immediate nutrient availability of granular fertilizers _may_ _be_ lost due to leaching. _Thus,_ with _granular_ fertilizers obtaining quick "greening" can be a problem. _Thus,_ as _can_ be seen from the foregoing _discussion_ _the_ problems which _are_ often encountered _in_ the application _of_ _liquid,_ liquid dispersion or dry spread granular fertilizers are also _manifested_ in the _quality_ of performance _of_ the fertilizer.
|
Conventional methods for producing metal powder include a water atomizing method, which provides metal powder by injecting a high pressure water jet to a flow of a molten material; a gas atomizing method, which employs spraying of N2 gas or Ar gas in place of the water jet used in the atomizing method; and a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jet is injected into cooling water present in a rotary drum rotating at high speed. Fine particles are also produced through a breakdown method such as mechanical formation employing a mill or the like and also through a buildup method such as a precipitation method or a sol-gel method.
However, in the water atomizing method and the gas atomizing method, the nozzle structure is complicated and an excessive load is imposed on nozzles, resulting in lowered durability of the nozzle, since the molten material is formed into powder form by a flow of high pressure cooling water or cooling gas. Meanwhile, in the centrifugation method, the structure of the apparatus is complicated, in order to enable high-speed rotation of the rotary drum. Furthermore, in these methods, the molten metal is pulverized on the basis of collision energy. Thus, the resulting particle size is varied, and the yield of fine particles is poor. The breakdown method employing mechanical formation or the like can produce only large particles having a minimum size of, for example, approximately 100 μm. The buildup method such as a precipitation method can produce fine particles having a maximum size of approximately 1 μm, and particles which are larger than approximately 1 μm cannot be obtained. Therefore, when conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine particles are employed, fine particles having a size ranging from several micrometers to the order of 10 μm, particularly fine particles having a size of about 3 μm, are difficult to obtain. Also, in the breakdown method, a large portion of the molten metal cannot be converted into fine particles and remains as a lump, thereby deteriorating the yield thereof. In addition, the particle size distribution assumes a broaden profile, causing the problem that fine particles having a desired particle diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount.
Conventionally, a liquid quenching method has been known for producing amorphous metal. According to the liquid quenching method, a molten material is cooled and solidified by, for example, causing a molten metal liquid to spout into a coolant, whereby amorphous metal is produced. Even when a centrifugation method, which can attain a relatively large cooling rate, is employed in combination with the liquid quenching method, the heat flux between two liquids (i.e., molten material and coolant) is limited to the critical heat flux in the case where heat conduction is induced by cooling based on convection or a conventional boiling method. Thus, the cooling rate is limited to 104 to 105 K/s, which problematically imposes limitation on the type of metal which can be converted into an amorphous material.
Previously, the present applicant filed a patent application for a method for producing fine particles and amorphous material of molten material which includes supplying into a liquid coolant a molten material which has been formed by melting a raw material to be converted into fine particles or amorphous material, with a small difference in flow speed of the two liquids, to thereby cause boiling by spontaneous bubble nucleation and employing the resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles and amorphous material thereof (see Patent Documents: WO 01/81033 and WO 01/81032).
However, according to the method for which the present applicant previously filed a patent application, when a high-melting material having a melting point of, for example, 800° C. or higher is used, vapor film cannot be broken satisfactorily through condensation. Thus, formation of fine particles or amorphous material of molten material cannot be fully achieved.
Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide, on the basis of improvement of the previously developed technique, a method for producing fine particles, the method being capable of producing fine particles from a high-melting-point raw material and readily producing submicron fine particles which have not been readily produced through the previously developed technique. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus therefor.
|
conventional methods for producing metal powder include a metal atomizing method, which provides metal powder by injecting a high pressure water flow through a sample of a molten material ; a gas atomizing method, which employs spraying of n2 gas or ar gas in place of the water jet used in the atomizing method ; and a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jet is injected into cooling water flow in a rotary drum rotating at high depths. fine particles are also produced by a breakdown procedure such as mechanical formation using a mill or the like and also through a buildup method such as a precipitation method or a sol - gel method. however, in the water atomizing method and the gas atomizing method, the nozzle structure is complicated and an excessive load is imposed on nozzles, resulting in lowered durability of the nozzle, since the molten material is formed into powder form by a flow of high pressure cooling water or cooling gas. meanwhile, in the centrifugation method, the structure of the apparatus is complicated, in order to enable high - speed rotation of the rotary drum. furthermore, in these methods, the molten metal is pulverized on the basis of collision energy. thus, the resulting particle size is varied, and the yield of fine particles is poor. the breakdown method employing mechanical formation or the like can produce only large particles having a minimum size of, for example, approximately 100 μm. the buildup method such as a precipitation method can produce fine particles having a maximum size for approximately 1 μm, and particles which are larger than approximately 1 μm cannot be obtained. therefore, when conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine particles are employed, fine particles having a size ranging from several micrometers to the order of 10 μm, particularly fine particles having a size of about 3 μm, are difficult to obtain. also, in the breakdown method, a large portion of the molten metal cannot be converted into fine particles and remains as a lump, thereby deteriorating the yield thereof. in addition, the particle size distribution assumes a broaden profile, causing the problem that fine particles having a desired particle diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount. conventionally, a liquid quenching method has been known for producing amorphous metal. according to the liquid quenching method, a molten material is cooled and solidified by, for example, causing a molten metal liquid to spout into a coolant, whereby amorphous metal is produced. even when a centrifugation method, which can attain a relatively large cooling rate, is employed in combination with the liquid quenching method, the heat flux between two liquids ( i. e., molten material and coolant ) is limited to the critical heat flux in the case where heat conduction is induced by cooling based on convection or a conventional boiling method. thus, the cooling rate is limited to 104 to 105 k / s, which problematically imposes limitation on the type of metal which can be converted into an amorphous material. previously, the present applicant filed a patent application for a method for producing fine particles and amorphous material of molten material which includes supplying into a liquid coolant a molten material which has been formed by melting a raw material to be converted into fine particles or amorphous material, with a small difference in flow speed of the two liquids, to thereby cause boiling by spontaneous bubble nucleation and employing the resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles and amorphous material thereof ( see patent documents : wo 01 / 81033 and wo 01 / 81032 ). however, according to the method for which the present applicant previously filed a patent application, when a high - melting material having a melting point of, for example, 800° c. or higher is used, vapor film cannot be broken satisfactorily through condensation. thus, formation of fine particles or amorphous material of molten material cannot be fully achieved. thus, an object of the present invention is to provide, on the basis of improvement of the previously developed technique, a method for producing fine particles, the method being capable of producing fine particles from a high - melting - point raw material and readily producing submicron fine particles which have not been readily produced through the previously developed technique. another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus therefor.
|
Conventional methods for producing metal powder include a water atomizing method, which provides metal powder by injecting a high pressure water jet to a flow of a molten material; a gas atomizing Hwthod, which employs spraying of N2 gas or Ar gas in place of the water jet used in the atomizing method; and a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jet is injected into cooling water present in a rotary drum rotating at high speed. Fine particles are also produced through a breakdown method such as mechanical formation employing a mill or the like and also through a buildup method such as a precipitation method or a sol - gel method. However, in the water atomizing method and the gas atomizing method, the nozzle structure is complicated and an excessive load is imposed on nozzles, resulting in lowered durability of the nozzle, since the molten material is formed into powder form by a flow of high pressure cooling water or cooling gas. Meanwhile, in the centrifugation method, the structure of the apparatus is complicated, in order to enable high - speed rotation of the rotary drum. Furthermore, in these methods, the molten metal is pulverized on the basis of collision energy. Thus, the resulting particle size is varied, and the yield of fine particles is poor. The breakdown method employing mechanical formation or the like can produce only large particles having a minimum size of, for example, approximately 100 μm. The buildup method such as a precipitation method can produce fine particles having a maximum size of approximately 1 μm, and particles which are larger than approximately 1 μm cannot be obtained. Therefore, when conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine particles are employed, fine particles having a size ranging from several micrometers to the order of 10 μm, particularly fine particles having a size of about 3 μm, are difficult to obtain. Also, in the breakdown method, a large portion of the molten metal cannot be converted into fine particles and remains as a lump, thereby deteriorating the yield thereof. In addition, the particle size distribution assumes a broaden profile, causing the problem that fine particles having a desired particle diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount. Conventionally, a liquid quenching method has been known for producing amorphous metal. According to the liquid quenching method, a molten material is cooled and solidified by, for example, causing a molten metal liquid to spout 7Jto a coolant, whereby amorphous metal is produced. Even when a centrifugation method, which can attain a relatively large cooling rate, is employed in combination SUth the liquid quenching method, the heat flux between two liquids (i. e. , molten material and coolant) is limited to the critical heat flux in the case where heat conduction is induced by cooling based on convection or a conventional boiling method. Thus, the cooling rate is limited to 104 to 105 K / s, which problematically imposes limitation on the type of metal which can be converted into an amorphous material. Previously, the present applicant filed a patent application for a method for producing fine particles and amorphous material of molten material which includes supplying into a liquid coolant a molten material which has been formed by melting a raw material to be coJvefted into fine particles or amorphous material, with a small difference in flow speed of the two liquids, to thereby cause boiling by spontaneous bubble nucleation and employing the resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles and amorphous material thereof (see Patent Documents: WO 01 / 81033 and WO 01 / 81032 ). However, according to the method for which the present applicant previously filed a patent application, when a high - melting matdr(al having a melting point of, for example, 800 ° C. or higher is used, vapor film cannot be broken satisfactorily through condensation. Thus, formation of fine particles or amorphous material of molten material cannot be fully achieved. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide, on the basis of improvement of the previously developed t#Vhnique, a method for producing fun3 particles, the method being capable of producing fine pagticleX from a high - melting - point raw mat#riql and readily producing submicron fine particles which have not b2eb readily produced through the previously developed technique. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus therefor.
|
Conventional methods for producing metal powder include a water atomizing method, which provides metal powder by injecting a high pressure water jet to a flow of a molten material; gas atomizing method, which employs spraying of N2 gas or Ar gas in place of the water jet used in the method; and a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jet is injected into cooling water present in a drum rotating at high speed. Fine particles also produced through a breakdown method such as mechanical employing mill or the like and also through a buildup method such as a method or a sol-gel method. However, in the water atomizing method and the gas atomizing method, the nozzle is and excessive load is imposed on nozzles, resulting in lowered durability of the nozzle, since the molten material is into powder by a flow of high pressure cooling water or cooling gas. Meanwhile, in the centrifugation method, the of the apparatus is complicated, in order enable high-speed rotation of the rotary Furthermore, in these methods, the molten metal is pulverized on the basis of collision energy. Thus, resulting particle size is varied, and the yield of fine particles is poor. The breakdown employing mechanical formation or like produce only large particles having a minimum size of, for approximately μm. The buildup method such as a precipitation method can produce fine particles a maximum size of approximately 1 μm, and which are larger than 1 μm cannot be obtained. Therefore, when conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine are employed, fine particles a size ranging from several micrometers to the order of 10 μm, particularly fine particles having size of about 3 are difficult to obtain. Also, the breakdown method, large portion of the metal cannot be converted into fine particles remains as a lump, thereby the yield thereof. addition, the particle size distribution assumes a broaden profile, causing the problem that fine particles having desired diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount. Conventionally, a liquid quenching method has been known for producing amorphous metal. According to the liquid method, a molten is and solidified by, for example, causing a molten metal liquid to spout into a coolant, whereby amorphous is Even when a centrifugation method, which can attain a relatively large cooling rate, is employed in combination with the liquid quenching method, the heat flux between two (i.e., molten material and coolant) is to the critical heat flux in the case where heat conduction induced cooling based on convection or a conventional boiling Thus, the cooling rate is limited to 104 to 105 K/s, which problematically imposes limitation on the type of metal which can be converted into amorphous material. the present applicant filed a patent application for a for producing fine particles and amorphous material of molten material which includes supplying into liquid coolant a molten material which has been by melting a raw material to be into fine particles or amorphous material, with a small difference in flow speed of the two liquids, thereby cause boiling by spontaneous bubble nucleation employing the resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles and amorphous thereof (see Patent Documents: WO 01/81033 and WO 01/81032). However, to the method for which the present applicant previously a patent application, when a material having a melting point of, for example, 800° C. or higher is used, vapor film cannot be broken satisfactorily through condensation. Thus, formation fine particles or amorphous material of molten material cannot fully achieved. Thus, object of the present invention is to provide, the basis of improvement of the previously developed a for producing fine particles, the method being capable of producing fine particles from a high-melting-point raw material readily producing submicron fine particles have been readily produced previously developed technique. Another object of the invention is to an apparatus therefor.
|
cONvENTiOnAL MEtHODs FoR PRODUciNg METAl powDER InCLUde A WATER aTOmIzInG mETHod, WhIch PROvIDes mEtaL poWDer By InjEctIng A HiGH pressurE Water jEt tO A Flow oF A MoLTEn MaTERIaL; a gas atOmIzING meThOD, WhICH EMPlOys SPrayIng of N2 GaS OR Ar gAS IN PlACe of tHE watEr jet uSED iN tHe atoMIzING mEtHOD; aNd A CENTRIfUgation mEThod, In WhIcH A mOlteN mATErIal JeT is injECteD INTo CoOlInG WateR pReSEnt in A roTaRy DrUm rOtAtiNg at HIgh sPeEd. fine pArtICLEs aRe also PrODUCeD thRough A BreAKDOwn methOD SUcH AS MEChanICal FOrMatIOn EMPlOYIng A miLl or tHE Like aNd Also tHROuGH a buILDUP mEthOD SUCh AS a PReCIPItatiON meTHOd Or A SOl-GEl MEthOd.
howeVEr, In The WAter atOMizinG Method aNd The gAS aTomIZInG mETHOd, the NOzZle StRUCTurE iS COmpliCaTED AND An exCessIVE LOAD IS Imposed on NozzLes, reSuLtIng iN lOweREd DURaBIlity OF thE nozzLE, sINCE The moLtEN mateRIAL Is FOrmed into pOwdEr fOrm BY a fLoW oF HIGh pReSsURE cOoLIng watEr oR CoolInG gAS. mEanWhile, iN The CeNtriFUGATioN mEtHod, the sTRucTURe of ThE APPArATUs IS CoMPliCaTEd, iN ORdER To enABle HiGh-sPeED ROtAtION oF THe rOTARy DRUm. fuRThERMore, iN THESe MEthoDS, THe mOltEN metal IS PuLVerIzeD On ThE BaSIS Of cOlLiSiON ENeRGy. tHus, ThE rESUltINg PARticLe sizE Is vARied, ANd THe YIELD oF fIne PARTiclES Is poor. THE bReAKDoWn MeThod employinG mecHanIcal FOrmaTION Or The like caN prOdUce oNLy lARGe ParTiCLES HAVING a MInImUm Size oF, foR EXamPLE, approximAtEly 100 μM. The bUILDuP MeThOd suCH as a PrEciPiTATiON methOD CaN ProDUce FINe PARTiCleS havinG A maxIMUm SIzE OF aPpRoXimAtElY 1 μM, anD ParTIcLES Which Are larger ThaN aPPrOxiMatelY 1 μM CAnnOt Be oBtAInED. tHerEfoRe, When coNvEnTioNaL METhODs aND apPARAtuses fOR ProduCing fINE PARTicLes ARE EmPLoyEd, FInE parTICLeS HavINg a SiZE RanGiNg froM seVEraL MicroMETers TO tHE OrdeR of 10 Μm, paRticulArLy fINe pARTiclEs hAving a Size Of AbOuT 3 μm, aRE DiFFiCuLt To obtaIN. aLsO, In THe BrEAkDOWn METhOd, a LaRGe pORTIon Of thE mOlTEn METaL CAnNOt BE coNvertED InTO fIne pARtiCLES ANd remAins AS a luMp, THereBy DeTerIorATING The YIelD thEreoF. In addItION, tHe PArTiCLe Size DIstrIbUtiON ASsuMes A BROAden pROfILe, caUsinG the PRoblem THAT FInE ParTICLEs havinG a DEsIREd pArTICLE dIAmETer cANNot BE oBtAINed iN A LARGE AmoUnt.
conventionAllY, A LiquiD QUenChING METhOD HaS beeN KNowN For pRODuCing AMorphouS MeTal. aCCoRDinG to THe LIquID qUencHing mEthOD, a moLTEN MATeRial IS coolED And sOlIdIFIeD By, FOR ExAMpLe, cAUsINg A MoLTeN meTaL liquid tO SPout iNTo A CoOlANt, wheReBy amORPhoUs METaL Is proDuCeD. eVEN wheN a CEnTrIFUgaTiOn metHOD, WhICh cAn ATtaIn a RELaTIVelY LArgE COoLINg raTE, is eMPLoyED iN cOmBInatioN WitH tHE LIquiD QUeNCHING mEtHoD, ThE heat flUx BETWEEN two LIqUIDS (I.E., MOlTeN maTErIAl aNd COOlAnt) IS LimITED TO thE cRiticAL HeAT FlUX In ThE cASe WHeRE Heat conDuCTIon iS inDUced by CoOlING BASED On COnVECtIon or a COnVEnTiOnAL bOiLIng mEthOd. Thus, ThE cOOLIng RATe iS LimITed tO 104 To 105 k/s, whICH PRoBLEMAtically impoSes LiMITATiON oN ThE TyPe oF MetAL Which CAN be COnvERted INtO AN amoRphOUS mAtEriAl.
pReVIoUsly, thE prEseNt apPlICaNT FiLEd A patEnt AppLicaTIon fOR A MetHoD FOR PRoDUCinG FInE pARTiCLes aND AMORphOuS mATerial OF MoltEn mATerIAL wHicH INClUDES sUPPLyinG inTo a LiQUid COolANt A MoltEn matErIaL Which Has beEn FORMed By mEltinG A rAW MaTErIAl TO bE CONveRteD Into FINe PaRTICleS OR aMorpHOuS MatERiAl, wiTh A smALL DiFfERENCe in fLow SPeEd Of ThE TwO LiQuIds, TO THeReBy cauSE bOILINg bY sPOntANEOus buBbLE nuClEATIon aND EMPLOyING The ResULTant PreSsuRE wAVe fOR prodUCiNG Fine PARtiCles anD AMorpHOuS maTERiaL thereOF (SEE pAtENT DocumENTS: Wo 01/81033 aNd wO 01/81032).
HOweVeR, aCcordING TO the MEtHoD FOr WhIch ThE PreSENT AppLicant prevIOusLy FileD a PaTENT aPpLicatIOn, WHEn a HIgH-melTiNG maTERial Having A mELtiNg point oF, foR ExaMPle, 800° c. or highEr Is UsEd, vAPor FILm canNOt bE bROKEn saTisFAcTOrIly THroUgH ConDeNSatiOn. ThUS, fOrMAtioN oF FInE PaRtiCLes OR AMoRphoUS MATErial oF moLTEN MAtERIAL cAnnoT be FuLLy aChieVeD.
thus, AN oBjEcT of THE preSeNt inveNtIOn IS To PrOvIde, ON tHe BASIs Of ImPRovEmENT oF tHE PREvIouSLY deVeLoPEd TeCHNIQuE, A mEThoD fOR PRoduciNg fIne pARtICleS, THe meTHOd BeiNG CaPaBLe Of pROdUCing FiNe particleS From A hIgH-mElting-PoINT RAw MatErIAl AND reAdIlY prODuCinG SuBmICRoN fiNe paRtiCLes WHIcH hAVE Not Been rEAdIly produCEd tHroUGH ThE prEVioUSLY dEVelOPeD tecHniQue. aNoTHER ObjeCt oF The iNvEnTIOn Is To PRoVIDE An APPAratUs tHeREfOr.
|
Conventional methods for producing metal powder include a water atomizing method,which provides metal powder by injecting a high pressure water jet to a flow ofa molten material; a gasatomizing method, which employs spraying of N2 gas or Ar gas in place of the water jet used intheatomizing method; and a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jetis injected into cooling water present in a rotary drum rotating at high speed. Fine particles are also produced through a breakdown method suchas mechanical formation employing a mill or the like and also through a buildup method suchas a precipitationmethod or a sol-gel method. However, inthe water atomizing method and the gas atomizingmethod, the nozzle structure is complicatedand an excessive load isimposed on nozzles, resulting in lowered durability of the nozzle, since the molten material is formed into powder form by a flow of high pressure cooling water or cooling gas. Meanwhile, in thecentrifugation method,the structureofthe apparatus is complicated, in order to enable high-speed rotation of the rotary drum.Furthermore, in these methods,the molten metal ispulverized on the basis of collision energy. Thus, the resulting particle size is varied, and the yield of fine particles is poor. The breakdown method employing mechanical formationor the likecan produce only large particles having a minimumsize of, for example, approximately 100 μm. The buildup method such as aprecipitation method canproducefine particles having a maximum sizeof approximately 1 μm,and particles which are largerthan approximately 1 μm cannot be obtained. Therefore, when conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine particles are employed, fine particles having asize ranging from severalmicrometers to the orderof 10 μm, particularly fine particles having a size of about 3 μm, are difficultto obtain. Also,in the breakdown method, alarge portion of the molten metalcannot be converted into fine particles and remains as alump, thereby deterioratingthe yield thereof. In addition,the particle sizedistribution assumes a broaden profile, causing theproblem that fine particles having a desired particle diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount. Conventionally,a liquidquenching method has been knownfor producingamorphousmetal. Accordingto theliquidquenching method, a molten materialiscooled and solidified by, for example, causing a molten metal liquid to spout into a coolant, whereby amorphous metal is produced. Even when a centrifugation method, which can attain a relatively large coolingrate, is employed in combination with theliquid quenching method, the heat flux betweentwo liquids (i.e., molten material and coolant) is limited to the critical heat flux in the case where heat conduction is induced by cooling based on convection or a conventional boiling method. Thus,the cooling rate is limited to 104 to 105 K/s, which problematically imposeslimitation on the type of metal which can be convertedinto an amorphousmaterial. Previously, the present applicantfiled a patent application for a method for producingfine particles and amorphous material ofmoltenmaterial whichincludes supplying into a liquid coolant a molten material which has been formed by melting a raw material to be converted intofine particles oramorphous material, with a small difference inflow speed ofthetwo liquids, to thereby cause boilingby spontaneous bubble nucleation and employing the resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles and amorphousmaterialthereof (see Patent Documents: WO 01/81033 andWO01/81032). However, accordingto the method for whichthe present applicantpreviously filed a patentapplication,when a high-melting material having a melting point of, for example,800° C. or higher is used, vapor film cannot be broken satisfactorilythrough condensation. Thus,formation of fineparticles or amorphous materialof molten material cannot be fully achieved. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide, on the basis of improvement of thepreviously developed technique, amethod forproducing fine particles, the method being capable of producing fine particlesfrom a high-melting-point raw material and readily producing submicron fine particles which have not beenreadily produced throughthe previously developed technique.Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus therefor.
|
Conventional methods for producing _metal_ powder include a _water_ atomizing _method,_ which _provides_ _metal_ powder by injecting a high pressure _water_ _jet_ to a flow of a _molten_ material; _a_ gas atomizing method, which employs spraying of N2 gas or Ar gas _in_ place of the water _jet_ used in the atomizing method; _and_ a centrifugation method, in which a molten material jet is injected into cooling water present in a _rotary_ drum _rotating_ _at_ high speed. Fine _particles_ _are_ also produced through a breakdown _method_ _such_ as _mechanical_ formation employing a mill or the like and _also_ through a buildup method such as a _precipitation_ method or a sol-gel method. However, in the water atomizing method _and_ the gas atomizing method, the nozzle structure _is_ complicated _and_ an excessive load is imposed on nozzles, _resulting_ in lowered _durability_ of the nozzle, since _the_ molten material is formed _into_ powder form by a flow of _high_ pressure cooling water or cooling gas. Meanwhile, in the centrifugation _method,_ _the_ structure of the apparatus _is_ complicated, in order to enable _high-speed_ rotation of _the_ _rotary_ drum. Furthermore, _in_ these methods, _the_ molten metal is pulverized on the basis _of_ _collision_ energy. Thus, the _resulting_ particle _size_ is varied, _and_ the yield of fine particles is poor. _The_ breakdown _method_ employing mechanical formation or the like can produce only large particles having a minimum size of, for example, approximately _100_ μm. _The_ _buildup_ method such as a precipitation method can _produce_ fine particles having a maximum size _of_ approximately 1 μm, and particles which are larger _than_ approximately 1 _μm_ cannot _be_ obtained. Therefore, _when_ conventional methods and apparatuses for producing fine _particles_ are employed, fine particles _having_ _a_ size ranging from several micrometers _to_ _the_ order of 10 _μm,_ particularly fine particles having a _size_ of about 3 _μm,_ are difficult to obtain. Also, in _the_ breakdown method, _a_ large _portion_ of the molten metal cannot be converted into fine particles and remains as a lump, thereby _deteriorating_ the yield thereof. _In_ addition, the particle size _distribution_ assumes a broaden profile, causing _the_ problem that fine particles having a _desired_ _particle_ diameter cannot be obtained in a large amount. Conventionally, a liquid _quenching_ method has been known for producing amorphous metal. _According_ to the liquid _quenching_ method, a _molten_ material _is_ _cooled_ and _solidified_ by, _for_ _example,_ causing _a_ molten metal liquid to _spout_ into _a_ coolant, whereby amorphous metal is produced. Even when a centrifugation method, _which_ can attain a relatively large cooling rate, _is_ _employed_ in combination _with_ _the_ liquid quenching method, the heat _flux_ between two liquids _(i.e.,_ molten _material_ _and_ coolant) is limited to the critical heat flux _in_ the case where heat conduction is induced by _cooling_ based on convection or _a_ conventional _boiling_ method. _Thus,_ the _cooling_ rate is limited to 104 to 105 K/s, which problematically imposes limitation on the _type_ _of_ metal which can be converted into an amorphous material. Previously, the present applicant filed _a_ patent application for a method for producing _fine_ particles and amorphous material of _molten_ material which includes supplying _into_ _a_ liquid coolant _a_ molten material which has _been_ formed _by_ melting a raw material to be converted _into_ fine _particles_ _or_ amorphous material, with a small difference in flow speed of _the_ _two_ liquids, _to_ thereby _cause_ boiling by _spontaneous_ bubble nucleation and employing _the_ resultant pressure wave for producing fine particles _and_ amorphous material thereof (see Patent Documents: WO 01/81033 and WO 01/81032). _However,_ according to the method for which the present _applicant_ previously filed a patent application, when a high-melting material having a _melting_ point of, _for_ example, 800° _C._ or higher is _used,_ _vapor_ _film_ cannot _be_ _broken_ satisfactorily _through_ condensation. Thus, formation _of_ fine particles or amorphous material of molten material cannot be fully achieved. Thus, an object _of_ the present invention is to provide, on _the_ _basis_ of improvement _of_ the _previously_ developed technique, a method for producing fine _particles,_ the method being capable of producing fine particles from a high-melting-point _raw_ material and readily producing submicron fine particles which have _not_ been _readily_ produced through the previously developed technique. Another _object_ of the invention is to provide an apparatus therefor.
|
This invention relates generally to enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel sucrose isomerases, to polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, to methods for isolating such polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. The invention also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. The invention further relates to the use of the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells and plants of the invention for producing isomaltulose.
Isomaltulose α-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-D-fructofuranose (also called palatinose) is a naturally occurring structural isomer of sucrose (α-D-glucosyl-1,2-D-fructose). Isomaltulose is a nutritive disaccharide, with sweetness and bulk similar to sucrose. Several characteristics make isomaltulose advantageous over sucrose for some applications in the food industry: 1) noncariogenic (not causing dental decay); 2) low glycemic index (useful for diabetics); 3) selective promotion of growth of beneficial bifidobacteria among human intestinal microflora; 4) greater stability of isomaltulose-containing foods and beverages; 5) less hygroscopic; 6) simple conversion into sugar alcohols with other useful properties as foods. The safety of isomaltulose has been comprehensively verified, resulting in unqualified approval as human food, and it is widely used commercially as a sucrose substitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines (Takazoe, 1989, Palatinose—an isomeric alternative to sucrose. In: Progress in Sweeteners (T H Grengy, ed.) pp 143-167. Elsevier, Barking, UK).
Furthermore, because isomaltulose has an accessible carbonyl group, it has attracted attention as a renewable starting material for the manufacture of bioproducts such as polymers and surfactants with potential advantages over substances manufactured from petroleum (Cartarius et al., 2001, Chemical Engineering and Technology 24: 55A-59A; Kunz, 1993, From sucrose to semisynthetical polymers. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials II (G Descotes, ed.) pp 135-161. VCH, Weinheim; Lichtenthaler et al., 2001, Green Chemistry 3: 201-209; Schiweck et al., 1991, New developments in the use of sucrose as an industrial bulk chemical. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials (F W Lichtenthaler, ed.) pp 57-94. VCH, Weinheim).
Commercial isomaltulose is produced from food-grade sucrose by enzymatic rearrangement from a (1,2)-fructoside to a (1,6)-fructoside followed by crystallization. Sucrose isomerase (SI) enzymes (also known as isomaltulose synthases), which are able to convert sucrose to isomaltulose, have been demonstrated in Protaminobacter rubrum, Erwinia rhapontici, E. carotovora var atroseptica, Serratia plymuthica, S. marcesens, Pseudomonas mesoacidophila, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Klebsiella spp., Agrobacterium sp., haploid yeast and Enterobacter sp. (Avigad 1959, Biochemical Journal 73: 587-593; Bornke et al., 2001, Journal of Bacteriology 183: 2425-2430; Cheetham et al., 1982 Nature 299: 628-631; Huang et al., 1998, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 21: 22-27; Lund and Waytt, 1973, Journal of General Microbiology 78: 331-3; Mattes et al., 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,140; McAllister et al., 1990, Biotechnology Letters 12: 667-672; Miyata et al., 1992, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 56: 1680-1681; Munir et al., 1987, Carbohydrate Research 164: 477-485; Nagai et al., 1994, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 58: 1789-1793; Nagai-Miyata et al., 1993, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 57: 2049-2053; Park et al., 1996, Revista De Microbiology 27: 131-136; Schmidt-Berg-Lorenz and Maunch, 1964, Zeitung fur die Zuckerindustrie 14: 625-627; Stotola et al., 1956, Journal of the American Chemical Society 78: 2514-2518; Tsuyuki et al., 1992, Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 38: 483-490; Zhang et al., 2002, Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68: 2676-2682). Isomaltulose is currently produced in industrial scale column reactors containing immobilized bacterial cells. Initially, natural isolates have been used for this purpose but it is anticipated that higher yields of isomaltulose may be achieved using recombinant techniques. Mattes et al. (1998, supra) disclose isolated polynucleotides from Protaminobacter rubrum (CBS 547,77), Erwinia rhapontici (NCPPB 1578), the microorganism SZ 62 (Enterobacter species) and the microorganism MX-45 (Pseudomonas mesoacidophila FERM 11808 or FERM BP 3619) for producing recombinant partial or full-length sucrose isomerase enzymes in host cells such as Escherichia coli. Mattes et al. also disclose conserved amino acid sequences for designing degenerate oligonucleotides for cloning sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
In addition to isomaltulose, reported SIs produce varying proportions of the isomer trehalulose (1-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose) along with glucose and fructose as by-products. Some purified SIs produce predominantly isomaltulose (75-85%), others predominantly trehalulose (90%). The ratio of these products varies with reaction conditions, particularly temperature and pH, and under some conditions small quantities of other products such as isomaltose and isomelezitose may be formed (Véronèse and Perlot, 1999, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 24: 263-269). The formation of multiple products lowers the yield and complicates the recovery of the desired isomer. Slow conversion of sucrose into isomaltulose, and a narrow range of optimal reaction conditions also limit the industrial efficiency of isomaltulose production (Cheetham, 1984, Biochemical Journal 220: 213-220; Schiweck et al., 1990, Zuckerindustrie 115: 555-565.). An ideal SI would show high speed, complete conversion, high specificity and a wide window of reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
this invention relates generally to enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. more particularly, the present invention relates to novel sucrose isomerases, to polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, to methods for isolating such polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. the invention also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. the invention further relates to the use for the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells and plants of the invention for producing isomaltulose. isomaltulose α - d - glucopyranosyl - 1, 6 - d - fructofuranose ( also called palatinose ) is a readily occurring structural isomer of sucrose ( α - d - glucosyl - 1, 2 - alpha - fructose ). isomaltulose is a nutritive disaccharide, with sweetness and bulk similar to sucrose. several characteristics make isomaltulose advantageous over sucrose for some applications in the food industry : 1 ) noncariogenic ( not causing dental decay ) ; 2 ) low glycemic index ( useful for diabetics ) ; 3 ) selective promotion of growth of beneficial bifidobacteria among human intestinal microflora ; 4 ) greater stability of isomaltulose - containing foods and beverages ; 5 ) less hygroscopic ; a ) simple conversion into sugar alcohols with other useful properties as foods. the safety of isomaltulose has been comprehensively verified, resulting in unqualified approval as human food, and it is widely used commercially as a sucrose substitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines ( takazoe, 1989, palatinose — an isomeric alternative to sucrose. 2 : progress in sweeteners ( t h grengy, ed. ) pp 165 - 167. 1987, barking, uk ). furthermore, because isomaltulose has an accessible carbonyl group, it has attracted attention as a renewable starting material for efficient manufacture of bioproducts such as polymers and surfactants with potential advantages over substances manufactured from petroleum ( cartarius et al., 2001, chemical engineering development technology 24 : 171 - 59a ; kunz, 1993, from sucrose to semisynthetical polymers. in : carbohydrates as organic raw materials ii ( g descotes, ed. ) pp 135 - 161. vch, weinheim ; lichtenthaler et al., 2001, green chemistry 3 : 201 - 209 ; schiweck et al., 1991, new developments in the use of sucrose as an industrial bulk chemical. in : carbohydrates as organic raw materials ( f w lichtenthaler, ed. ) pp 57 - 94. vch, weinheim ). commercial isomaltulose is produced from food - grade sucrose by enzymatic rearrangement from a ( 1, 2 ) - fructoside to a ( 1, 6 ) - fructoside followed by crystallization. sucrose isomerase ( si ) enzymes ( also known as isomaltulose synthases ), which are able to convert sucrose to isomaltulose, have been demonstrated in protaminobacter rubrum, erwinia rhapontici, e. carotovora var atroseptica, serratia plymuthica, s. marcesens, pseudomonas mesoacidophila, leuconostoc mesenteroides, klebsiella spp., agrobacterium sp., haploid yeast and enterobacter sp. ( avigad 1959, biochemical journal 73 : 587 - 593 ; bornke et al., 2001, journal of bacteriology 183 : 2425 - 2430 ; cheetham et al., 1982 nature 299 : 628 - 631 ; huang et al., 1998, journal of industrial microbiology & biotechnology 21 : 22 - 27 ; lund and waytt, 1973, journal of general microbiology 78 : 331 - 3 ; mattes et al., 1998, u. s. pat. no. 5, 786, 140 ; mcallister et al., 1990, biotechnology letters 12 : 667 - 672 ; miyata et al., 1992, bioscience biotechnology and biochemistry 56 : 1680 - 1681 ; munir et al., 1987, carbohydrate research 164 : 477 - 485 ; nagai et al., 1994, bioscience biotechnology and biochemistry 58 : 1789 - 1793 ; nagai - miyata et al., 1993, bioscience biotechnology and biochemistry 57 : 2049 - 2053 ; park et al., 1996, revista de microbiology 27 : 131 - 136 ; schmidt - berg - lorenz and maunch, 1964, zeitung fur die zuckerindustrie 14 : 625 - 627 ; stotola et al., 1956, journal of the american chemical society 78 : 2514 - 2518 ; tsuyuki et al., 1992, journal of general and applied microbiology 38 : 483 - 490 ; zhang et al., 2002, applied and environmental microbiology 68 : 2676 - 2682 ). isomaltulose is currently produced in industrial scale column reactors containing immobilized bacterial cells. initially, natural isolates have been used for this purpose but it is anticipated that higher yields of isomaltulose may be achieved using recombinant techniques. mattes et al. ( 1998, supra ) disclose isolated polynucleotides from protaminobacter rubrum ( cbs 547, 77 ), erwinia rhapontici ( ncppb 1578 ), the microorganism sz 62 ( enterobacter species ) and the microorganism mx - 45 ( pseudomonas mesoacidophila ferm 11808 or ferm bp 3619 ) for producing recombinant partial or full - length sucrose isomerase enzymes in host cells such as escherichia coli. mattes et al. also disclose conserved amino acid sequences for designing degenerate oligonucleotides for cloning sucrose isomerase - encoding polynucleotides by the polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ). in addition to isomaltulose, reported sis produce varying proportions of the isomer trehalulose ( 1 - o - α - d - glucopyranosyl - d - fructose ) along with glucose and fructose as by - products. some purified sis produce predominantly isomaltulose ( 75 - 85 % ), others predominantly trehalulose ( 90 % ). the ratio of these products varies with reaction conditions, particularly temperature and ph, and under some conditions small quantities of other products such as isomaltose and isomelezitose may be formed ( veronese and perlot, 1999, enzyme and microbial technology 24 : 263 - 269 ). the formation of multiple products lowers the yield and complicates the recovery of the desired isomer. slow conversion of sucrose into isomaltulose, and a narrow range of optimal reaction conditions also limit the industrial efficiency of isomaltulose production ( cheetham, 1984, biochemical journal 220 : 213 - 220 ; schiweck et al., 1990, zuckerindustrie 115 : 555 - 565. ). an ideal si would show high speed, complete conversion, high specificity and a wide window of reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
This invention relates generally to enzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel sucrose isomerases, to polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, to methods for isolating such polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. The invention also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. The invention further relates to the use of the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells and plants of the invention for producing isomaltulose. Isomaltulose α - D - glucopyranosyl - 1, 6 - D - fructofuranose (also called palatinose) is a naturally occurring structural isomer of sucrose (α - D - glucosyl - 1, 2 - D - fructose ). Isomaltulose is a nutritive disaccharide, with sweetness and bulk similar to sucrose. Several characteristics make isomaltulose advantageous over sucrose for some applications in the food industry: 1) noncariogenic (not causing dental decay ); 2) low glycemic index (useful for diabetics ); 3) selective promotion of growth of beneficial bifidobacteria among human intestinal microflora; 4) greater stability of isomaltulose - containing foods and beverages; 5) less hygroscopic; 6) simple conversion into sugar alcohols with other useful properties as foods. The safety of isomaltulose has been comprehensively verified, resulting in unqualified approval as human food, and it is widely used commercially as a sucrose substitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines (Takazoe, 1989, Palatinose — an isomeric alternative to sucrose. In: Progress in Sweeteners (T H Grengy, ed.) pp 143 - 167. Elsevier, Barking, UK ). Furthermore, because isomaltulose has an accessible carbonyl group, it has attracted attention as a renewable starting material for the manufacture of bioproducts such as polymers and surfactants with potential advantages over substances manufactured from petroleum (Cartarius et al. , 2001, Chemical Engineering and Technology 24: 55A - 59A; Kunz, 1993, From sucrose to semisynthetical polymers. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials II (G Descotes, ed.) pp 135 - 161. VCH, Weinheim; Lichtenthaler et al. , 2001, Green Chemistry 3: 201 - 209; Schiweck et al. , 1991, New developments in the use of sucrose as an industrial bulk chemical. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials (F W Lichtenthaler, ed.) pp 57 - 94. VCH, Weinheim ). Commercial isomaltulose is pdoducWd from food - grade sucrose by enzymatic rDarrangDment from a (1, 2) - fructoside to a (1, 6) - fructoside followed by crystallization. Sucrose isomerase (SI) enzymes (also known as isomaltulose synthases ), which are able to convert sucrose to isomaltulose, have been demonstrated in Protaminobacter rubrum, Erwinia rhapontici, E. carotovora var atroseptica, Serratia plymuthica, S. marcesens, Pseudomonas mesoacidophila, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Klebsiella spp. , Agrobacterium sp. , haploid yeast and Enterobacter sp. (Avigad 1959, Biochemical Journal 73: 587 - 593; Bornke et al. , 2001, Journal of Bacteriology 183: 2425 - 2430; Cheetham et al. , 1982 Nature 299: 628 - 631; Huang et al. , 1998, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 21: 22 - 27; Lund and Waytt, 1973, Journal of General Microbiology 78: 331 - 3; Mattes et al. , 1998, U. S. Pat. No. 5, 786, 140; McAllister et al. , 1990, BooYechnology Letters 12: 667 - 672; Miyata et al. , 1992, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 56: 1680 - 1681; Munir et al. , 1987, Carbohydrate Research 164: 477 - 485; Nagai et al. , 1994, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 58: 1789 - 1793; Nagai - Miyata et al. , 1993, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 57: 2049 - 2053; Park et al. , @9I6, Revista De Microbiology 27: 131 - 136; Schmidt - Berg - Lorenz and Maunch, 1964, Zeitung fur die Zuckerindustrie 14: 625 - 627; Stotola et al. , 1956, Journal of the American Chemical Society 78: 2514 - 2518; Tsuyuki et al. , 1992, Journal of GenDGal and Applied Microbiology 38: 483 - 490; Zhang et al. , 2002, Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68: 2676 - 2682 ). Isomaltulose is currently Orodkced in industrial scale column reactors containing immobilized bacterial cells. Initially, natural isolates have been used for this purpose but it is anticipated that higher yields of isomAltulos3 may be achieved using recombinant techniques. Mattes et al. (1998, supra) disclose isolated polynucleotides from Protaminobacter rubrum (CBS 547, 77 ), Erwinia rhapontici (NCPPB 1578 ), the microorganism SZ 62 (Enterobacter species) and the microorganism MX - 45 (Pseudomonas mesoacidophila FERM 11808 or FERM BP 3619) for producing recombinant partial or full - length sucrose isomerase enzymes in host cells such as Escherichia coli. Mattes et al. also disclose cons23ved amino acid sequences for designing degenerate oligonucleotides for cloning sucrose isomerase - encoding polynucleotides by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR ). In addition to isomaltulose, reported SIs produf$ varying proportions of the isomer trehalulose (1 - O - α - D - glucopyranosyl - D - fructose) along with glucose and fructose as by - products. Some purified SIs produce predominantly isomaltulose (75 - 85% ), others predominantly trehalulose (90% ). The ratio of these products varies with reaction conditions, particularly temperature and pH, and under some conditions small quantities of other products such as isomaltose and isomelezitose may be formed (Véronèse and Perlot, 1999, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 24: 263 - 269 ). The formation of multiple products lowers the yield and complicates the recovery of the desired isomer. Slow conversion of sucrose into isomaltulose, and a narrow range of optimal reaction conditions also limit the industrial efficiency of isomaltulose production (Cheetham, 1984, Biochemical Journal 220: 213 - 220; Schiweck et al. , 1990, Zuckerindustrie 115: 555 - 565. ). An ideal SI would cJow high speed, complete conversion, high specificity and a wide window of reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
This relates generally to enzymes convert isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel sucrose isomerases, to polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, methods for isolating polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs express these polynucleotides. The invention also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. The invention further to the of the polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells and plants of the invention for producing isomaltulose. Isomaltulose α-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-D-fructofuranose (also called is a naturally occurring structural isomer of sucrose (α-D-glucosyl-1,2-D-fructose). Isomaltulose is a nutritive with and bulk similar to sucrose. Several characteristics make isomaltulose over sucrose some applications in the food 1) noncariogenic (not causing dental decay); 2) low glycemic index (useful for diabetics); selective promotion of growth of beneficial bifidobacteria among human intestinal microflora; 4) greater stability of isomaltulose-containing foods and beverages; 5) less hygroscopic; 6) simple conversion into sugar alcohols other useful properties as foods. The safety of isomaltulose has been comprehensively verified, resulting in unqualified approval as human food, and it is widely used commercially as a sucrose substitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines (Takazoe, 1989, Palatinose—an alternative sucrose. In: Progress in Sweeteners (T H Grengy, ed.) pp 143-167. Elsevier, Barking, UK). Furthermore, because isomaltulose has an accessible group, it has attracted attention as a renewable starting material for the such polymers and surfactants with potential advantages over substances manufactured from petroleum (Cartarius et al., 2001, Chemical Engineering and Technology 24: 55A-59A; Kunz, 1993, From sucrose to semisynthetical polymers. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials II (G Descotes, ed.) pp 135-161. VCH, et al., 2001, Green Chemistry 3: 201-209; Schiweck et al., 1991, New in the use of sucrose as an industrial bulk chemical. Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials (F W Lichtenthaler, ed.) pp 57-94. VCH, Weinheim). isomaltulose is produced from food-grade sucrose by enzymatic rearrangement from a (1,2)-fructoside to a (1,6)-fructoside by crystallization. Sucrose isomerase (SI) enzymes (also known as isomaltulose synthases), which are able to convert sucrose isomaltulose, have been demonstrated in Protaminobacter rubrum, Erwinia rhapontici, E. carotovora var atroseptica, Serratia S. marcesens, Pseudomonas mesoacidophila, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Klebsiella spp., Agrobacterium sp., haploid and sp. 1959, Journal 73: 587-593; Bornke et al., 2001, Journal of 183: Cheetham et al., 1982 299: 628-631; Huang et al., 1998, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 21: 22-27; Lund and Waytt, 1973, Journal of General Microbiology 78: 331-3; et al., 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,140; McAllister et Biotechnology Letters 12: 667-672; Miyata et al., 1992, and Biochemistry 56: Munir et al., 1987, Carbohydrate Research 477-485; Nagai et al., Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 58: Nagai-Miyata al., 1993, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 57: 2049-2053; Park et al., 1996, Revista De Microbiology 27: 131-136; Schmidt-Berg-Lorenz and Maunch, 1964, fur die Zuckerindustrie 14: 625-627; Stotola et al., 1956, Journal of the American Chemical Society 78: 2514-2518; Tsuyuki et al., 1992, Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 38: 483-490; Zhang et al., 2002, Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68: Isomaltulose is currently produced industrial scale reactors containing immobilized bacterial cells. Initially, natural isolates have been used for this purpose but it is that yields of isomaltulose may achieved using recombinant Mattes et al. supra) disclose isolated polynucleotides from Protaminobacter rubrum (CBS 547,77), Erwinia rhapontici (NCPPB 1578), microorganism SZ 62 species) and the microorganism FERM 11808 or FERM BP 3619) for producing recombinant partial or full-length sucrose enzymes in host cells such as Escherichia Mattes al. also disclose conserved amino acid designing degenerate oligonucleotides for cloning sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides by the chain reaction (PCR). In to isomaltulose, reported SIs produce varying proportions of isomer trehalulose (1-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose) along with glucose and fructose by-products. Some purified SIs predominantly isomaltulose (75-85%), others predominantly trehalulose (90%). The ratio of these varies with reaction conditions, particularly temperature and pH, and under some conditions small quantities other products such as isomaltose and isomelezitose may be formed (Véronèse and Perlot, 1999, Enzyme and Microbial Technology 24: The formation of multiple products lowers the yield and complicates the recovery of the desired isomer. Slow of sucrose into and a narrow range of optimal reaction conditions also limit the industrial efficiency of isomaltulose production (Cheetham, Biochemical Journal 220: 213-220; Schiweck et al., 1990, Zuckerindustrie 115: 555-565.). An ideal SI would show high speed, complete conversion, high specificity and a wide window of reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
THis InVENTIOn rELatES genErAlLy To eNZyMEs THAT COnvERT sucROse To iSoMALTUlOsE. MorE pARtICulArly, thE prEsENt InVENTion ReLaTEs To NOvel SuCrOSE ISomErases, tO polYNUClEoTideS ENcOding THesE enZyMEs, tO mEtHodS For iSOlAting SuCh PoLyNucleotIdeS ANd To NUcleIC aCID cONSTRucTS thAT EXPress tHeSe POlYnucleoTiDES. THe INVeNTIOn also rELATES to CeLlS, paRTICulARly TraNsFormEd BacTERiAL Or pLaNT CeLlS, and TO diffEReNtiaTeD plAnTs CoMprIsing CelLS, Which ExpRESS tHeSe PolynuClEOtides. the InveNtion furTHER reLaTes TO The use of thE polypePTIdEs, PoLYnUCleoTIdes, CELlS anD PLAnTs oF The INvEnTiOn FOr pRodUcING isomALTulose.
isOmalTuLoSe α-D-gluCopYRAnOsyL-1,6-d-fruCtOfuRaNose (ALso CAlLED pALaTInose) is A NATURALLy ocCurriNg StrUCturAL iSOMEr oF SuCrOse (α-D-glucosYL-1,2-D-FRUcTOSE). isOMaLtuloSE IS A NUTrItIVE DiSaCcHaRiDe, wITh sWeetNEss AnD BULk sIMilAR tO SUcROsE. SEvERal cHAraCteRisTICs Make isOMALTuLOSE ADVaNtageOus ovER SucroSE for sOME aPPlICATIOnS in THe FoOD InDusTRy: 1) NoNCariOGeNiC (NOT CAusINg DENTAL dECaY); 2) LOW GlycEMIC iNDex (uSEFUL fOR DIAbETiCs); 3) SelECTiVE proMotiON oF GrOwtH OF BenefICIAl bIfidOBaCteria amOng HuMaN INtEsTINAl MICROFlOrA; 4) GREater StAbilITY OF IsoMAltULOSe-CoNTaINing FOoDS anD BeVeRageS; 5) LESS HyGROScOPIc; 6) SIMpLe CONVERsioN IntO Sugar AlCohoLs with otHer usefUl PRopeRtiEs as FOoDs. THe SaFEtY of ISOMAltuLose HAs BEEN coMPRehEnSiVEly VeRifiEd, RESultIng In UNqUalified ApprOVaL As HUmAn foOD, aNd IT Is WIdEly uSeD coMMERCIalLy as a SUcRoSe SubStITuTE IN foODs, sOfT DRinkS And medicInES (tAkaZoE, 1989, PaLaTiNOSE—aN iSomEric aLternATivE TO sucROSe. IN: prOgrEss IN swEetENeRS (T H gREngY, Ed.) PP 143-167. ELSEVIer, barking, UK).
FurtHERmoRe, BECauSe ISOMAlTulOse HAs AN aCcEssIBlE caRbonYL GROUP, iT HAs AtTrActed ATTeNTIoN AS A reneWABLE StARTING maTerial fOR THE manUfactUrE oF BIoprOdUCTs SucH As POlymERs And surfacTAnTs wIth POtEnTial ADvaNtages OVer subSTAnCes mAnUFaCtURED FroM PEtRolEUM (cARTArIUS eT AL., 2001, CHeMIcAl EnGinEeRING aNd TECHNology 24: 55A-59A; KuNZ, 1993, FroM SUcRose To sEmISyNthetICal polYMERs. In: cArbohYDraTEs AS ORgANic raW MatERIalS II (g DESCOtes, Ed.) pP 135-161. VCH, weInHeIM; lichtEnTHalEr eT aL., 2001, greeN cHEmisTrY 3: 201-209; scHIWECK et AL., 1991, new DEvElOPmeNts in thE uSE oF SUcrOSE AS aN INdUstrIAL bUlK cHEMicAL. In: CArbOHYDRATeS As OrgANIC Raw MAteRIalS (F W LiChTenThaler, Ed.) PP 57-94. VCh, weInHeIm).
cOmMercIaL isOmaLTUlOSe is prOdUcED FROM FOOd-gRaDE SucROSE bY ENzYMatiC REArRaNgEmEnt frOm a (1,2)-frUCtoSIde TO A (1,6)-FRuCTOsIDE follOwEd BY cRySTAllIzATION. SuCRoSe ISomERAsE (si) enzYmEs (alSO kNOwN As ISoMAlTULOse sYNthASES), WhICH Are ABle TO cOnVERT SUcRoSe TO ISOMalTULOSe, HAVe BeeN dEMonStRAtEd In pROtamiNObaCteR RUbrum, erWiniA rHapoNtICI, E. cARotOvora vAr aTrOSEpticA, SERRATIa PLyMuthICA, s. marcesens, PseUdOmonAS mesoaCIDopHila, lEUcONostoC mesENtErOIDes, KleBsIeLLA SPp., AgRObactErIuM sP., hAPloid YEaST ANd enTeRobaCTer Sp. (aVIGAd 1959, BIocHeMIcAL jOuRnAl 73: 587-593; boRnkE et Al., 2001, jOurNAL oF BaCtERioLOGY 183: 2425-2430; CHEETHAm eT aL., 1982 NatUre 299: 628-631; huAnG ET Al., 1998, JouRNAL oF INduStriAL miCRObiOLOGy & BioTEChnOloGy 21: 22-27; LUND aND WaYtT, 1973, JoURnAL of geNerAL mIcROBIolOGy 78: 331-3; MAtTeS et aL., 1998, U.s. PAt. nO. 5,786,140; MCaLLISteR ET aL., 1990, BIOtEChNolOGY lEttErs 12: 667-672; miYATa et Al., 1992, BioscIenCE BIOtecHNOLogY aND biOchEmISTrY 56: 1680-1681; mUnir ET Al., 1987, CarboHyDRaTe rESeaRCH 164: 477-485; NAGAI eT aL., 1994, bIOsCIEncE BiOTeChNology AND bIOchEMIstrY 58: 1789-1793; NAGAi-miYata Et al., 1993, BIOScIENce biOtechNOLogy and bioCHemiSTrY 57: 2049-2053; PArK et aL., 1996, rEvista DE microbIoLOgy 27: 131-136; sChmIdt-BERG-LOrenZ and MauNch, 1964, zEitung FuR diE ZuCKERInDUSTRie 14: 625-627; sToTola eT Al., 1956, jOuRnal of the aMEricaN cHeMicAL socieTY 78: 2514-2518; tsuyUki et AL., 1992, JOUrNaL OF GENERaL aND apPliEd miCROBiOLoGY 38: 483-490; ZHAng Et aL., 2002, aPPLIED anD envIrOnMEntAL MicrobioloGy 68: 2676-2682). ISoMALTULOsE IS curREntlY pROdUcED in inDUstrial scALE ColuMn ReACTORs cOnTaINiNG ImMOBIlizEd BaCTERIAL ceLlS. INITiaLlY, NaTUraL ISolatEs haVe Been UsEd for THIs PURPose but IT iS ANTICiPatEd tHaT hIghEr yieLDS Of iSomaLtUlOSe MAy bE achiEVED usiNG ReComBinaNt TecHNIQUeS. mAtteS ET aL. (1998, SuprA) diSCloSE isOLATED POLynuCleotIdEs fRom proTaMInobACteR RubRUM (cbs 547,77), ErWiNIa rHApOntIci (NCppb 1578), ThE mICRoOrgaNism sZ 62 (entERObACTer SPeCieS) AnD the MICroorgAniSM Mx-45 (pSEudOMONAs MEsoAcidopHilA ferm 11808 OR FERM bP 3619) for ProdUCiNg REcOMBiNant pArTiaL oR FULl-lENGTh sucroSe IsoMErAse EnZyMes iN HoST CElLs suCh As eSCHERIChIA colI. MaTTEs eT aL. ALSO dIScLOse COnSErvED Amino ACID seQUENces fOr DEsIGNing DegEnEraTe oLiGoNuCLEoTides fOR cLoniNg SUCRosE iSoMeRASE-eNCODIng POLYnUCLEOTiDes BY tHE polYmERaSe ChAIn ReAcTIon (pcr).
iN aDdiTION TO isomALTuLOsE, ReporTED SiS PRODUCE vARyiNG pROpOrTionS Of ThE iSOMER trehAlUlose (1-o-α-d-gLucoPYraNOSyl-D-FRUcTose) Along wiTH glUCoSe AnD fRucToSe aS bY-PRODucTs. SOMe purifIED sIs PROducE prEDOMiNANtly IsOMaLtulosE (75-85%), oTheRs preDoMinANtly tRehAluLosE (90%). tHE raTIo of these PROducTS VaRIES WITh ReaCTiOn cONDitIONS, PArTiCUlARly TeMPeRAturE AND Ph, anD undeR SOMe coNDiTiOns SmALl QUAntItIes oF otHer prODucTs sUch AS IsOmAltoSe aNd ISomeleZITOSe may Be fORmED (vÉROnèSE And peRLOt, 1999, enZyMe aND MICRoBIAl TecHNOLogy 24: 263-269). ThE fORmatIoN OF mULtiplE PrODucTs LoWeRs ThE Yield And COMplicAteS thE rEcoVErY of tHe dEsIrEd iSOMEr. SLOw CONVeRsIon of sUCRosE iNTo iSOmaLtulOse, AnD a NARRoW RAnge OF OptIMAL REaCtiON cONDitiONs alSO limiT ThE indusTrIAL EfFicienCY oF isoMAltULosE PROductioN (CheetHam, 1984, BIoCHEMicaL joUrnAl 220: 213-220; schIWeCk Et al., 1990, zUCKeRiNdUstRIE 115: 555-565.). An IDeAl sI WoULd sHOW higH sPeEd, cOmpleTE ConVERSiOn, hIGH SpecIfICIty AND A WIde windoW of rEacTiON conditiONs foR isOMALtULOsE PrOducTIon.
|
This invention relatesgenerally toenzymes that convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More particularly, the present invention relates to novelsucrose isomerases,to polynucleotides encoding theseenzymes,to methods for isolating such polynucleotides and to nucleic acid constructs that express these polynucleotides. Theinvention also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. The invention furtherrelates to the use of the polypeptides, polynucleotides,cellsand plants of the inventionfor producing isomaltulose.Isomaltulose α-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-D-fructofuranose (also called palatinose)is a naturally occurringstructuralisomer of sucrose (α-D-glucosyl-1,2-D-fructose). Isomaltulose is a nutritive disaccharide, with sweetnessand bulk similar to sucrose. Several characteristicsmakeisomaltulose advantageous over sucrose for some applications in thefood industry: 1) noncariogenic (not causingdental decay); 2) low glycemic index(useful fordiabetics); 3) selective promotion of growth of beneficial bifidobacteria among human intestinal microflora; 4) greater stability of isomaltulose-containing foods and beverages; 5) less hygroscopic; 6) simple conversioninto sugar alcohols with other useful properties as foods. The safety ofisomaltulose has been comprehensively verified, resulting in unqualified approval as humanfood, and it is widelyused commercially as asucrosesubstitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines (Takazoe, 1989, Palatinose—an isomeric alternative tosucrose.In: Progress in Sweeteners (T H Grengy, ed.) pp 143-167. Elsevier,Barking, UK). Furthermore, becauseisomaltulosehas an accessible carbonyl group, it has attracted attention asa renewable starting material for themanufacture of bioproducts such as polymers and surfactants with potential advantagesover substances manufactured from petroleum (Cartariuset al.,2001, Chemical Engineering andTechnology 24: 55A-59A; Kunz, 1993,From sucrose to semisyntheticalpolymers. In: Carbohydrates asOrganic Raw Materials II (G Descotes,ed.) pp 135-161. VCH, Weinheim; Lichtenthaler et al.,2001, Green Chemistry 3: 201-209; Schiweck et al.,1991, Newdevelopmentsin the use ofsucrose as anindustrial bulk chemical. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials (F W Lichtenthaler, ed.) pp57-94. VCH,Weinheim). Commercial isomaltulose is produced from food-grade sucrose by enzymaticrearrangement from a (1,2)-fructosideto a (1,6)-fructoside followed by crystallization. Sucrose isomerase (SI) enzymes (also known as isomaltulose synthases), whichare able to convert sucrose toisomaltulose, have been demonstrated in Protaminobacter rubrum,Erwinia rhapontici, E. carotovora var atroseptica, Serratia plymuthica, S. marcesens, Pseudomonas mesoacidophila,Leuconostoc mesenteroides,Klebsiella spp., Agrobacterium sp., haploid yeast and Enterobacter sp. (Avigad 1959, Biochemical Journal 73: 587-593; Bornke et al., 2001, Journal of Bacteriology 183: 2425-2430; Cheetham et al., 1982 Nature 299: 628-631;Huang et al.,1998, Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology 21: 22-27; Lundand Waytt, 1973, Journal of General Microbiology 78: 331-3;Mattes et al., 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,140; McAllister etal., 1990, Biotechnology Letters 12: 667-672; Miyata et al., 1992, Bioscience Biotechnologyand Biochemistry 56: 1680-1681; Muniret al., 1987, CarbohydrateResearch 164: 477-485; Nagai et al., 1994, Bioscience Biotechnologyand Biochemistry 58: 1789-1793; Nagai-Miyata et al., 1993, Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry 57: 2049-2053; Park et al., 1996, Revista DeMicrobiology 27: 131-136; Schmidt-Berg-Lorenz and Maunch, 1964, Zeitung furdie Zuckerindustrie 14: 625-627; Stotola et al., 1956, Journal of the American Chemical Society78: 2514-2518; Tsuyuki et al., 1992, Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 38: 483-490; Zhang et al., 2002, Applied and Environmental Microbiology68: 2676-2682). Isomaltulose is currently producedin industrial scale column reactors containing immobilized bacterial cells. Initially, natural isolates have been used for this purpose but itis anticipated thathigher yields of isomaltulose may beachievedusing recombinanttechniques. Mattes et al. (1998, supra) disclose isolatedpolynucleotidesfrom Protaminobacter rubrum (CBS 547,77), Erwiniarhapontici(NCPPB 1578), the microorganism SZ 62(Enterobacter species)and the microorganism MX-45 (Pseudomonas mesoacidophila FERM 11808 or FERM BP 3619) for producing recombinantpartialor full-lengthsucrose isomerase enzymes in host cells such as Escherichia coli. Mattes etal. also disclose conserved aminoacid sequencesfor designing degenerate oligonucleotidesfor cloning sucrose isomerase-encoding polynucleotides by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition to isomaltulose, reported SIs produce varying proportions of the isomer trehalulose (1-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose)along with glucose and fructose as by-products. SomepurifiedSIs produce predominantlyisomaltulose(75-85%), others predominantly trehalulose (90%). Theratioofthese productsvaries with reaction conditions, particularly temperature and pH, and under someconditions small quantities of other products such as isomaltose and isomelezitose may be formed (Véronèse and Perlot, 1999, Enzyme and Microbial Technology24: 263-269). The formation of multiple productslowers the yield andcomplicates the recovery of the desired isomer. Slowconversion ofsucrose into isomaltulose, and a narrow range of optimal reaction conditionsalso limit the industrial efficiency of isomaltulose production(Cheetham, 1984, Biochemical Journal 220:213-220; Schiweck et al., 1990, Zuckerindustrie 115: 555-565.). An ideal SI would show highspeed, complete conversion, highspecificityanda wide window of reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
This _invention_ relates generally to enzymes _that_ convert sucrose to isomaltulose. More _particularly,_ the present _invention_ relates to novel sucrose isomerases, to polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, _to_ methods for isolating such _polynucleotides_ _and_ _to_ nucleic acid constructs that express these _polynucleotides._ The _invention_ also relates to cells, particularly transformed bacterial or plant cells, and to differentiated plants comprising cells, which express these polynucleotides. The invention further relates _to_ the use _of_ the polypeptides, _polynucleotides,_ cells _and_ plants _of_ the invention _for_ _producing_ _isomaltulose._ Isomaltulose _α-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-D-fructofuranose_ (also called palatinose) is _a_ _naturally_ occurring structural isomer of sucrose _(α-D-glucosyl-1,2-D-fructose)._ Isomaltulose is _a_ nutritive _disaccharide,_ with sweetness and bulk similar to sucrose. _Several_ _characteristics_ make isomaltulose advantageous _over_ _sucrose_ for some _applications_ in _the_ _food_ industry: _1)_ noncariogenic (not causing dental decay); 2) low glycemic index (useful for diabetics); 3) _selective_ promotion of _growth_ of beneficial _bifidobacteria_ among _human_ intestinal microflora; 4) greater stability _of_ isomaltulose-containing foods _and_ beverages; 5) less hygroscopic; _6)_ simple conversion into sugar alcohols _with_ other useful properties as foods. The safety of isomaltulose has been comprehensively _verified,_ _resulting_ _in_ unqualified approval as human food, _and_ _it_ is _widely_ used commercially _as_ a sucrose substitute in foods, soft drinks and medicines (Takazoe, _1989,_ Palatinose—an _isomeric_ alternative to sucrose. In: Progress _in_ _Sweeteners_ (T H Grengy, ed.) _pp_ 143-167. Elsevier, Barking, UK). Furthermore, because _isomaltulose_ has an _accessible_ carbonyl group, it has attracted attention as a renewable starting material for the manufacture _of_ bioproducts _such_ as polymers and _surfactants_ with _potential_ advantages over _substances_ manufactured _from_ petroleum (Cartarius et al., _2001,_ _Chemical_ Engineering and Technology 24: 55A-59A; Kunz, _1993,_ _From_ sucrose to semisynthetical polymers. In: _Carbohydrates_ as Organic Raw Materials II (G Descotes, _ed.)_ _pp_ 135-161. VCH, Weinheim; Lichtenthaler et al., 2001, Green Chemistry _3:_ 201-209; _Schiweck_ et al., 1991, New developments in the use of sucrose as an industrial bulk chemical. In: Carbohydrates as Organic Raw _Materials_ (F W _Lichtenthaler,_ ed.) _pp_ _57-94._ VCH, _Weinheim)._ Commercial isomaltulose is produced from food-grade _sucrose_ by _enzymatic_ rearrangement from a (1,2)-fructoside to a (1,6)-fructoside followed _by_ crystallization. _Sucrose_ isomerase (SI) enzymes (also known as isomaltulose synthases), which are able to convert sucrose to _isomaltulose,_ have _been_ demonstrated in _Protaminobacter_ _rubrum,_ Erwinia rhapontici, E. carotovora _var_ atroseptica, Serratia plymuthica, S. marcesens, Pseudomonas mesoacidophila, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Klebsiella spp., Agrobacterium _sp.,_ haploid yeast and Enterobacter sp. (Avigad 1959, Biochemical Journal 73: _587-593;_ Bornke et _al.,_ 2001, Journal of Bacteriology 183: 2425-2430; Cheetham et al., 1982 _Nature_ 299: 628-631; _Huang_ et al., 1998, Journal of _Industrial_ Microbiology & _Biotechnology_ 21: 22-27; Lund and Waytt, 1973, _Journal_ _of_ _General_ Microbiology 78: 331-3; Mattes et al., 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,140; McAllister _et_ al., 1990, Biotechnology Letters 12: 667-672; Miyata et al., 1992, Bioscience _Biotechnology_ _and_ Biochemistry 56: 1680-1681; Munir _et_ al., 1987, Carbohydrate Research _164:_ _477-485;_ Nagai et al., _1994,_ Bioscience _Biotechnology_ _and_ _Biochemistry_ 58: 1789-1793; Nagai-Miyata et al., _1993,_ Bioscience Biotechnology and _Biochemistry_ _57:_ 2049-2053; _Park_ et al., 1996, Revista De Microbiology 27: _131-136;_ Schmidt-Berg-Lorenz and Maunch, 1964, Zeitung fur die _Zuckerindustrie_ 14: 625-627; Stotola _et_ _al.,_ 1956, _Journal_ of the _American_ Chemical _Society_ 78: 2514-2518; Tsuyuki et al., 1992, Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 38: _483-490;_ Zhang _et_ _al.,_ 2002, _Applied_ _and_ Environmental Microbiology 68: 2676-2682). Isomaltulose is currently _produced_ _in_ industrial scale column reactors containing _immobilized_ bacterial cells. Initially, natural isolates have been used _for_ this purpose but it _is_ anticipated that higher yields of isomaltulose may _be_ _achieved_ using recombinant techniques. Mattes et _al._ _(1998,_ supra) disclose isolated polynucleotides _from_ Protaminobacter rubrum (CBS 547,77), Erwinia rhapontici (NCPPB 1578), the microorganism _SZ_ 62 _(Enterobacter_ species) and the _microorganism_ _MX-45_ (Pseudomonas mesoacidophila FERM 11808 _or_ _FERM_ BP 3619) for _producing_ recombinant partial or full-length sucrose isomerase _enzymes_ in _host_ _cells_ such as Escherichia coli. Mattes et _al._ also disclose conserved amino acid _sequences_ for designing degenerate _oligonucleotides_ for cloning sucrose isomerase-encoding _polynucleotides_ by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition to _isomaltulose,_ reported SIs produce _varying_ proportions _of_ the isomer trehalulose _(1-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose)_ _along_ with glucose _and_ _fructose_ as by-products. Some purified _SIs_ produce predominantly isomaltulose (75-85%), others predominantly trehalulose (90%). The _ratio_ of these _products_ varies with _reaction_ conditions, particularly _temperature_ _and_ pH, and under some conditions small quantities of other products such _as_ isomaltose and isomelezitose _may_ be formed (Véronèse and Perlot, 1999, _Enzyme_ and Microbial Technology _24:_ 263-269). The formation of _multiple_ products lowers the yield and complicates _the_ recovery _of_ the desired isomer. _Slow_ conversion of sucrose into _isomaltulose,_ and a narrow range of optimal reaction _conditions_ also limit _the_ industrial efficiency of isomaltulose _production_ (Cheetham, 1984, Biochemical _Journal_ 220: _213-220;_ Schiweck et al., _1990,_ Zuckerindustrie 115: 555-565.). An ideal SI would show high speed, complete _conversion,_ high specificity and a wide window _of_ reaction conditions for isomaltulose production.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to the reporting of Power Headroom (PH) from a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mobile communication systems were originally designed to provide users with voice communication services while they are on the move. Current mobile communication systems are capable of supporting both voice communication services and data communication services for mobile users.
Standardization for a next generation of mobile communication technology for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is being conducted for Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is a broadband packet-based communication technology that is expected to provide download speeds that improve upon existing data transmission rates by up to 100 Megabytes/second (Mbps). In attempting to achieve such a high data rate, studies have been conducted that use a minimum number of nodes in connection with a simplified network topology, and that place a radio protocol as close as possible to radio channels.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an LTE wireless communication system. The LTE wireless communication system includes a plurality of Evolved Node Bs (ENBs) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 125, and a Serving Gateway (S-GW) 130. ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 are coupled to the S-GW 130, enabling a UE 135 to connect to a core network. The ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 correspond to Node Bs of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and perform more complex functions than those of a legacy Node B. In the LTE system, all user traffic, including real time services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are provided through a shared channel. Each of the ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 manage one or more cells, and are responsible for the collection of status information from UEs and for the scheduling of traffic.
In order to support transmission bandwidths of up to 20 megahertz (MHz), LTE employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as its basic modulation scheme. LTE also uses Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) to improve data throughput. AMC varies downlink modulation and coding schemes based on channel conditions for each UE. The S-GW 130 is responsible for managing data bearers and establishes or releases data bearers under the control of the MME 125. The MME 125 is in communication with the S-GW 130 and is responsible for control plane functions.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a user plane protocol stack for use in the LTE architecture of FIG. 1. A mobile terminal, or UE, 200 has a protocol stack having a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer 205, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer 210, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer 215, and a Physical (PHY) layer 220. A base station, or ENB, 201 has a protocol stack having a PDCP layer 240, an RLC layer 235, a MAC layer 230, and a PHY layer 225. The PDCP layers 205 and 240 are responsible for Internet Protocol (IP) header compression/decompression. The RLC layers 210 and 235 pack the PDCP Packet Data Units (PDUs) into a size appropriate for transmission and perform an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) function. The MAC layers 215 and 230 serve multiple RLC layer entities. These layers are capable of multiplexing the RLC PDUs into a MAC PDU, and demultiplexing the MAC PDU into the RLC PDUs. The PHY layers 220 and 225 perform encoding and modulation on upper layer data for transmission through a radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the OFDM symbol received through the radio channel for delivery to upper layers. A data unit that is input to a protocol entity is referred to as a Service Data Unit (SDU) and a data unit that is output from the protocol entity is referred to as a Protocol Data Unit.
A voice communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively small amount of dedicated bandwidth. However, a data communication service must allocate resources in consideration of a data amount and a channel condition so that transmission throughput may increase. Thus, a mobile communication system is provided with a scheduler that manages resource allocation with respect to available resources, channel conditions, an amount of transmission data, etc. Resource scheduling is also required in LTE, and a scheduler that is incorporated into a base station, or ENB, is used to manage radio transmission resources.
In order to meet International Mobile Telephony (IMT)-Advanced requirements that extend beyond those of IMT-2000, further technological advancements have allowed for the evolution of LTE into LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). LTE-A is provided with technological components, such as carrier aggregation, to fulfill the IMT-Advanced requirements. Carrier aggregation aggregates multiple carriers to form a larger bandwidth, thereby allowing a UE to transmit and receive data at higher data rates.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an LTE-A wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation. An ENB 305 operates on two different carriers 310 and 315, having center frequencies of f3 and f1, respectively. A conventional wireless communication system allows a UE 330 to communicate with the ENB 305 using only one of carriers 310 and 315. However, the LTE-A system supporting carrier aggregation enables the UE 330 to use both carriers 310 and 315 in order to increase transmission throughput. The maximum data rate between the ENB 305 and the UE 330 increases in proportion to the number of carriers that are aggregated.
Due to the fact that uplink transmissions cause inter-cell interference, it is preferable for a UE to calculate an uplink transmission power using a predetermined function, and to control uplink transmission based on the calculation. The predetermined function may utilize variables such as an allocated transmission resource amount, a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), and a path loss value in calculating a required uplink transmission power. The uplink transmission power is limited to a UE maximum transmission power. When the required uplink transmission power is greater than the UE maximum transmission power, the UE performs the uplink transmission using the UE maximum transmission power. However, use of the maximum transmission power instead of the required transmission power degrades the uplink transmission quality. Thus, it is preferable for the ENB to perform scheduling for UE transmissions such that a required transmission power for the UE transmission will not exceed the UE maximum transmission power.
Some parameters utilized in scheduling at the ENB, such as channel path loss, are not capable of being measured at the ENB. When required, the UE may transmit a Power Headroom Report (PHR) to the ENB to report UE Power Headroom (PH) with respect to path loss. However, conventional uplink transmission power determination procedures are performed with respect to a single downlink carrier and a single uplink carrier. Thus, the conventional procedures are not applicable to the LTE-A system supporting carrier aggregation.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to the reporting of power headroom ( ph ) from a user equipment ( ue ) in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation. 2. description of the related art mobile communication systems exist originally designed to provide users with voice communication services while they are on the move. current mobile communication strategies are thought of supporting both voice communication services and data communication services for mobile users. standardization for a next generation of mobile communication technology for the 3rd generation partnership project ( 3gpp ) is being conducted for long term evolution ( lte ). lte is a broadband packet - based communication technology that is expected to provide download speeds that improve upon existing data transmission rates by up to 100 megabytes / second ( mbps ). in attempting to achieve such a high data rate, studies have been conducted that use relatively minimum number of nodes in connection with a simplified network topology, and that place a radio protocol as close as possible to radio channels. fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an lte wireless communication technology. the lte wireless communication system includes a plurality directly evolved node bs ( enbs ) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a mobility management entity ( mme ) 112, and the serving gateway ( s - gw ) 130. enbs 105, 110, 115 and 120 are coupled to the s - gw 130, enabling a ue 135 to connect to a core network. the enbs 105, 110, 115 and 120 correspond to node bs of a universal mobile telecommunications system ( umts ) and perform more complex functions than those employing a legacy node b. in the lte scheme, all user traffic, including real time services such as voice over internet protocol ( voip ), are provided through a shared channel. each of the enbs 105, 110, 115 and 120 manage one or more cells, and are responsible for the collection of status information from ues and for the scheduling of traffic. in order to support transmission bandwidths of up to 20 megahertz ( mhz ), lte employs orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ( ofdm ) as its basic modulation scheme. lte also uses adaptive modulation and coding ( amc ) to improve data throughput. amc varies downlink modulation and coding schemes based on channel conditions for each ue. the s - gw 130 is responsible for managing data bearers and establishes or releases data bearers under the control of the mm ##e 125. the mme 125 is in communication with the s - gw 130 and is responsible for control plane functions. fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a user plane protocol stack for use in the lte architecture of fig. 1. a mobile terminal, or ue, 200 has a protocol stack having a packet data convergence protocol ( pdcp ) layer 205, a radio link control ( rlc ) layer 210, a media access control ( mac ) layer 215, and a physical ( phy ) layer 220. a base station, or enb, 201 has a protocol stack having a pdcp layer 240, an rlc layer 235, a mac layer 230, and a phy layer 225. the pdcp layers 205 and 240 are responsible for internet protocol ( ip ) header compression / decompression. the rlc layers 210 and 235 pack the pdcp packet data units ( pdus ) into a size appropriate for transmission and perform an automatic repeat request ( arq ) function. the mac layers 215 and 230 serve multiple rlc layer entities. these layers are capable of multiplexing the rlc pdus into a mac pdu, and demultiplexing the mac pdu into the rlc pdus. the phy layers 220 and 225 perform encoding and modulation on upper layer data for transmission through a radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the ofdm symbol received through the radio channel for delivery to upper layers. a data unit that is input to a protocol entity is referred to as a service data unit ( sdu ) and a data unit that is output from the protocol entity is referred to as a protocol data unit. a voice communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively small amount of dedicated bandwidth. however, a data communication service must allocate resources in consideration of a data amount and a channel condition so that transmission throughput may increase. thus, a mobile communication system is provided with a scheduler that manages resource allocation with respect to available resources, channel conditions, an amount of transmission data, etc. resource scheduling is also required in lte, and a scheduler that is incorporated into a base station, or enb, is used to manage radio transmission resources. in order to meet international mobile telephony ( imt ) - advanced requirements that extend beyond those of imt - 2000, further technological advancements have allowed for the evolution of lte into lte - advanced ( lte - a ). lte - a is provided with technological components, such as carrier aggregation, to fulfill the imt - advanced requirements. carrier aggregation aggregates multiple carriers to form a larger bandwidth, thereby allowing a ue to transmit and receive data at higher data rates. fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an lte - a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation. an enb 305 operates on two different carriers 310 and 315, having center frequencies of f3 and f1, respectively. a conventional wireless communication system allows a ue 330 to communicate with the enb 305 using only one of carriers 310 and 315. however, the lte - a system supporting carrier aggregation enables the ue 330 to use both carriers 310 and 315 in order to increase transmission throughput. the maximum data rate between the enb 305 and the ue 330 increases in proportion to the number of carriers that are aggregated. due to the fact that uplink transmissions cause inter - cell interference, it is preferable for a ue to calculate an uplink transmission power using a predetermined function, and to control uplink transmission based on the calculation. the predetermined function may utilize variables such as an allocated transmission resource amount, a modulation and coding scheme ( mcs ), and a path loss value in calculating a required uplink transmission power. the uplink transmission power is limited to a ue maximum transmission power. when the required uplink transmission power is greater than the ue maximum transmission power, the ue performs the uplink transmission using the ue maximum transmission power. however, use of the maximum transmission power instead of the required transmission power degrades the uplink transmission quality. thus, it is preferable for the enb to perform scheduling for ue transmissions such that a required transmission power for the ue transmission will not exceed the ue maximum transmission power. some parameters utilized in scheduling at the enb, such as channel path loss, are not capable of being measured at the enb. when required, the ue may transmit a power headroom report ( phr ) to the enb to report ue power headroom ( ph ) with respect to path loss. however, conventional uplink transmission power determination procedures are performed with respect to a single downlink carrier and a single uplink carrier. thus, the conventional procedures are not applicable to the lte - a system supporting carrier aggregation.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to the reporting of Power Headroom (PH) from a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation. 2. Descri0tUon of the Related Art Mobile communication systems were originally designed to provide users with voice communication services while they are on the move. Current mobile communication systems are capable of supporting both voice communication services and data communication services for mobile users. Standardization for a next generation of mobile communication technology for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is being conducted for Long Term Evolution (LTE ). LTE is a broadband packet - based communication technology that is expected to provide download speeds that improve upon existing data transmission rates by up to 100 Megabytes / second (Mbps ). In attempting to achieve such a high XatQ rate, studies have been conducted that use a minimum number of nodes in connection with a simplified network topology, and that place a radio protocol as close as possible to radio channels. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an LTE wireless communication system. The LTE wireless communication system includes a plurality of Evolved Node Bs (ENBs) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 125, and a Serving Gateway (S - GW) 130. ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 are coupled to the S - GW 130, enabling a UE 135 to connect to a core network. The ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 correspond to Node Bs of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and perform more cpmpKex functions than those of a legacy Node B. In the LTE system, all user traffic, including real time services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP ), are provided through a shared channel. Each of the ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 manage one or more cells, and are responsible for the collection of status information from UEs and for the scheduling of traffic. In order to support transmission bandwidths of up to 20 megahertz (MHz ), LTE employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as its basic modulation scheme. LTE also uses Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) to improve data throughput. AMC varies downlink modulation and coding schemes based on channel conditions for each UE. The S - GW 130 is responsible for managing data bearers and establishes or releases data bearers under the control of the MME 125. The MME 125 is in communication with the S - GW 130 and is responsible for control plane functions. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a user plane protocol stack for use in the LTE architecture of FIG. 1. A mobile terminal, or UE, 200 has a protocol stack having a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer 205, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer 210, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer 215, and a Physical (PHY) layer 220. A base station, or ENB, 201 has a protocol stack having a PDCP layer 240, an RLC layer 235, a MAC layer 230, and a PHY layer 225. The PDCP layers 205 and 240 are responsible for Internet Protocol (IP) header compression / decompression. The RLC layers 210 and 235 pack the PDCP Packet Data Units (PDUs) into a size appropriate for transmission and perform an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) function. The MAC layers 215 and 230 serve multiple RLC layer entities. These layers are capable of multiplexing the RLC PDUs into a MAC PDU, and demultiplexing the MAC PDU into the RLC PDUs. The PHY layers 220 and 225 perform encoding and modulation on upper layer data for transmission through a radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the OFDM symbol received through the radio channel for delivery to upper layers. A data unit that is input to a protocol entity is referred to as a Service Data Unit (SDU) and a data unit that is output from the protocol entity is referred to as a Protocol Data Unit. A voice communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively small amount of dedicated bandwidth. How2ve#, a data communication service must allocate resources in consideration of a data amount and a channel condition so that transmission throughput may increase. Thus, a mobile communication system is provided with a scheduler that manages resource allocation with respect to available resources, channel conditions, an amount of transmission data, etc. Resource scheduling is also required in LTE, and a scheduler that is incorporated into a base station, or ENB, is used to manage radio transmission resources. In order to meet International Mobile T4lephon% (IMT) - Advanced requirements that extend beyond those of IMT - 2000, further technological advancements have allowed for the evolution of LTE into LTE - Advanced (LTE - A ). LTE - A is provided with technological components, such as carrier aggregation, to fulfill the IMT - Advanced requirements. Carrier aggregation aggregates multiple carriers to form a larger bandwidth, thereby allowing a UE to transmit and receive data at higher data rates. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an LTE - A wireKeDs communication system supporting carrier aggregation. An ENB 305 operates on two different carriers 310 and 315, having center frequencies of f3 and f1, respectively. A conventional wireless communication system allows a UE 330 to communicate with the ENB 305 using only one of carriers 310 and 315. However, the LTE - A system supporting carrier aggregation enables the UE 330 to use both carriers 310 and 315 in order to increase transmission throughput. The maximum data rate between the ENB 305 and the UE 330 increases in proportion to the number of carriers that are aggregated. Due to the fact that uplink tranWmiWsions cause ijtfr - cell interference, it is preferable for a UE to calculate an uplink transmission power using a predetermined function, and to control uplink transmission based on the calculation. The predetermined function may utilize variables such as an allocated transmission resource amount, a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS ), and a path loss value in calculating a required uplink transmission power. The uplink transmission power is limited to a UE maximum transmission power. When the required uplink transmission power is greater than the UE maximum transmission power, the UE performs the uplink transmission using the UE maximum transmission power. However, use of the maximum transmission power instead of the required transmission power degrades the uplink transmission quality. Thus, it is preferable for the ENB to perform scheduling for UE transmissions such that a required transmission power for the UE transmission will not exceed the UE maximum transmission power. Some parameters utilized in scheduling at the ENB, such as channel path loss, are not capable of being measured at the ENB. When required, the UE may transmit a Power Headroom Report (PHR) to the ENB to report UE Pow3F Headroom (PH) with respect to path loss. However, conventional uplink transmission power determination procedures are performed with respdcf to a single downlink carrier and a single uplink carrier. Thus, the conventional procedures are not applicable to the LTE - A system supporting carrier aggregation.
|
1. of the Invention The present invention relates generally to wireless communication and more particularly, to the of Power Headroom (PH) from a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation. Description of the Related Art Mobile communication systems were originally designed to provide users with voice communication services while they are on the move. Current mobile systems are capable of supporting both communication services and data communication for mobile users. Standardization for a next generation of communication technology the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is being conducted for Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is a broadband packet-based communication technology that is expected to provide download speeds that upon existing data transmission rates by up 100 Megabytes/second (Mbps). In attempting achieve such a high data rate, studies have conducted that use a number of nodes in connection a simplified network topology, and that place a radio protocol as close as possible to channels. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an LTE communication system. The LTE wireless communication system includes a plurality of Evolved Node Bs (ENBs) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 125, and a Serving Gateway (S-GW) 130. ENBs 105, 110, 115 120 are to the S-GW 130, enabling a 135 to connect to a core network. ENBs 110, 115 and correspond to Node Bs of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) and perform complex functions than those of a Node B. In the LTE system, all user traffic, including time services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are provided through a shared channel. Each of the ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 manage one more and are responsible for the collection of status information from UEs and for the scheduling of traffic. In to support transmission bandwidths of to megahertz (MHz), LTE employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as its basic modulation LTE also uses Adaptive Modulation and (AMC) to data throughput. AMC varies modulation and coding schemes based on channel conditions for each UE. The S-GW 130 is responsible for managing data bearers and establishes or releases data bearers under the control of the MME 125. The 125 is in communication with the S-GW 130 and is for control plane functions. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a user plane protocol stack for use in the LTE architecture of FIG. 1. A mobile or UE, 200 has a protocol stack having a Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer 205, a Radio Link Control (RLC) 210, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer 215, and a Physical (PHY) layer 220. A base station, or ENB, has stack having a PDCP layer 240, an layer 235, a 230, and a PHY layer PDCP layers 205 and 240 are responsible for Internet Protocol (IP) header compression/decompression. RLC layers 210 and 235 pack the PDCP Packet Data Units (PDUs) into a size appropriate for transmission and perform an Automatic Repeat reQuest function. The MAC layers and 230 serve RLC layer entities. These layers are capable of multiplexing the RLC PDUs into a PDU, demultiplexing MAC into the RLC PDUs. The PHY layers 220 and 225 perform encoding and modulation on upper layer data for transmission through a radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the OFDM symbol received through the radio channel for delivery to upper A data unit that is input to a protocol entity is referred to as a Service Data Unit and data unit that is output from the protocol is referred to as a Protocol Data Unit. A communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively small of dedicated bandwidth. However, a data communication service must allocate resources in consideration of a data amount and a channel condition so that transmission throughput may increase. a mobile communication system is provided with a scheduler that manages resource allocation with respect to available resources, channel conditions, an amount of data, etc. Resource scheduling is also required in LTE, and a scheduler that is incorporated into a base station, or ENB, is used to manage radio transmission resources. In order meet International Telephony (IMT)-Advanced requirements that extend beyond those of further technological advancements have allowed for the of LTE into LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). LTE-A is provided with technological components, such as carrier aggregation, to the requirements. Carrier aggregation aggregates carriers to form a larger bandwidth, thereby allowing a to transmit and receive data at higher data rates. FIG. 3 a schematic diagram illustrating an LTE-A wireless carrier aggregation. ENB 305 operates on two different carriers 310 and 315, having center frequencies of f3 and f1, respectively. A conventional wireless communication system allows a UE 330 communicate with the ENB 305 using only one of carriers 310 and 315. However, LTE-A system supporting carrier aggregation enables UE to carriers 310 and 315 in to increase transmission throughput. The maximum data rate between the ENB 305 and 330 increases in proportion the number of carriers that are aggregated. to the fact that uplink transmissions cause inter-cell interference, it is preferable for a to calculate an transmission power using a predetermined function, and to uplink transmission based the calculation. predetermined utilize such as an transmission amount, a Modulation Coding (MCS), and a path loss value in calculating required uplink transmission power. The uplink transmission power is limited to UE maximum power. When the required uplink transmission power greater than the UE maximum transmission power, the UE performs the uplink transmission using the UE maximum power. However, use of the maximum power instead of the required power degrades the uplink transmission quality. Thus, it is preferable for the ENB to perform scheduling for UE transmissions such that a required transmission power for the UE will not exceed the UE maximum transmission power. Some parameters utilized in at the ENB, such as channel path loss, are not capable of being measured at the ENB. When the UE may transmit a Power Headroom Report (PHR) to the ENB to report UE Power Headroom (PH) with respect to path loss. However, conventional uplink power determination procedures are performed respect to a single downlink carrier and a uplink carrier. Thus, the conventional procedures are not applicable to the LTE-A system supporting carrier aggregation.
|
1. fIeld oF THe InVEnTion
tHE pRESenT inVeNtiOn RelATEs gENERAllY To wIREleSs cOmmUNICaTIoN SYStems, aNd MOrE PaRticuLARLy, tO THe rEPOrTinG of pOWEr heAdroOM (pH) from a uSEr EquIpmenT (Ue) In a wIReLeSS comMunIcaTIon sYsTEM THAt SUppOrTS CARRIER AGgReGATION.
2. DEscRiptIoN OF tHE ReLaTEd ART
MobIlE cOMMunIcAtion sYsTEMS werE orIGiNAlLy desIgNEd tO provIdE usErs with vOIcE cOMmunicATiON sERVicEs WhIlE THEy ARe On THe MoVE. CUrREnT MObile COmmunICAtIon sYSTEMs ARE CAPAbLE of SuPPoRTInG bOTh VoicE CommunicAtION serVicES AnD DatA ComMUnicatiOn sErVicES FOr moBilE useRs.
sTAndarDiZatiON fOr A neXT GEnERAtION Of mobILE COMmUNIcatIOn techNOLoGy foR tHe 3rD GenErAtIOn partnERShIP ProjecT (3GPp) is beinG cOnDuCteD For LOng teRM eVoLutiOn (LTe). LtE is a BroadBaNd paCkeT-baSeD ComMUnicAtION tecHnoloGy thAT IS EXpeCtED To prOvIde dowNlOAd sPEeDS ThAt IMprove upOn eXIStING DatA trANsMISsIon raTES By uP To 100 MegAByTeS/SECond (MBPs). IN aTTemptiNG tO achIeVE suCH A hiGH dATA RaTe, StudIEs HAVe beeN coNDUCTeD thaT USe A MInimUm Number OF NoDEs in CONnECtioN wITH A SImpLifiEd NeTWORk ToPOlOGY, aNd tHaT placE A RAdiO pROToCOL AS CLoSE AS POsSibLe To raDIO CHanNEls.
fIG. 1 is a DIagrAm ILLUSTRaTing an lTE WiRELesS CoMMuNIcAtIon sYSTeM. the lte WIrELESs CoMMUNiCatION SySTEM incLUDeS A pLuRAlIty Of eVOlved noDE Bs (ENBS) 105, 110, 115 aND 120, a MObilIty ManAgEMeNT EnTiTy (MmE) 125, AnD a sErvinG gaTewAY (S-gw) 130. enbS 105, 110, 115 And 120 aRE COupLeD to The S-GW 130, enAbliNG a uE 135 to cONnEcT tO a COrE NEtWorK. The EnBs 105, 110, 115 And 120 COrreSpond to nOde bs of A univERSAl MobiLe tELECoMmUNICAtIOnS SYStem (uMtS) AND PerfOrm moRE CoMplEX fuNctIOnS thAn THoSE of A leGaCY NODE B. iN thE lTE sysTem, ALl USER traffIC, iNCLUDIng reaL TIme sErvICES SUCH as vOIce oVeR INTeRnet PrOtOcOl (VoIP), ARe PROviDed thRouGh a SHareD cHannEL. EAch Of The ENBS 105, 110, 115 and 120 ManaGe ONe oR More CelLs, AND ARE respoNSIblE foR the colLeCtiON of stATUs INFORmatiON froM ues and FOr tHe ScHEdULiNG of TRaFFIC.
in ORdER TO SUPPORT TrAnsMissION bAndwiDtHS oF Up tO 20 mEGAheRTZ (mhz), lTE EMplOys orTHogonAl FREQuenCy dIVISiOn muLTIplExInG (OfDm) AS ItS BaSIc MoDUlATioN SChEmE. lTE alsO USes ADAPTIvE MoDulaTioN AnD cOdinG (AmC) To ImprOvE data tHrOuGHPUt. Amc Varies doWNlink MoDulAtiOn aND codINg SChemES Based On ChANNeL CONDiTiOns For eAch uE. ThE s-Gw 130 is rESPOnSIBlE FoR mANAGInG dATA Bearers and estaBliSHes oR ReleaSeS Data BEARerS UNdeR thE cONTrOl Of the MmE 125. tHE mme 125 iS IN cOMmuNiCAtIOn wItH the S-Gw 130 and is REspoNsibLe foR cOnTrOl PlanE funcTIonS.
Fig. 2 Is a diagrAM illUStrATing A usER plaNE PROtocOL StAck FoR usE iN THe LTE ArCHiTECTurE of Fig. 1. a MoBilE tErMinal, OR uE, 200 HaS A pROtOcOL STAcK HavinG A PAckeT DAta conVerGENcE pROToCol (PDcp) LAYer 205, A raDio link coNtroL (rlC) LAyer 210, A meDiA ACceSS CoNtrol (Mac) LayEr 215, anD A pHYSIcaL (phy) LAYer 220. a BASE sTatIoN, oR enB, 201 hAs A ProTOCoL StaCK havING a Pdcp lAYEr 240, an Rlc LaYeR 235, a MAC lAyEr 230, anD a PhY LAyeR 225. tHE PDcp lAyErs 205 anD 240 Are rESpoNSibLE fOr INtErnEt PrOTOcOL (iP) heaDer cOmPrESsioN/DecoMPrESSion. The rLC lAYErS 210 aND 235 pACK the Pdcp PaCKEt DAta UNiTS (pDus) InTO A Size AppRoPRIAtE foR TRANSMISSIOn and perFORM an auTOMAtiC RePeAt reQuEsT (Arq) FuNctiON. tHE mAC LayErs 215 aNd 230 SErVE MuLTiPLe RlC LAYEr enTItIEs. ThESe LayerS ARE cAPABle Of MUlTiPleXiNg THe rLc PDuS InTO A MAc PdU, ANd DEmUlTipLexing The maC pDU into the rLC pdus. The PHy LAYErS 220 anD 225 PERfOrM EncOdinG and moDULATIon oN UPPER LAyER dAta foR TRansmiSsiOn tHRouGH A radio ChanNeL, anD peRfoRm dEmoduLaTIoN And DecODiNG on THe OFdm sYMboL rECEIVed thRough The raDIO ChanNeL FOr DELiVERY to uPpeR LAyerS. a DaTA uNIT THAt IS InpuT to a ProtOCol enTITY IS RefeRRED to aS A sErvIce dATa uNit (sDu) anD A DaTa unit THaT iS outpuT fROM The prOTocol eNTity iS REFerRed TO aS a ProtoCol Data UNiT.
A VOiCE COMMUniCatiON sERvICe Of a wIrELESs COmmUNicaTIOn sySTem ReQUiReS a RElATively SmaLL aMoUnT Of dedIcAteD bANdWIDtH. HOWEVeR, a daTa cOmMUnIcaTIoN SErvIce mUsT ALlOCAte REsOurCES In cOnsideRATion of a datA amOUNT and A cHaNnel conDitIon SO tHaT TRANsmIsSIOn tHRoUghPuT mAy INcReASE. tHus, A MOBILe CoMmUNicaTIOn sYSTem Is proviDED WItH a SChEDULer that mAnagES RESOuRCe aLLOCatION wITh resPEct to avAilAble rEsOurces, CHAnneL CONDItIons, an aMoUNT oF tRANSmISsIon dAtA, etc. rEsOurCe scHEDuLiNg Is alsO REqUiReD in lTe, aND a SchEDUler thaT is IncORPoRated INtO a bAse StatiOn, or enB, iS USED tO mAnaGE rADIO tranSMiSSiON ReSourcES.
in orDer To MEEt InTERnAtIoNAl mobIlE teLEPhonY (imt)-aDVANceD RequirEMeNTS thaT ExTend BeyoND THOsE oF IMT-2000, FURtHEr TEChnoLOGiCaL ADvanCeMeNTS Have ALloWEd foR THE EVolutioN OF LTe iNTO LTe-aDVANCed (LTE-A). Lte-A Is pROvided WITh TEcHnOLoGIcaL cOmPONENTS, sUCH AS CarrIer AGGrEgation, to fulFIll The IMT-advANCED ReqUIremENTs. caRrIEr AGgREgAtion agGREGaTES mULtIpLe CaRRIERs to fORM a LARgEr bANDWiDTH, THerEby ALloWINg A ue TO TRAnsmit aNd recEIve daTa At hIgher DATA RatEs.
FIg. 3 IS a SchEMaTIC diaGraM iLLUSTraTiNG an Lte-A wIrELesS coMmuNiCAtIoN SYStEM SuppoRtiNg CArRiEr aGgrEGATION. An Enb 305 oPerAteS on tWO DIFferENt cARRiErS 310 and 315, HaViNG CENTER FReQUEncieS of F3 anD F1, reSPEcTiVElY. A coNVENtIonAl WIRElEsS comMuNIcATIon SYSTEM aLLoWS a uE 330 tO coMmunicAtE WIth THe ENb 305 uSIng ONly one Of CArrieRS 310 aND 315. HoWEver, thE lTE-a SystEm SUPporTiNg caRrier aGgreGATiON eNableS THE uE 330 TO UsE BOTH CARRIeRS 310 aND 315 In oRDEr To InCrEAse TrANsmiSSioN THROuGhPUT. THE maXiMUM daTa RaTE bETWEEN THE EnB 305 And THE ue 330 iNcreASeS in pROpoRTIon to The nUmBER of carRiErS THAT arE aGgReGAteD.
DUe to ThE fACt thAt upLink tRaNSmisSIONS CAusE inTER-celL IntErFErENcE, it is preFerAble fOR a UE tO cAlCULatE AN UPlInK TRansMissiON powER USING a pReDeTerMINeD fuNcTIOn, aND To cOntROL UPlinK tRAnsMISsIon BAseD On thE CALcULATIoN. ThE PrEdetErmINeD fUnctIOn may UTiLIZe VArIABlES SucH aS AN ALLocated TRanSMIsSIoN REsource AMount, A MoDuLATION aNd cODiNG sChEME (McS), aND A PaTh LOsS VAluE iN CalCUlAtING a ReQuIred UpLInk trAnsMISSIOn poWEr. the uPlinK tRAnSMisSIon PoWer IS lIMiTEd TO a ue mAxImUM TRanSmIssiON PoWer. wHEn THE REQUiREd UPLInK tRansmissIoN PoWEr is GREAteR ThAn tHE UE mAxiMuM tRaNSMIsSiOn poWeR, THe ue peRfoRMs tHE UpliNk TRansmISsiOn usING thE Ue MAXImum Transmission PoweR. HowEveR, UsE OF the MAxImUM TranSMISSIon pOwER inSTeaD oF the rEqUired TrAnSmiSSIoN poWER dEgRAdES THe uplInK TRAnsmIsSioN qUAlIty. tHuS, IT IS prEferABLE FOr ThE Enb To PERFOrm scHeduliNG fOR ue TrAnSmiSsIONS SUCh THat A reQuiRED tRAnsMiSsion pOWeR fOr tHe UE TRansmiSSiON WILL nOT ExCEED The Ue maXImuM TransMISsIoN Power.
some ParAmeteRs UTIlIzed in sCHEDULING AT The eNB, such As chanNeL paTh loSS, aRe noT CApablE oF BeInG MEAsuREd aT tHe enB. whEN rEquirED, thE uE mAy tRAnSmIt a POweR HEAdRoOm report (pHR) TO ThE Enb To rEPOrt Ue pOWer HeaDROOm (pH) wiTh REsPeCt To path lOSS. hoWever, CoNveNTIONAl upLiNk tRaNSMisSIOn PoWER DetERMInaTIon pROCeDUrEs Are PErFoRmeD WIth ResPEct tO a SINgle dOWnlInk caRRieR aNd a sIngle UPLinK cArRiEr. THUs, tHe COnVeNTiOnaL prOCeDurES ARe Not applicABLE To ThE Lte-a syStem supPOrTinG CARRiEr aggReGAtION.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generallyto wirelesscommunication systems,and more particularly, tothe reporting of PowerHeadroom(PH)from aUser Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system that supportscarrier aggregation.2. Descriptionof the RelatedArt Mobile communication systems were originallydesigned to provide users with voice communication serviceswhile they are on the move. Current mobile communication systems are capable of supporting bothvoice communication services and data communication services for mobile users. Standardization for a next generation of mobile communication technology for the3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is being conducted for Long TermEvolution (LTE). LTE is a broadband packet-based communication technology that is expected to provide download speeds thatimprove upon existing data transmissionrates by up to 100 Megabytes/second (Mbps).In attempting to achieve such a high data rate, studies have beenconducted that use a minimum number of nodesin connection with a simplified network topology, and that place a radio protocol as close as possible to radiochannels. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an LTE wireless communication system. The LTE wireless communication system includes aplurality of Evolved Node Bs (ENBs) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a MobilityManagement Entity (MME) 125, and a Serving Gateway (S-GW)130. ENBs 105, 110, 115 and120 are coupledto theS-GW130, enabling a UE 135 to connect to a core network. The ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 correspond to Node Bsof a UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and perform more complex functions than those of alegacy Node B. In the LTE system, all user traffic, including realtime services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),are provided throughasharedchannel. Each of the ENBs 105, 110, 115 and 120 manage one or more cells, and areresponsible for the collectionofstatus informationfrom UEs and for the scheduling of traffic. Inorder to support transmission bandwidths of up to 20 megahertz (MHz), LTE employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) as its basic modulation scheme. LTE also uses Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) to improvedata throughput. AMC varies downlinkmodulation and coding schemes based on channel conditionsfor each UE. The S-GW 130 is responsible for managing data bearers and establishes or releases data bearers under thecontrol of the MME 125.The MME 125is in communication with the S-GW 130 and is responsible for control plane functions. FIG. 2 isa diagram illustrating a user plane protocol stack for use in the LTE architecture of FIG. 1. A mobileterminal, orUE, 200 has a protocol stack having a Packet Data Convergence Protocol(PDCP) layer 205, a RadioLink Control (RLC) layer 210,a Media Access Control(MAC) layer 215,and aPhysical (PHY) layer 220. A basestation, or ENB, 201hasa protocol stack having a PDCP layer 240, an RLClayer 235, a MAC layer 230,and a PHY layer 225. The PDCPlayers 205and 240 are responsible for Internet Protocol (IP) headercompression/decompression. The RLC layers 210 and 235pack the PDCP Packet DataUnits (PDUs)into a size appropriate fortransmission and perform an Automatic RepeatreQuest (ARQ) function. The MAC layers 215 and 230 serve multiple RLC layer entities. These layers are capable of multiplexing the RLCPDUsinto aMACPDU, and demultiplexing the MAC PDU into the RLC PDUs. The PHY layers220 and 225 perform encoding and modulationon upper layer data for transmission througha radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the OFDM symbol received through the radio channel for delivery to upper layers. A dataunit that is input to a protocol entity is referred to as a Service Data Unit (SDU) and a data unitthat is outputfrom the protocol entity is referredto asa Protocol DataUnit. Avoice communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively smallamount of dedicated bandwidth. However, a data communicationservice must allocate resources in consideration ofa data amount and a channel condition so that transmission throughput mayincrease. Thus, a mobile communication system is provided with ascheduler that manages resource allocationwith respect to available resources, channel conditions, an amount of transmission data,etc. Resource scheduling is also required in LTE, and a scheduler that is incorporated into a base station, or ENB, is usedto manage radio transmission resources. Inorder to meet International MobileTelephony (IMT)-Advanced requirements that extend beyond those of IMT-2000, further technologicaladvancements haveallowed for the evolution of LTE into LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). LTE-A is providedwith technological components, such ascarrier aggregation, to fulfill the IMT-Advanced requirements. Carrier aggregation aggregates multiple carriers to form a larger bandwidth, thereby allowing a UE to transmit and receive data at higherdata rates.FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an LTE-A wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation. An ENB 305 operateson twodifferent carriers 310 and 315, having centerfrequencies of f3and f1, respectively. Aconventional wireless communication system allows a UE 330 to communicate with the ENB 305 using onlyone of carriers 310and 315. However, theLTE-A system supporting carrieraggregation enables the UE 330 to use both carriers 310 and 315 in order to increasetransmission throughput. Themaximum data rate between the ENB 305 andthe UE330 increases in proportion to the number of carriers that are aggregated. Due to thefact that uplink transmissions cause inter-cell interference, it is preferable for a UE to calculateanuplinktransmission power using a predetermined function,and to control uplink transmission basedon the calculation. The predetermined function may utilize variablessuch as an allocated transmission resource amount, a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), and a path loss value in calculatinga requireduplink transmission power. The uplink transmissionpower islimited to a UE maximum transmission power. When therequired uplinktransmission power is greater thanthe UE maximum transmission power, theUE performs the uplink transmission using the UE maximum transmission power. However, use of the maximum transmission power instead of the required transmission power degrades the uplink transmission quality. Thus, it is preferable for the ENBto perform scheduling for UE transmissions suchthat a required transmission power for the UE transmission will not exceed the UE maximum transmission power. Someparameters utilized in scheduling at the ENB, such as channel path loss, are not capableof being measured at the ENB. When required, the UE may transmit a Power Headroom Report (PHR) to the ENB to report UE Power Headroom (PH) with respect to path loss. However,conventional uplink transmission powerdetermination procedures are performed with respectto a single downlink carrier and a single uplink carrier. Thus, the conventional procedures are notapplicable to the LTE-Asystem supporting carrier aggregation.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally _to_ wireless communication systems, and _more_ particularly, to the reporting of _Power_ Headroom (PH) from a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless _communication_ system that supports carrier _aggregation._ 2. Description of _the_ Related Art Mobile communication systems were _originally_ designed to provide users with voice communication services while they are _on_ _the_ move. Current mobile communication _systems_ are capable of supporting both voice communication _services_ and data communication _services_ for mobile users. Standardization for a next generation _of_ mobile communication technology for the _3rd_ Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is _being_ conducted for Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is a broadband packet-based communication technology _that_ _is_ expected _to_ provide download _speeds_ that _improve_ upon existing data transmission rates by _up_ to 100 Megabytes/second (Mbps). In attempting to achieve such a high data rate, studies _have_ been conducted that use a minimum number of nodes in _connection_ _with_ a simplified _network_ topology, and that place a radio _protocol_ _as_ close as possible to radio channels. FIG. 1 is _a_ diagram illustrating an _LTE_ wireless _communication_ system. The LTE wireless communication system includes a plurality _of_ Evolved Node Bs (ENBs) 105, 110, 115 and 120, a _Mobility_ _Management_ _Entity_ (MME) 125, _and_ a Serving _Gateway_ (S-GW) 130. ENBs 105, _110,_ 115 and _120_ are coupled to the _S-GW_ 130, enabling a _UE_ 135 to connect to a core network. The _ENBs_ 105, 110, 115 and 120 correspond to Node _Bs_ of a Universal Mobile _Telecommunications_ System _(UMTS)_ _and_ perform more complex _functions_ than _those_ of a legacy Node B. In the LTE system, all user _traffic,_ including _real_ _time_ services such _as_ Voice _over_ Internet Protocol (VoIP), are _provided_ through a shared channel. Each of the ENBs 105, 110, 115 and _120_ manage one or _more_ _cells,_ and are responsible for the collection of status information from UEs and for the scheduling of traffic. In order to support transmission bandwidths _of_ up to 20 megahertz _(MHz),_ LTE employs Orthogonal Frequency _Division_ Multiplexing (OFDM) _as_ its basic modulation scheme. LTE also uses Adaptive Modulation and _Coding_ (AMC) to improve _data_ throughput. AMC varies downlink modulation and coding _schemes_ based on channel conditions for each UE. The _S-GW_ 130 _is_ _responsible_ for managing _data_ bearers and establishes or releases data _bearers_ _under_ the control of the MME 125. The MME 125 is _in_ communication with the _S-GW_ 130 and is responsible for control plane functions. FIG. 2 is a diagram _illustrating_ a user _plane_ protocol stack for use in the LTE architecture _of_ FIG. 1. _A_ mobile terminal, or UE, 200 _has_ a protocol stack having a Packet Data _Convergence_ _Protocol_ (PDCP) layer 205, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer 210, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer 215, _and_ a _Physical_ (PHY) layer 220. A base station, or ENB, 201 has a protocol stack having a PDCP layer _240,_ an RLC _layer_ 235, _a_ _MAC_ layer 230, _and_ _a_ PHY layer 225. _The_ PDCP layers 205 and 240 are responsible _for_ Internet Protocol (IP) _header_ compression/decompression. The _RLC_ _layers_ _210_ _and_ 235 pack the _PDCP_ _Packet_ Data Units (PDUs) _into_ a size _appropriate_ _for_ transmission _and_ perform an Automatic Repeat reQuest _(ARQ)_ function. The MAC _layers_ 215 and 230 _serve_ multiple _RLC_ layer entities. These layers _are_ capable of multiplexing the _RLC_ PDUs _into_ a MAC PDU, _and_ demultiplexing the MAC PDU into the RLC PDUs. The PHY layers _220_ and 225 perform encoding _and_ modulation _on_ _upper_ layer data _for_ transmission through a radio channel, and perform demodulation and decoding on the OFDM symbol received _through_ the radio channel _for_ _delivery_ to upper layers. A data unit that is input to a protocol entity _is_ referred to as a Service Data _Unit_ (SDU) and a _data_ unit that is _output_ from _the_ protocol _entity_ is referred to as _a_ Protocol Data Unit. _A_ voice communication service of a wireless communication system requires a relatively small amount _of_ dedicated _bandwidth._ However, a data communication service must _allocate_ resources in consideration of a data amount and a _channel_ condition so that _transmission_ throughput may increase. Thus, a mobile _communication_ system is _provided_ with a scheduler _that_ manages resource allocation _with_ respect to available resources, _channel_ conditions, an amount of transmission data, etc. Resource scheduling _is_ also required in LTE, and a scheduler that is incorporated _into_ _a_ base station, or ENB, is _used_ to manage radio _transmission_ _resources._ In order to meet International Mobile Telephony (IMT)-Advanced _requirements_ _that_ extend beyond those _of_ IMT-2000, further technological advancements have allowed for the evolution of LTE into LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). LTE-A is provided with _technological_ _components,_ such as carrier aggregation, to _fulfill_ the IMT-Advanced requirements. Carrier _aggregation_ aggregates multiple carriers to form a larger _bandwidth,_ _thereby_ _allowing_ _a_ UE to transmit and receive data at higher data _rates._ FIG. 3 _is_ a schematic diagram illustrating _an_ LTE-A wireless _communication_ system supporting _carrier_ aggregation. An ENB 305 operates _on_ two different carriers 310 and _315,_ having center frequencies of f3 and f1, respectively. A conventional wireless communication system allows a UE 330 to communicate with the ENB 305 using only _one_ _of_ carriers 310 and 315. However, the LTE-A system supporting carrier _aggregation_ enables the UE _330_ to use both carriers 310 and 315 in order _to_ increase transmission throughput. The maximum data rate between the ENB 305 and the UE 330 increases in proportion to _the_ _number_ of carriers _that_ _are_ aggregated. _Due_ _to_ the _fact_ that uplink transmissions cause _inter-cell_ interference, it is preferable _for_ a _UE_ to calculate an uplink _transmission_ power using a _predetermined_ _function,_ and to control uplink transmission based on the calculation. _The_ _predetermined_ function may utilize variables _such_ as an allocated transmission resource amount, a Modulation and Coding Scheme _(MCS),_ _and_ a path loss value in calculating a required uplink transmission power. The uplink _transmission_ power is limited _to_ a UE maximum _transmission_ power. When the _required_ _uplink_ transmission power is greater _than_ _the_ UE maximum transmission _power,_ _the_ UE _performs_ the uplink transmission _using_ the _UE_ maximum transmission power. _However,_ use of the maximum transmission power instead of the _required_ transmission power degrades the uplink transmission quality. Thus, it is preferable for the ENB _to_ perform scheduling for UE transmissions such that a required transmission power for the UE transmission will not _exceed_ the _UE_ maximum transmission power. _Some_ parameters utilized _in_ scheduling at the _ENB,_ such _as_ channel path loss, are not _capable_ of _being_ _measured_ at the ENB. When _required,_ the UE may transmit a _Power_ Headroom Report (PHR) _to_ _the_ ENB to report UE Power Headroom _(PH)_ with respect to path loss. However, conventional _uplink_ transmission power _determination_ procedures are _performed_ with respect to a single downlink carrier and a single uplink carrier. _Thus,_ the conventional procedures are not applicable to the _LTE-A_ system supporting _carrier_ aggregation.
|
Rigid stretchers for transporting injured patients are well known. Certain known rigid stretchers are partially collapsible. These stretchers include one or more rigid support panels or beams. Because of the rigid panels or beams, these stretchers can be relatively heavy and cumbersome when handled by emergency personnel during rescue operations, and these stretchers can occupy a relatively significant amount of space in vehicles and other storage areas. Also, these known stretchers do not include a patient covering which aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous body fluids from the patient and which guards the front of patient's body during transport.
One known rescue bag has been developed for keeping injured people warm while they are lying on stretchers. Though this rescue bag covers part of the patient's body, it is merely an accessory to a stretcher. Accordingly, one of the disadvantages of this rescue bag is that it does not function as a patient carrier. The emergency personnel must use a stretcher in conjunction with this rescue bag in order to pick-up, carry and transport an injured person to a desired location. In addition, such a rescue bag does not have medical treatment openings which provide emergency personnel with relatively quick access to select portions of the person's body, for example, to deliver essential treatments, such as IV solutions, heart defibrillation and the like.
Therefore, there is a need to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and to provide improvements to patient transporters.
|
rigid stretchers in transporting injured patients are well known. certain known rigid stretchers are partially collapsible. these stretchers include one or more rigid support panels or beams. because of the rigid panels or beams, these stretchers can remain relatively heavy and cumbersome when handled by emergency workers during rescue operations, and these stretchers can occupy a relatively significant amount of space in vehicles and other storage areas. also, these known stretchers do not include tight patient covering which aids in the protection of emergency patients from hazardous body fluids from a patient and which guards the front of patient ' s body during transport. one known rescue bag has been developed for keeping injured people warm while patients are lying on stretchers. though this rescue bag covers part of the patient ' s body, it is merely an accessory to a stretcher. accordingly, one of the disadvantages of this rescue bag is that it does also function as a patient carrier. the emergency personnel must use a stretcher in conjunction with this rescue bag in order to pick - up, carry and transport an injured person to their desired location. in addition, such a rescue bag does not have medical treatment openings which provide emergency personnel with relatively quick access to select portions of the person ' s body, for example, to deliver essential treatments, such as iv solutions, heart defibrillation all the like. therefore, there is a need to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and to provide improvements to patient transporters.
|
Rigid stretchers for transporting injud#d patients are well known. Certain known rigid stretchers are partially collapsible. Guese stretchers include one or more rigid support pSneps or beaja. Because of the rigid panels or beams, these stretchers can be relatively heavy and cumbersome when handled by emergency personnel during rescue operations, and these stretchers can occupy a relatively significant amount of space in vehicles and other storage areas. Also, these known stretchers do not include a patient covering which aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous body fluids from the patient and which guards the front of patient ' s body during transport. One known resVuW bag has been developed for kee0igg injured people warm while they are lying on stretchers. Though this rescue bag covers part of the patient ' s body, it is merely an accessory to a stretcher. Accordingly, one of the disadvantages of this rescue bag is that it does not function as a patient carrier. The emergency personnel m^s4 use a stretcher in conjunction with this rescue bag in order to pick - up, carry and transport an in,uFed person to a desired location. In addition, such a rescue bag does not have medical treatment openings which provide emergency pedsPnnel with relatively quick access to select portions of the person ' s body, for example, to deliver essential treatnentC, such as IV solutions, heart defibrillation and the like. Therefore, there is a need to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and to provide improvements to patient transporters.
|
Rigid for transporting injured patients are well known. Certain known rigid stretchers are partially These stretchers one rigid support or beams. Because of the rigid panels or beams, these stretchers can be relatively heavy and cumbersome when handled by emergency personnel during rescue operations, and these stretchers can occupy a relatively significant amount of space in vehicles other storage areas. Also, these known stretchers do not include a patient covering in the protection of emergency hazardous body fluids from the patient and which guards the front of body during One known rescue bag been developed for keeping injured people warm while they are lying on stretchers. Though this rescue bag covers part of patient's body, is merely an accessory to a stretcher. Accordingly, one of the disadvantages of rescue bag is that it does not function as a patient The emergency personnel must a stretcher in conjunction with this rescue bag in order to pick-up, carry and transport an injured person to a desired location. In addition, such a rescue does not have openings which provide emergency personnel with relatively quick access to select portions of person's body, for example, to deliver essential treatments, such as IV solutions, defibrillation and the like. Therefore, there is a need to overcome the foregoing disadvantages and to provide improvements to patient transporters.
|
RigID stretCHERs for TranspoRtINg injUreD PATIENTs arE WeLL kNOWN. cERTAIn KnoWn RigiD StRetcheRs are PaRTiaLLy cOLlapSible. tHese sTRETcheRs iNcluDe onE or MORe riGID sUpPorT pANelS Or BEAMs. BEcaUSe Of thE RiGid pAnelS or BEAMS, ThESe stREtChErs can Be rELAtIvELy HEavy AND CUmbeRSoME When HAndled BY EMErGenCy PErsONneL DurING rEscUE operATiOns, and THesE stReTCHERS Can OCcuPY a RElATIvELY SiGnifICanT AmoUnT oF spaCE iN VEhiCleS And Other STOrAGE aREas. AlSo, tHeSE KNOwN STrETCHERs DO NoT incLuDe A PaTIent cOverINg WhIch aIDs iN The pRoTecTIon Of eMeRgeNCY pERSONNEl FrOM HaZArDOus BoDy Fluids FRoM The paTIeNT aND wHiCH guaRDs The FronT OF paTient's bODY duRing tRANsPORT.
OnE kNowN RESCuE Bag haS Been DEVElopEd for kEEping InjUreD peOplE WArM wHilE tHEY ArE LYing On sTReTCHErs. tHOugh thiS RESCue bAg coVERS pArt OF thE PaTient'S BoDy, iT iS meReLY an ACcessOry To A stRETCHeR. acCORDInGLY, onE oF The DIsAdvANTageS Of tHIs reScUe Bag Is thAT It dOes NOt FunCTiOn AS a PaTIeNt CarrIeR. the EmErgENCY PersonNEL MuSt USe a StretChER In ConjUnCtiON With ThiS rescue baG IN ORDeR tO PICK-UP, cARRy and tRAnspORt an iNJurED pErSON to A dEsIReD locaTIon. In adDITion, SUCh A rescuE BAG DoES noT hAVE MEdicaL trEaTMent OpeniNgS WHIch PrOVidE EMerGEncy pErsoNNel wiTH RelatiVEly qUIcK acceSS tO sELECT pOrtionS oF tHE PeRSoN's BODY, for ExaMPle, to DeLiVeR eSsENTIAl tReATmENtS, sUCh as iV solUTIOns, HEarT DEfIbRILLation AND The LIKE.
tHEREFoRE, There Is a nEeD TO OVERcoME thE foREgOing DiSadvaNtaGES ANd TO prOVIdE IMProvEMEnts To PATient trANsPoRTeRs.
|
Rigid stretchers for transporting injured patients are wellknown. Certain known rigid stretchers are partially collapsible. Thesestretchers include one or morerigid support panels or beams. Becauseof the rigid panelsor beams,thesestretchers can be relatively heavy and cumbersome whenhandled by emergencypersonnel during rescue operations, andthese stretchers can occupy arelatively significant amount of space in vehicles and other storage areas. Also, these known stretchers do not include a patient coveringwhich aidsin the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous body fluids from the patient and which guards thefrontofpatient's body during transport. One known rescue bag hasbeendeveloped for keeping injured people warm while they arelyingon stretchers. Though this rescue bag covers part of thepatient's body, it is merely an accessoryto a stretcher.Accordingly, oneofthe disadvantages of this rescue bag is that it does not function as apatient carrier. The emergency personnelmust usea stretcher inconjunction with this rescue bag in order to pick-up,carry and transport an injured person toa desiredlocation. In addition, such a rescuebag does not have medical treatment openings whichprovide emergency personnel with relativelyquickaccess to selectportions of the person's body, for example, to deliveressential treatments,such as IVsolutions, heart defibrillation and the like. Therefore, there is a need to overcome the foregoing disadvantages andtoprovide improvements to patient transporters.
|
Rigid stretchers for transporting injured patients are _well_ known. Certain known rigid stretchers are partially collapsible. These stretchers _include_ _one_ or _more_ rigid support panels or beams. Because of _the_ rigid panels or _beams,_ these _stretchers_ can be relatively heavy and _cumbersome_ when handled by emergency _personnel_ _during_ _rescue_ _operations,_ and these stretchers _can_ occupy _a_ relatively _significant_ amount of space in _vehicles_ and other storage areas. Also, these known stretchers do _not_ include _a_ patient covering _which_ _aids_ in the _protection_ _of_ emergency personnel from hazardous body fluids from the patient _and_ which guards the front of patient's _body_ during _transport._ _One_ known rescue bag has been developed _for_ keeping injured people warm while they _are_ lying _on_ _stretchers._ _Though_ this _rescue_ bag covers part of the _patient's_ body, _it_ is merely an accessory to _a_ stretcher. Accordingly, one _of_ _the_ disadvantages of this rescue bag _is_ that it does not function as _a_ patient _carrier._ The _emergency_ _personnel_ _must_ use a _stretcher_ in _conjunction_ with this _rescue_ bag in _order_ to pick-up, carry and _transport_ an injured _person_ to a desired location. In addition, such a rescue bag does _not_ _have_ _medical_ treatment openings which provide _emergency_ personnel with relatively quick _access_ to select portions of the person's body, for example, to _deliver_ essential treatments, such as _IV_ solutions, heart defibrillation and _the_ like. Therefore, there is a need to overcome _the_ foregoing disadvantages and to provide improvements _to_ _patient_ transporters.
|
Various non-informational, non-programmable nanoparticles have been known in the art, such as those disclosed in Zhang, et al., Science 272:1777-1779, 1996; LaRue et al., Macromolecules 39:309-314, 2006; Ishihara et al., Chem. Eur. J. 13:4560-4570, 2007; Kim et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed 46:5779-5782, 2007; Li et al., Macromolecules 41:6605-6607, 2008; Roy et al., Chem. Commun. 2106-2108, 2009; and Fernyhough et al., Soft Matter 5:1674-1682, 2009. There is a need in the art for micelles that are capable of changing morphology in a predictable or programmable way. Provided herein are solutions to these and other problems in the art.
|
various non - informational, non - organic nanoparticles have been known in the art, such as those disclosed in zhang, et al., science 272 : 1777 - 1779, 1996 ; larue et al., science 39 : 309 - 314, 2006 ; ishihara et al., chem. eur. j. 13 : 4560 - 4570, 2007 ; kim et al., angew. chem., int. ed 38 : 5779 - 5782, 2000 ; li et al., macromolecules 41 : 6605 - 6607, 2008 ; roy met al., chem. commun. 2106 - 2108, 2009 ; and fernyhough met al., soft matter 5 : 1674 - 1682, 2009. something arises a need in the art for micelles that are capable of predicting morphology in a predictable or programmable way. provided herein are solutions to these and other problems in computational art.
|
Various non - informational, non - prograhmavle nanoparticles have been known in the art, such as those disclosed in Zhang, et al. , Science 272: 1777 - 1779, 1996; LaRue et al. , Macromolecules 39: 309 - 314, 2006; Idhitara et al. , Chem. Eur. J. 13: 4Yu0 - 4570, 2007; Kim et al. , Angew. Chem. , Int. Ed 46: 5779 - 5782, 2007; Li et al. , Macromolecules 41: 6605 - 6607, E00&; Roy et al. , Chem. Commun. 2106 - 2w0U, E00O; and F$rnyNough et al. , Soft Matter 5: 1674 - 1682, 2009. There is a need in the art for micelles Ghaf are capable of changing morphology in a predictable or programmable way. Provided herein are solutOonC to thed$ and other problems in the art.
|
Various non-programmable nanoparticles have been known in the such as disclosed in Zhang, et al., Science 272:1777-1779, LaRue et al., Macromolecules 39:309-314, 2006; Ishihara et al., Chem. Eur. J. 13:4560-4570, 2007; Kim et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed 2007; Li et al., Macromolecules 41:6605-6607, 2008; Roy et al., Chem. Commun. 2106-2108, 2009; and Fernyhough et al., Soft Matter 5:1674-1682, 2009. is a need the art for that are capable of changing morphology in a predictable or programmable way. Provided herein are solutions to these and other problems the art.
|
VArious nON-InFORMaTIonal, NOn-ProgRAMMabLE nanoParTICleS hAvE beEN KNoWN In THe Art, sUch As THose DiSclOSed iN ZHaNg, eT aL., SCiencE 272:1777-1779, 1996; LAruE eT Al., MACROmolecUlES 39:309-314, 2006; IsHihara eT al., Chem. eUR. j. 13:4560-4570, 2007; kiM et al., anGeW. cHEm., iNt. ed 46:5779-5782, 2007; li et al., MAcROmOlecuLes 41:6605-6607, 2008; RoY eT aL., CheM. cOmMUN. 2106-2108, 2009; anD fErNyhOUgh et aL., soFT mATTer 5:1674-1682, 2009. THEre IS a Need In the Art foR MIcELLES tHaT ArE CAPABlE of CHAnGINg mOrphoLOGy in a PRedIctABlE oR pROGRAMMabLE Way. prOVIdED HeRein aRe sOlutIONS tO thESE AnD OTHer proBlEMs In thE arT.
|
Various non-informational, non-programmablenanoparticleshave been known inthe art, such as those disclosed in Zhang, et al., Science 272:1777-1779, 1996; LaRue et al., Macromolecules 39:309-314, 2006;Ishihara et al., Chem. Eur. J. 13:4560-4570, 2007; Kimet al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed 46:5779-5782, 2007;Li et al., Macromolecules 41:6605-6607, 2008; Roy et al., Chem. Commun. 2106-2108,2009;and Fernyhough etal., Soft Matter 5:1674-1682, 2009. There is a needin the art for micelles that are capable of changing morphologyin apredictableor programmable way. Provided herein are solutions to these and other problems in the art.
|
Various _non-informational,_ non-programmable nanoparticles have been known in the _art,_ such as those disclosed in _Zhang,_ _et_ al., Science 272:1777-1779, _1996;_ LaRue et al., _Macromolecules_ 39:309-314, 2006; Ishihara et _al.,_ Chem. Eur. J. 13:4560-4570, 2007; Kim et _al.,_ Angew. Chem., Int. _Ed_ 46:5779-5782, 2007; Li _et_ al., Macromolecules 41:6605-6607, 2008; _Roy_ et al., Chem. Commun. 2106-2108, 2009; _and_ _Fernyhough_ et al., Soft Matter _5:1674-1682,_ 2009. There _is_ a need in _the_ art for _micelles_ that are capable of changing _morphology_ in _a_ predictable or programmable way. _Provided_ herein are _solutions_ _to_ _these_ and other _problems_ _in_ the art.
|
The prior art has proposed various methods and apparatus to produce composite materials. U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,082 to Brennan discloses a casting method and apparatus wherein a composite metal article is formed by continuously casting molten metal against a longitudinally moving base such as a metal strip or the like. In Brennan, a strip is disposed between the material being cast and a rotating casting wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,094 to McCall et al. discloses a process for applying a metal coating to a metal strip substrate. In this process, a melt pool of a metal coating material is deposited on a casting surface of the substrate material and rapidly cooled to form the coated metal strip.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,978 to Klein discloses a twin roll casting method and apparatus for forming a composite material. In this method, a material having a mechanical strength and melting point substantially higher than that of aluminum is plated on at least one face of a continuously cast aluminum core material. Referenced in this patent is French Patent No. 1,364,758 which describes in principle a continuous casting method in which still liquid metal is introduced between two cooled work rolls and in which a metal plating strip is interposed between the liquid metal and the work rolls. The metal plating strip is thus plated onto the continuously cast material. This French patent discloses plating an aluminum blank with a strip of aluminum.
In the prior art, it is also known to provide a brazing sheet comprising a core of an aluminum alloy and a brazing material, i.e. a coating of a lower melting point filler metal. Typically, the coatings are roll bonded to one or both sides of the core sheet during fabrication. Brazing sheet can then be formed without removing the coating, assembled, fluxed and brazed without placing additional filler metal at a joint site.
In one type of roll bonding, the brazing material is bonded to a core material at an ingot stage. The bonded ingot must then be hot rolled to brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0.125". This hot rolling step is conducive to the formation of surface oxides which impair the quality of the brazing sheet and can adversely affect brazing performance.
Alternatively, the filler metal can be produced by casting into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock. After rolling, the wrought filler metal can be roll bonded to the aluminum core material using conventional techniques. This method requires numerous annealing and surface preparation steps to prepare the thin gauge liner stock for bonding. The core material may vary depending on the application. AA3003 or AA6951 aluminum alloys are typical examples of core materials. The brazing filler metals can also vary depending on the desired use, usually comprising an AA4XXX-type aluminum alloy.
Besides the drawbacks noted above concerning excessive surface oxides in hot rolled brazing sheet and the additional processing steps of annealing and surface cleaning for wrought liner stock, prior art methods of making brazing sheet lack the ability to vary the cladding or filler metal composition for a given core material.
In response to the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, a need has developed to provide an improved method for making twin roll cast composite materials offering flexibility in choice of composition, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency.
In response to this need, the present invention provides a method for making a twin roll cast clad material having an acceptable structure and quality in combination with low operating and capital costs and the ability to utilize different brazing filler materials with a single core material.
|
the prior art has proposed various methods and apparatus to produce composite materials. u. s. pat. no. 2, 931, 082 to brennan discloses a casting method and apparatus wherein another composite metal article is formed by continuously casting molten metal against a longitudinally moving base such as a metal strip or the like. in brennan, a strip is disposed between the material being cast inside a rotating casting wheel. v. s. pat. no. 5, 077, 094 to mccall et al. discloses a process for applying a metal coating to a metal strip substrate. in this process, a melt pool of a metal coating material is deposited on a casting surface of the coated material and rapidly cooled to form the coated metal strip. u. s. pat. no. 4, 224, 978 to klein discloses a twin roll casting method and apparatus for forming a composite material. in this method, a material having a mechanical strength and melting point substantially higher than that of which is plated on at least one face of a continuously cast aluminum coating material. referenced in this patent is french patent no. 1, 364, 758 which describes in principle a continuous casting method in which still liquid metal is introduced between two cooled work rolls and in which a continuous plating strip is interposed between the liquid metal and the work rolls. the metal plating strip is thus plated onto the continuously cast material. this french patent discloses plating using aluminum blank with a strip of aluminum. in the prior application, it is also known to provide a brazing sheet comprising a core of an aluminum alloy and a brazing material, i. e. a coating of a lower melting point filler metal. typically, the coatings are roll bonded to one or both sides of the core sheet during fabrication. brazing sheet can then be formed without removing the coating, assembled, fluxed and brazed without placing additional filler metal at a joint site. in one type of roll bonding, the brazing material is bonded to a core material at an ingot stage. the bonded ingot must then be hot rolled to brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0. 125 ". this hot rolling step is conducive to the formation of surface oxides to impair the quality of the brazing sheet and can adversely affect brazing performance. alternatively, the filler metal can be produced by casting into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock. after rolling , the wrought filler metal can be roll bonded to the aluminum core material using conventional techniques. this method requires numerous annealing and surface preparation steps to prepare the thin gauge liner stock for bonding. the core material may vary depending on the application. aa3003 or aa6951 aluminum alloys are typical examples of core materials. the brazing filler metals can also vary depending on the desired use, usually comprising an aa4xxx - type aluminum alloy. besides the drawbacks noted above concerning excessive surface oxides in hot rolled brazing sheet and the additional processing steps of annealing and surface cleaning for wrought liner stock, prior art methods of making brazing sheet lack the ability to vary the cladding or filler metal composition for a given core material. in response to the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, a need has developed to provide an improved method for making twin roll cast composite materials offering flexibility in choice of composition, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. in response to this need, the present invention provides a method for making a twin roll cast clad material having an acceptable structure and quality in combination with low operating and capital costs and the ability to utilize different brazing filler materials with a single core material.
|
The prior art has proposed various methods and appara6 Ts to ptoRuce composite materials. U. S. Pat. No. 2, 931, 082 to Brennan discloses a casting method and apparatus wherein a composite metal article is formed by continuously casting molten metal against a longitudinally moving base such as a metal strip or the like. In Brennan, a strip is disposed between the material being cast and a rotating casting wheel. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 077, 094 to McCall et al. discloses a process for applying a metal coating to a metal strip substrate. In this process, a melt pool of a metal coating material is deposited on a casting surface of the substrate material and rapidly cooled to form the coated metal strip. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 224, 978 to J/ein discloses a twin roll Fast8ng method and apparatus for forming a composite material. In this method, a material having a mechanical strength and melting point substantially higher than that of aluminum is plated on at least one face of a continuously cast aluminum core material. Referenced in this patent is French Patent No. 1, 364, 758 which describes in principle a continuous casting method in which still liquid metal is introduced between two cooled work rolls and in which a meGa? plating strip is interposed between the liquid metal and the work rolls. The metal plating strip is thus plated onto the continuously cast material. This brencM patent discloses plating an aluminum blank with a strip of aluminum. In the prior art, it is also known to provide a brazing sheet comprising a core of an aluminum alloy and a brazing material, i. e. a coating of a lower melting point filler metal. Typically, the coatings are roll bonded to one or both sides of the core sheet during fabrication. Brazing sheet can then be formed without removing the coating, assembled, fluxed and brazed without placing additional filler metal at a joint site. In one type of roll bonding, the brazing material is bonded to a core material at an ingot stage. The bonded ingot must then be hot rolled to brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0. 125 ". This hot rolling step is conducive to the formation of surface oxides which impair the quality of the brazing sheet and can adversely affect brazing performance. Alternatively, the filler metal can be produced by casting into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock. After rolling, the wrought filler metal can be roll bonded to the aluminum core material using conventional techniques. This method requires numerous annealing and surface preparation steps to prepare the thin gauge liner stock for bonding. The core material may vary depending on the appliczrion. AA3003 or AA6951 aluminum alloys are typical exQmlles of core materials. The brazing filler metals can zKso vary depending on the desired use, usually comprising an AA4XXX - type aluminum alloy. Besides the drawbacks noted above concerning excessive surface oxides in hot rolled brazing sheet and the additional processing steps of annealing and surface cleaning for wrought liner stock, prior art methods of making brazing sheet lack the ability to vary the cladding or filler metal composition for a given core material. In response to the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, a need has developed to provide an improved method for making twin roll cast composite materials offering flexibility in choice of c(mposiRion, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. In response to this need, the present invention provides a method for making a twin roll cast clad material having an acceptable structure and quality in combination with low operating and capital costs and the ability to utilize different brazing filler materials with a single core material.
|
The prior art proposed various and apparatus to composite U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,082 to Brennan discloses a casting method and apparatus wherein a composite metal article is formed by continuously casting molten metal a longitudinally base such a metal strip or the like. In Brennan, a strip is disposed between the material being cast and a rotating casting wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,094 to McCall et al. discloses a process for applying a metal coating to a metal strip In this process, a pool of a metal material is deposited on a casting surface of the substrate material and rapidly cooled to form the coated metal strip. U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,978 to Klein discloses a twin roll casting method apparatus for forming a composite material. In this a material having a mechanical strength and melting point substantially higher than that of aluminum is plated on at least of a continuously cast aluminum material. Referenced in this patent is French Patent No. 1,364,758 which describes principle a continuous casting method in which still liquid metal introduced between two cooled work rolls and in which a metal strip is interposed between the liquid metal the work rolls. The metal plating thus plated onto the continuously cast material. This French patent discloses plating an blank with a strip aluminum. In the prior art, is also known to provide a brazing sheet comprising a core of aluminum alloy and a brazing material, i.e. coating of a lower melting point filler metal. Typically, the coatings are bonded to one or both sides the during fabrication. Brazing sheet can then be formed without the coating, assembled, fluxed brazed without placing additional filler metal at a joint site. In type of roll bonding, the brazing material is bonded to material at an ingot stage. The bonded ingot must then hot rolled to brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0.125". This hot rolling step is conducive to the formation of surface oxides which impair the quality of the brazing sheet can adversely affect brazing performance. Alternatively, the filler metal be produced by casting into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock. rolling, the wrought metal can be roll bonded the aluminum core material using conventional techniques. This method requires numerous annealing surface preparation steps to prepare the thin gauge liner stock bonding. The may vary depending on the application. AA3003 or AA6951 aluminum alloys are examples of core materials. The brazing filler metals also vary depending on desired use, usually comprising an AA4XXX-type aluminum alloy. Besides the drawbacks noted above concerning excessive oxides in hot rolled sheet and the steps of annealing and surface cleaning for wrought liner stock, prior art methods of making brazing sheet lack the ability to the cladding or filler metal composition for a given core material. In response to the drawbacks and disadvantages the prior art discussed above, a need has developed to provide an improved method for making twin roll cast composite materials offering in choice of cost effectiveness energy efficiency. In response to this need, the present invention provides a method for making a twin cast clad material having an acceptable structure and combination with low operating and capital costs and the ability to utilize different brazing filler materials with a single core material.
|
tHE PrIoR aRt Has PrOpOSEd vaRIOUs meTHOdS and aPPaRatUS To proDucE ComPoSITe MaTERIals. U.S. pAT. No. 2,931,082 tO BrENnan DISCLOSeS A CasTiNg MEtHoD ANd APpArATUS WheReIN a ComPoSITE mEtaL ARtIClE iS FoRmED by cONtINuOusLY castinG MOltEn mEtaL aGAinsT A LoNgITUDInALlY moVINg BaSe SuCH As a mEtaL sTrip or THE LiKE. In bRennaN, A sTRip IS DISpoSEd BetWeeN tHe maTERial bEinG CAST anD A RoTAtiNg castiNg WhEel.
U.S. pat. No. 5,077,094 TO mccALl eT al. DIscloSeS A PROCeSS for APPLyInG A metal CoatiNg To A MeTAL stRip suBSTRATe. iN ThIS pROcEss, a Melt POol OF A mETAL cOating MAteRIAL iS dePosITED on a caStINg suRfacE oF tHe sUBsTRaTE MAteRiAL AnD rapidly COOleD tO forM the coaTED metAl sTriP.
u.S. PaT. NO. 4,224,978 tO KleIN diScLoses A TWiN ROLl caStIng MethOD AnD apPAraTUS for fOrming a cOMpoSITe mATerial. IN THIS MeThOD, A mAterial HaviNg A mECHaNiCAL sTREngtH AnD MELTInG pOINT sUBStAntIAlLY Higher THAN ThaT Of aLumiNUM IS PLAted on At leASt ONE FACe oF a CONTInUoUsly CaSt aLUMINUm COre mAteriAL. ReFerENced In THIs pATenT IS fReNcH pAtENt nO. 1,364,758 wHiCh deSCriBEs iN pRiNcIPLe A COnTINuouS cAsting MetHoD iN WhIch StiLl LIqUiD METaL Is INtROdUcEd BeTwEEn tWO CoOLEd wOrK rolls AnD In whICh a MetaL Plating stRIp IS intERPoSeD bETwEEN ThE liQUID METaL AND tHe work Rolls. THE metAL PLATInG sTRiP iS Thus PlAted oNto ThE cOnTinuOUslY caSt MaterIAl. tHIs fReNcH patenT disCLOSEs PLatiNG aN ALUmInUM BlaNK With A STRip OF alumINuM.
IN the PrIoR ART, It is aLsO knoWN TO pROvIDe a BrAzInG ShEet comPRiSinG a cORE Of aN aluMINUM allOy anD A brAziNG MAteRIal, i.e. a coATInG oF A LoWeR MeLTINg pOiNT FIllER metal. TYPicAlly, THE cOATINgs ArE ROLl BONDeD To OnE OR BoTh Sides of tHe COre SHEet dUring FaBRIcATION. bRAZING sheEt cAN THEN BE fOrMEd witHoUt reMOVing the CoaTiNG, aSSEMBLED, fLuXEd AnD BRazed witHOUT plAcING ADDiTIoNal fILLER MeTAL at A jOiNt SItE.
in one tyPE Of roLl bondIng, thE BRAzINg MAteRIAl iS bONDed TO A COrE maTERIal aT An iNGoT sTagE. The bondEd INgOT MUst theN be Hot rolLeD tO braZiNG SHeet tHICkNessEs, tyPicaLly 0.125". tHIs HOt RoLLinG StEP is cOnDuCivE tO THE FoRmatiON of SurfACe oxidEs WHiCH imPaiR thE qUaLITY oF tHE BRaziNG ShEeT and CAn ADveRSelY AFFeCt BrAZIng PErformAnce.
aLTeRNaTiveLY, ThE fillER meTaL CAn be pRoDUceD By CAStIng inTO an iNgOT ForM AnD rOlLEd to A THIn gAuge liNEr StoCK. afTEr rOLlinG, The WROUgHT FilLEr MeTAl CAN Be roLL BONDEd TO the alUMINUm COre mateRIAl UsiNG conVENtiOnAl TEchNiques. ThiS MEthoD REQuires NumeroUs annEaLiNG aND sUrFaCE PREpARaTIoN StEPs To prePARe tHe tHIN GAUge liner SToCk FOR BoNDinG. thE core MAteriaL maY vary DEpeNdiNg On The ApplICatioN. aa3003 OR aa6951 aluMinum ALLOys aRE TyPIcaL examPleS OF CORE MaTERiALS. tHE brAzIng FILLeR METals CAN AlSo vary dEPEnDINg On thE dEsirED USe, usUaLlY COMPrIsiNg AN Aa4xXx-tyPe AluMInUm aLLOY.
bEsIdeS the drAwbACks nOtEd abOVE cONCErnINg ExcESsiVE SurFaCE OXiDES in hOT roLlED bRaziNg ShEeT and ThE ADDitIOnAL PROCEssINg stePS of anNEAliNG ANd SuRFaCe CLeANINg for wroughT LinER sToCk, PRIOr ArT MEtHods oF makinG BRAZiNg sHeEt lACK the abiLiTy To vARy ThE CLaDDIng OR fiLlER METaL CoMpOSiTiON FOR a gIVEN cOre MAteRIaL.
IN rESpONse tO the DRAwBAckS and dISAdvanTaGEs oF tHE pRiOr art DIscUssed abovE, A nEed hAs deVeloped tO pRoVide An imprOVed METHoD for maKinG twIN rOlL cast cOMpoSiTE MatEriALS ofFErING FleXIbiLiTy In chOICe oF coMpoSiTION, cost EffEcTivenEss AnD eNeRgy EFficIENcy.
In Response tO ThiS neEd, the preseNt InvENTiOn prOViDEs A METHOD fOR MaKInG a TWin rOll CAst Clad mATeRIAl haVINg An ACcePTable sTrUCtuRE ANd qUaLity iN COmbInATIOn wITH lOw OPeRatING And CaPiTal COsTs AnD ThE ABilITy To UTiLize DIFfEREnt BrAzINg fIlLeR mAtEriaLs WIth A SiNGLe COrE mAtErIAl.
|
Theprior art hasproposed variousmethods and apparatusto produce composite materials.U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,082 to Brennan discloses a castingmethod and apparatus wherein a composite metal article is formed by continuously castingmoltenmetal against alongitudinally moving base such as a metal strip orthe like. In Brennan, a strip is disposed between the material being cast and a rotating casting wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,094 to McCall et al. disclosesa process for applying a metal coating to a metalstrip substrate. In this process, a melt pool of a metal coating material isdeposited on a castingsurface of the substrate materialand rapidly cooled to form thecoated metal strip. U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,978to Klein discloses a twin roll casting method and apparatus forforming a composite material. In thismethod,a material having a mechanical strength and melting point substantially higher than that ofaluminumis plated on at leastone face of a continuouslycast aluminum core material. Referenced in thispatent is French Patent No. 1,364,758which describesin principle a continuous casting method in whichstill liquid metalis introduced between two cooled workrolls and in which a metalplating strip is interposedbetween theliquid metal and theworkrolls.The metal plating strip is thusplated onto the continuously cast material. This French patent discloses platingan aluminum blank with a stripof aluminum.In theprior art, itis also known to provide a brazing sheetcomprising a core of an aluminum alloy and abrazing material, i.e.a coating of a lowermelting point filler metal.Typically,the coatingsare roll bonded to one or both sides of the core sheet during fabrication.Brazing sheetcan then beformed withoutremoving the coating, assembled, fluxed and brazed without placing additional filler metal at a joint site. Inone type of rollbonding, the brazing material isbonded to a core material atan ingot stage. The bonded ingot must thenbe hotrolledto brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0.125". This hot rolling step isconducive to the formationof surface oxides which impair thequality of the brazing sheet and can adversely affect brazingperformance. Alternatively, the filler metal can be produced by casting into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock.After rolling,the wroughtfiller metal canbe roll bonded to the aluminumcore material usingconventionaltechniques. This methodrequires numerous annealing andsurfacepreparation steps topreparethe thin gauge liner stock for bonding. The corematerial may vary depending on theapplication. AA3003 or AA6951 aluminum alloys are typical examples of core materials. The brazing filler metals canalso vary depending onthe desired use,usually comprising an AA4XXX-type aluminum alloy. Besides the drawbacks noted above concerning excessivesurface oxides in hot rolled brazing sheet and the additional processing steps of annealing and surface cleaning for wrought linerstock, prior art methods of making brazing sheet lack theability to vary the cladding or filler metal composition for a given core material.In response to the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, a need has developedto provide an improved method for making twinroll castcomposite materials offering flexibility in choiceof composition, cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. In responsetothis need, the present invention provides amethod formaking a twinroll cast clad material having an acceptable structure and quality in combination with low operating and capital costs and the ability to utilize differentbrazing filler materials with a singlecore material.
|
The prior _art_ has proposed various methods and apparatus to produce composite materials. U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,082 to _Brennan_ discloses a casting method _and_ apparatus wherein a _composite_ metal article is _formed_ by continuously casting molten metal _against_ a longitudinally moving base such as a _metal_ strip or the like. In Brennan, a strip is disposed between _the_ material being cast and a _rotating_ casting wheel. U.S. _Pat._ No. 5,077,094 to _McCall_ et _al._ discloses a process _for_ applying a metal coating to a metal strip substrate. In this process, a melt pool of a metal coating material is deposited _on_ _a_ casting _surface_ of the substrate material _and_ rapidly cooled to _form_ the coated metal _strip._ U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,224,978 to Klein discloses a twin roll casting method and apparatus for forming a composite material. In _this_ method, a material having _a_ _mechanical_ strength and melting point substantially _higher_ than that of aluminum is plated on at least one _face_ _of_ _a_ continuously cast aluminum core material. Referenced in this patent is French Patent No. _1,364,758_ which describes in principle a continuous casting _method_ in which _still_ liquid _metal_ is introduced between two _cooled_ work rolls and in _which_ a _metal_ _plating_ strip is _interposed_ between the _liquid_ metal _and_ the work rolls. _The_ metal plating _strip_ _is_ thus plated onto the continuously _cast_ material. This French patent discloses plating an aluminum blank with a strip _of_ aluminum. In the prior art, it is also known to provide a _brazing_ sheet comprising a core of an aluminum alloy and a brazing material, i.e. _a_ coating _of_ a lower melting point _filler_ metal. Typically, the coatings are roll bonded _to_ one _or_ both sides of the core sheet during fabrication. Brazing _sheet_ can then be formed without removing the _coating,_ assembled, fluxed and _brazed_ without placing additional filler _metal_ at _a_ joint site. In one type of _roll_ bonding, the brazing material is bonded to a _core_ material at an ingot stage. The bonded ingot must then be hot rolled to brazing sheet thicknesses, typically 0.125". This hot rolling step is conducive _to_ _the_ formation _of_ _surface_ oxides which impair the quality of the brazing sheet and _can_ adversely affect _brazing_ performance. Alternatively, the filler metal can be produced _by_ _casting_ into an ingot form and rolled to a thin gauge liner stock. After rolling, the wrought filler _metal_ can be _roll_ bonded to the _aluminum_ core material using conventional techniques. This method requires numerous annealing and surface _preparation_ steps _to_ _prepare_ the _thin_ gauge liner _stock_ _for_ bonding. _The_ core _material_ may _vary_ depending on the _application._ AA3003 or AA6951 aluminum alloys are typical examples of core materials. The brazing filler metals can also _vary_ depending on _the_ desired use, usually _comprising_ _an_ _AA4XXX-type_ aluminum _alloy._ Besides the _drawbacks_ noted above concerning excessive surface _oxides_ in hot rolled brazing sheet and the additional processing steps of annealing and _surface_ _cleaning_ for wrought liner stock, prior _art_ methods _of_ making brazing sheet lack the ability _to_ vary _the_ cladding or filler metal composition for a given core _material._ In _response_ to _the_ drawbacks _and_ disadvantages of the prior art discussed above, a _need_ has developed to provide _an_ improved method _for_ _making_ twin roll cast _composite_ materials _offering_ flexibility in choice of composition, cost effectiveness _and_ energy efficiency. In response to _this_ _need,_ the present invention provides _a_ method for making a twin roll cast clad material having _an_ acceptable structure and quality in combination with _low_ operating and capital _costs_ and the ability _to_ _utilize_ _different_ _brazing_ filler materials with a single core material.
|
The VC-2 video compression standard is an open free-use video-decoding standard contributed by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard. The VC-2 standard uses discrete-wavelet-transform (DWT) and interleaved exponential-Golomb (IEG) variable-length-encoding to achieve the desired video compression. Originally designed to compete with the prevailing H.264 standard, it is expected that DWT results in fewer blocky artifacts than the prevailing discrete-cosine-transform (DCT)-based systems. To achieve the low-delay requirement in a serial data interface (SDI) transmission system, SMPTE standardized two low-delay profiles, which include the level-64 using the (2, 2) DWT, and the level-65, using the overlapped (5, 3) DWT. It has been shown that in order to fit a high definition (HD) video into a standard definition SDI (SD-SDI) payload with excellent video quality, the level-65 compression is required.
The VC-2 level-65 is a subset of the low-delay profile with the following attributes: 1. 4:2:2 10-bit sampling with supported resolutions 1920×1080i29.97, 1920×1080i25, 1280×720p59.94, 1280×720p50. 2. The codec uses only Low-Delay Profile. 3. The codec uses only the LeGall (5, 3) wavelet transform (wavelet index=1). 4. The wavelet depth is exactly 3 levels. 5. The slice size is fixed to be 16 (horizontal)×8 (vertical) in luminance and 8 (horizontal)×8 (vertical) in chrominance.
Conventionally, overlapped DWT is used in the JPEG-2000 standard which is used extensively in digital cameras and medical imaging systems. In the literature, there are many publications on how to reduce the implementation complexity of 2-D DWT. A common property of this technology is that JPEG-2000 based implementation uses an external frame-buffer memory for processing the on-chip DWT/IDWT data. Thus, such publications have primarily focused on how to: minimize the read and write access to the external memory; reduce the on-chip internal memory; speed up data processing; and choose a scan scheme to minimize the memory usage. However, an external memory typically increases costs associated with the chip package size and power consumption, as well as the overall system complexity and bill-of-material (BOM) costs.
|
the vc - 2 video compression standard is an open free - use video - decoding standard contributed by british broadcasting corporation ( bbc ) to the society of motion picture and television engineers ( smpte ) standard. the vc - 2 standard uses discrete - wavelet - transform ( dwt ) and interleaved exponential - golomb ( ieg ) variable - length - filters to achieve the desired video compression. originally designed to compete with the prevailing h. 264 standard, it became expected that dwt results in fewer blocky artifacts than the prevailing discrete - delay - transform ( dct ) - based systems. to achieve the low - delay requirement in a serial data interface ( sdi ) multimedia system, smpte uses two low - delay profiles, which include the level - 64 using the ( 15, 2 ) dwt, and the level - 65, using substantially overlapped ( 5, 3 ) dwt. it has been shown that in order to fit a high definition ( hd ) video into a standard definition sdi ( sd - sdi ) profile with excellent video quality, the level - 65 compression is required. the vc - 2 level - 65 is a subset of the low - delay profile with the following attributes : 1. 4 : 2 : 2 10 - bit sampling with supported resolutions 1920×1080i29. 97, 1920×1080i25, 1280×720p59. 94, 1280×720p50. 2. the codec uses only low - delay profile. 3. the codec uses only the legall ( 5, 3 ) wavelet transform ( wavelet index = 1 ). 4. the wavelet depth is exactly 3 levels. 5. the slice size is fixed to be 16 ( horizontal ) ×8 ( vertical ) in luminance and 8 ( horizontal ) ×8 ( vertical ) in chrominance. conventionally, overlapped dwt is used in the jpeg - 2000 standard which remains used extensively in digital cameras and medical imaging systems. in the literature, there are many publications on how to reduce the implementation complexity of 2 - d dwt. a common property of this technology is that jpeg - 2000 based implementation uses an external frame - buffer memory for processing the on - chip dwt / idwt data. thus, such publications have generally focused on how to : minimize the read and write access to the external memory ; reduce the on - chip internal memory ; speed up data processing ; and choose a scan scheme to minimize the memory usage. however, an external memory typically increases costs associated with the chip package size and power consumption, as well as the overall system complexity and bill - of - material ( bom ) costs.
|
The VC - 2 video compression standard is an open free - use video - decoding standard contributed by British Broadcasting CorporZt&on (BBC) to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard. The VC - 2 standard uses discrete - wavelet - transform (DWT) and interleaved exponential - Golomb (IEG) variable - length - encoding to achieve the desired video compression. Originally designed to compete with the prevailing H. 264 standard, it is expected that DWT results in fewer blocky artifacts than the prevailing discrete - cosine - transform (DCT) - based systems. To achieve the low - delay requirement in a serial data interface (SDI) transmission system, SMPTE standardized two low - delay profiles, which include the level - 64 using the (2, 2) DWT, and the levF, - 65, Ksigg the ove$lxpped (5, 3) DWT. It has been shown that in order to fit a high definition (HD) video into a stzJdard definition SDI (SD - SDI) payload with excellent video quality, the level - 65 compression is required. The VC - 2 level - 65 is a subset of the low - delay profile with the following attributes: 1. 4: 2: 2 10 - bit sampling qOth supported resolutions 1920 × 1080i29. 97, 1920 × 1080i25, 1280 × 720p59. 94, 1280 × 720p50. 2. The codec uses only Low - Delay Profile. 3. The codec uses only the LeGall (5, 3) wavelet transform (wavelet index = 1 ). 4. The wavelet depth is exactly 3 levels. 5. The slice size is fixed to be 16 (horizontal) × 8 (vertical) in luminance and 8 (horizontal) × 8 (vertical) in chrominance. Conventionally, overlapped DWT is used in the JPEG - 2000 standard which is used extensively in digital cameras and medical imaging systems. In the literature, there are many publications on how to reduce the implementation complexity of 2 - D DWT. A common property of this technology is that JPEG - 2000 based implementation uses an external frame - buffer memory for processing the on - chip DWT / IDWT data. Thus, such publications have primarily focused on how to: minimize the read and write acswss to the external memory; r4dHce the on - chip internal memory; speed up data processing; and choose a scan scheme to minkmiAe the memory usage. However, an external memory typically increases costs associated with the chip package s8Ae and power consumption, as well as the overall system complexity and bill - of - material (BOM) costs.
|
VC-2 video compression standard is an open free-use video-decoding contributed by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to the Society of Motion Picture and Engineers (SMPTE) standard. The VC-2 standard uses (DWT) and interleaved exponential-Golomb (IEG) variable-length-encoding achieve desired video compression. Originally designed to compete with the prevailing H.264 standard, it is expected that DWT results in fewer blocky than prevailing discrete-cosine-transform systems. To achieve the low-delay requirement in a serial data interface (SDI) transmission system, SMPTE standardized low-delay profiles, which include the level-64 using the (2, 2) DWT, the level-65, using the overlapped (5, 3) DWT. It has been shown that in order to fit a high definition (HD) video a standard definition SDI (SD-SDI) payload with excellent video quality, the level-65 compression is required. VC-2 level-65 is a subset of the low-delay with the following attributes: 4:2:2 10-bit sampling with supported resolutions 1920×1080i29.97, 1280×720p50. 2. The codec uses only Low-Delay Profile. 3. codec uses only the LeGall 3) wavelet transform (wavelet index=1). 4. The wavelet depth is exactly 3 5. The slice size is fixed to be 16 (horizontal)×8 (vertical) in luminance and 8 (horizontal)×8 (vertical) in chrominance. Conventionally, overlapped DWT is used in the JPEG-2000 standard which is used extensively in digital cameras and medical imaging systems. the literature, there are many publications on how reduce the implementation complexity of 2-D DWT. A common property of technology is that JPEG-2000 based implementation uses an external frame-buffer memory for processing the DWT/IDWT data. Thus, such have primarily focused on how to: minimize the read and access to the memory; reduce the on-chip internal memory; speed up data processing; a scan scheme to minimize the memory However, an memory typically increases costs associated with the package and power consumption, as well as the overall system complexity and bill-of-material (BOM) costs.
|
tHE vc-2 ViDEo CoMPRessION stANdard IS an OPeN fReE-UsE vIdeO-DECODINg staNdARD coNTRiBUTeD BY bRitIsh BroadCasting CORPORatiON (bbc) to the SoCIEtY Of mOtioN pIcTUre And telEvisIOn Engineers (SMPTE) STANDaRD. THE VC-2 stAndArd USEs DiSCrETe-WAVELET-traNSfoRM (dWt) And iNtERlEavEd EXpONEntiAl-GOloMb (iEg) vARiAble-LeNGTH-ENCODINg TO AcHiEVe The DEsIRed vidEO comPREsSiON. OrIGiNALly DESIGnED tO COmPEtE WItH ThE pRevaiLIng H.264 sTAnDaRd, iT IS ExpECTED tHAT dWT reSults In FEWEr bLoCky ARtiFactS tHaN THe pREVAIlING disCRETE-COsInE-tRAnsForM (DcT)-bASed sYstEMS. TO acHiEVe tHE LOw-delay ReqUIrEmENT iN A serIaL DAta interfACe (SdI) TrANsMisSIOn sYSTem, smPTE STAndarDIZed two loW-DeLAy ProfIles, wHich INcluDE the LeveL-64 usIng THE (2, 2) DwT, aNd tHE lEVeL-65, usiNg ThE OveRLAPPed (5, 3) dWT. It hAs beeN sHOwn THat iN ORdeR to FIt a HigH DeFinItioN (Hd) VIdEo INTO A StAndaRD DefINiTiON SDI (Sd-sdI) PAYLOaD with EXcElLEnT vIdEO qualItY, the LeVEl-65 coMpRESSion IS ReqUIrED.
THe vc-2 LEveL-65 is A sUbSet oF The Low-dElAy profIlE wItH tHe foLLOwiNG attrIbuTEs: 1. 4:2:2 10-bIT SamPLiNg WitH SUPpoRTed reSOluTIONs 1920×1080I29.97, 1920×1080i25, 1280×720p59.94, 1280×720P50. 2. THE COdeC UseS only lOW-dElAY PrOFILe. 3. tHe CODeC USEs oNlY The lEGALL (5, 3) WAveleT TRaNsfORM (WAVELet INdeX=1). 4. ThE waveLET dEPtH iS exACtlY 3 LeVELs. 5. The SLIce siZe IS FiXEd to be 16 (HOrizoNTAl)×8 (VeRtIcAL) In lumINAncE anD 8 (hoRizONTAl)×8 (VerTIcAl) IN ChRomINaNCE.
CoNVENtIoNaLlY, OVErlaPPed DWT is UseD in THE Jpeg-2000 sTaNDARD WHICh IS UsED eXteNSiVElY in digitaL CaMeRAs aND medIcal ImAGINg sYStEMS. iN The LiTERaTUre, TherE aRe Many pubLicatIoNs ON HoW TO rEdUCe tHe iMpleMenTatIon COmplExiTy oF 2-d DWt. a COMmon propERty of thIS techNoLOgY is THaT jPEg-2000 BasED imPleMentATIOn uSES an exTErNal FrAmE-BufFER MemOrY fOr PROcesSIng tHe On-Chip dWT/IdWt Data. tHUs, sUCh puBlICAtIOns HAvE pRiMaRIly FOcuSEd On HOw TO: minImizE The rEaD and Write accESs tO thE eXTernal meMoRY; reDuCE The on-CHiP iNterNAL MemoRY; speeD up DAta ProcESSING; aND CHooSE A sCan SCHemE To MInImIZE tHE meMoRy USagE. hoWEver, An eXteRnAl mEmOrY TYpically inCreASeS cOSts aSsOciATED wIth THE ChIP PackaGe sIze and PoWer COnSumPTIon, AS wELl AS THe OVeRaLL sYstEM compLEXItY AnD bILl-of-MAtERIAL (bOM) cOSTS.
|
The VC-2video compression standard is an open free-use video-decoding standard contributedby BritishBroadcasting Corporation(BBC) to the Societyof Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard. The VC-2standard uses discrete-wavelet-transform (DWT) and interleaved exponential-Golomb (IEG)variable-length-encoding to achieve thedesired video compression. Originally designed to competewith the prevailingH.264 standard, it is expected that DWT results in fewer blocky artifacts than theprevailing discrete-cosine-transform (DCT)-based systems. To achieve the low-delayrequirement in a serial data interface (SDI) transmissionsystem, SMPTE standardized two low-delay profiles, which include the level-64 using the(2, 2) DWT, and the level-65, using the overlapped (5, 3) DWT. It has been shown that in order to fit ahigh definition(HD) video into a standard definition SDI (SD-SDI) payload with excellent video quality, the level-65 compression is required. The VC-2 level-65 is a subset of the low-delay profile with thefollowing attributes: 1. 4:2:2 10-bit sampling withsupported resolutions 1920×1080i29.97, 1920×1080i25,1280×720p59.94, 1280×720p50. 2.The codec uses only Low-Delay Profile. 3. The codec uses only the LeGall(5, 3)wavelet transform(wavelet index=1). 4.Thewavelet depth is exactly 3 levels. 5. The slice size is fixed tobe 16 (horizontal)×8 (vertical) in luminance and 8 (horizontal)×8(vertical) in chrominance. Conventionally, overlapped DWT is used in the JPEG-2000 standard whichis used extensively in digital cameras and medical imaging systems. In theliterature, there are manypublications on how toreduce theimplementation complexity of 2-DDWT. A common property of this technology isthat JPEG-2000 based implementation uses an external frame-buffermemory for processingtheon-chip DWT/IDWT data. Thus,such publications have primarily focused on how to: minimize the read and write access to theexternalmemory; reducethe on-chipinternal memory; speed up data processing; and choose a scan scheme to minimize the memory usage. However, an external memory typically increases costs associated with the chip package size and powerconsumption, as well asthe overall system complexity and bill-of-material (BOM)costs.
|
The VC-2 _video_ _compression_ standard is an open free-use video-decoding standard contributed by _British_ Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to the _Society_ of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standard. The _VC-2_ standard uses discrete-wavelet-transform (DWT) and _interleaved_ exponential-Golomb _(IEG)_ variable-length-encoding to achieve the desired video compression. Originally designed to compete with the _prevailing_ H.264 _standard,_ it is expected _that_ DWT results in fewer blocky artifacts than _the_ prevailing discrete-cosine-transform (DCT)-based systems. _To_ achieve the _low-delay_ requirement in a serial data interface (SDI) transmission system, SMPTE _standardized_ two low-delay profiles, which include the level-64 _using_ the (2, 2) DWT, and the level-65, using the overlapped _(5,_ 3) DWT. It has _been_ shown that in order to fit a high definition (HD) video into _a_ standard definition SDI (SD-SDI) payload with excellent video quality, the level-65 compression is required. The VC-2 level-65 is a subset _of_ the low-delay _profile_ with the _following_ attributes: 1. 4:2:2 10-bit sampling with supported resolutions 1920×1080i29.97, 1920×1080i25, 1280×720p59.94, 1280×720p50. 2. The _codec_ uses only Low-Delay _Profile._ 3. The codec uses _only_ the LeGall (5, 3) wavelet transform (wavelet _index=1)._ 4. The wavelet depth _is_ exactly 3 _levels._ 5. The slice size _is_ fixed to be _16_ (horizontal)×8 _(vertical)_ in luminance and 8 (horizontal)×8 _(vertical)_ in chrominance. Conventionally, _overlapped_ DWT is used _in_ the JPEG-2000 _standard_ which is used _extensively_ in digital cameras _and_ medical _imaging_ systems. In the literature, there are many publications on _how_ to reduce the implementation complexity of 2-D DWT. A common property of this technology is that JPEG-2000 based implementation uses an external frame-buffer memory for processing the on-chip DWT/IDWT data. Thus, such _publications_ _have_ _primarily_ focused on how to: minimize the read and write _access_ _to_ _the_ external memory; reduce the on-chip internal memory; speed up data processing; and choose a scan scheme to minimize the memory _usage._ _However,_ an external memory typically increases costs associated _with_ the chip package size and power consumption, as well _as_ the overall system complexity _and_ bill-of-material (BOM) _costs._
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 98-54151, filed Dec. 10, 1998, in the Korean Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fluid jetting apparatus and a process for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a fluid jetting apparatus for a print head which is employed in output apparatuses such as an ink-jet printer, a facsimile machine, etc. to jet fluid through a nozzle, and a manufacturing process thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
A print head is a part or a set of parts which are capable of converting output data into a visible form on a predetermined medium using a type of printer. Generally, such a print head for an ink jet printer, and the like, uses a fluid jetting apparatus which is capable of jetting the predetermined amount of fluid through a nozzle to an exterior of a fluid chamber holding the fluid by applying a physical force to the fluid chamber.
According to methods for applying physical force to the fluid within the fluid chamber, the fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped into a piezoelectric system and a thermal system. The piezoelectric system pushes out the ink within the fluid chamber through a nozzle through an operation of a piezoelectric element which is mechanically expanded in accordance with a driving signal. The thermal system pushes the fluid through the nozzle by means of bubbles which are produced from the fluid within the fluid chamber by the heat generated by an exothermic body. Recently, also, a thermal compression system has been developed, which is an improved form of the thermal system. The thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluid by driving a membrane by instantly heating a vaporizing fluid which acts as a working fluid.
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional thermal compression system. The fluid jetting apparatus of the thermal compression system includes a heat driving part 10, a membrane 20, and a nozzle part 30.
A substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10 supports the heat driving part 10 and the whole structure that will be constructed later. An insulated layer 12 is diffused on the substrate 11. An electrode 14 is made of a conductive material for supplying an electric power to the heat driving part 10. An exothermic body 13 is made of a resistive material having a predetermined resistance for expanding a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat energy. Working fluid chambers 16 and 17 contain the working fluid, to maintain a pressure of the working fluid which is heat expanded, are connected by a working fluid introducing passage 18, and are formed within a working fluid barrier 15.
Further, the membrane 20 is a thin layer which is adhered to an upper portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15 and working; fluid chambers 16 and 17 to be moved upward and downward by the pressure of the expanded working fluid. The membrane 20 includes a polyimide coated layer 21 and a polyimide adhered layer 22.
Jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 are chambers which are formed to enclose the jetting fluid. When the pressure is transmitted to the jetting fluid through the membrane 20, the jetting fluid is jetted only through a nozzle 35 formed in a nozzle plate 34. Here, the jetting fluid is the fluid which is pushed out of the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 in response to the driving of the membrane 20, and is finally jetted to the exterior. A jetting fluid introducing passage 39 connects the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38. The jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed in a jetting fluid barrier layer 36. The nozzle 35 is an orifice through which the jetting fluid held using the membrane 20 and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 is emitted to the exterior. Another substrate 31 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the nozzle part 30 is temporarily employed for constructing the nozzle part 30, and should be removed before the nozzle part 30 is assembled.
FIG. 2 shows a process for manufacturing the fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional roll method.
As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred from a feeding reel 51 to a take-up reel 52. In the process of transferring the nozzle plate 34 from the feeding reel 51 to the take-up reel 52, a nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate 34 by laser processing equipment 53. After the nozzle is formed, air is jetted from an air blower 54 so as to eliminate extraneous substances attached to the nozzle plate 34. Next, an actuator chip 40, which is laminated on a substrate to the jetting fluid barrier, is bonded with the nozzle plate 34 by a tab bonder 55, and accordingly, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. The completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the take-up reel 52 to be preserved, and then sectioned in pieces in the manufacturing process for the print head. Accordingly, each piece of the fluid jetting apparatuses is supplied into the manufacturing line of a printer.
The process for manufacturing the, fluid jetting apparatus according to the conventional thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction of the fluid jetting apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are views for showing a process for manufacturing the heat driving part and FIG. 3C is a view for showing a process for manufacturing the membrane on the heat driving part of the conventional fluid jetting apparatus. FIGS. 4A to 4C are views for showing the process for manufacturing the nozzle part.
In order to manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, the heat driving part 10 and the nozzle part 30 should be manufactured separately. Here, the heat driving part 10 is completed as the separately-made membrane 20 is adhered to the working fluid barrier layer 15 of the heat driving part 10. After that, by reversing and adhering the separately-made nozzle part 30 to the membrane 20, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed.
FIG. 3A shows a process for diffusing the insulated layer 12 on the substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10, and for forming an exothermic body 13 and an electrode 14 on the insulated layer 12 in turn. Referring to FIG. 3B, working fluid chambers 16 and 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are formed by performing an etching process of the working fluid barrier layer 15 through a predetermined mask patterning. More specifically, the heat driving part 10 is formed as the insulated layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrier layer 15 are sequentially laminated on the substrate 11 (which is a silicon substrate). In such a situation, the working fluid chambers 16 and 17 (which are filled with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, are formed on an etched portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15. The working fluid is introduced through the working fluid introducing passage 18.
FIG. 3C shows a process for adhering the separately-made membrane 20 to the upper portion of the completed heat driving part 10. The membrane 20 is a thin diaphragm, which is to be driven toward the jetting fluid chamber 37 (see FIG. 1) by the working fluid which is heated by the exothermic body 13.
FIG. 4A shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53 (shown in FIG. 2) after an insulated layer 32 and the nozzle plate 34 are sequentially formed on a substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. FIG. 4B shows a process for forming the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 on the upper portion of the construction shown in FIG. 4A, and jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the fluid introducing passage by an etching process through a predetermined mask patterning. FIG. 4C shows a process for exclusively separating the nozzle part 10 from the substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. The nozzle part 30 includes the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 and the nozzle plate 34. On the etched portion of the jetting fluid barrier layer 36, the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 filled with the fluid to be jetted are formed. The jetting fluid such as an ink, or the like, is introduced through the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 (see FIG. 1) for introduction of the jetting fluid. The nozzle 35 is formed on the nozzle plate 34 to be interconnected with the jetting fluid chamber 37, so that the fluid is jetted through the nozzle 35. The nozzle part 30 is manufactured by the processes that are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. First, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive of the nozzle 35, is formed on the substrate 31 having the insulated layer 32 through an electroplating process. Next, the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 is laminated thereon, and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed through a lithographic process. Finally, as the insulated layer 32 and the substrate 31 are removed, the nozzle part 30 is completed. The completed nozzle part 30 is reversed, and then adhered to the membrane 20 of a membrane, heat driving part assembly which has been assembled beforehand. More specifically, the jetting fluid barrier 36 of the nozzle part 30 is adhered to the polyimide coated layer 21 of the membrane 20.
The operation of the fluid jetting apparatus according to the thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction shown in FIG. 1.
First, an electric power is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric current flows through the exothermic body 13 connected to the electrode 14. Since the exothermic body 13 generates heat due to its resistance, the fluid within the working fluid chamber 16 is subjected to a resistance heating, and the fluid starts to vaporize when the temperature thereof exceeds a predetermined temperature. As the amount of the vaporized fluid increases, the vapor pressure accordingly increases. As a result, the membrane 20 is driven upward. More specifically, as the working fluid undergoes a thermal expansion
|
this application claims the benefit of korean application no. 98 - 54151, filed dec. 10, 1998, in the korean patent office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 1. field of the invention the present invention relates to a fluid jetting apparatus and a process for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a fluid jetting apparatus for a print head which is employed in output apparatuses such as an ink - jet printer, a facsimile machine, etc. to jet fluid through a nozzle, thence a manufacturing process thereof. 2. description of the related art a print head is a part or a set of parts which are capable of converting output data into a visible form on a predetermined medium using a type of printer. generally, such a print head for an ink jet printer, and the like, uses a fluid jetting apparatus which is capable of jetting the predetermined amount of fluid through a nozzle to an exterior of a fluid chamber holding the fluid by applying a physical force to the fluid chamber. according to methods for applying physical fluid to the fluid within the fluid chamber, the fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped into a piezoelectric system and a thermal system. the piezoelectric system pushes out the ink within the fluid chamber through a nozzle through an operation of a piezoelectric coil which is mechanically expanded in accordance with a driving signal. the thermal system pushes the fluid through the nozzle by means of bubbles which are produced from the fluid within the fluid induced by the heat generated by an exothermic conductor. recently, also, a thermal compression system has recently developed, which is an improved form for the thermal system. the thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluid by driving a membrane by instantly heating a vaporizing fluid which acts as a working fluid. fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional thermal compression system. the fluid jetting apparatus by the radiant compression system includes a heat driving element 10, a membrane 20, and a nozzle part 30. a substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10 supports the heat driving part 10 and the whole structure that will be constructed later. an insulated layer 12 is diffused on the substrate 11. an electrode 14 is made of a conductive material for supplying an electric power to the heat driving part 10. an exothermic body 13 is made of a resistive material having a predetermined resistance for expanding a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat energy. working fluid chambers 16 and 17 contain the working fluid, to maintain a pressure of the working fluid which is heat expanded, are connected by a working fluid introducing passage 18, and are formed within a working fluid barrier 15. further, the membrane 20 is a thin layer which is adhered to an upper portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15 and working ; fluid chambers 16 and 17 to be moved upward and downward by the pressure of the expanded working fluid. the membrane 20 includes a polyimide coated layer 21 and a polyimide adhered layer 22. jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 are chambers which are formed to enclose the jetting fluid. when the pressure is transmitted to the jetting fluid through the membrane 20, the jetting fluid is jetted only through a nozzle 35 formed in a nozzle plate 34. here, the jetting fluid is the fluid which is pushed out of the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 in response to the driving of the membrane 20, and is finally jetted to the exterior. a jetting fluid introducing passage 39 connects the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38. the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed in a jetting fluid barrier layer 36. the nozzle 35 is an orifice through which the jetting fluid held using the membrane 20 and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 is emitted to the exterior. another substrate 31 ( see figs. 4a and 4b ) of the nozzle part 30 is temporarily employed for constructing the nozzle part 30, and should be removed before the nozzle part 30 is assembled. fig. 2 shows a process for manufacturing the fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional roll method. as shown in fig. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred from a feeding reel 51 to a take - up reel 52. in the process of transferring the nozzle plate 34 from the feeding reel 51 to the take - up reel 52, a nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate 34 by laser processing equipment 53. after the nozzle is formed, air is jetted from an air blower 54 so as to eliminate extraneous substances attached to the nozzle plate 34. next, an actuator chip 40, which is laminated on a substrate to the jetting fluid barrier, is bonded with the nozzle plate 34 by a tab bonder 55, and accordingly, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. the completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the take - up reel 52 to be preserved, and then sectioned in pieces in the manufacturing process for the print head. accordingly, each piece of the fluid jetting apparatuses is supplied into the manufacturing line of a printer. the process for manufacturing the, fluid jetting apparatus according to the conventional thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction of the fluid jetting apparatus shown in fig. 1. figs. 3a and 3b are views for showing a process for manufacturing the heat driving part and fig. 3c is a view for showing a process for manufacturing the membrane on the heat driving part of the conventional fluid jetting apparatus. figs. 4a to 4c are views for showing the process for manufacturing the nozzle part. in order to manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, the heat driving part 10 and the nozzle part 30 should be manufactured separately. here, the heat driving part 10 is completed as the separately - made membrane 20 is adhered to the working fluid barrier layer 15 of the heat driving part 10. after that, by reversing and adhering the separately - made nozzle part 30 to the membrane 20, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. fig. 3a shows a process for diffusing the insulated layer 12 on the substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10, and for forming an exothermic body 13 and an electrode 14 on the insulated layer 12 in turn. referring to fig. 3b, working fluid chambers 16 and 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are formed by performing an etching process of the working fluid barrier layer 15 through a predetermined mask patterning. more specifically, the heat driving part 10 is formed as the insulated layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrier layer 15 are sequentially laminated on the substrate 11 ( which is a silicon substrate ). in such a situation, the working fluid chambers 16 and 17 ( which are filled with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, are formed on an etched portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15. the working fluid is introduced through the working fluid introducing passage 18. fig. 3c shows a process for adhering the separately - made membrane 20 to the upper portion of the completed heat driving part 10. the membrane 20 is a thin diaphragm, which is to be driven toward the jetting fluid chamber 37 ( see fig. 1 ) by the working fluid which is heated by the exothermic body 13. fig. 4a shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53 ( shown in fig. 2 ) after an insulated layer 32 and the nozzle plate 34 are sequentially formed on a substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. fig. 4b shows a process for forming the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 on the upper portion of the construction shown in fig. 4a, and jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the fluid introducing passage by an etching process through a predetermined mask patterning. fig. 4c shows a process for exclusively separating the nozzle part 10 from the substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. the nozzle part 30 includes the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 and the nozzle plate 34. on the etched portion of the jetting fluid barrier layer 36, the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 filled with the fluid to be jetted are formed. the jetting fluid such as an ink, or the like, is introduced through the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 ( see fig. 1 ) for introduction of the jetting fluid. the nozzle 35 is formed on the nozzle plate 34 to be interconnected with the jetting fluid chamber 37, so that the fluid is jetted through the nozzle 35. the nozzle part 30 is manufactured by the processes that are shown in figs. 4a to 4c. first, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive of the nozzle 35, is formed on the substrate 31 having the insulated layer 32 through an electroplating process. next, the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 is laminated thereon, and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed through a lithographic process. finally, as the insulated layer 32 and the substrate 31 are removed, the nozzle part 30 is completed. the completed nozzle part 30 is reversed, and then adhered to the membrane 20 of a membrane, heat driving part assembly which has been assembled beforehand. more specifically, the jetting fluid barrier 36 of the nozzle part 30 is adhered to the polyimide coated layer 21 of the membrane 20. the operation of the fluid jetting apparatus according to the thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction shown in fig. 1. first, an electric power is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric current flows through the exothermic body 13 connected to the electrode 14. since the exothermic body 13 generates heat due to its resistance, the fluid within the working fluid chamber 16 is subjected to a resistance heating, and the fluid starts to vaporize when the temperature thereof exceeds a predetermined temperature. as the amount of the vaporized fluid increases, the vapor pressure accordingly increases. as a result, the membrane 20 is driven upward. more specifically, as the working fluid undergoes a thermal expansion
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 98 - 54151, filed Dec. 10, 1998, in the Korean Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid jetting apparatus and a process for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a fluid jetting apparatus for a print head which is employed in output apparatuses such as an ink - jet printer, a facsimile machine, etc. to jet fluid through a nozzle, and a manufacturing process thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art A print head is a part or a set of parts which are capable of converting output data into a visible form on a predetermined medium using a type of printer. Generally, such a print head for an ink jet printer, and the like, uses a fluid jetting apparatus which is capable of jetting the predetermined amount of fluid through a nozzle to an exterior of a fluid chamber holding the fluid by applying a physical force to the fluid chamber. According to methods for applying physical force to the fluid within the fluid chamber, the fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped into a piezoelectric system and a thermal system. The piezoelectric system pushes out the ink within the fluid chamber through a nozzle through an operation of a piezoelectric element which is mechanically expanded in accordance with a driving signal. The thermal system pushes the fluid through the nozzle by means of bubbles which are produced from the fluid within the fluid chamber by the heat generated by an exothermic body. Recently, also, a thermal compression system has been developed, which is an improved form of the thermal system. The thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluid by driving a membrane by instantly heating a vaporizing fluid which acts as a working fluid. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional thermal compression system. The fluid Ietfing apparatus of the thermal compression system includes a heat driving part 10, a membrane 20, and a nozzle part 30. A substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10 supports the heat driving part 10 and the whole structure that will be constructed later. An insulated layer 12 is diffused on the substrate 11. An electrode 14 is made of a conductive material for supplying an electric power to the heat driving part 10. An exothermic body 13 is made of a resistive material having a predetermined resistance for expanding a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat energy. Working fluid chambers 16 and 17 contain the working fluid, to maintain a pressure of the working fluid which is heat expanded, are connected by a working fluid introducing passage 18, and are formed within a working fluid barrier 15. Further, the membrane 20 is a thin layer which is adhered to an upper portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15 and working; fluid chambers 16 and 17 to be moved upward and downward by the pressure of the expanded working fluid. The membrane 20 includes a polyimide coated layer 21 and a polyimide adhered layer 22. Jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 are chambers which are formed to enclose the jetting fluid. When the pressure is transmitted to the jetting fluid through the membrane 20, the jetting fluid is jetted only through a nozzle 35 formed in a nozzle plate 34. Here, the jetting fljKd is the fluid which is pushed out of the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 in response to the driving of the membrane 20, and is finally jetted to the exterior. A jetting fluid introducing passwgs 39 connects the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38. The jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed in a jetting fluid barrier layer 36. The nozzle 35 is an orifice through which the jetting fluid held using the membrane 20 and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 is emitted to the exterior. Another substrate 31 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the nozzle part 30 is temporarily employed for constructing the nozzle oxrt 30, and should be removed before the nozzle part 30 is assembled. FIG. 2 shows a process for manufacturing the fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional roll method. As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred from a feeding reel 51 to a take - up reel 52. In the process of transferring the nozzle plate 34 from the feeding reel 51 to the take - up reel 52, a nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate 34 by laser processing equipment 53. After the nozzle is formed, air is jetted from an air blower 54 so as to eliminate extraneous substances attached to the nozzle plate 34. Next, an actuator chip 40, which is laminated on a substrate to the jetting fluid barrier, is bonded with the nozzle plate 34 by a tab bonder 55, and accordingly, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. The completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the take - up reel 52 to be preserved, and then sectioned in pieces in the manufacturing process for the print head. Accordingly, each piece of the fluid jetting apparatuses is supplied into the manufacturing line of a printer. The process for manufacturing the, fluid jetting apparatus according to the conventional thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction of the fluid jetting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views for showing a process for manufacturing the heat driving part and FIG. 3C is a view for showing a process for manufacturing the membrane on the heat driving part of the conventional fluid jetting apparatus. FIGS. 4A to 4C are views for showing the process for manufacturing the nozzle part. In order to manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, the heat driving part 10 and the nozzle part 30 should be manufactured separately. Here, the heat driving part 10 is completed as the separately - made membrane 20 is adhered to the working fluid barrier layer 15 of the heat driving part 10. After that, by reversing and adhering the separately - made nozzle part 30 to the membrane 20, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. FIG. 3A shows a process for diffusing the insulated layer 12 on the substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10, and for forming an exothermic body 13 and an electrode 14 on the insulated layer 12 in turn. Referring to FIG. 3B, working fluid chambers 16 and 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are formed by performing an etching process of the working fluid barrier layer 15 through a predetermined mask patterning. More specifically, the heat driving part 10 is formed as the insulated layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrier layer 15 are sequentially laminated on the substrate 11 (which is a silicon substrate ). In such a situation, the working fluid chambers 16 and 17 (which are filled with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, are fofmSd on an etched portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15. The working fluid is introduced through the working fluid introducing passage 18. FIG. 3C shows a process for adhering the separately - made membrane 20 to the upper portion of the completed heat driving part 10. The membrane 20 is a thin diaphragm, which is to be driven toward the jetting fluid chamber 37 (see FIG. 1) by the working fluid which is heated by the exothermic body 13. FIG. 4A shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53 (shown in FIG. 2) after an insulated layer 32 and the nozzle plate 34 are sequentially formed on a substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. FIG. 4B shows a process for forming the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 on the upper portion of the construction shown in FIG. 4A, and jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the fluid introducing passage by an etching process through a predetermined mask patterning. FIG. 4C shows a process for exclusively separating the nozzle part 10 from the substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. The nozzle part 30 includes the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 and the nozzle plate 34. On the etched portion of the jetting fluid barrier layer 36, the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 filled with the fluid to be jetted are formed. The jetting fluid such as an ink, or the like, is introduced through the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 (see FIG. 1) for introduction of the jetting fluid. The nozzle 35 is formed on the nozzle plate 34 to be interconnected with the jetting fluid chamber 37, so tbah the fluid is jetted through the nozzle 35. The nozzle part 30 is manufactured by the processes that are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. First, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive of the nozzle 35, is formed on the substrate 31 having the iJsulaHed layer 32 through an electroplating process. Next, the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 is laminated thereon, and the iettinB fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed through a lithographic process. Finally, as the insulated layer 32 and the substrate 31 are removed, the nozzle part 30 is completed. The completed nozzle part 30 is reversed, and then adhered to the membrane 20 of a membrane, heat driving part assembly which has been assembled beforehand. More specifically, the jetting fKuiE barrier 36 of the nozzle part 30 is adhered to the polyimide coated layer 21 of the membrane 20. The operation of the fluid jetting apparatus according to the thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction shown in FIG. 1. First, an electric power is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric current flows through the exothermic body 13 connected to the electrode 14. Since the exothermic body 13 generates heat due to its resistance, the fluid within the working fluid chamber 16 is subjected to a resistance heating, and the fluid starts to vaporize when the temperature thereof exceeds a predetermined temperature. As the amount of the vaporized fluid increases, the vapor pressure accordingly increases. As a result, the membEan2 20 is driven upward. More specifically, as the working fluid undergoes a thermal expansion
|
This application the benefit of Korean Application No. 98-54151, filed Dec. 10, 1998, in the Patent Office, disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid jetting apparatus and a process for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a fluid jetting apparatus for a print which is employed in output apparatuses such as an ink-jet printer, a facsimile machine, etc. to jet fluid a nozzle, and a manufacturing process thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art A print head is a part or a set of which are capable of converting output data into a form on a predetermined using a type of printer. Generally, such a print head for an ink jet and the like, a fluid jetting apparatus which is capable of jetting the amount of fluid through a nozzle to an exterior of a fluid chamber holding the fluid by applying a physical force to the fluid chamber. According to methods applying physical force to the fluid within the fluid chamber, fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped into a piezoelectric system and a thermal system. The piezoelectric pushes the ink within the fluid chamber through nozzle through an operation of a piezoelectric element which is mechanically expanded in accordance with driving signal. The thermal system pushes fluid through the nozzle by means of bubbles which are produced the fluid within the fluid chamber by the heat generated by an exothermic body. Recently, a thermal system has been developed, which is an improved form of thermal system. The thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluid by driving a membrane by instantly heating a vaporizing fluid which acts as working fluid. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluid jetting apparatus according to a conventional thermal compression system. The fluid jetting apparatus of the thermal compression system includes a heat driving 10, a membrane 20, a nozzle part 30. substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10 supports the heat driving part 10 and whole structure that will be constructed later. An insulated layer is diffused on the substrate 11. An electrode 14 is made of a conductive material for supplying an electric power to the heat driving part 10. An exothermic body 13 is made of a resistive material having a predetermined resistance for expanding a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat fluid chambers 16 and 17 contain the working fluid, to a pressure of the fluid which is heat expanded, are connected by a fluid introducing passage 18, and are formed within a working fluid barrier 15. Further, the membrane 20 is a layer which is adhered to an upper portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15 and working; fluid chambers 16 and 17 to be moved upward and downward by the pressure of the expanded The membrane 20 includes a coated layer 21 and a polyimide adhered layer 22. Jetting fluid 37 and 38 are chambers which are formed to enclose the jetting fluid. When the pressure is transmitted to the jetting through the 20, the jetting fluid is only through a nozzle 35 formed in a nozzle plate 34. Here, the fluid is the fluid which is pushed out of the jetting fluid chambers 38 response to the driving of the membrane 20, and is finally jetted the exterior. A jetting fluid introducing passage connects the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38. The jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and jetting fluid introducing 39 are formed in a fluid The nozzle 35 is an orifice through which the jetting fluid held using the membrane 20 and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 emitted to the exterior. Another 31 FIGS. 4A 4B) of the nozzle part 30 is temporarily employed constructing the nozzle part 30, should be removed before the nozzle part is assembled. FIG. 2 shows process for manufacturing jetting apparatus according to a conventional roll method. As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred from a 51 to a take-up reel 52. In the process of transferring the nozzle plate 34 from the reel 51 the take-up reel 52, a nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate 34 by laser equipment 53. After the nozzle is formed, air is jetted from air 54 so as eliminate extraneous substances attached to the nozzle plate 34. Next, an actuator chip 40, which is laminated a substrate the jetting fluid barrier, is bonded with the nozzle plate 34 a tab bonder 55, and accordingly, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. The completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the 52 to be preserved, and then in pieces in the manufacturing for the Accordingly, each piece of the apparatuses is supplied into the manufacturing line of The process for manufacturing the, fluid according to conventional thermal system will be below with reference the construction of the jetting apparatus shown FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views for showing a process for manufacturing the heat driving part and FIG. 3C is a view for showing a process for manufacturing the membrane on the heat driving part of the conventional fluid jetting apparatus. FIGS. 4A to 4C are views for showing the process for manufacturing the nozzle part. In order to manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, heat driving part 10 and the nozzle part should be manufactured separately. Here, the heat driving part 10 is completed as the membrane 20 is adhered to the working fluid barrier layer 15 of the heat part 10. After that, by reversing and adhering the separately-made nozzle part 30 to the membrane 20, the apparatus is completed. FIG. 3A shows process for diffusing the insulated layer 12 on substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10, and for forming an exothermic body 13 and an electrode on the insulated layer 12 in turn. Referring to FIG. 3B, working fluid chambers 16 and 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are by performing an etching process the working fluid barrier layer 15 a mask patterning. More specifically, the heat driving part is formed as the insulated layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrier layer 15 are sequentially laminated the substrate 11 (which is a silicon substrate). In such a situation, the working fluid chambers 16 and 17 (which are filled with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, are formed on an etched portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15. The working fluid is introduced through fluid introducing passage 18. FIG. 3C shows a process adhering the separately-made membrane 20 to the upper portion the completed heat driving 10. The membrane 20 is a thin diaphragm, which is to be driven toward the jetting chamber 37 (see 1) by the working fluid which is heated by the exothermic 13. FIG. 4A shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53 (shown in FIG. 2) after an insulated layer and the nozzle plate 34 are formed on a substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. FIG. 4B shows process for forming jetting fluid layer 36 on upper portion of the construction FIG. 4A, and jetting fluid chambers 37 and and the fluid introducing passage by an etching process through predetermined mask patterning. shows a process for separating the nozzle 10 from the substrate 31 of the nozzle 30. The nozzle part 30 includes the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 and the nozzle plate 34. On the etched portion of the jetting fluid barrier layer 36, the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 filled with the fluid to jetted are formed. jetting fluid such as an ink, or the like, is introduced the fluid introducing 39 (see FIG. 1) for introduction of the jetting fluid. The nozzle is formed the nozzle plate 34 to be interconnected with the jetting fluid chamber 37, so that the fluid is jetted through the nozzle 35. The nozzle part 30 manufactured by the processes that are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. First, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive the nozzle 35, is formed on the substrate 31 having the insulated layer 32 through an electroplating process. Next, the jetting barrier is laminated thereon, and the jetting fluid chambers and 38 the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed a lithographic process. Finally, as the layer 32 the substrate 31 are removed, nozzle part 30 completed. The completed nozzle part is and then adhered to the membrane 20 of a membrane, heat driving part assembly which has been beforehand. More specifically, the fluid barrier 36 of the nozzle part 30 is adhered to polyimide coated layer 21 of the membrane 20. The operation of the fluid jetting apparatus according the thermal compression system will be below with reference to the construction in FIG. First, power is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric current flows through the exothermic body connected to the electrode 14. Since exothermic body 13 generates due to its resistance, fluid within the working chamber 16 is subjected to a resistance heating, the fluid starts to vaporize when the temperature thereof exceeds temperature. As the amount of the vaporized fluid the pressure accordingly increases. As a result, the membrane 20 is driven upward. More specifically, as the working fluid thermal expansion
|
THiS aPpliCation ClaiMS THe beNEfIT OF KoReAn ApplicatioN nO. 98-54151, fiLed deC. 10, 1998, in THe kOReAn pAtEnt OFficE, thE dISCLosuRE Of whIch is incORPorAtEd HeREin BY REFERenCE.
1. FiEld oF THe INVenTIoN
ThE pREseNT inVeNTiON rELateS TO a flUiD jettInG ApparatuS AnD A PRoCeSS For mANUfAcTuriNG tHe SamE, aNd moRE paRTIculArly, To A FLuid jeTtInG aPParatus fOR A prINt HEAD WHicH iS EmPLoyeD IN oUtpUt APPaRAtuSES sUcH aS aN iNk-jet PRINteR, a FAcSimILe mAChINE, etC. To JET FluId tHrouGH A nozZLe, And a MANufaCturiNg pRoCEsS ThEreOf.
2. DESCRIPTion oF ThE rELateD ArT
a prINT HeAD IS A pART OR A seT oF paRTs wHICh are capABle Of CONVerTiNG OuTPut daTa into a viSible foRm On a prEdetErmIned MEdium using A tyPE Of pRINTeR. gEneRally, suCH a PRInT heAd FoR An InK jeT PriNter, AnD THe lIke, UsES A fLuId jEttInG ApPARATus WHIch is cApAbLE oF JEtTiNG tHe PreDetermINEd AmOuNt oF fLuiD THroUGH a nOZZLe to an extErioR oF a fLUId cHAmBER HOLDing tHe fluID by aPPlYIng A physiCAl FORCE to THe FLuId ChAMbEr.
ACCoRDIng To Methods FOR aPPLYing phYsICAL foRce to The FluiD witHin ThE FluId ChAMBeR, the FlUid jEttIng aPpaRAtUS iS roUGHly grOUPed INtO A PiEZOeLeCtric SYsteM aNd a therMAL sYsTeM. tHE pieZOelECtriC sYSteM PUSHes ouT The inK WIThIn the FLUID ChAMber ThRoUgh a NOZZLe ThRouGH an operATion OF a PIEzOelectric elEment wHiCH IS mechANIcalLy eXpANDEd In accOrdaNcE wItH A DRivInG siGNAl. THE THeRMAL systeM PushEs thE FLUiD tHRougH tHe NozzLe bY MEaNS Of BUbBlEs whIch arE PRODucEd FrOm the fLUId WIThiN the FLUid cHaMbeR by ThE HEaT GeNERatED BY an exotHERMIC BOdY. REcently, ALSo, A thERMAl ComPREssIoN syStEm Has bEeN deVeloPed, Which iS AN iMPrOved Form of tHE THErMAl SySTEm. The TheRmAL COMPRessIon SySTem iS FOr jetTIng OUt The FluiD By drIViNG A mEmBrANe by inStanTly HeaTInG A vApoRiZINg fLuiD WhiCh acTS aS a wORkINg fLUid.
fIG. 1 is a vErTIcAl SeCTIONAL vIew Of A FLUiD JEtTING apparAtUs ACcording To A cONveNTIonAl tHerMAL ComPression system. THe FlUid JeTtING appAraTUS oF thE THErmAL coMPrESsIon SYsTem iNcLuDES A heAt drIVIng pART 10, A MembrANe 20, ANd a nOzZle PART 30.
A sUbStrATe 11 of The HEAt DRiVIng paRT 10 supPoRTS tHE HEaT driviNg pARt 10 AnD The WHole structUre THaT will Be ConsTRUCTeD lAter. aN insULAtED lAYER 12 is dIFFusEd ON tHe SuBSTrAte 11. aN ELeCTRodE 14 IS MaDE OF A CONdUCtIve mAtErIAl fOr SuPPlYiNg AN eLeCtriC PowEr To tHe HeaT DrivING part 10. aN exoThermic bOdy 13 Is made of a reSiSTiVE MatEriAl HavIng A PrEdETErMINED rESIstAnCe foR eXpANDInG a WorkiNG FLuiD bY ConVeRtIng eLectRiCal ENERGy INTo HeAT EneRGY. worKiNG FLUId CHAmBERS 16 anD 17 CONTain tHE WoRKING FLUId, To MaINtain A PResSUrE OF The workING FluID wHich is heat exPANDEd, ARE cOnNeCTed by A WoRkINg fluid inTrodUCiNG PAssaGE 18, ANd ARE FOrmeD wiTHIn A wOrKING flUID baRrIer 15.
FUrtHEr, tHE mEmbRAnE 20 Is A THIn LaYer which IS aDhereD tO An UPpEr PORTioN of ThE workinG fLuid barrIer layEr 15 And wORKING; FLUiD chAmBeRs 16 aND 17 TO bE Moved UpwARD ANd DowNwARd by The PREsSUre Of THe ExpAnDeD WorKiNG fLUID. THE mEMbrANE 20 inclUDes A PolyimiDe CoAted lAYEr 21 aNd a PoLyiMiDe AdhEred laYeR 22.
jeTTinG fLUiD CHAmbErS 37 ANd 38 are CHambeRs WhIcH Are fORmeD tO eNclosE THe JeTTiNG fluID. WhEN the PresSUre Is TRAnsMiTTeD to tHE JEttING FLUId ThRougH the mEMbrAne 20, THe jeTTInG FlUId IS jETTED onLY tHrOUGh A NozzLe 35 fOrMed iN A nOZzLE pLaTe 34. heRe, tHe jeTTing Fluid Is tHE FluiD WHiCH IS PUsheD Out oF THe JETting FLUID CHAmBErs 37 and 38 In RESPONSE To THE drIving oF ThE meMBRane 20, And iS finAllY jetTeD tO tHe exteRiOR. a JeTtIng flUId iNTRODUcing pASSAgE 39 coNnECTs ThE jEttiNg Fluid ChambeRS 37 AND 38. thE JETtiNg FlUiD CHAMberS 37 aND 38 aNd tHe jEttiNG FluID InTROduCinG passAgE 39 Are fORMED IN a JEttING flUiD BARRiER laYer 36. The noZZlE 35 Is an ORIFICE ThrOUGH WHICH ThE jEtTiNG FLUid HeLd USing tHE MEMbrane 20 ANd the jETtING flUId chAmBErS 37 anD 38 Is EMiTted to THe extERIoR. anotheR sUBStRatE 31 (sEE FIGS. 4a aNd 4B) OF The nOzZlE Part 30 IS TeMPOraRiLY emPloYEd FOr cOnSTRuCtinG thE NOzzLE Part 30, aND ShouLd be reMoVeD BEFORE tHe NoZzLE PaRt 30 Is asSembleD.
fIg. 2 ShOWS a pROCESs for mAnUfACTuring tHe FLuiD JettING APpaRATUs AccoRDIng To A CONVeNtIOnAl RoLl mETHOd.
AS sHOWn in fiG. 2, tHe NOzZLE plATe 34 iS tranSfERRed from A fEedING reeL 51 To a Take-uP rEeL 52. IN thE PRoCeSS Of tRAnSFERRiNg THe nOZZlE plaTe 34 frOm tHE FeeDing REEL 51 To THe TAKE-UP REEL 52, a NoZZLE IS FOrMEd IN the NoZZLE pLATE 34 By Laser PRocesSinG eQUIpMeNt 53. AFTeR ThE nOzZLe iS fORmeD, AIr is jetTEd From An AIr BLOWEr 54 sO As TO ElImInaTE EXtraneOus sUBstANceS AttachEd to The nOZzle PLATe 34. NexT, An actUatOr cHiP 40, wHICh Is LAmiNatEd oN a SUbstraTE To the jETtIng FluID baRRIeR, IS BoNDed wItH thE NOzZLe PLATe 34 by a TAb bOndER 55, And aCCOrDingLY, tHe FlUiD jEttiNG aPPARaTus Is cOMpLeTEd. THE cOmPLETed FLuiD jETTING aPPArATUSeS Are wOunD ArouND ThE Take-uP ReEL 52 tO be PresERVeD, AnD THeN seCTIONED In pIEces In thE MAnUfACTuRInG PrOceSS For ThE Print head. accORDinGly, eacH pIeCE Of tHe FluiD JETtInG APparATUSes iS suPpLiED inTo THE MAnUfacturInG line Of A prinTEr.
The prOCesS for mANufActURinG THe, fluID jETtIng apParaTUS aCCoRdiNg TO THE cOnVentIonAl TheRmAL cOMpRessION SySTEm WILl Be DesCRIbEd BeLoW WItH ReferENCE tO THE cOnSTRuctIon Of ThE fLUID jETTinG aPparATUS shown in fiG. 1.
figs. 3A aNd 3b arE vIeWS fOr Showing A prOcess foR MaNufaCtUrinG The HEaT DRIviNg PaRt aNd FiG. 3c IS A vIeW foR shoWING a pROCESs FOr MAnufAcTuRinG ThE memBraNE on tHe heAt DrIVing pARt Of tHE ConvEnTIONAL fluiD jeTtIng aPpArATUs. FIGs. 4A to 4C arE viEws fOr ShOwINg The pRoCEsS FoR MAnuFacTuRIng tHe NozzLE Part.
In OrdeR TO maNUFAcTurE tHe CONVEntioNal fLuID jeTTing apparatUS, thE HEAT driVING pARt 10 ANd the nOZZLE PaRT 30 SHoULD BE manufacTUred SepaRaTEly. HerE, the hEaT DRIvInG parT 10 Is cOMPLETeD aS THE sEparaTeLY-made MeMBrane 20 is aDhErED To the wORKINg fLuID bARriER layEr 15 OF THe hEAt DRiving paRt 10. AFter THat, bY revERSiNG and adHErIng ThE sepaRatELy-maDE NOZzLe PArT 30 to ThE MembrANE 20, the flUiD jettIng aPParATus Is COmPLEted.
FIg. 3A ShOWS A PROCESs For DifFusInG The InsuLatEd lAyeR 12 On tHE suBSTRate 11 OF The HeaT driVIng paRT 10, And For FORMinG aN exotHeRmIc BOdY 13 aNd An ElECtrODE 14 ON thE inSulaTEd layEr 12 IN turN. reFErrinG tO FiG. 3b, WORKIng fLuid chAMbERS 16 AND 17 AND A WORKIng FLuID PassAge 18 Are FOrMEd bY pErFORMING aN ETching PRocesS of thE working fLuid baRrIeR lAYeR 15 thRouGH A pRedETErmINED mAsk patTERNInG. MOrE sPEcIfiCalLY, thE hEAT DRIVing PArt 10 IS fORMED aS thE inSulaTed lAyER 12, thE exOTHERMic boDY 13, ThE ELECtRoDe 14, aND THE WoRkIng fLUId bArRIER laYeR 15 ArE SEQUenTiaLly laMInAteD On ThE SuBSTrAte 11 (wHiCH IS a sIlICOn suBsTRate). in SUch a siTuATION, tHE WoRkinG FlUiD cHamBeRS 16 anD 17 (whicH ArE fILLeD With tHe wORKING flUid TO bE ExPAndeD BY hEAT, aRE fORmed ON An etchED POrtiON of THE wOrKING FluId BarriER LAyer 15. THE WorKinG FluiD Is intrOducED ThrouGh ThE workING FLUId InTRODuCING paSsAGe 18.
FIg. 3c shoWS A pROcess fOR aDHEriNG ThE SepARaTELY-MadE mEMbranE 20 to the uPper PortiOn of tHe cOMPLeteD heaT dRiVing pArt 10. THe MEmbraNE 20 is A thIn dIaphragM, Which iS to Be DriveN tOwarD ThE jettinG FlUiD cHAMBeR 37 (See fIg. 1) bY THe WoRKING flUId wHich IS HEATEd By the exOtheRmIC boDY 13.
fIg. 4a sHows a proCESS fOR MaNufACtUrING a NozZLE 35 Using tHe laSER PROCEssING eQuiPmeNt 53 (SHOwn iN fiG. 2) AfTeR An InSulaTEd laYEr 32 aNd THe nozZLE pLAte 34 ArE seQUENtIAlLy FoRmed ON a SUbsTRAte 31 OF THe NozZle paRt 30. FiG. 4b SHoWs A Process FoR FOrmInG THE jetTInG flUId BarRiER lAyEr 36 On THE uPPeR pORtIoN Of tHE coNstruCtION shOWn IN FIg. 4A, And JeTTIng flUId cHAMbeRs 37 anD 38 AND tHe FLUID iNTrOdUCiNg paSsaGE By aN etCHing prOCEss thrOugh A prEdEteRMinED mAsk pATTerNing. fIg. 4C sHoWS a ProCEsS fOR ExcLUSIvELY SEPaRATINg thE nOzzLE pART 10 fRoM tHE sUBSTRATe 31 Of ThE NozZLe part 30. tHE noZZLe PART 30 incluDeS THe jeTTING fLuiD baRRieR LAYeR 36 ANd tHe nozZlE PLaTE 34. ON THE eTChED pORTIon OF the jETtING fLuID BaRrIEr lAyEr 36, THe jetTing fluId chaMBErs 37 ANd 38 fIlLED WITH THe fluID To bE JeTTeD ArE FOrMED. tHe jetTIng FlUiD sUCh AS An iNK, or tHe lIke, Is INtRodUCeD ThRouGH THe jEtTing FLUid IntRoduCiNg PaSsAge 39 (SEE FIg. 1) FOr InTroducTiON OF THe jetTing flUiD. The NOZZle 35 is FORMeD oN The NOZzLe plAte 34 TO BE INteRConnECTeD WitH tHe jETTINg FLUID cHambER 37, SO That The fLUid IS JetteD thRouGH THE NOzzLE 35. tHE nOZzLE Part 30 IS maNUFACTuRED By THe prOCESseS THaT arE sHowN In Figs. 4A TO 4c. firsT, thE Nozzle plaTE 34 INCluSIVE OF the noZZLE 35, is fOrmeD oN tHE suBSTRAte 31 haVIng ThE insulaTed lAyEr 32 THrOugh AN ElectRopLAtINg prOCeSS. NeXt, tHe jeTtInG FLuID BARrIer lAyER 36 is laminAteD thEReOn, aND The JetTING flUID CHAMbErS 37 aND 38 And the jEtTIng FLUId IntRoDUCIng PAssAge 39 arE fOrmEd THROUGH A LIThOGrapHIc pRoCESs. FiNally, AS tHE INsULATED LAyER 32 anD THE SubstrATE 31 are REMOVED, tHe NOZzlE ParT 30 IS cOMpLETED. tHE ComplETeD nOZzlE PaRt 30 iS REVErSed, aNd thEn aDheRED to THe MEMbRAne 20 OF a MEmbRANE, HEAt dRIVINg PArT ASsEmBLY WHICh has BEeN aSSEmBlEd BefOreHAND. MOre SPEciFicaLly, THe JettiNG fluId BaRRIER 36 oF THE NOZzLe pArT 30 is AdhErEd tO THe PoLyimidE Coated lAYer 21 of tHE mEmBrane 20.
thE opERaTIOn of the FLuid Jetting APparAtuS ACCOrDInG tO tHE THErmal coMpreSsiOn SySTEM will be DEScRIBeD BeLoW WITH rEFEREnce To ThE cOnstRUcTioN ShOWn iN FIG. 1.
FIRSt, aN ELECtRic pOWeR IS SUpplIed thROugh THE ELecTrODe 14, AnD aN ElecTriC CurrenT fLOwS tHrouGH the exothERmiC BOdY 13 CONNECteD to THE ELEctrOdE 14. siNCE tHE exothERmIC bOdy 13 gEnERatEs HeaT Due tO iTs reSISTancE, THe fluId WIThiN THe wORkINg FluID ChaMBER 16 Is subJeCted To A reSIStaNce HEaTINg, aND tHe FluiD STartS tO vAPOrIzE when ThE temPerATUre ThereOF eXCeedS A prEDETeRmIneD TEMpErAtURE. as THE AmOunt OF THe vApORIZeD fLUID InCrEaSes, tHE Vapor presSure acCOrdINgLY InCrEaSeS. As A reSult, tHe meMBraNE 20 IS drIven UpwArd. MorE SPECIFICaLlY, aS tHe WORkinG Fluid UnDERGoEs a ThErmaL EXPAnsIoN
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 98-54151, filed Dec. 10, 1998, in the Korean Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 1. Field ofthe Invention The present inventionrelates to a fluid jetting apparatus and a process for manufacturing the same, andmore particularly, to a fluid jetting apparatus for aprinthead which is employedin output apparatuses such as an ink-jet printer, a facsimile machine,etc. to jet fluid through a nozzle, and a manufacturing process thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art A print head is a part or a set of parts which are capable of converting output datainto a visible form on a predetermined medium using atype of printer. Generally, such aprint head foran ink jetprinter, and the like, uses a fluid jetting apparatus which is capable of jetting the predetermined amount offluid through a nozzleto an exterior of a fluid chamber holding the fluid byapplying a physical force to the fluid chamber.According to methods forapplying physical force to the fluidwithinthefluid chamber,the fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped into a piezoelectric system and a thermal system. The piezoelectric system pushes outthe ink within the fluid chamber through a nozzle throughan operation of a piezoelectric element which is mechanically expanded in accordance with a driving signal. The thermal system pushes the fluid through the nozzle bymeans of bubbles which are produced from the fluid within the fluid chamber by the heat generatedby an exothermic body. Recently, also, a thermal compression system has been developed, which isan improved form of thethermal system. The thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluidby drivinga membrane by instantly heating a vaporizing fluid which acts as aworking fluid. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a fluidjetting apparatus according to a conventional thermal compression system. The fluid jetting apparatusof the thermal compression system includes a heat driving part 10, amembrane 20, and a nozzlepart 30. A substrate 11 of the heat driving part10 supports the heat driving part 10 and thewhole structure that will beconstructed later. An insulated layer 12 isdiffused on the substrate 11. An electrode 14 is made of a conductive material for supplying an electric power to the heat driving part 10. An exothermic body 13 ismade of a resistivematerial having a predetermined resistance for expanding a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat energy.Working fluid chambers 16 and 17 contain the workingfluid, to maintain a pressure of the working fluid which isheat expanded,are connected by aworking fluid introducing passage18, and are formed within a workingfluid barrier 15. Further, the membrane 20 is a thin layer whichisadhered to an upper portion of the working fluid barrier layer 15 and working; fluid chambers 16 and 17 tobe moved upward and downward by the pressureof the expanded working fluid. The membrane 20 includesa polyimide coated layer 21 and a polyimide adhered layer 22. Jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 are chambers which are formed toenclose the jetting fluid. When the pressure is transmitted to the jetting fluid through the membrane 20,the jetting fluid is jetted only through a nozzle 35 formed in a nozzle plate 34. Here, the jetting fluid isthe fluidwhich ispushed out of the jettingfluid chambers 37 and 38 inresponse to the driving of the membrane 20, and is finally jetted to the exterior.A jetting fluidintroducing passage 39 connects the jetting fluid chambers 37and 38. Thejetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 are formed in a jettingfluid barrier layer 36. The nozzle 35 is an orifice through which the jetting fluid held usingthemembrane 20 and the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 isemittedto the exterior. Another substrate 31 (see FIGS.4A and 4B)of the nozzle part 30 is temporarilyemployed for constructingthenozzle part 30, andshould be removed before the nozzle part 30 is assembled. FIG. 2 shows a processfor manufacturing the fluid jetting apparatus according to aconventional roll method. As shownin FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred from a feeding reel 51 to atake-up reel52. In the processoftransferringthenozzle plate34 from the feeding reel 51 to the take-up reel 52, a nozzle is formed in the nozzle plate 34 by laser processing equipment 53. Afterthenozzle is formed, airisjetted from an air blower 54 so asto eliminate extraneous substances attached to the nozzle plate 34. Next, an actuator chip 40, which islaminated on a substrate to the jetting fluid barrier, is bonded with the nozzle plate 34by a tab bonder55, and accordingly, the fluidjetting apparatus is completed. The completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the take-up reel 52to bepreserved, and then sectioned in piecesinthemanufacturing process for theprint head. Accordingly, eachpiece of the fluid jettingapparatusesis suppliedinto the manufacturing lineof a printer.The process for manufacturing the,fluid jetting apparatus according totheconventional thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction of the fluid jetting apparatus shownin FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A and 3B areviews for showinga process formanufacturingtheheatdriving part and FIG. 3C is a view for showing a processformanufacturing the membrane on the heat driving part of theconventional fluid jetting apparatus. FIGS. 4A to4C are viewsfor showing the process for manufacturing the nozzle part. In orderto manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, theheat driving part 10 and the nozzle part 30shouldbe manufactured separately. Here, the heat driving part 10is completed as the separately-made membrane20 is adhered to the working fluid barrier layer 15 of the heat driving part 10. After that, by reversing and adheringtheseparately-madenozzle part 30 tothe membrane20, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. FIG. 3A shows aprocess for diffusing the insulated layer 12on the substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10, and for forming an exothermic body 13 and an electrode 14 on the insulated layer 12in turn. ReferringtoFIG. 3B, working fluid chambers 16 and 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are formed by performing an etchingprocess of the working fluid barrier layer 15 through a predeterminedmask patterning. More specifically, the heat drivingpart 10 is formed as the insulated layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrierlayer 15 aresequentially laminated on the substrate 11 (which isa silicon substrate). In such a situation, the working fluid chambers 16 and 17 (whichare filled with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, are formed on anetched portion of theworking fluid barrier layer 15. The working fluid is introduced through the working fluid introducing passage 18. FIG. 3C shows a process for adheringthe separately-made membrane 20 tothe upper portion of the completedheatdriving part 10. The membrane 20 is a thindiaphragm, which is to be driventoward the jetting fluid chamber 37 (see FIG. 1) by the working fluid which is heated by theexothermic body 13. FIG. 4A shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53(shown in FIG. 2) after an insulated layer32 andthe nozzle plate 34 are sequentially formed on asubstrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. FIG. 4B shows a process for forming the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 on the upperportion ofthe construction shown in FIG. 4A, and jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the fluid introducing passage by anetching process through a predetermined mask patterning.FIG. 4C shows a process for exclusivelyseparating the nozzlepart10 from the substrate 31 ofthe nozzle part 30.The nozzle part 30 includesthe jetting fluid barrier layer 36 and the nozzle plate 34. On the etched portion of the jetting fluid barrier layer36, the jettingfluid chambers37 and 38 filled with the fluid to be jettedare formed. The jetting fluid such as an ink, or the like, is introduced through the jetting fluid introducing passage 39(see FIG.1) for introduction of the jetting fluid. The nozzle 35 is formedon the nozzle plate 34 to beinterconnected with the jettingfluid chamber 37, so that the fluid isjetted through the nozzle 35. The nozzle part 30 ismanufactured by the processes that are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. First, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive of the nozzle 35, isformed on the substrate 31 having theinsulated layer 32 through an electroplating process. Next, the jetting fluid barrierlayer36 is laminated thereon, and the jetting fluid chambers 37and 38 and the jetting fluid introducing passage 39are formed through a lithographic process. Finally, as theinsulated layer 32 and the substrate 31 are removed, the nozzle part 30 iscompleted. The completed nozzle part30 isreversed, and then adhered to the membrane 20 of a membrane, heatdrivingpart assembly whichhas beenassembled beforehand.Morespecifically, the jetting fluidbarrier 36 of the nozzle part 30is adhered to the polyimide coatedlayer 21 of themembrane 20. The operation of the fluid jetting apparatus according to the thermal compression system will be described belowwith reference tothe constructionshown in FIG. 1. First, an electricpower is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric currentflows through theexothermic body13 connected totheelectrode 14. Since the exothermic body 13 generatesheatdue to its resistance, the fluid withinthe working fluid chamber 16 is subjected to a resistance heating,and the fluid starts to vaporizewhen the temperature thereof exceeds apredetermined temperature. As the amount of the vaporized fluid increases, the vaporpressure accordingly increases. As a result, the membrane 20 is driven upward. More specifically, asthe working fluid undergoesa thermal expansion
|
This application claims the _benefit_ _of_ _Korean_ Application No. 98-54151, _filed_ Dec. 10, 1998, in the _Korean_ _Patent_ Office, the disclosure of _which_ is incorporated herein by _reference._ 1. _Field_ _of_ the Invention The present _invention_ relates to a _fluid_ jetting apparatus _and_ a process for manufacturing the _same,_ and more particularly, to a _fluid_ jetting apparatus for a print head which _is_ _employed_ in output apparatuses such as an _ink-jet_ printer, a facsimile machine, etc. to jet fluid through a nozzle, and _a_ manufacturing process thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art A print head _is_ a part or a _set_ of parts which are capable of _converting_ output data _into_ a visible form on a _predetermined_ medium using a type of printer. Generally, _such_ _a_ print head for an ink _jet_ printer, _and_ _the_ _like,_ uses a fluid jetting apparatus _which_ is capable _of_ jetting the predetermined _amount_ of fluid through a nozzle _to_ _an_ exterior of a _fluid_ chamber holding the _fluid_ by applying a physical force to the fluid chamber. _According_ _to_ methods for applying physical force _to_ the _fluid_ within _the_ fluid chamber, _the_ fluid jetting apparatus is roughly grouped _into_ a piezoelectric _system_ and a thermal system. The piezoelectric system pushes out the ink within the _fluid_ chamber through a _nozzle_ through _an_ operation of a piezoelectric element _which_ _is_ mechanically expanded in accordance with a _driving_ signal. The thermal system pushes the fluid through the _nozzle_ by means of bubbles _which_ are produced from the fluid within the fluid chamber _by_ _the_ heat generated _by_ _an_ exothermic body. Recently, also, a thermal _compression_ system has been _developed,_ which is an _improved_ form of _the_ thermal system. The thermal compression system is for jetting out the fluid by driving a membrane by instantly _heating_ _a_ vaporizing fluid which acts _as_ _a_ working _fluid._ FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional _view_ _of_ a fluid jetting apparatus according _to_ a conventional thermal compression system. The fluid jetting apparatus _of_ the thermal compression system _includes_ a _heat_ driving part 10, _a_ membrane 20, and a nozzle part 30. _A_ substrate 11 of the heat driving part 10 supports _the_ heat driving part 10 _and_ the whole structure that will be constructed later. An insulated _layer_ 12 _is_ diffused on the substrate 11. An electrode 14 _is_ made of _a_ conductive material _for_ _supplying_ an electric power to the heat _driving_ part 10. An exothermic body 13 is made of a resistive material having a predetermined resistance for _expanding_ a working fluid by converting electrical energy into heat _energy._ _Working_ fluid _chambers_ 16 _and_ _17_ contain the _working_ fluid, to _maintain_ a _pressure_ of the _working_ fluid which _is_ heat expanded, are connected by a working fluid _introducing_ passage 18, and _are_ _formed_ _within_ _a_ working fluid _barrier_ 15. Further, _the_ membrane 20 _is_ a thin layer which is adhered to an _upper_ portion of the working _fluid_ barrier layer 15 and working; _fluid_ _chambers_ 16 _and_ 17 to be moved upward and downward by the pressure _of_ the expanded working _fluid._ The _membrane_ _20_ _includes_ _a_ _polyimide_ coated layer _21_ and a polyimide adhered layer 22. Jetting fluid chambers 37 and _38_ are chambers which are _formed_ to enclose the jetting fluid. When the pressure is transmitted to the _jetting_ fluid _through_ the membrane _20,_ _the_ _jetting_ fluid is jetted only _through_ a nozzle 35 formed in _a_ nozzle _plate_ _34._ Here, the jetting _fluid_ is the fluid which is pushed out of the jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 in response to the driving of _the_ membrane 20, _and_ is finally _jetted_ _to_ the exterior. A _jetting_ fluid introducing passage 39 connects _the_ jetting _fluid_ _chambers_ 37 and 38. The jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and _the_ jetting fluid introducing passage _39_ are formed in _a_ jetting fluid barrier layer 36. _The_ nozzle 35 is _an_ orifice through which the jetting _fluid_ held using _the_ _membrane_ 20 and the jetting fluid _chambers_ 37 and 38 _is_ emitted to the exterior. _Another_ _substrate_ 31 (see FIGS. _4A_ _and_ 4B) of the _nozzle_ part 30 is _temporarily_ employed for constructing the nozzle part 30, and should be removed _before_ _the_ nozzle part 30 is assembled. FIG. 2 shows a process for manufacturing the fluid jetting apparatus according _to_ a conventional roll method. As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle plate 34 is transferred _from_ a feeding reel 51 to _a_ take-up reel 52. In the _process_ of transferring the _nozzle_ plate 34 from _the_ _feeding_ reel 51 to the take-up reel 52, a _nozzle_ is formed in the nozzle plate _34_ by laser processing equipment 53. _After_ the nozzle is formed, air _is_ jetted from an air blower 54 so as to _eliminate_ extraneous substances attached to the _nozzle_ plate 34. Next, an actuator chip 40, which is laminated on a substrate to the jetting fluid barrier, is _bonded_ with the nozzle plate _34_ by a _tab_ bonder 55, and _accordingly,_ _the_ fluid jetting apparatus _is_ completed. The completed fluid jetting apparatuses are wound around the take-up reel 52 to _be_ preserved, and _then_ sectioned _in_ pieces in the manufacturing process for the print head. _Accordingly,_ each piece of the fluid jetting _apparatuses_ is supplied into _the_ manufacturing _line_ of a printer. The _process_ for manufacturing the, fluid jetting apparatus according to the conventional thermal compression system will be described below with reference _to_ the construction _of_ the fluid jetting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. _FIGS._ 3A and _3B_ are views for showing a process for manufacturing the heat driving part and FIG. 3C is _a_ view _for_ _showing_ a _process_ _for_ manufacturing _the_ _membrane_ on _the_ heat driving part of the conventional fluid _jetting_ apparatus. FIGS. 4A to 4C are views for showing the process for _manufacturing_ _the_ nozzle part. In order _to_ manufacture the conventional fluid jetting apparatus, the _heat_ _driving_ part 10 and _the_ nozzle part 30 should be _manufactured_ separately. _Here,_ the _heat_ driving _part_ 10 is _completed_ as _the_ _separately-made_ membrane _20_ is adhered to _the_ _working_ fluid barrier layer 15 of the _heat_ driving part 10. After that, _by_ reversing and adhering the separately-made nozzle part 30 to the _membrane_ 20, the fluid jetting apparatus is completed. FIG. 3A _shows_ _a_ process for diffusing the insulated _layer_ 12 on the substrate 11 of the _heat_ driving part _10,_ and for forming an _exothermic_ body 13 and an electrode 14 on the insulated layer 12 in _turn._ _Referring_ _to_ _FIG._ 3B, working _fluid_ chambers 16 _and_ 17 and a working fluid passage 18 are formed by performing _an_ _etching_ process of the working fluid barrier layer 15 through a predetermined mask patterning. More _specifically,_ the heat _driving_ part 10 is formed as the _insulated_ layer 12, the exothermic body 13, the electrode 14, and the working fluid barrier layer 15 are sequentially laminated _on_ the substrate 11 (which _is_ _a_ _silicon_ substrate). In such a situation, the _working_ fluid chambers 16 and 17 _(which_ _are_ _filled_ with the working fluid to be expanded by heat, _are_ formed on an etched _portion_ of the working fluid _barrier_ layer 15. The working fluid _is_ introduced through the working fluid introducing passage 18. FIG. 3C shows a process for adhering the _separately-made_ _membrane_ 20 to _the_ upper portion of the _completed_ heat driving part 10. The _membrane_ _20_ is _a_ thin diaphragm, which _is_ _to_ be driven _toward_ _the_ jetting fluid chamber 37 (see _FIG._ _1)_ by the working fluid which _is_ heated by the exothermic body 13. FIG. 4A shows a process for manufacturing a nozzle 35 using the laser processing equipment 53 (shown in FIG. 2) after an _insulated_ layer _32_ and the nozzle plate 34 are sequentially _formed_ on a substrate 31 of the nozzle part 30. FIG. 4B _shows_ a process for _forming_ the jetting fluid barrier layer 36 on the upper portion _of_ the _construction_ shown in FIG. _4A,_ and jetting fluid chambers 37 and 38 and the fluid introducing passage _by_ an etching process through a predetermined mask patterning. FIG. _4C_ _shows_ a process for exclusively separating the nozzle part _10_ from the substrate 31 of the nozzle _part_ 30. The nozzle part 30 includes the jetting fluid _barrier_ layer 36 and _the_ nozzle _plate_ 34. On the etched _portion_ of _the_ _jetting_ fluid barrier layer 36, the jetting _fluid_ _chambers_ 37 and _38_ _filled_ with the fluid to be _jetted_ are formed. The jetting _fluid_ such as an ink, or the like, is introduced through the jetting fluid introducing passage 39 (see FIG. 1) for introduction of the _jetting_ fluid. The nozzle _35_ is _formed_ on the nozzle plate 34 to be interconnected with the jetting _fluid_ chamber _37,_ so that the fluid _is_ _jetted_ through the _nozzle_ 35. The nozzle part 30 is manufactured by the processes that are _shown_ _in_ FIGS. 4A to _4C._ First, the nozzle plate 34 inclusive of the nozzle 35, is formed on the _substrate_ 31 having _the_ insulated layer 32 through an _electroplating_ process. Next, the _jetting_ _fluid_ _barrier_ layer 36 is laminated thereon, and _the_ _jetting_ fluid chambers _37_ _and_ 38 _and_ the _jetting_ fluid introducing _passage_ _39_ are formed through a _lithographic_ process. Finally, as the insulated layer _32_ and the substrate 31 are removed, the nozzle part _30_ is completed. _The_ completed nozzle part _30_ _is_ reversed, and then adhered to the _membrane_ 20 of _a_ membrane, heat driving part _assembly_ which has been assembled beforehand. More _specifically,_ the _jetting_ fluid barrier _36_ of the nozzle part 30 is _adhered_ to _the_ polyimide coated layer 21 of the _membrane_ 20. The operation of _the_ _fluid_ jetting apparatus according to _the_ thermal compression system will be described below with reference to the construction shown in FIG. 1. First, an _electric_ _power_ is supplied through the electrode 14, and an electric current flows through the exothermic _body_ 13 connected to _the_ electrode 14. Since _the_ exothermic body _13_ generates heat _due_ to its resistance, _the_ _fluid_ within the _working_ fluid chamber _16_ is subjected to a resistance heating, and the _fluid_ starts to _vaporize_ when the _temperature_ thereof exceeds a predetermined _temperature._ As the amount of the vaporized fluid increases, the vapor _pressure_ _accordingly_ increases. As a _result,_ the membrane 20 is driven upward. More specifically, as the working fluid undergoes _a_ _thermal_ expansion
|
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a device that attaches to a telephone for the purpose of lifting up the receiver end of a telephone handset (hook-switching).
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many of the newest telephone systems that are coming out on the market have what is called electronic hook-switching. This is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone for a telephone headset. This is a very convenient option for people who use telephone headsets, but the problem still remains that there are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not have this option.
Until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, and place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. This procedure is time and space consuming.
Another method that is commonly used when getting a dial tone, is to balance the telephone handset just up and to the side of the telephone""s hook-switch. The major problem with this solution is that if accidently bumped or moved, the handset will fall back into place and one will hang up the line.
The present invention overcomes the prior art practices by providing a mechanical handset lift for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and pivoting the handset about the microphone end, but leaving the handset centrally positioned over and about the telephone body.
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the telephone hook-switch to allow electrical operation of a remote handset receiver/mouthpiece while still leaving the handset placed over and about the telephone base unit.
According to one object of the present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a telephone base. A moveable pivot shaft extends through an upper region of the vertically oriented base end, which includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod lever handle secured to the opposite end of the pivot shaft. A stop shaft limits the over center travel of the lift rod lever handle and the lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver.
According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vertical base member with a lift rod and lift lever secured about the base member in positive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned on a surface of the vertical base member.
One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephone headset in use.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so as to allow a user to use either the telephone handset or a telephone headset.
A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and which will result in the environment on a person""s desk being less cluttered due to the absence of a telephone handset lying off to the side of the telephone base while the telephone handset is in use.
Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a lift rod and lift rod handle in positive angular engagement with each other about a base unit.
Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is stops which define rotational movement of the lift rod and lift rod handle with respect to the base of a telephone.
Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a mechanical handset lift.
The present invention relates to a mechanical handset lift device that will enable the telephone user to enable and disable the telephone""s hook-switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up the telephone and placing it on the desk. Currently, the only means to do this is by placing the telephone handset on and off the hook-switch. The problems that arrive from this method are 1) one has to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, 2) one has to lay the handset on the desk (for many people this takes up just too much room), 3) if the telephone allows one to balance the handset off to the right side of the hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hang up.
The invention uses the handset""s own mold to accomplish the goal of hook-switching, and allows the handset to be used as well. The present invention also creates an environment where it is virtually impossible to accidently hand up the telephone. This is a very common problem when the telephone is balanced to the side of the hook-switch.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that will enable a telephone handset operator to use both the telephone handset or headset conveniently, without the problems that are currently plaguing the telephone headset industry.
|
1. field of the invention the invention relates generally to a device that attaches to an telephone for another purpose of lifting up the receiver end of a telephone handset ( hook - switching ). 2. description by the prior art many of the newest telephone systems that are coming out on the market have what is called electronic hook - switching. this is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone for a telephone headset. this is a very convenient option for people who use telephone headsets, but the problem still remains that there are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not have this option. until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, and place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. this procedure is time and space consuming. another method that is commonly used when getting a dial tone, is to balance the telephone handset just up and to the side of the telephone " " s hook - switch. the major problem with this problem is that if accidently bumped or moved, the handset will fall back into place and one will hang up the line. the present invention overcomes the prior art practices by installing a mechanical handset lift for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch and pivoting the handset about the microphone end, but leaving the handset centrally positioned over and about the telephone body. the general aim of the present invention is to provide the mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the horizontal hook - switch to allow electrical operation of a remote handset receiver / mouthpiece while still leaving the handset placed over and about the telephone base unit. according to one object of the present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a telephone base. a moveable pivot shaft extends through an upper region of the horizontally oriented base end, it includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod lever handle secured to the opposite end of the pivot shaft. a stop shaft limits the over center travel of the lift rod lever handle and the lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver. according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vertical base member with a lift rod and lift lever secured about the base member in positive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned on a surface of the vertical base member. one significant aspect and feature of the present invention is mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch so that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephone headset in use. another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch so as to allow a user to use either the telephone handset or a telephone headset. a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch and which will result in the environment on a person " " s desk being less cluttered due to the absence of a telephone handset lying off to the side of the telephone base while the telephone handset is in use. yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a lift rod and lift rod handle in positive angular engagement with each other about a base unit. another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is stops which define rotational movement of the lift rod and lift rod handle with respect to the base of a telephone. having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a mechanical handset lift. the present invention relates to a mechanical handset lift device that will enable the telephone user to enable and disable the telephone " " s hook - switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up the telephone and placing it on the desk. currently, the only means to do this is by placing the telephone handset on and off the hook - switch. the problems that arrive from this method are 1 ) one has to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, 2 ) one has to lay the handset on the desk ( for many people this takes up just too much room ), 3 ) if the telephone allows one to balance the handset off to the right side of the hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hang up. the invention uses the handset " " s own mold to accomplish the goal of hook - switching, and allows the handset to be used as well. the present invention also creates an environment where it is virtually impossible to accidently hand up the telephone. this is a very common problem when the telephone is balanced to the side of the hook - switch. it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that will enable a telephone handset operator to use both the telephone handset or headset conveniently, without the problems that are currently plaguing the telephone headset industry.
|
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to a device that attaches to a telephone for the purpose of lifting up the receiver end of a telephone handset (hook - switching ). 2. Description of the Prior Art Many of the newest telephone systems that are coming out on the market have dnat is called electronic hook - switching. This is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone for a telephone headset. This is a very convenient option for people who use telephone headsets, but the problem still remains that there are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not have this option. Until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, and place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. This procedure is time and space consuming. Another method that is commonly used when getting a dial tone, is to balance the telephone handset just up and to the side of the telephone " " s hook - switch. The major problem with this solKtioB is that if accidently bumped or moved, the handset will fall back into place and one will hang up the line. The present invention overcomes the prior art practices by providing a mechanical handset lift for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch and pivoting the handset about the microphone end, but leaving the handset centrally positioned over and about the telephone body. The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the telephone hook - switch to allow electrical operation of a remote handset receiver / mouthpiece while still leaving the handset placed over and about the telephone base unit. AccordLhg to one object of the present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a telephone base. A moveable pivot shaft extends through an upper region of the vertically oriented base end, which includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod lever handle secured to the opposite end of the pivot shaft. A stop shaft limits the over center travel of the lift rod lever handle and the lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver. According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vertical base member with a lift rod and lift lever secured about the base member in positive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned on a surface of the vertical base member. One s7gnifican5 aspect and feature of the present invention is mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch so that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephone hRWdset in use. Another significant aspect and f3sture of the present invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch so as to allow a user to use either the telephone handset or a telephone headset. A further significant aspect and feature of the present jnventi*n is a mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook - switch and which will result in the environment on a person " " s desk being less cluttered due to the absence of a telephone handset lying off to the side of the telephone base while the telephone handset is in use. Yet another significant aspect and feature of the pGesenR invention is a mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone haMcset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a lift rod and lift rod handle in positive angular engagement with each other about a base unit. Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is stops which define rotational movement of the lift rod and lift rod handle with respect to the base of a telephone. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a mechanical handset lift. The present invention relates to a mechanical handset lift device that will enable the telephone user to enable and disable the telephone " " s hook - switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up the telephone and placing it on the desk. Currently, the only means to do this is by placing the telephone handset on and off the hook - switch. The problems that arrive from this method are 1) one has to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, 2) one has to lay the handset on the desk (for many people this takes up just too much room ), 3) if the telephone allows one to balance the handset off to the right side of the hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hAnV up. The invention uses the handset " " s own mold to accomplish the goal of hook - switching, and allows the handset to be used as well. The present invention also creates an environment where it is virtually impossible to accidently hand up the telephone. This is a very common problem when the telephone is balanced to the side of the hook - switch. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that will enable a telephone handset operator to use both the telephone handset or headset conveniently, without the problems that are currently plaguing the telephone headset industry.
|
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to a device that attaches to a telephone for the purpose lifting up the receiver end of a telephone handset (hook-switching). 2. Description of the Prior Art Many of the newest systems that are coming out on the market have what is called electronic This is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone a telephone This is a very convenient option for people who telephone but the problem still remains that there are literally millions of on the market that do not have this option. Until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick the handset every time the telephone rings, and the to the side of the telephone base. This procedure is time and space consuming. Another method is commonly used when getting a dial is to the telephone handset just up and the side of the telephone""s hook-switch. The major problem with this solution is accidently bumped moved, the handset fall back into place and one will hang up the line. The present invention overcomes the prior art practices by providing handset lift for lifting the receiver of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and pivoting the handset about the microphone end, but leaving the handset positioned over and about the telephone body. The general purpose of the present invention to provide mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of handset off the telephone hook-switch to allow electrical operation of remote handset receiver/mouthpiece while still leaving handset placed over about the telephone base unit. According one object of the present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a telephone base. A moveable pivot shaft extends through an upper region of the oriented base end, which includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft a lift rod lever secured to the opposite end of the pivot shaft. A stop shaft limits the over center travel the lift lever handle and the lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver. to an alternate embodiment the present invention, there is provided a vertical base with a lift and lift lever secured about the base member positive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned on a of the vertical base member. One significant aspect and feature the present invention is mechanical lift that mechanically up the receiver end of telephone handset off the hook-switch so that a dial may be obtained for the telephone headset in use. Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a mechanical lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so as to allow user to either the telephone handset or a telephone headset. A further significant aspect and feature of invention is a mechanical handset lift which will lift receiver end of a telephone off the hook-switch and which will result in the environment on person""s desk being less cluttered due to the absence of a telephone handset lying off to the side of the telephone base while the telephone handset is in Yet significant aspect and feature of present is a mechanical handset lift that will mechanically lift the receiver end of a telephone handset in such a manner will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone is in use. Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a lift rod and lift rod handle in positive angular engagement with each other about a base unit. Another significant aspect of the present invention is stops which define rotational movement of lift and lift rod handle respect to the base of a telephone. Having thus described the of the present invention, it is the principal object hereof to provide a mechanical lift. The present invention relates to a mechanical handset lift device will enable the telephone user to enable and disable the telephone""s hook-switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up the telephone and placing it on the desk. Currently, the only means to do this is by placing telephone handset on and off hook-switch. The problems that from this method are 1) one has to physically pick the handset every time the telephone rings, 2) one has to lay the handset on the desk this takes up too much room), 3) if the telephone allows to balance the handset off to the right side of the hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hang up. The invention the handset""s own mold to accomplish the of and allows to be used well. The present invention also creates an where it is virtually to hand up the telephone. This is a very common problem when the telephone is balanced to the side of the hook-switch. is an object of present invention to provide a device that will enable a telephone handset operator to both the telephone handset or headset conveniently, without the problems that are currently plaguing the headset industry.
|
1. FIEld oF ThE INVEnTiOn
tHE INVENtIOn ReLatEs genERAllY tO A dEVice tHat attacHEs TO a TelePhOne FoR tHe PUrPOsE OF lIfTiNg up THE REcEiVeR END OF a telePHOne Handset (hoOk-SwiTCHiNg).
2. deSCRIPtIon Of THe pRIoR ARt
MAny oF tHe NEWeST teLephONe SystEmS tHAt ARe COMING OUT On thE mArkeT hAve WhAt IS calLED ELeCTRONIC hOoK-sWITChIng. tHIS Is baSiCALLy A BUTtOn, THaT WHEn PREssED, wILL giVE A dIAL TONe fOR A tElEphoNe headSeT. This is a VeRy COnvEniENt oPTioN for PEOPle WhO USE teLEPhoNe hEADSeTS, buT tHE prOBLEm Still rEmaINs THAT tHErE ARe liTERaLLY miLLIONs Of teLEPhoNES On thE markEt ThAT Do NOT HAvE thIS OPTiON.
Until now, tHE ONly OPTIon THaT pEoPlE hAVe HAD TO AlLEVIaTe this ProBleM is to pHYsIcAlLY pICk uP thE haNdSEt evERY tiME tHE tElEPHONe RInGs, AnD plaCE the HeadseT oFF to tHE sIde of thE TelePHOne base. thiS pRoCEdURe Is TIMe And spacE cONsUMIng.
aNoTheR METhoD ThAt is commONLY uSEd whEn gETTiNG A DIAl tONe, iS tO baLancE THE tELephoNe haNdsET JUst Up And To tHE SiDE OF tHe TELEpHOne""S HOok-SwITch. thE MAJoR ProbLEM wIth this solUTiON is THAT if ACCidEnTLy buMpeD or mOvEd, THe HaNdSet wiLl FaLL BaCK InTO plaCE and onE wIlL HaNG uP ThE linE.
tHE PResENT InvEntiON OVercoMeS tHe PRIOr aRt PRActIces BY PRovIDING a mEchaNIcAL HaNDseT LIFT fOR LIfTinG THE RECeivER enD oF A teLePHONE hanDSet oFf ThE hoOk-SwitCH AnD piVotiNg thE haNDsET aBoUT The mIcrOPHonE enD, bUT leaviNg ThE haNDsEt CenTrALLy poSiTiOned OvER And ABoUT tHE TelEPHoNE BOdY.
The GenerAl puRPOSe oF The PResENt INVENtIoN Is tO PRoviDe a MecHaNicAL dEVIcE fOR LiFTIng tHe recEIvER EnD of A tELEpHOne HaNdSEt OFf thE telEphOne HOok-SWItch to aLLOw eLeCtRICaL opErATiOn oF A rEmote HaNdsET REcEiver/mOuThpIeCe WhiLe STIlL leAVIng the hAnDSeT PLACeD ovER aND aBOuT The tElEphone BAse UnIT.
aCCordINg to oNe oBjEct Of The PrEsEnt invEnTiOn, ThErE IS ProvIdED A VeRTiCAlly ORIeNTeD Base fOr mouNtinG To tHE SidE Of a telEPhONE bASE. A MoveabLe PIVOT shaFt ExtEnDs ThrOugh an UPPEr REgION oF The VErTIcALLy oriENTEd basE ENd, WHich includes a LIFt ROd seCureD To one eND OF ThE piVOT sHAfT and a LIft rOd LEveR hAndLE sEcURed TO thE OPpOSIte eND oF THe PiVot shAFT. a sTop shAFT lImiTs tHe ovEr cENteR TRAVeL oF the Lift rod lEVEr Handle aND THE lIfT ROD tO aLlow oN HOOK oR oFf hoOK PoSiTIOnINg of a TELEPHONE HAnDsEt rEcEIVeR.
AccoRDinG To An aLTeRnATE EMBoDIMeNT OF tHe pREsENt InVeNtIOn, ThERe is proVidED A VeRTICAL bAsE mEmBEr wiTh a LiFt ROD And lIft LevEr SeCUrEd ABout THe baSe MemBer IN pOsiTIVE LOCKEd ALIgnmENT aNd aLSo HavInG RotaTIONal sTOpS AlIGnEd oN a sURFace of The VerTICAl baSE MemBEr.
oNe SignIFICanT AsPECT AND featURE of The prESeNT INveNtioN iS MECHaNIcAl hANdsET LIFt tHat wILl mEcHANICAllY lIfT UP THe rEceIVER enD oF a tElepHONe HAnDseT OFf THe hooK-SWItCH sO THAt a dIAL tone MaY bE oBtAINeD foR THE telEpHoNE hEAdSET In USe.
ANOtHer sIgnifICaNT asPEcT AND FeATUrE OF thE PrESenT iNvenTIOn IS A MEchanicaL hANDsEt LiFt WHIch WilL LIFt The receIvER End Of a telePHoNe hAndsET OFF The HoOk-sWiTcH sO AS TO aLlOW a User To USE EItheR the tELePhONE HAnDsEt or A TeLEPhONe hEaDsEt.
A FURThEr sIgNifICanT AspecT aND featUrE of the pRESeNt INveNtion is A mEcHAnIcAL haNDseT LifT wHIcH wIll liFt thE RecEIVER enD of a TELEPHOne haNDSet OfF The hoOk-SWItCH and whIch wIll ReSuLt IN THE ENVirONMEnt On a pERsoN""s dESk bEiNg LesS cLuTterEd DUE to ThE absENcE oF A TElepHone HaNDseT Lying Off To THE SIDe of THe TeLEPHone base whIle tHe tElephONE hanDsEt Is iN UsE.
yET anoTHeR siGnifiCant aspecT AND feAtURe of ThE preSenT INvENTIoN Is a meCHanicAl haNdSeT Lift THAt will mEChAnIcally liFt up The REcEiver end OF A tElEPHOnE hAndseT IN SuCh A mAnner ThaT wILl greATly iNcrEaSe tHe cHaNcEs oF noT AcciDENTalLY hAngiNG Up ThE tElepHOnE whiLe A TELePhonE HeADset Is IN UsE.
anoTHEr SIGNificant aSPEct aND FEaTURe of THe PrESENT INVenTIOn iS a LIfT rod ANd LifT rOD hAndLE in posItIve anGular engaGEmenT WITH EaCH Other AbOut A BasE UNIT.
ANotHer siGnIficaNT AspecT and feaTURE oF tHE presenT INvenTION iS stoPs WHIch deFIne ROTATIONAl MOVEment OF the lIFT ROd AnD LIFT rOD haNdlE WitH reSpEct tO the bAsE oF A TeLephONe.
havIng ThUs DEsCRIbed THE EMBODimEntS oF THE PrESEnt iNVeNtIoN, iT IS the PRINCIPAl OBjEcT hEreOF to PRovIDE a MecHANicaL HAndSEt lIfT.
thE pReSENT iNVENTIOn ReLaTES to A MEChAniCaL HAnDSeT LiFT DeViCe tHAT wILL enABlE THe teLEpHone UsEr To ENaBle aNd dIsabLE tHE TelEpHONe""S hOOK-SWitch CApabiLITIes wItHOuT THe iNCONVeniENCE Of PICKInG up The TELEPHOnE And PlaciNg IT oN thE dEsK. currenTLy, tHE oNLy MeANS TO do thIS iS BY PLaCinG the TelephonE HaNdseT On And off THe HoOk-SwITch. The prObleMs tHaT aRriVE froM tHIS METhoD arE 1) One HaS tO PHysiCaLLY PiCk UP tHE HandsEt eVEry Time the TElePhoNE riNGS, 2) ONe HAS tO laY tHe HANdSeT oN The dEsk (FoR many PEopLE ThIS TakES up jUsT too mUCH rOoM), 3) If thE tELEpHoNe aLLOwS oNe tO balANCe the HandseT OFF tO tHe rigHt SiDe Of ThE hOok sWItch, onE maY BuMP THE tELEpHoNe, and acciDeNTalLy Hang UP.
thE iNVEnTION USes tHE hANDset""s oWn MOLd TO ACcoMPliSh tHE Goal OF hooK-sWitcHINg, And AlLOWS THe HaNdSet tO BE uSED aS wELl. tHe PrEsenT INVEnTiOn AlSo CrEaTeS An eNvIRonmeNT WHEre It IS VIRtUally ImpoSSibLE to ACciDEnTLY HaNd uP tHE TELePHoNe. ThIS is a VErY commOn PrOBLeM WHEn THe tElEPhOne IS bALANCED tO the sidE OF tHE HoOK-sWiTch.
IT IS aN oBject OF tHE pResEnT InVeNTiOn To proViDE a DEvICe THat WILl EnAbLe a TeLepHonE handset OPeRAtOR tO USe bOth THe telEPhoNe hanDseT oR hEADseT CoNVeNiently, wIThOUT The prOBlems ThAT aRe cURrEntly PLaGUIng The teLEphONE HeADsET indUsTrY.
|
1. Fieldof the Invention The invention relates generally to adevice that attaches to a telephonefor the purpose of lifting up the receiverend of a telephone handset (hook-switching). 2. Description ofthe Prior Art Many of the newest telephone systems thatare coming outon the market have whatis calledelectronic hook-switching. This is basically a button, that when pressed, will give a dial tone fora telephone headset. This is a very convenient option for people who usetelephone headsets, but the problem still remainsthat there are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not havethisoption.Until now, the only option that people have had to alleviate thisproblem is tophysically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, and place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. This procedure is time and space consuming. Another method that is commonly used when gettinga dial tone, is to balance the telephone handset just up and to theside of the telephone""s hook-switch. The major problem with this solution is that if accidently bumped or moved, the handset will fall back intoplace and one will hang up the line. The presentinvention overcomes the prior art practices by providing a mechanical handset lift for liftingthe receiver end of a telephonehandset off the hook-switch and pivoting thehandset about the microphone end, but leaving the handsetcentrally positioned over and aboutthe telephone body. The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a mechanicaldevice for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the telephone hook-switch to allow electrical operation of a remote handset receiver/mouthpiecewhile still leaving the handset placed over and about the telephone base unit. Accordingto one object of the present invention, there is provideda vertically oriented base for mountingto the sideofa telephone base. A moveable pivot shaftextends through an upper region of the vertically oriented base end, which includes a lift rod secured to one end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod leverhandle secured to the opposite endof the pivot shaft. A stop shaftlimits the over center travel of the lift rodlever handle and the lift rod to allowon hook or off hook positioning of a telephone handset receiver. According to an alternate embodimentof the present invention, thereis provided a vertical base member with a lift rod andlift leversecuredabout the base member inpositive locked alignment and also having rotational stops aligned ona surfaceoftheverticalbase member. One significant aspect and feature of the present inventionis mechanical handset lift thatwillmechanically liftup thereceiver end of atelephonehandset off the hook-switchso that a dial tone may be obtained for the telephoneheadset inuse.Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention isa mechanical handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so as to allow a user to use either the telephone handset or a telephone headset. A further significant aspect and feature of thepresent invention is a mechanical handsetlift which will lift the receiver endof a telephonehandset off the hook-switch and which will resultin the environment on a person""s desk being less cluttered due tothe absence of a telephone handset lyingoff to theside of the telephone base whilethe telephone handset is in use. Yet another significant aspect and feature of thepresent invention isamechanical handset liftthat will mechanically lift up the receiver end of a telephone handset in such a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. Another significant aspectand feature of the present invention is alift rod and liftrod handle in positive angularengagement with each other about a base unit. Another significant aspect and feature ofthe present invention is stops which define rotationalmovement of the lift rod and lift rod handlewith respect to the base of a telephone. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principalobject hereof to providea mechanicalhandset lift. The present invention relates to a mechanicalhandset liftdevice that will enable the telephone user to enable and disable thetelephone""s hook-switch capabilities without the inconvenience of picking up thetelephone and placing it on the desk.Currently,theonly means to do this is by placing the telephone handset on and off the hook-switch. The problems that arrivefrom this methodare1) one has to physicallypick up the handset every time thetelephonerings, 2) onehas to lay thehandset on the desk(for manypeople this takes upjust too much room), 3) if the telephone allows oneto balance the handset off to the right side ofthe hook switch, one may bump the telephone, and accidentally hang up. The invention uses the handset""s own mold to accomplish the goal of hook-switching, andallows the handset to be used as well. The present inventionalsocreatesan environment whereit is virtually impossibletoaccidently hand up the telephone. This is a very common problem when the telephone is balancedtothe side of the hook-switch. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that willenable a telephone handset operator to use boththe telephone handset or headset conveniently, without theproblems thatare currently plaguing the telephone headset industry.
|
_1._ Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to a device _that_ _attaches_ to a _telephone_ for the purpose of lifting up the receiver end _of_ a telephone _handset_ (hook-switching). _2._ _Description_ of the Prior _Art_ Many of the _newest_ telephone systems that are _coming_ out _on_ the market _have_ _what_ _is_ called electronic hook-switching. _This_ is _basically_ a button, that when pressed, _will_ _give_ a dial tone _for_ a telephone headset. This is a very convenient option for _people_ who use telephone headsets, but _the_ problem _still_ remains _that_ _there_ are literally millions of telephones on the market that do not have this _option._ _Until_ _now,_ the only option that people _have_ had to alleviate this problem is to physically pick up the handset every time the telephone rings, _and_ place the headset off to the side of the telephone base. This procedure _is_ time and space consuming. Another method that is commonly _used_ when getting a dial tone, is _to_ balance the telephone handset just up _and_ _to_ the side of the _telephone""s_ hook-switch. The _major_ problem with _this_ solution is that if _accidently_ bumped or moved, the handset will fall _back_ into place and _one_ _will_ hang up the line. The present _invention_ overcomes _the_ prior art practices by providing a _mechanical_ handset lift for lifting the receiver end of a telephone handset off the hook-switch and pivoting the _handset_ about the microphone end, but leaving the handset centrally positioned over and _about_ the telephone body. The general purpose _of_ _the_ present invention _is_ to provide a mechanical device for lifting the receiver end of _a_ telephone handset off the telephone hook-switch to allow electrical operation _of_ a _remote_ handset receiver/mouthpiece while still _leaving_ the handset _placed_ _over_ _and_ about the _telephone_ base _unit._ According to one object of _the_ present invention, there is provided a vertically oriented base for mounting to the side of a _telephone_ base. A moveable _pivot_ shaft _extends_ through _an_ upper region _of_ _the_ vertically oriented base end, _which_ includes _a_ lift rod secured to _one_ end of the pivot shaft and a lift rod lever _handle_ secured _to_ the opposite _end_ of the pivot shaft. _A_ stop _shaft_ limits the over _center_ travel of the lift _rod_ lever handle and _the_ lift rod to allow on hook or off hook positioning of _a_ telephone handset receiver. According to an _alternate_ embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a _vertical_ _base_ member with a lift rod and _lift_ lever secured _about_ the _base_ _member_ _in_ positive locked alignment and _also_ having rotational _stops_ aligned on a surface of the vertical base _member._ One significant _aspect_ _and_ feature of the present invention _is_ mechanical handset lift _that_ will mechanically _lift_ up the receiver _end_ of a telephone handset off the hook-switch so that _a_ dial _tone_ may be obtained for _the_ _telephone_ headset in use. Another _significant_ _aspect_ and feature of the present invention _is_ a mechanical handset lift which will lift the _receiver_ end of a telephone handset _off_ the hook-switch so as _to_ allow a user _to_ use either _the_ _telephone_ handset _or_ a _telephone_ headset. _A_ further significant aspect and feature _of_ the present _invention_ is a _mechanical_ handset lift which will lift the receiver end of a _telephone_ _handset_ _off_ the _hook-switch_ _and_ which will result in _the_ environment _on_ a _person""s_ desk being less cluttered due to the absence _of_ a telephone handset lying off to the side _of_ the _telephone_ base while the telephone handset is in use. Yet another significant aspect and feature _of_ the present _invention_ is a mechanical handset _lift_ that will _mechanically_ lift _up_ _the_ receiver end of a _telephone_ handset in _such_ a manner that will greatly increase the chances of not accidentally hanging up the telephone while a telephone headset is in use. Another significant aspect and feature _of_ the _present_ invention is a lift rod and lift _rod_ handle in positive angular engagement with each _other_ about a base unit. Another significant aspect and _feature_ of the present invention _is_ stops _which_ define rotational movement of _the_ lift rod _and_ _lift_ _rod_ handle with respect to the base of _a_ telephone. Having thus described the embodiments of the present invention, it is the principal object _hereof_ to provide a _mechanical_ handset lift. The present invention relates _to_ _a_ mechanical _handset_ _lift_ _device_ that will enable the _telephone_ user to enable and disable the telephone""s hook-switch capabilities without the inconvenience of _picking_ _up_ _the_ _telephone_ and _placing_ it on the desk. _Currently,_ the only means to do this is by placing _the_ telephone handset on _and_ off the _hook-switch._ _The_ problems that arrive from this _method_ are 1) one _has_ to physically pick up the handset every time _the_ _telephone_ rings, 2) one _has_ to lay the handset on _the_ desk (for many people this takes up just too much room), 3) if the telephone _allows_ one to balance the handset off to _the_ right side of the _hook_ switch, one may bump the telephone, and _accidentally_ hang _up._ The invention uses the handset""s own _mold_ to accomplish the goal of hook-switching, _and_ allows the handset to be used as well. _The_ present _invention_ also creates an environment where _it_ _is_ virtually impossible to accidently hand up the telephone. _This_ is a very common problem when the _telephone_ is balanced to the side of the _hook-switch._ _It_ _is_ an object of the _present_ invention to provide a _device_ that will _enable_ a _telephone_ handset operator to use _both_ the telephone handset or headset _conveniently,_ _without_ the problems that are currently plaguing the telephone _headset_ industry.
|
In cranes, cargo-handling machinery or construction machinery, such as excavators for example, hydraulic quick couplings are widely used for the purpose of coupling structural components which have to be separated or reset for a specific use of for transport.
The structural components are in most cases connected mechanically by quick-change systems, the coupling of the power transmission lines, especially those with large cross sections, being associated with considerable expenditure in terms of energy and in terms of time.
One object of the present application is to make available a hydraulic quick coupling which on the one hand reduces the expenditure of energy and time and on the other hand avoids contamination of the hydraulic fluid by using individual couplings free from leakage oil.
According to the one embodiment, the object is achieved by a hydraulic quick coupling. The coupling includes two interacting quick-coupling parts which are arranged respectively on the structural components that are to be connected or separated. One quick-coupling part has at least one guide bolt which can engage in a centering bore of the quick-coupling part lying opposite it, each quick-coupling part being provided with coupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of the hydraulic lines, and at least one quick-coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component in order to connect or separate the two quick-coupling parts.
Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims following on from the main claim. Accordingly, one quick-coupling part can preferably be arranged fixedly on one structural component, while the other quick-coupling part is arranged movably on the second structural component.
Particularly advantageously, at least one of the quick-coupling parts is spring-mounted in a support frame. In this way, the coupling can be kept free from forces acting on the structural components. The quick-coupling part spring-mounted in the support frame can, together with said support frame, be mounted movably on the structural component.
At least one lock can be provided via which the quick-coupling parts can be locked to one another in the coupled state. The lock can secure the at least one guide bolt driven into the corresponding at least one centering bore.
The movable quick-coupling part can sit displaceably on a linear guide. As has already been mentioned, the support frame in which the quick-coupling part is spring-mounted can also be guided on this linear guide. The movable quick-coupling part is advantageously displaceable via a piston/cylinder arrangement. To lock the quick-coupling parts in the coupled state, it is also possible for the coupled position to be fixed, for example, by a permanent pressure load of the piston/cylinder arrangement or by suitable shut-off valves.
Advantageously, the movable quick-coupling part spring-mounted in the support frame can be fixed in its opened position by a guide. The guide can comprise a guide means, for example, a guide bolt which engages in the coupling sleeve in the opened position of the quick-coupling part. In this position, the guide means, that is to say for example a guide bolt, permits guiding of the spring-mounted quick-coupling part in such a way that the forces acting on the latter can be taken up. When attaching the quick-coupling part, that is to say when moving it into the closed position, the quick-coupling part moves with its centering bore onto the guide bolt of the other quick-coupling part lying opposite it. In the coupled position, the guide means, that is to say for example the guide bolt, frees the corresponding coupling sleeve. The securing of the quick-coupling part is taken over by the guide bolt of the opposite quick-coupling part.
To provide a possibility of also being able to couple structural components which are angled about their bolted point, at least one of the two quick-coupling parts is arranged on a pivotable support bracket. The support bracket can be pivoted by its own piston/cylinder arrangement. The quick-coupling part arranged on the support bracket can in addition be driven along the support bracket and moved to and fro along the lengthwise guide with another piston/cylinder arrangement. In this way, the quick-coupling parts can also be coupled in an angled position.
|
in cranes, cargo - handling structures or construction machinery, such as excavators for example, hydraulic quick couplings are widely used for the purpose by supporting structural components which have to be separated or reset for a specific use of for transport. the structural components are in most cases connected mechanically by quick - change systems, the coupling of the power transmission lines, especially those with large cross sections, being associated with considerable expenditure in terms of energy and in terms of time. one object of the present application is to make available a hydraulic quick coupling which on the one hand reduces the expenditure of energy and time and on the other hand avoids flooding of the hydraulic fluid or using individual couplings free from leakage oil. according to the one embodiment, the object is achieved by a hydraulic quick coupling. the coupling includes two interacting quick - coupling parts which are arranged randomly on the structural components that are to be connected or separated. one quick - coupling part has as least one guide bolt which can engage in a centering bore of the quick - coupling part lying opposite it, each quick - coupling part being provided with coupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of opposite hydraulic lines, and at least one quick - coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component in order to connect or separate the two quick - coupling parts. preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims following on from the main claim. accordingly, a quick - coupling part can preferably be arranged fixedly on one structural component, while the other quick - coupling part is arranged movably on the second structural component. particularly advantageously, at least one of the quick - coupling parts is spring - mounted in a support frame. in this way, the coupling can be kept free from forces acting on the structural components. the quick - coupling part spring - mounted in the support frame can, together with said support frame, be mounted movably on the other component. at least one lock can be provided via which the quick - coupling parts can be locked to one another in the coupled state. the lock can secure the at least one guide bolt driven into the corresponding at least one centering bore. the movable quick - coupling part can sit displaceably on a linear guide. as has already been mentioned, the support frame in which the quick - coupling part is spring - mounted can also be guided on this linear guide. the movable quick - coupling part is advantageously displaceable via a piston / cylinder arrangement. to lock the quick - coupling parts in the coupled state, it is also possible for the coupled position to be fixed, for example, by a permanent pressure load of the piston / cylinder arrangement or by suitable shut - off valves. advantageously, the movable quick - coupling part spring - mounted in the support frame can be fixed in its opened position by a guide. the guide can comprise a guide means, for example, a guide bolt which engages in the coupling sleeve in the opened position of the quick - coupling part. in this position, the guide means, that is to say for example a guide bolt, permits guiding of the spring - mounted quick - coupling part in such a way that the forces acting on the latter can be taken up. when attaching the quick - coupling part, that is to say when moving it into the closed position, the quick - coupling part moves with its centering bore onto the guide bolt of the other quick - coupling part lying opposite it. in the coupled position, the guide means, that is to say for example the guide bolt, frees the corresponding coupling sleeve. the securing of the quick - coupling part is taken over by the guide bolt of the opposite quick - coupling part. to provide a possibility of also being able to couple structural components which are angled about their bolted point, at least one of the two quick - coupling parts is arranged on a pivotable support bracket. the support bracket can be pivoted by its own piston / cylinder arrangement. the quick - coupling part arranged on the support bracket can in addition be driven along the support bracket and moved to and fro along the lengthwise guide with another piston / cylinder arrangement. in this way, the quick - coupling parts can also be coupled in an angled position.
|
In cranes, cargo - handling machinery or construction machinery, such as excavators for example, hydraulic quick couplings are widely used for the purpose of coupling structural components which have to be separated or reset for a specific use of for transport. The structural components are in most cases connected mechanically by 2uuck - change systems, the coupling of the power transmission lines, especially those with large cross sections, being associated with considerable expenditure in terms of energy and in terms of time. One object of the present application is to make available a hydraulic quick coupling which on the one hand reduces the expenditure of energy and time and on the other hand avoids contamination of the hydraulic fluid by using individual coKplinns free from leakage oil. According to the one embodiment, the object is achieved by a hydraulic quick coupling. The coupling includes two interacting quick - coupling parts which are arranged respectively on the structural components that are to be connected or separated. One quick - coupling part has at least one guide bolt which can engage in a centering bore of the quick - coupling part lying opposite it, each quick - coupling part being provided with coupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of the hydraulic lines, and at least one quick - coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component in order to connect or separate the two quick - coupling parts. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims following on from the main claim. Accordingly, one quick - coupling part can preferably be arranged fixedly on one structural component, while the other quick - voupiing part is arranged movably on the second structural component. Particularly advantageously, at least one of the quick - coupling parts is spring - mounted in a support frame. In this way, the coupling can be kept free from forces acting on the structural components. The quick - coupling part spring - mounted in the support frame can, together with said support frame, be mounted mlvaFly on the structural component. At least one lock can be provided via which the quick - coupling parts can be locked to one another in the coupled state. The lock can secure the at least one guide bolt driven into the corresponding at least one centering bore. The movable quick - coupling part can sit displaceably on a linear guide. As has already beFJ mentioned, the support frame in which the quick - coupling part is sp%ihg - mounted can also be guided on this linear guide. The movable quick - coupling part is advantageously displaceable via a piston / cylinder arrangement. To lock the quick - coupling parts in the coupled state, it is also possible for the coupled position to be fixed, for example, by a permanent pressure load of the piDHon / cylinder arrangement or by suitable shut - off valves. Advantageously, the movable quick - coupling part spring - mounted in the support frame can be fixed in its opened position by a guide. The guide can comprise a guide means, for example, a guide bolt which engages in the coupling sleeve in the opened 0osit*on of the quick - coupling part. In this position, the guide means, that is to say for example a guide bolt, permits guiding of the spring - mounted quick - coupling part in such a way that the forces acting on the latter can be taken up. When attaching the quick - coupling part, that is to say when moving it into the closed position, the quick - coupling part moves with its centering bore onto the guide bolt of the other quick - coupling part lying opposite it. In the coupled position, the guide means, that is to say for example the guide bolt, frees the corresponding coupling sleeve. The securing of the quick - coupling part is taken over by the guide bolt of the opposite quick - coupling part. To provide a possibility of also being able to couple structural components which are angled about their bolted point, at least one of the two quick - coupling parts is arranged on a pivotable suppk4t bracket. The support bracket can be pivoted by its own piston / cylinder arrangement. The quick - coupling part arranged on the support bracket can in addition be driven along the support bracket and moved to and fro along the lengthwise guide with another piston / cylinder arrangement. In tNiA way, the quick - coupling parts can also be coupled in an angled position.
|
In cargo-handling machinery or construction machinery, such as excavators for example, hydraulic quick couplings used for the purpose of coupling structural components which have to be separated or reset a specific use of for transport. The structural components are in cases connected by systems, the coupling of the power transmission lines, those with large cross sections, being considerable expenditure in terms of energy and in terms of time. of the present application is to make available a hydraulic quick which on the one hand reduces the expenditure of energy and time and the other hand avoids contamination of the hydraulic fluid by using individual couplings free leakage oil. According to the one embodiment, the object is by quick coupling. The coupling includes two interacting quick-coupling parts which are arranged respectively on the structural components that are to be connected or separated. One quick-coupling part has at one guide bolt which engage in centering bore of the quick-coupling part lying opposite it, each quick-coupling being provided coupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of the hydraulic and at least one quick-coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component in order to or separate the two quick-coupling Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims following from the main claim. Accordingly, one quick-coupling part can preferably be arranged fixedly on one structural component, while the other quick-coupling part is arranged movably the second structural component. Particularly advantageously, at least one of the quick-coupling parts spring-mounted in a support frame. In this way, coupling can be kept free from forces acting on the structural The quick-coupling part spring-mounted in the support frame can, together with said support frame, be mounted on the component. At least one can be provided via which the quick-coupling parts can be one another in the state. The lock can secure the at least one guide bolt driven into corresponding at least one centering bore. The movable quick-coupling part can sit displaceably linear guide. As has already been mentioned, the support frame in which the quick-coupling part is spring-mounted can also be on this linear guide. The movable quick-coupling part is advantageously displaceable via a piston/cylinder To lock the quick-coupling parts in the coupled state, it is also for the coupled position to fixed, for example, by a permanent pressure load of the piston/cylinder arrangement or by suitable shut-off valves. Advantageously, the movable quick-coupling part spring-mounted in support can be fixed in its opened position by guide. The guide can comprise a guide means, for example, a guide bolt which engages in coupling sleeve in the opened of the quick-coupling part. In position, the guide means, that is to say example a guide bolt, permits guiding the spring-mounted quick-coupling part in such a way that the forces on the latter can be taken up. When attaching the quick-coupling part, that is say when moving it into the closed position, the quick-coupling part moves its centering bore onto the guide bolt the other quick-coupling part lying opposite it. In the guide means, that is to say for guide bolt, frees the corresponding coupling sleeve. The securing of the quick-coupling part is taken over by the guide bolt of the opposite quick-coupling part. To provide a possibility of also being able to couple structural components which are angled about their bolted point, at least of the two quick-coupling parts is arranged pivotable support bracket. support bracket can pivoted its own piston/cylinder arrangement. The quick-coupling part arranged on the support bracket can in addition be driven along the support bracket and moved to and fro along the lengthwise guide with piston/cylinder arrangement. In this way, the quick-coupling parts can also be coupled in an angled position.
|
iN cranEs, cArGo-HAndling mAcHinerY or CONsTrucTiOn maChINeRY, SucH as ExCAVATOrS fOR ExampLe, HydRaUlIc quiCk CoUPlInGs ARE wIDElY USED FOR The PuRPOse oF COUPlING stRUcTuRaL comPONeNts WhICh Have TO be separAtED oR Reset FOR A SPeCIFic USe Of FOr TRanSPOrT.
THe STruCTuRAl compONEnTs ARE iN moSt CasES conNEcTEd MEChANIcaLly By qUicK-ChaNgE sYSTeMS, tHe COuplIng Of The PowER transMISsiON lines, EspeCiALLY those WiTh lArGe cRoSs SeCtioNS, beiNG assoCiatEd witH cOnsIderABlE expeNdITuRe IN teRmS OF EnErgY aND iN TErMS OF tIMe.
OnE obJEct Of the prESeNT aPplICaTion Is To MAKe aVAIlaBle A hyDRAUliC qUIcK COuplINg whICH On The onE hAnD reDuCes the eXpENDiTURe oF eNERgY AnD time And on tHe OtHEr HanD AvoIds coNtaminATiOn OF tHe HYdRAUlIc FluiD By uSINg INdiViDuAL coUPlINGS FReE FROm LeaKAGE OIL.
ACcOrDing to The oNe EMBOdImenT, tHE OBjEct is AchIeVeD BY A HyDrAuliC quIck COUplIng. tHE cOUpLinG inCluDes twO INTerACtinG QUiCK-cOuPling PaRtS WhIcH ARe ARrANGed resPectIVely ON THe StRucturAL CoMPOnENTS thAt aRe To be CONNEctED Or SEpaRATED. OnE QUICK-cOUpliNG part hAS At lEASt OnE gUIDE BOLt WHiCH CAN EngAGE IN a CEntERIng BoRE OF THe QuICk-cOUplinG parT LyINg opposIte It, EaCH QuIcK-couPLINg pArT BeInG PRoVidED wITH cOUpLING PlUGs Or couPlIng SLEEVes fOr tHe CONNectION oF tHe HYDRAuLIc LINes, and aT lEaSt oNe qUicK-cOuplIng paRT BeIng arRanGed mOvABlY On one sTrUCtUral compONENt In OrDEr tO ConNEct Or sepARatE ThE tWo Quick-cOUPLInG PArtS.
prEFErReD EMBODiMENtS Are Set Out in the DEPeNDEnt cLaIMS fOllOWiNg On FroM THE MaiN cLaIM. ACcorDIngLY, one QUICK-CoUpLInG pArT CaN PrEfeRABlY BE aRrANGeD fIXEdLy oN OnE strUCTuRAl coMpONeNT, WhIlE The oTHeR quiCK-cOupliNg pART is ArRaNgED mOVAbly on The SeCONd STrUCTURAL CoMPoneNT.
pARTiCULArLy adVanTageoUSly, AT LEAst onE oF thE quick-COuPLiNg parTS iS SPRIng-mOuNTeD in a SUpPORt fRaMe. IN tHIS waY, thE couPLiNg caN bE kEpT fReE frOM FoRces ACtiNG ON thE StruCtUrAL CoMPoNenTS. THE quiCK-CoUPLING PArT sPring-MoUNTed In The support FRaME cAn, toGeTher WiTH sAiD SUPpOrt FRame, BE MouNTED MoVABLY on The STRUcTUrAl cOmponent.
aT LEaSt onE LOck can bE prOvIDEd ViA wHiCH tHE QuIck-CouPLInG PArTS caN Be LOcKeD tO oNe aNOtHer in tHE COuPLEd StAte. thE Lock CAn SeCuRE THe at LeaST ONE GUiDE bOlT dRIvEN Into tHe coRrESPONDIng aT LEASt oNe CeNTeRINg BoRE.
THE MovABlE quICK-COUplinG pART caN SIT displaCeablY On a linEAr GUIdE. As hAS ALReadY bEEn MENtiONeD, tHE SUpPORT fRAME in which ThE qUiCK-CoupliNg PARt Is sPrING-mOUNTeD cAN aLSO be gUiDed On THIs LINEar guIDe. tHe MoVabLe qUIck-cOUplInG PArt Is AdVaNtAgeOUSLY dISplACeaBle vIa A pIStOn/CYLInDer ArRaNGEmeNt. TO loCk thE QUicK-cOupliNG PaRTs iN tHe couPLED sTAtE, iT is AlSO pOsSIBLE FoR the CouplEd PositIon TO Be fiXEd, FOr ExaMPle, by A PerMANEnT pREsSUrE LoaD of THe piStOn/cYlinDER ArRANgEMENt or BY suiTabLe SHut-oFf valVes.
adVanTAGeOusLy, the movAbLE qUICk-couPLiNg part SprIng-mOuNtEd iN tHe SUPport FraME CAn bE FIXED In iTs oPENED POSITiON by A GuidE. the gUIde CaN cOmPrisE A guIDe mEaNs, FoR eXampLE, A guIde bolT whICH ENGAGes In thE cOuplIng sleeVE IN THe oPENeD PosITiOn of the quIck-couPlINg paRT. iN ThIs pOSiTION, THe gUide MEAnS, ThAT IS TO sAy fOr eXAmpLE a GuIde bolT, pErmIts gUiding Of tHE sPrinG-moUNted qUiCk-coupLing paRt In suCh a way that tHe FORcEs ActInG ON THe LaTter CAn BE TakeN Up. WheN atTaChINg tHE QUICk-cOupLInG PaRt, THaT IS to SaY WHen movinG iT InTO tHe clOsed POsitiOn, ThE quicK-cOUpLInG paRT MOveS WitH iTS ceNtering BOrE onTo the gUIDE bolt Of tHE OThEr QUick-Coupling pArT LYING opPOSite it. IN ThE CouplED posiTION, The gUIDe mEAnS, thAt IS TO say For EXAMPLE tHe gUIde bOLT, FREes THE cOrREspONdiNg COUpLiNG sLEeve. thE SeCURIng oF ThE quicK-cOupLING PARt iS taKeN Over by ThE GUIDe BOLT OF thE oPpOSiTe quick-coUpliNg parT.
To PRoViDe A POSsIBIliTy OF alsO BeINg aBLE To CouPLe stRUCTUraL COmpONenTS Which ARe anglED abOUt tHeir BOLted pOinT, AT LEAST one Of tHE TWo qUiCK-CoupLinG PArTS IS aRRANGED on a PiVOTaBLe sUppOrT BraCkEt. ThE SupPORt bRACKet can be pIvOTeD bY itS OwN pisTon/cylIndER ARraNGEmeNt. THe quIcK-cOUplIng paRT aRrangED oN The SuPPort brAckeT Can In aDdItIoN be drIVEn aloNg ThE SuPpORT BRAckET and MOved TO AnD FRO AlOnG thE lengThwISe GUIDe wItH aNotheR PistON/CYlInDeR arrAngEMEnt. iN ThIS wAy, ThE qUICK-CoUplIng pARTS can AlSO bE coUpled In aN aNgLED POsItION.
|
In cranes, cargo-handlingmachinery or construction machinery, such asexcavators for example, hydraulic quickcouplings are widely used for the purpose of coupling structural components which have to be separated or resetfor a specific use of fortransport. The structural components are in most cases connected mechanicallyby quick-change systems, the coupling of the powertransmission lines, especially those withlarge cross sections, beingassociated withconsiderable expenditure in termsof energy and in termsoftime.One object of the present application is to make available ahydraulic quick coupling which onthe one hand reduces the expenditure of energy and time and on the otherhand avoidscontamination of the hydraulic fluid by using individual couplings freefrom leakage oil. Accordingtothe one embodiment, the object is achievedby a hydraulic quick coupling. The coupling includes two interacting quick-coupling parts which are arranged respectively on the structural componentsthat are to beconnected or separated. One quick-couplingpart has at leastone guide bolt whichcan engage in a centering bore ofthe quick-coupling part lying opposite it, each quick-coupling part being provided withcoupling plugs or coupling sleeves for the connection of the hydraulic lines, and at least one quick-coupling part beingarranged movably onone structural componentin order to connect or separate the two quick-coupling parts. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims following on from the main claim. Accordingly, onequick-coupling part can preferably be arranged fixedly on one structural component, while the other quick-coupling partis arranged movably on the second structural component. Particularly advantageously, at leastone of thequick-coupling parts is spring-mounted in a support frame. In this way, the coupling can be kept free from forcesacting onthe structural components. The quick-couplingpart spring-mounted in the support frame can, together with said support frame,be mounted movably on the structural component. Atleast one lockcan be provided via which the quick-coupling parts can belocked to one another in the coupled state. The lock can securethe at least one guide bolt driven into the corresponding at least one centering bore.Themovable quick-coupling part can sit displaceably on a linear guide. As has already been mentioned, the support frame in which the quick-coupling part is spring-mounted can also be guided on this linear guide. The movable quick-couplingpart is advantageously displaceableviaapiston/cylinder arrangement. To lock thequick-coupling partsin thecoupled state, it is also possibleforthe coupled position to be fixed, for example, by apermanent pressure load of the piston/cylinder arrangement orby suitableshut-off valves. Advantageously, the movable quick-coupling partspring-mounted in the support frame can be fixedin its opened positionby a guide. The guide can comprise a guide means, for example,a guide bolt which engages inthe coupling sleevein theopened position of the quick-coupling part. Inthis position, theguide means, that is to say for example a guide bolt, permits guiding of thespring-mounted quick-coupling part in sucha way that the forces acting on the latter can betaken up.When attaching thequick-coupling part, that is to say when moving it intotheclosed position, the quick-coupling part moves with itscentering bore onto theguide bolt of the otherquick-coupling part lyingopposite it.Inthe coupled position, the guide means, thatistosay forexample the guide bolt, freesthe corresponding coupling sleeve. Thesecuring of thequick-coupling part is taken over by the guide boltof the opposite quick-coupling part. To providea possibility of also being able to couple structural components which are angled about theirbolted point, at least one ofthe two quick-coupling parts is arranged on a pivotable support bracket. The support bracket can be pivoted by its own piston/cylinder arrangement. The quick-coupling part arranged on the support bracket can in addition be driven alongthesupport bracket and movedto and fro alongthe lengthwise guide with another piston/cylinder arrangement. In this way, the quick-coupling parts can also be coupled in anangled position.
|
In cranes, cargo-handling _machinery_ or _construction_ machinery, such as excavators for _example,_ hydraulic _quick_ couplings are widely used for _the_ purpose of coupling structural components which have _to_ be separated or reset _for_ a specific use of _for_ transport. The structural components _are_ in most _cases_ _connected_ mechanically by quick-change systems, the coupling _of_ the _power_ transmission lines, especially those with large cross sections, being _associated_ with considerable expenditure in terms of _energy_ and _in_ terms of _time._ One object of _the_ present _application_ is _to_ _make_ _available_ a hydraulic quick coupling which on the one hand _reduces_ the expenditure of energy and time and on the other hand avoids contamination _of_ _the_ _hydraulic_ fluid by using _individual_ couplings free from leakage oil. According to the one embodiment, the object is achieved by a hydraulic _quick_ _coupling._ _The_ coupling includes two interacting _quick-coupling_ parts which are arranged respectively _on_ the structural components that are to be connected or separated. _One_ _quick-coupling_ _part_ has at least one guide bolt _which_ can engage in a centering bore of the _quick-coupling_ part lying opposite _it,_ _each_ quick-coupling part being provided with coupling plugs _or_ _coupling_ sleeves _for_ _the_ _connection_ of the hydraulic lines, and at least one quick-coupling part being arranged movably on one structural component _in_ _order_ to connect or separate _the_ two _quick-coupling_ parts. Preferred embodiments are set _out_ in the dependent claims _following_ on from the main claim. Accordingly, one _quick-coupling_ part can preferably be _arranged_ fixedly on _one_ structural _component,_ _while_ _the_ other _quick-coupling_ part is arranged movably on _the_ second _structural_ component. Particularly advantageously, at least one of the quick-coupling parts _is_ _spring-mounted_ in a support frame. In _this_ way, the coupling _can_ be kept free from forces acting _on_ the structural components. The quick-coupling part spring-mounted in the _support_ frame can, together with said support frame, be mounted movably on _the_ structural _component._ At least one lock _can_ _be_ provided via which the _quick-coupling_ _parts_ _can_ be locked to one _another_ in _the_ coupled state. The lock _can_ secure the at _least_ one guide bolt driven _into_ the corresponding at _least_ one centering _bore._ The movable quick-coupling part can sit displaceably on a _linear_ guide. As has already _been_ _mentioned,_ the support frame in which the quick-coupling part is spring-mounted can also _be_ guided on this _linear_ guide. The movable quick-coupling part _is_ _advantageously_ displaceable via a piston/cylinder arrangement. _To_ lock the quick-coupling parts in the coupled state, _it_ is also possible for _the_ coupled _position_ _to_ be fixed, for _example,_ _by_ a permanent pressure load of _the_ piston/cylinder arrangement or by suitable shut-off valves. Advantageously, the movable quick-coupling part spring-mounted in the support frame can be fixed in its opened position _by_ a guide. The guide can comprise a _guide_ means, _for_ example, a guide bolt which engages in the coupling sleeve in _the_ opened position of the quick-coupling part. In this position, the guide means, that _is_ _to_ say _for_ example _a_ guide bolt, permits guiding of the spring-mounted quick-coupling _part_ _in_ such a way _that_ _the_ forces acting _on_ the latter can be taken _up._ When attaching _the_ quick-coupling part, that is to say when moving it into the closed position, the quick-coupling part moves with its centering bore onto the _guide_ bolt of the other quick-coupling _part_ lying _opposite_ it. In the coupled position, the guide _means,_ _that_ is to say for example the guide bolt, frees _the_ corresponding coupling sleeve. The securing of the quick-coupling part is taken _over_ by the guide bolt of the opposite quick-coupling part. To provide a possibility of also being able _to_ _couple_ structural components which are angled about their bolted point, _at_ least one of the two _quick-coupling_ parts is arranged on a _pivotable_ _support_ bracket. The support bracket can be pivoted by its own piston/cylinder arrangement. The _quick-coupling_ part arranged on the support bracket can _in_ addition be driven along the _support_ bracket and _moved_ to and _fro_ along the lengthwise guide with another piston/cylinder arrangement. In this _way,_ the _quick-coupling_ _parts_ can also _be_ _coupled_ in an angled position.
|
The invention relates to a discharge lamp having an oval sectional shape, and more particularly to a circular fluorescent lamp.
Research and studies for developing a circular fluorescent lamp having a non-circular sectional started many years ago for the purpose of increasing the illuminance of the lamp on a plane beneath its installed position, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 50-32785 (1975) and 51-11876 (1976). Also, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 37-22455 (1962) proposes a straight fluorescent lamp in which the ratio between the larger and smaller tube diameters is selected to be 4:3 or 4:2, and the thickness of its phosphor film is made non-uniform, so as to improve its illuminance in a specific direction relative to its installation.
Although a discharge tube having an oval sectional shape has been proposed for years and is well known in the art, as disclosed in the prior art publications, the mechanical strength of the discharge tube decreases inevitably due its oval sectional shape. However, no proposal has been made hitherto for solving the problem of an undesirable decrease in the mechanical strength of such a discharge tube.
|
the patent relates to a discharge lamp having an oval sectional shape, and more particularly to a circular fluorescent lamp. research and studies for developing a circular fluorescent tube having a non - circular outline started 60 years ago for the purpose of increasing the illuminance of the lamp on a plane beneath its installed position, are detailed in japanese patent publications nos. 50 - 32785 ( 1975 ) and 51 - 11876 ( 1976 ). also, japanese technical model publication no. 37 - 381 ( 1962 ) proposes a straight fluorescent lamp in which the ratio between the larger and smaller tube diameters is selected to be 4 : 3 or 4 : 2, and the thickness of its phosphor film is made non - zero, so as to improve its illuminance in a specific direction relative to its installation. although a discharge tube having an oval sectional shape has been proposed for years and is well known in the art, as disclosed in the prior art publications, the mechanical strength of the discharge tube decreases inevitably due its oval sectional shape. however, no proposal has been made hitherto for solving the problem of an undesirable decrease in the mechanical strength of such triangular discharge tube.
|
The invention relates to a discharge lamp having an oval sectional shape, and more particularly to a circular fluorescent lamp. Research and studies for developing a circular fluorescent lamp having a non - cKrcHlar sectional started many years ago for the pur9osS of increasing the illuminance of the lamp on a plane beneath its ins6Wlled position, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 50 - 32785 (Q*75) and 51 - 11876 (1976 ). Also, Japanese Utility Model Pub;ucation No. 37 - 22455 (1962) proposes a straight fluorescent lamp in which the ratio between the larger and smaller tube diameters is selected to be 4: 3 or 4: 2, and the thickness of its phosphor film is made non - uniform, so as to improve its Lll tminance in a specific direction relative to its installation. Although a discMaGge tube havOGg an oval sectional shape has been proposed for years and is well known in the art, as dKsc,osed in the prior art publications, the mechanical strength of the discharge tube decreases inevitably due its oval sectional ahapD. However, no proposal has been made hitherto for solving the problem of an undesirable decrease in the mechanical strength of such a discharge tube.
|
The invention relates to discharge lamp an oval sectional shape, and more particularly to a circular fluorescent lamp. Research and studies a fluorescent lamp having a non-circular sectional started many years ago for the purpose increasing the illuminance of the on a plane beneath its installed position, as disclosed in Patent Nos. 50-32785 (1975) and 51-11876 (1976). Also, Japanese Utility Model Publication proposes a straight fluorescent lamp in the ratio between the larger and smaller tube diameters is selected to be 4:3 or 4:2, and the thickness of its phosphor film is made non-uniform, so to improve its illuminance in a direction relative to its installation. Although a tube having an oval sectional shape has been proposed for years and is well known in the art, as disclosed in the prior art publications, the mechanical strength of the discharge tube inevitably due its oval sectional shape. However, no proposal has been made hitherto for solving the problem of an decrease in the mechanical strength of such a discharge tube.
|
thE inventION RElates To A DiSchaRGe LAMp haVIng an OvAl SectioNal SHAPe, And MorE pARtIcULArLy TO a cirCulaR FLUORESCent laMP.
resEARch And sTudieS FOr dEVelOPiNG A cIRculaR FluoReSceNt lAMp having a NON-CIRCULar SeCTIonal sTARtEd mANy years Ago For tHe PURPOsE of InCREasiNg the iLluMinAncE of THE Lamp on A PLanE BeNEAtH iTS INsTAllED poSiTion, as DisclOSED iN JApaNEsE PaTeNT publiCatioNS nos. 50-32785 (1975) ANd 51-11876 (1976). AlSO, JapanEse UTILity model PublICatION no. 37-22455 (1962) pROpOSes A strAIGhT fLuOrESCENT lamp IN WhicH thE rAtiO BETween tHE LARgER and sMALLeR Tube DIameTeRS Is sELEcTeD tO Be 4:3 oR 4:2, ANd tHE ThiCKNess of iTS phoSphOr FIlM IS mAde nOn-unifoRM, so as tO iMpROVe iTS ILlumINAncE iN a speCifiC diReCtiOn reLAtiVE TO its InStaLLAtion.
alThoUGh a DisCHarGE TubE haVINg An OVAL SecTIoNaL sHApE haS beEn pRopOSEd for YeArs And Is WelL KNoWn IN tHe ArT, aS diScLoSed iN the PRIOR aRT PUbliCaTiONs, ThE mEchAniCaL strEngTH of ThE DiSchArge tubE dECreASEs IneVITAbLy duE ITs ovAl seCTiOnal sHAPe. HoWEVER, No proPOsaL hAS bEen maDE hItHeRtO fOr SolViNg The pRoBlem OF an uNDEsiRaBlE dECrEase in ThE mEChANicaL strengTH oF SuCH a DIschARGe TUbe.
|
The invention relates to a discharge lamp having anoval sectional shape, and more particularly toa circular fluorescent lamp. Research and studies for developingacircularfluorescent lamp having a non-circularsectional started many years ago for the purpose of increasing the illuminance of the lamp on a planebeneath its installed position,as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 50-32785 (1975) and 51-11876 (1976). Also, Japanese Utility ModelPublication No. 37-22455 (1962)proposes astraight fluorescent lamp in which the ratiobetween the larger and smaller tubediameters is selected to be 4:3 or 4:2, and the thickness of its phosphor film is made non-uniform, so as to improve its illuminance ina specificdirection relative to its installation. Although a discharge tube having an oval sectional shape has been proposed foryears and is well known in the art, as disclosed in theprior art publications,the mechanical strength of the discharge tube decreases inevitably due its oval sectional shape. However, no proposal has been made hitherto for solvingtheproblemof anundesirable decrease in the mechanical strength of such a discharge tube.
|
The invention relates to a discharge lamp having an oval _sectional_ shape, and more particularly to a circular fluorescent lamp. Research and _studies_ for developing _a_ circular fluorescent lamp _having_ a non-circular sectional started _many_ years ago _for_ the purpose of increasing the illuminance of the lamp on a _plane_ beneath its installed position, _as_ disclosed in Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 50-32785 (1975) and 51-11876 (1976). _Also,_ Japanese Utility Model _Publication_ No. 37-22455 (1962) proposes a straight fluorescent lamp _in_ _which_ the ratio between the larger and smaller tube diameters is selected to be 4:3 _or_ 4:2, _and_ the thickness of its phosphor film is made non-uniform, so as _to_ improve _its_ illuminance in a specific direction relative to its installation. Although a _discharge_ tube _having_ an oval sectional shape _has_ been proposed for _years_ and is well known in the art, as disclosed in _the_ prior _art_ publications, the _mechanical_ strength of the discharge _tube_ decreases inevitably due its oval sectional _shape._ However, no proposal _has_ _been_ made hitherto for _solving_ the problem of an _undesirable_ decrease in _the_ mechanical strength _of_ _such_ a discharge _tube._
|
A typical tire has a plurality of rubber components and a plurality of reinforcing components chiefly constituted by cords. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a typical example of the tire includes an inner liner 1, a tread 2, side walls 3, rim strips or chafers 4, under-belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built by rubber materials having required characteristics. These rubber components are combined with a carcass layer 6 and a belt layer 7 as reinforcing components including cords to become a tire T. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of respective disassembled components of a tire.
FIG. 8 shows the inner liner 1, a tread base 2a and a tread cap 2b constituting the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers 4, and the under-belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends of the belt, all of which are built by rubber materials having predetermined characteristics. The carcass layer 6 has first and second carcass plies 6a and 6b, and the belt layer 7 has a plurality of belts 7a and 7b. Each of bead members 8 has a bead core 8a made of wire or the like and a bead filler 8b made of rubber attached to the outer circumference of the bead core 8a. A squeegee 10 as a rubber layer laminated on the inner ply, tapes between plies 6c, belt edge tapes 7c are all made of rubber materials. A spiral tape 9 contains fiber cords.
A double-stage building method is known as a method for building this type of tire. According to this method, the inner liner, the carcass ply and other components are affixed on an expansive and contractive band drum, and the beads and sides are built by a primary building drum to build a green case. The green case is shifted to a secondary building drum which modifies shaping to build the green case into a toroidal shape, onto which the belt, the tread rubber and other components are affixed to build a green tire. In addition, a single-stage building method which uses a single building drum swinging between the position at which both the band building and primary building are executed and the secondary building position is known.
When the tire components in the respective processes are affixed and built at a different building position for each of the primary building step and the secondary building step in the double-stage building method, longer building cycle time is required and therefore improvement of productivity is difficult to achieve.
As a technique for overcoming these drawbacks, a system which uses a plurality of movable building drums to build a green tire has been proposed. In this system, the movable building drums are shifted to predetermined building positions. Predetermined components such as an inner liner or other rubber components or carcass plies are supplied to build a green case in a primary building step, and rubber components such as a belt and a tread are supplied to build a green tire in a secondary building step.
The system which shifts the building drums to execute the double-stage building method requires a complicated and large-scale structure and a large installation and operation space. Moreover, preparatory processes need to be performed for both the rubber components such as the inner liner and the tread and the reinforcing members such as the carcass and the belt before they are supplied for formation. Furthermore, the system requires a wide space for storing various types of plenty of components to facilitate arrangement switching at the time of size change of the tire.
Recently, such a technique has been proposed which builds rubber components having predetermined cross sections by overlapping and spirally winding unvulcanized rubber strips formed by extrusion into ribbon shapes on a building drum (see Patent Reference Nos. 1 through 4 shown below, for example).
According to the technique which builds the rubber components constituting the tire by winding the rubber strips discussed above, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on the types of rubber components. For example, the rubber volume of the components such as the tread and the side walls is relatively large, and the rubber volume of the components such as the under-belt pads and the chafers is relatively small. The rubber components having large rubber volume requires longer time for winding.
In formation of the tire, therefore, the arrangement of the building positions of the respective rubber components is an important factor associated with time required for winding of the respective rubber components. When the building time is not equalized for each of the primary and secondary building steps, loss time is produced in the building cycle.
According to the method disclosed in the Patent Reference No. 1, for example, a breaker corresponding to the belt and the tread are sequentially laminated at a position for building the final shape in the secondary building step. Thus, the side walls are built by winding rubber strips at a position for building the green case in the primary building step. However, since the under-belt pads are also built by winding rubber strips at the position for building the green case, the building cycle in the primary building step takes longer time as the rubber volume of the side walls increases. In this case, there is a possibility that prolongation of the entire building cycle time occurs.
Patent Reference No. 1: JP-B-6-51367
Patent Reference No. 2: JP-A-9-29858
Patent Reference No. 3: JP-A-2002-178415
Patent Reference No. 4: JP-A-2002-205512
|
a typical design involves a plurality of rubber components and a plurality of reinforcing components chiefly constituted by cords. as seen in fig. 9, a typical example of the tire includes an inner liner 1, a tread 2, side walls 3, rim strips or chafers 4, under - belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built by rubber materials having required characteristics. these rubber components are combined with a carcass layer 6 and a belt layer 7 as reinforcing components including cords to become a tire t. fig. 8 illustrates an example of respective disassembled components of a tire. fig. 8 shows the inner liner 1, a tread base 2a and a tread groove 2b constituting the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers 4, and the under - belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends of the belt, all products which are built by rubber materials having predetermined characteristics. the carcass layer 6 has first and second carcass plies 6a and 6b, and the belt layer 7 has a plurality of belts 7a and 7b. each of bead members 8 has a bead core 8a made of wire just the like and a bead filler 8b made of wire attached to the outer circumference of the bead core 8a. a squeegee 10 as a rubber layer laminated on the inner ply, tapes between plies 6c, belt edge tapes 7c are all made of rubber materials. a rubber tape 9 contains fiber cords. a double - stage building method is known as a method for building this type of tire. according to this method, the inner liner, the carcass ply and other components are affixed on an expansive and contractive band drum, and the beads and sides are built by a primary building drum to build a green case. the green case is shifted to a secondary building drum which modifies shaping to build the green case into a toroidal shape, onto which the belt, the tread rubber and other components are affixed to build a green tire. in mathematics, a single - stage building method which uses a single building drum swinging between the position at which both the band building and primary building are executed and the secondary building position is known. when the tire components in the respective processes are affixed and built within a different building position for each of the primary building step and the secondary building step in the double - stage building method, longer building cycle time is required and therefore improvement of productivity is difficult to achieve. as a technique for overcoming these drawbacks, a system which uses a plurality of movable building drums to build a green tire has been proposed. in this system, the movable building drums are shifted to predetermined building positions. predetermined components such as an inner liner or other rubber components or carcass plies are supplied to build a green case in a primary building step, and rubber components such as a belt and a tread are supplied to build a green tire in a secondary building step. the system which shifts the building drums to execute the double - stage building method requires a complicated and large - scale structure and a large installation and operation space. moreover, preparatory processes need to be performed for both the rubber components such as the inner liner and the tread and the reinforcing members such as the carcass and the belt before they are supplied for formation. furthermore, the system requires a wide space for storing various types of plenty of components to facilitate arrangement switching at the time of size change of the tire. recently, such a technique has been proposed which builds rubber components having predetermined cross sections by overlapping and spirally winding unvulcanized rubber strips formed by extrusion into ribbon shapes on a building drum ( see patent reference nos. 1 through 4 shown below, for example ). according to the technique which builds the rubber components constituting the tire by winding the rubber strips discussed above, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on the types of rubber components. for example, the rubber volume of the components such as the tread and the side walls is relatively large, and the rubber volume of the components such as the under - belt pads and the chafers is relatively small. the rubber components having large rubber volume requires longer time for winding. in formation of the tire, therefore, the arrangement of the building positions of the respective rubber components is an important factor associated with time required for winding of the respective rubber components. when the building time is not equalized for each of the primary and secondary building steps, loss time is produced in the building cycle. according to the method disclosed in the patent reference no. 1, for example, a breaker corresponding to the belt and the tread are sequentially laminated at a position for building the final shape in the secondary building step. thus, the side walls are built by winding rubber strips at a position for building the green case in the primary building step. however, since the under - belt pads are also built by winding rubber strips at the position for building the green case, the building cycle in the primary building step takes longer time as the rubber volume of the side walls increases. in this case, there is a possibility that prolongation of the entire building cycle time occurs. patent reference no. 1 : jp - b - 6 - 51367 patent reference no. 2 : jp - a - 9 - 29858 patent reference no. 3 : jp - a - 2002 - 178415 patent reference no. 4 : jp - a - 2002 - 205512
|
A typical tire has a plurality of rubber components and a plurality of reinforcing components chiefly constituted by cords. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a typical example of the tire includes an inner liner 1, a tread 2, side walls 3, rim strips or chafers 4, under - belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built by rubber materials having required characteristics. These rubber components are combined with a carcass layer 6 and a belt layer 7 as reinforcing components including cords to become a tire T. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of respective disassembled components of a tire. FIG. 8 shows the inner liner 1, a tread base 2a and a tread cap 2b constituting the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers 4, and the under - belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends of the belt, all of which are vuolt by rubber materials having predetermined characteristics. The carcass layer 6 has first and second carcass plies 6a and 6b, and the belt layer 7 has a plurality of belts 7a and 7b. Each of bead members 8 has a bead core 8a made of wire or the like and a bead filler 8b made of rubber attached to the outer circumference of the bead core 8a. A squeegee 10 as a rubber layer laminated on the inner ply, tapes betwWDn plies 6c, belt edge tapes 7c are all made of rubber materials. A spiral tape 9 contains fiber cords. A double - stage building method is known as a method for building this type of tire. According to this method, the inner liner, the carcass ply and lth$r components are affixed on an expansive and contractive band drum, and the bDadE and sides are built by a primary building drum to build a green case. The green case is shifted to a secondary building drum which modifies shaping to build the green case into a toroidal shape, onto which the belt, the tread rubber and other components are affixed to build a green tire. In addition, a single - stage building method which uses a single building drum swinging between the position at which both the band building and primary building are eaecut$d and the secondary building position is known. When the tire components in the respective processes are affixed and built at a different building position for each of the primary building step and the secondary building step in the double - stage building method, longer building cycle time is required and therefore improvement of productivity is difficult to achieve. As a technique for overcoming these drawbacks, a system which uses a plurality of movable building drums to build a green tire has been proposed. In this system, the movable building drums are shifted to predetermined building positions. Predetermined components such as an inner liner or other rubber components or carcass plies are supplied to build a green case in a primary building step, and rubber components such as a belt and a tread are supplied to build a green tire in a secondary building step. The system which shifts the building drums to execute the double - stage building method requires a complicated and large - scale structure and a large installation and operation space. Moreover, preparatory processes need to be performed for both the rubber components such as the inner liner and the tread and the reinforcing members such as the carcass and the belt before they are supplied for formation. Furthermore, the system requires a wide space for storing various types of plenty of components to facilitate arrangement switching at the time of size change of the tire. Recently, such a technique has been proposed which Fuulds rubber components having predetermined cross sections by overlapping and spirally winding unvulcanized rubber strips formed by extrusion into ribbon shapes on a builCinh drum (see Pat@ht Reference Nos. 1 through 4 shown below, for example ). According to the technique which builds the rubber components constituting the tire by winding the rubber strips discussed ab8ge, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on the types of rubber components. For example, the rubber volume of the components such as the tread and the side walls is relatively large, and the rubber volume of the components such as the under - belt pads and the chafers is relatively small. The rubber components having large rubber volume requires longer time for winding. In formation of the tire, therefore, the arrangement of the building positions of the respective rubber components is an important factor associated with time required for wind&mg of the respective rubber components. When the building time is not equalized for each of the primary and secondary building steps, loss time is produced in the building cycle. According to the method disclosed in the Patent Reference No. 1, for example, a breaker corresponding to the belt and the tread are sequentially laminated at a position for building the final shape in the secondary building step. Thus, the side walls are built by winding rubber strips at a position for building the green case in the primary building step. However, since the under - belt pads are also built by winding rubber strips at the position for building the green case, the building cycle in the primary building step takes longer time as the rubber volume of the side walls increases. In this case, there is a possibility that prolongation of the entire building cycle time occurs. Patent Reference No. 1: JP - B - 6 - 51367 Patent Reference No. 2: JP - A - 9 - 29858 Patent Reference No. 3: JP - A - 2002 - 178415 Patent Reference No. 4: JP - A - 2002 - 205512
|
A typical tire has a plurality of rubber components a plurality of reinforcing chiefly constituted by cords. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a typical example the tire includes an inner liner a 2, side walls 3, strips or 4, under-belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built materials having required characteristics. These rubber components are with a carcass layer 6 and a belt layer as reinforcing components including cords to become a tire T. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of respective disassembled components of a tire. FIG. 8 shows the inner liner 1, a tread base 2a and a tread cap 2b the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers 4, and under-belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends of the belt, of which are built rubber materials having predetermined characteristics. The carcass layer 6 first and second carcass plies 6a and 6b, and the belt layer 7 has a plurality of belts 7a and 7b. Each of bead members 8 has a core 8a made of wire the like and a bead 8b made of rubber attached to outer circumference of the bead core 8a. A squeegee 10 as a rubber layer laminated on the inner ply, tapes between plies 6c, belt edge tapes 7c are all made rubber materials. A spiral tape 9 contains fiber double-stage building method is known as a method for building this type of tire. to this method, the inner liner, the carcass ply and other components are affixed on an expansive and contractive band drum, and beads and sides are built by a primary building drum to build a green case. The green case is shifted to a secondary building drum which modifies shaping to build the green into a toroidal shape, onto which the belt, the tread rubber and other are affixed to build a green tire. In addition, a single-stage building which uses a single building drum swinging between the position at which both the band building primary building are and the secondary building position is known. When the tire components in the respective processes are affixed and built a different building for each of primary building step the secondary building step in the double-stage building method, longer building cycle time is and therefore improvement of productivity is difficult to achieve. As a technique for overcoming these drawbacks, a system which uses a plurality of movable building drums build green has been proposed. In this system, the movable building are shifted to predetermined building positions. Predetermined such as an inner liner or other rubber components or carcass plies are supplied to a in a primary building step, and components such as a belt and tread are supplied to build a green tire in a secondary building step. The system which shifts drums to execute the double-stage building method requires a complicated and large-scale structure and a large and operation space. Moreover, preparatory processes need to be performed for both the rubber components such as the inner liner and the tread and the reinforcing members such as carcass and the belt before they are supplied formation. Furthermore, system wide space for storing various types of plenty of to facilitate arrangement switching at the time of size change of the tire. Recently, a technique has been proposed which builds rubber components having cross sections by overlapping spirally winding unvulcanized rubber strips by extrusion into ribbon shapes on a building drum (see Patent Reference Nos. 1 4 below, for example). According to the technique builds the rubber components constituting the tire by winding the rubber strips discussed above, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on types of rubber components. For example, the volume of the as the tread and the side walls is relatively large, and the rubber volume components such as the under-belt pads and the chafers relatively small. The rubber components having large rubber volume requires time for In formation of the tire, therefore, the arrangement of the building positions of the respective rubber components is an important factor associated with time required for winding of respective rubber components. When the building time not equalized for each of the primary and secondary building loss time is produced in the building cycle. According to the method disclosed in the Patent Reference No. 1, for example, a to the belt and the are sequentially at a position for building final shape in the secondary building step. Thus, walls are built by winding rubber strips at for building the green case in the primary building step. However, since the under-belt pads are also built by winding rubber strips at the position for building the green the building cycle in the primary building step longer time as the rubber volume of the walls In this case, there is a that prolongation of the entire building cycle time occurs. Patent Reference No. 1: JP-B-6-51367 Patent No. 2: JP-A-9-29858 Reference No. JP-A-2002-178415 Reference No. 4: JP-A-2002-205512
|
A tYPiCal tire Has a pLURaLITY OF RUbBEr COMpONeNtS aND A PluraliTY OF REInFOrciNG cOmpONENts chiEfLy COnsTItUtED By CORds. AS ILLUStRated iN fIg. 9, A TYPiCaL EXamPlE of ThE tIrE INcLuDEs AN Inner lineR 1, a tReAD 2, sIdE WaLlS 3, riM sTRIpS Or CHAFers 4, UndEr-beLT PAds 5, ANd othER cOMpOnEnTs, alL of wHiCh Are buiLT BY rubbER mATeriALs haviNg requIrED CHaRACTErisTicS. tHEsE rubber CoMponeNTs aRE cOMbInEd WiTh a CaRcass lAyer 6 ANd A BelT LaYER 7 as ReinForcinG COMpONEnts iNCLudinG CoRds tO BEcOme A Tire t. fIG. 8 illUStratES an eXAMplE Of reSPectivE DisasSeMbLeD cOMponEnTS of a tIre.
FiG. 8 SHOws THE INNeR LIner 1, A treaD basE 2a ANd A trEad CaP 2B CoNsTitUTInG tHE tREAd 2, The SIDe Walls 3, THE ChAfeRs 4, And tHe Under-belT pAdS 5 LAMInAtEd unDer both SIde eNDs Of tHE bElT, ALL oF WHIcH are BUIlT by RuBbeR materialS hAvIng prEdETeRMInEd cHaraCtERIStics. tHe CaRcASs LaYEr 6 HAS FiRst and sEcOND caRcaSS pliEs 6A AND 6b, aNd ThE BelT LAyer 7 hAS A PluRALitY OF bElTS 7A aND 7b. eaCh Of beAd MEMBerS 8 has a beAD core 8a mAde Of WIRe Or thE lIKE AnD a BeAD filleR 8b mAdE oF RUbbeR ATtaChED To tHe oUTER CIRCumFEReNcE of THE BEAD CORe 8a. a sQUEEGeE 10 aS a rubbeR layEr LAmInated ON tHE inNER plY, TapEs BeTwEEN pLIes 6c, BELT eDGe TApEs 7C aRE AlL MaDe Of rUBBER MatErIALs. A SpirAl tAPe 9 CoNtAINS fiBeR coRdS.
A doUBle-StaGe BuIldIng MEthoD Is KnowN aS A mEthod For BUILdiNg ThIs TYPe of tIrE. ACcordIng tO thIs mEThoD, ThE inneR LiNEr, thE CarCaSs ply And otHeR ComPoNents arE AffIxEd On An EXpanSivE anD COnTrACTIVe BanD dRuM, aND ThE BEadS And SidEs are bUiLt By a PRiMAry bUILDinG DrUM To BUild a GrEEN cAsE. tHe gREeN casE IS sHIFtED TO A sECONdARy BUiLDiNg DRum whICH MoDIfies SHAPInG TO Build THe GREEN cAse INTo a ToRoIdal SHAPE, oNtO whiCh the BELt, tHe trEaD ruBBEr and OthEr COMponeNTS Are afFixEd tO buIld a grEEn tire. In ADditioN, a SInglE-stAgE BUILDING meThoD whicH UseS a sinGlE BuiLDINg dRUM sWiNGing betWEEN The PoSitIOn aT WHIcH BoTH ThE bAND buILdINg and pRImaRy bUilding aRe ExeCUTeD and tHE sEcOnDARy BuIlDINg pOsITIoN Is knOwn.
whEn tHe tIRe cOMponenTs iN tHE ReSPecTivE pRoCESSes Are affIxEd anD BUilt aT A diFFErENt BuiLDiNG POsitIoN FOR EACh of tHe pRiMary BuIlDINg sTEP aND The sECONDArY bUIlDing sTEP IN ThE DoUblE-STAge BUildiNG mEtHod, LONger BUiLdING Cycle TiME Is rEquiReD AND ThErefOrE iMProVeMeNT Of PROductiVITy Is dIffIcUlT tO ACHIEVE.
aS A TEChniQUe FOR ovErCoMinG TheSe dRawBAckS, A SYsTem WHiCH uSES A PluRalITY Of moVAble BuiLDiNG DrUmS tO bUiLD a GrEeN tIRE hAs been PRopOSeD. IN This SYstem, ThE movabLE BuIlDinG drUMs ARE shIfTED To pREdeTERMiNEd BuilDing pOsItioNs. PredeteRMINEd ComPOneNtS sUch As An Inner LiNer Or OTHer rUbbEr COMponeNTs OR CarcAsS pLIes ARe SUPplieD To buIld a GReEn CaSe iN A PrImaRY bUilDiNg STep, and rUbBer comPoNEnTs sUCH As A Belt And A trEad ARE SuPPlieD tO bUIld A GreEN tIRE in A SEcOnDarY buILdING sTEP.
thE SYStEM wHIcH shifTs THE BUILding dRUmS TO eXEcuTE thE douBlE-stAgE BUILDInG METhoD reqUirEs a cOMPLicAteD ANd lArgE-ScaLE STrUCTUre anD A LARGe InSTaLlaTiON And OPEraTioN spACE. morEOvER, pREparaTOrY PROcESsEs NeEd tO bE PeRfOrMeD FOR both tHE RUbBEr CoMPoNENTs sUch As THe InneR LiNER And ThE TrEAD and THE reinfoRCIng MEmBERs SUCh AS thE cARcASS and thE BeLT beFORE tHEy ARE SUppLiED FOr FOrMATion. fUrThErMoRe, THe systEM ReQUiReS a WIde SPacE FOR sTOrING VARIOuS tYpeS OF PLentY Of COmPonENTs tO fACiliTAte ARRAngeMENT SWItChing AT thE TIMe Of Size ChaNgE oF the tiRe.
rEceNTLY, sUCh A teCHniqUe HaS bEEN PRoPOSED whicH buiLDs rubbER CoMpONEnTs hAVinG preDETERMinED cRosS SECtIONs BY OVeRLAPpInG aND SpiRAllY WindIng unVulCAnIzeD RubBeR stRiPs FOrmEd by eXtrUSioN INTo riBBON shApeS on a builDInG DRum (SeE PATent rEfeRENCe noS. 1 Through 4 sHOwN BeLoW, For ExAmple).
accOrdING to THe TecHNIQUe wHiCH buILds ThE rUBBer ComPOneNTS conStITUtInG tHe tire BY WIndiNg THe RUBber sTRips disCUSsED aboVe, thE ruBbER Volume coNsiDErabLY DiFFerS DEpeNDINg oN THe TypES OF ruBbEr COMPoneNTS. foR ExAMpLe, the RUbBeR Volume OF tHe coMponENTs SUCH as ThE tReAD AnD tHe side WALlS is rElATIvEly larGE, AnD THE RuBBer volUMe of tHE cOMPoNENTS SUCh as tHE UnDer-bElt PADS And THE cHaFErS iS rElaTIvELY smALL. tHE RUbber CoMPoneNts HavInG LaRGE RUbBER vOLUme REQuIreS LONGer TImE FOr WindING.
iN fORMaTIoN of THe tirE, THerEforE, THE arRANGemeNt Of the BUiLdINg poSiTIONS OF THe ReSPECtiVe RUBbER COmPONentS iS an iMPortAnT fAcTOR ASSoCiAtED WitH TImE REQuIRED for windiNg Of ThE rESPECTiVe RubbEr COMPoNeNtS. WhEn ThE buiLdiNg tIme iS NOT EQUalIZED For eacH oF tHE prIMaRY anD seConDArY BuiLdInG STEPs, loss TiME IS prOdUcEd IN ThE BuilDinG cyCLE.
aCcOrdiNg To THE mEtHOD discLosED iN thE patEnT refEREnCe NO. 1, fOR ExaMpLe, a BreAkEr corReSpOnDIng to ThE bElt aND The treAD aRe SEquENtIaLlY laMinaTED aT a poSitiON FoR buIlDING tHE FINaL shApe In ThE SeCOnDary bUILDing sTep. tHuS, THe sIde wAlls Are bUIlT BY WINDIng RUbBER sTRIPs aT a PoSItIOn FOR BuILDinG tHe grEEN CASe in THE priMarY buIlDiNg Step. hOWeVeR, SInCe ThE UNdeR-BELt PaDS arE also bUIlT BY WInDiNg rUBBeR STRipS At thE posiTiOn fOR bUiLDING tHe grEen caSE, tHE BUILDiNg cyCLe in the priMARY BuILDinG StEP TaKeS LoNGER TiME as tHE rUbBER vOluME oF ThE Side WAlls iNCReaSEs. IN This CaSe, There Is A POSsiBIlITy THaT ProLongAtIoN of THe eNTire BuiLDInG cyCle time occurS.
PatEnt RefeREnce No. 1: jP-B-6-51367
patENT REFeREnce NO. 2: Jp-A-9-29858
PAtenT reFErencE NO. 3: Jp-A-2002-178415
pATeNT REfEreNce NO. 4: jp-a-2002-205512
|
Atypical tire has a plurality of rubber components and a plurality of reinforcingcomponents chiefly constituted by cords.As illustrated inFIG. 9, atypical exampleof the tire includes an inner liner 1, atread 2, side walls 3, rimstrips or chafers 4,under-belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built by rubber materials having required characteristics.These rubber componentsarecombined with a carcass layer 6 andabelt layer 7 as reinforcing components including cords to become a tire T. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of respective disassembled components of atire. FIG. 8 showstheinner liner 1, a tread base 2a and a tread cap 2b constituting the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers4, and the under-belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends ofthe belt, allof which are built by rubber materials having predeterminedcharacteristics. The carcass layer 6 has first and second carcass plies 6a and 6b, and the belt layer 7has a plurality of belts 7a and7b. Eachof bead members 8 has a bead core 8a made of wireor the like and a bead filler 8b made of rubber attached to the outer circumference of thebead core8a. A squeegee 10 as a rubber layer laminated on the inner ply, tapes between plies6c, belt edge tapes 7c are all made of rubber materials. A spiral tape 9 containsfiber cords.A double-stage building method is knownas a method for buildingthis type of tire. According to this method, the inner liner, the carcass plyand other components are affixed on an expansive and contractive band drum,and the beads and sides arebuilt by a primarybuilding drumto build agreen case.Thegreen case is shifted to asecondarybuildingdrum which modifies shaping to build the green case into a toroidal shape, onto which thebelt, the tread rubberand other components areaffixed to build agreen tire. In addition, a single-stage building method which uses a single building drum swingingbetween theposition at which both the band building and primary building are executedandthe secondary building position is known. When the tire components in therespective processes areaffixed and builtat a different building positionforeachof theprimary building step and the secondary building step in the double-stage building method, longer building cycle time is required andtherefore improvement of productivity is difficult toachieve. As atechnique for overcoming these drawbacks, a system which uses a plurality of movablebuilding drums tobuild a greentire has been proposed.Inthis system, the movable buildingdrums are shifted to predetermined building positions. Predetermined components such as aninnerliner or other rubbercomponents or carcass plies are suppliedto build a green case in a primary building step, and rubber components such asa belt and a tread are supplied to build a green tire in a secondary building step. The system which shifts the building drums to execute the double-stage building methodrequires a complicated and large-scale structure and a large installation and operation space. Moreover, preparatoryprocesses need to be performed forboth the rubber components such as the inner liner and the tread and the reinforcing memberssuch as the carcass andthebeltbeforethey are supplied for formation. Furthermore, the system requires a wide space for storing various types of plenty of components to facilitate arrangement switching at the time of size change ofthe tire. Recently, such a technique has been proposed which builds rubber components having predetermined cross sections by overlapping and spirallywindingunvulcanized rubber strips formed by extrusion into ribbon shapeson a building drum (see Patent Reference Nos. 1 through 4shown below, for example).Accordingtothe techniquewhich builds the rubber components constituting the tire bywinding the rubber stripsdiscussed above, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on the types ofrubber components. For example, the rubber volume of thecomponentssuch as the tread and the side walls is relatively large, and the rubber volume of thecomponentssuchas the under-belt pads and the chafers is relativelysmall. The rubber components having large rubber volume requireslonger time forwinding.In formation of the tire, therefore,thearrangement ofthe building positions of the respective rubbercomponents is an important factorassociated with timerequiredfor winding ofthe respective rubber components. When the building time is not equalized for each of the primary andsecondary buildingsteps, loss time is produced in the building cycle. According to the method disclosed in thePatent Reference No. 1, for example, a breaker corresponding tothe beltand the tread are sequentially laminated at a position for building the final shape in the secondary building step. Thus,theside walls arebuilt by winding rubber strips at a position for building the green case in the primary building step. However, since theunder-belt pads are also built by winding rubber strips at the position for building the green case,the building cycle in the primary building step takes longer time asthe rubber volume of the sidewalls increases. In this case, there is a possibility that prolongation of the entire building cycle time occurs. Patent Reference No. 1: JP-B-6-51367 PatentReference No. 2: JP-A-9-29858Patent Reference No. 3: JP-A-2002-178415 Patent Reference No. 4:JP-A-2002-205512
|
_A_ typical tire has a plurality of rubber components and a _plurality_ of reinforcing components chiefly _constituted_ by cords. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a _typical_ example of the tire includes an _inner_ liner 1, _a_ tread _2,_ side walls 3, rim strips or _chafers_ 4, under-belt pads 5, and other components, all of which are built by rubber materials having required characteristics. These rubber components are combined with _a_ carcass layer 6 _and_ a belt layer 7 as reinforcing components _including_ cords _to_ become a tire T. FIG. 8 illustrates an _example_ of respective disassembled components of a tire. _FIG._ 8 shows the inner liner _1,_ a _tread_ _base_ 2a and a tread cap 2b constituting the tread 2, the side walls 3, the chafers 4, _and_ _the_ under-belt pads 5 laminated under both side ends of the _belt,_ all of which are built by rubber materials _having_ predetermined characteristics. The carcass layer _6_ has first and second carcass plies _6a_ and 6b, and _the_ belt _layer_ 7 has a plurality of belts 7a and _7b._ Each of bead members 8 has a bead _core_ 8a made of wire or _the_ like and a bead _filler_ 8b made of rubber attached to _the_ outer circumference of _the_ _bead_ core 8a. A squeegee 10 _as_ a rubber layer _laminated_ on the inner ply, tapes between plies 6c, belt _edge_ tapes 7c are all made of rubber materials. _A_ spiral _tape_ 9 contains _fiber_ cords. A double-stage building method is known as a method for building this type of _tire._ According to _this_ method, _the_ _inner_ liner, _the_ carcass ply and other components are affixed on an expansive and contractive _band_ drum, and the beads and sides are built by a primary building _drum_ to build a green case. The green case is _shifted_ to a secondary building drum _which_ modifies shaping to build the green case into a _toroidal_ shape, onto which the belt, the tread rubber and other components _are_ affixed to build a green tire. _In_ addition, a single-stage building method which uses a single _building_ _drum_ swinging _between_ the position at which both the band building and primary building are executed and the _secondary_ building position is known. When the tire components in the respective processes are affixed _and_ built at a different building position for each _of_ the _primary_ building step and the secondary building step in _the_ double-stage building method, _longer_ _building_ cycle time is required _and_ therefore _improvement_ of productivity is difficult to _achieve._ _As_ a technique for overcoming these drawbacks, _a_ system which uses a plurality of movable building drums to build a green tire has been proposed. In this system, the _movable_ building _drums_ are shifted to predetermined building positions. _Predetermined_ _components_ such as an inner liner _or_ _other_ rubber components or carcass _plies_ are supplied to build a green _case_ _in_ a primary _building_ step, and rubber _components_ such _as_ _a_ belt and a tread _are_ _supplied_ _to_ build a green tire _in_ _a_ secondary building step. The system which shifts the _building_ drums to execute _the_ double-stage building method requires _a_ complicated and large-scale structure _and_ a large installation and operation space. _Moreover,_ _preparatory_ processes need to be performed for _both_ the rubber components such as _the_ inner liner _and_ the tread and _the_ reinforcing members such as the carcass and the belt before they are supplied _for_ formation. Furthermore, the system requires a wide space for storing various types _of_ _plenty_ of components to facilitate _arrangement_ switching at the time of size change of _the_ _tire._ Recently, such a technique has been proposed which builds rubber components _having_ predetermined cross sections by overlapping and _spirally_ winding unvulcanized rubber strips _formed_ _by_ extrusion into ribbon _shapes_ on a building _drum_ _(see_ Patent Reference Nos. 1 through 4 shown below, for example). According to _the_ technique which builds the rubber components _constituting_ the tire by winding the rubber strips discussed above, the rubber volume considerably differs depending on the types of rubber _components._ For example, the rubber volume of the _components_ such as _the_ _tread_ and the side walls is _relatively_ _large,_ and _the_ rubber volume _of_ the components such _as_ _the_ _under-belt_ pads _and_ _the_ chafers is _relatively_ small. _The_ rubber components having _large_ rubber volume requires longer time for winding. In formation of the tire, therefore, _the_ arrangement of the building positions of the _respective_ rubber components is an important _factor_ associated with time required for winding of the respective _rubber_ components. _When_ the building time is not equalized _for_ _each_ _of_ the _primary_ _and_ secondary building steps, loss time is produced in the building cycle. According _to_ the method disclosed in the Patent Reference No. _1,_ _for_ example, a breaker corresponding to the belt and the tread are sequentially laminated at a position for building the _final_ shape in the secondary building step. Thus, _the_ side walls are _built_ by winding _rubber_ strips _at_ a position for building the green case in the primary building step. However, since the under-belt pads _are_ also built by winding rubber strips _at_ the position for building the green case, the building cycle in _the_ primary building step takes longer time _as_ the rubber volume of the side walls increases. In this case, there is a possibility _that_ prolongation of the entire _building_ cycle time _occurs._ Patent Reference _No._ 1: JP-B-6-51367 _Patent_ Reference No. 2: _JP-A-9-29858_ Patent Reference No. 3: JP-A-2002-178415 Patent Reference No. 4: JP-A-2002-205512
|
This invention relates generally to a portable humidifier and, more specifically, to a portable humidifier with an improved water tank.
Various types of humidifiers are used to provide moisture to indoor air. Included among such humidifiers are ultrasonic humidifiers, steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers.
Ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high-speed oscillator, positioned a given distance below the water surface, to energize the water and break it into a fine mist. A fan carries the mist into the surrounding environment. It is critical that the distance from the oscillator to the water level be accurately maintained to ensure that the oscillation energy is efficiently transferred to the water. A drop in water level can result in permanent damage to the oscillator. The water level generally is maintained by the use of an inverted water tank such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,210,818 and 5,247,604. The tank is sealed and includes a carrying handle on its top surface while a bottom surface includes an opening to which a cap is attached. When the tank is inverted beneath a spigot and the cap is removed the opening serves as a fill opening. Often the cap includes a valve system which seals the fill opening unless the tank is properly positioned on a humidifier base and the valve is engaged by a valve actuator in the base. The valve actuator opens the valve and allows water to escape from the tank into a reservoir defined by the base. Discharging water is exchanged for air which enters the tank through the same opening. As water flows into the base reservoir, the water level rises until it seals the valve and prevents air from getting into the tank. At this level, which is the normal operating water level for the humidifier, water flow from the tank ceases. The design of the humidifier is established to position the oscillator that given distance below this level. As the oscillator and fan cause dispersal of moisture from the reservoir, the water level attempts to drop creating a pathway for air into the tank and in turn allowing the release of a proportional amount of water from the tank into the reservoir to thereby return the water level to the normal operating level. This process repeats itself continually until the water supply in the tank is depleted, at which time the water level begins to drop increasingly lower. A float sensing shut-off switch mechanism senses the abnormally low water level and turns the humidifier off before the water level drops low enough to cause damage to the oscillator. This basic system is well known and often practiced in ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art.
Evaporative humidifiers come in several varieties. Some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first a water reservoir and then an air stream to cause humidity. Some employ pumps to lift water from a reservoir and pour it over a porous media through which air flows to cause similar humidification, and some employ wicking pads which are positioned partially below water level and partially above. In such humidifiers, the water level must be maintained for a different reason than that of the ultrasonic humidifier. Specifically, it is important that water level be maintained to ensure consistent humidity efficiency and maximum moisture output. Wick pads generally are capable of drawing water from the reservoir water level to a given height through capillary action. A relatively smaller portion of the wick pad must be positioned below the water level where water is absorbed, than above where air flowing through the pad causes the desired humidification. Excessive height of the pad above that height to which water will be drawn not only constitutes wasted wick material and is therefor inefficient by design, but also reduces the humidification efficiency of the humidifier by allowing a pathway for air which does not pass through the moistened portion of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. For this reason, wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a given water level which ensures that the most efficient amount of the wick pad lies above and below the water level to maximize efficiency and output. Accordingly, a water tank similar to that described above often is used with evaporative humidifiers.
Steam humidifiers cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. A submersible heating element depends from a humidification unit into a boiling chamber within a base. A water tank similar to that described above is positioned on the base to both feed water to the boiling chamber and to maintain a given normal operating level therein. The boiling water maintains the temperature of the heating element at approximately two hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. It is important that the water level be maintained high enough to fully submerge the heating element, and not be allowed to drop while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur. A float sensing shut-off switch mechanism senses an abnormally low water level as the water tank is depleted and turns the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs.
Most of the tanks described above and known in the prior art include a handle projecting from a tank top surface. Such positioning of the handle requires that the tank be carried from the humidifier to the spigot cap with the fill opening facing down. It is common for some leakage to occur from the cap during such movement. It is also common that, after being carried to a water supply, the tanks are rested on a surface with the fill opening facing down. Although usually protruding precariously from the bottom surface of the tank, prior cap/valve assemblies have not generally provided a great amount of structural support, and being that a filled water tank is relatively heavy, the weight of the tank resting on the cap/valve assembly can subject the valve to an enormously high amount of stress. Consequently, permanent damage to valves is relatively common and often results in water spillage that damages furnishings.
It is the object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a humidifier tank having a tank support structure which serves both to protect the delicate cap/valve assembly and provides a means by which the tank can be carried hole side up to prevent leakage during transport.
|
this invention led generally to a portable humidifier and, more specifically, to a portable humidifier with an improved water tank. other types of humidifiers are used to provide moisture to indoor air. included among such humidifiers are ultrasonic humidifiers, steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers. ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high - speed oscillator, positioned a given distance below the water crest, to energize the water and break it into a fine mist. a fan carries the mist into the surrounding environment. it is critical that the distance from the oscillator to the water level be accurately maintained to ensure that the oscillation energy is efficiently transferred to the water. a drop in water level can result in permanent damage to the oscillator. the water level stability is maintained by the use of an inverted water tank such as that described in u. s. pat. nos. 5, 266, 818 and 5, 247, 604. the tank is sealed and includes a carrying handle on its top surface while a bottom surface includes an opening to which a cap is attached. when the tank is inverted beneath a spigot and the cap is removed the opening serves as a fill opening. often the cap includes a valve system which seals the fill opening unless the tank is properly positioned on a humidifier base and the valve is controlled by a valve actuator in the base. the piston actuator opens the valve valve allows water to escape from the tank into a reservoir defined by the base. discharging water is exchanged for air which enters the tank through the same opening. as water flows into the base reservoir, the water level rises until it seals the valve and prevents air from getting into the tank. at this level, which is the normal operating water level for the humidifier, water flow from the tank ceases. the design of the humidifier is established to position the oscillator that given distance below this level. as vacuum oscillator and fan cause dispersal of moisture from the reservoir, the water level attempts to drop creating a pathway for air into the tank and in turn allowing the release of a proportional amount of water from the tank into the atmosphere to thereby return the water level to the normal operating level. this process repeats itself continually until the water supply in the tank is depleted, at which time the water level begins to drop increasingly lower. a float sensing shut - off switch mechanism senses the abnormally low water level and turns the humidifier off before the water level drops low enough to cause damage to the oscillator. this basic system is well known and often practiced in ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art. evaporative humidifiers come in several varieties. some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first a water reservoir and then an air stream to cause humidity. some employ pumps to lift water from a reservoir and pour it over a porous media through which air flows to cause similar humidification, and some employ wicking pads which are positioned partially below water level and partially above. in such humidifiers, the water level must be maintained for a different reason than that of the ultrasonic humidifier. specifically, it is important that water level be maintained to ensure consistent humidity efficiency and maximum moisture output. wick pads generally are capable of drawing water from the reservoir water level to a given height through capillary action. a relatively smaller portion of the wick pad must be positioned below the water level where water is absorbed, than above where air flowing through the pad causes the desired humidification. excessive height of the pad above that height to which water will be drawn not only constitutes wasted wick material and is therefor inefficient by design, but also reduces the humidification efficiency of the humidifier by allowing a pathway for air which does not pass through the moistened portion of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. for this reason, wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a given water level which ensures that the most efficient amount of the wick pad lies above and below the water level to maximize efficiency and output. accordingly, a water tank similar to that described above often is used with evaporative humidifiers. steam humidifiers cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. a submersible heating element depends from a humidification unit into a boiling chamber within a base. a water tank similar to that described above is positioned on the base to both feed water to the boiling chamber and to maintain a given normal operating level therein. the boiling water maintains the temperature of the heating element at approximately two hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. it is important that the water level be maintained high enough to fully submerge the heating element, and not be allowed to drop while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur. a float sensing shut - off switch mechanism senses an abnormally low water level as the water tank is depleted and turns the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs. most of the tanks described above and known in the prior art include a handle projecting from a tank top surface. such positioning of the handle requires that the tank be carried from the humidifier to the spigot cap with the fill opening facing down. it is common for some leakage to occur from the cap during such movement. it is also common that, after being carried to a water supply, the tanks are rested on a surface with the fill opening facing down. although usually protruding precariously from the bottom surface of the tank, prior cap / valve assemblies have not generally provided a great amount of structural support, and being that a filled water tank is relatively heavy, the weight of the tank resting on the cap / valve assembly can subject the valve to an enormously high amount of stress. consequently, permanent damage to valves is relatively common and often results in water spillage that damages furnishings. it is the object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a humidifier tank having a tank support structure which serves both to protect the delicate cap / valve assembly and provides a means by which the tank can be carried hole side up to prevent leakage during transport.
|
This invention relates generally to a portable humidifier and, more specifically, to a portable humidifier with an improved water tank. Various types of humidifiers are used to provide moisture to indoor air. Included among such humidifiers are ultrasonic humidifiers, steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high - speed oscillator, positioned a given distance below the water surface, to energize the water and break it into a fine mist. A fan carries the mist into the surrounding environment. It is critical that the distance from the oscillator to the water level be accurately maintained to ensure that the oscillation energy is efficiently transferred to the water. A drop in water level can result in permanent damage to the oscillator. The water level generally is maintained by the use of an inverted water tank such as that described in U. S. Pat. Nos. 5, 210, 818 and 5, 247, 604. The tank is sealed and includes a carrying handle on its top surface while a bottom surface includes an opening to which a cap is attached. When the tank is inverted beneath a spigot and the cap is removed the opening serves as a fill opening. Often the cap includes a valve system wjixh seals the fill opening unless the tank is properly positioned on a humidifier base and the valve is engaged by a valve actuator in the base. The valve actuator opens the valve and allows water to escape from the tank into a reservoir defined by the base. Discharging water is exchanged for air which enters the tank through the same opening. As water flows into the base reservoir, the water level rises until it seals the valve and prevents air from getting into the tank. At this level, which is the normal operating water level for the humidifier, wat$F flow from the tank ceases. The design of the humidifier is established to position the oscillator that given distance below this level. As the oscillator and fan cause dispersal of moisture from the reservoir, the water level attempts to drop creating a pathway for air into the tank and in turn allowing the release of a proportional amount of water from the tank into the reservoir to thereby return the water level to the normal operating level. This process repeats itself continually until the water supply in the tank is depleted, at which time the water level begins to drop increasingly lower. A float sensing shut - off switch mechanism senses the abnormally low water level and turns the huJidifler off before the water level drops low enough to cause damage to the oscillator. This basic system is well known and often practiced in ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art. Evaporative humidifiers come in several varieties. Some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first a water reservoir and then an air stream to cause humidity. Some employ pumps to lift water from a reservoir and pour it over a porous media through which air flows to cause similar humidification, and some employ wicking pads which are positioned partially below water level and partially above. In such humidifiers, the water level must be maintained for a different reason than that of the ultrasonic humidifier. Specifically, it is important that water level be maintained to ensure consistent humidity efficiency and maximum mLishure o*tpuh. Wick pads generally are capable of drawing water from the rese$doir water level to a given height through capillary action. A relatively smaller portion of the wick pad must be positioned below the water level where water is absorbed, than above where air flowing through the pad causes the desired humidification. Excessive height of the pad above that height to which water will be drawn not only constitutes wasted wick material and is therefor inefficient by design, but also reduces the humidification efficiency of the humidifier by allowing a pathway for air which does not pass through the moistened portion of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. For this reason, wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a given water level which ensures that the most efficient amount of the wick pad lies above and below the water level to maximize efficiency and output. Accordingly, a water tank similar to that described above often is used with evaporative humidifiers. Steam humidifiers cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. A submersible heating element depends from a humidification unit into a boiling chamber wiGhiH a base. A water tank similar to that described above is positioned on the base to both feed water to the boiling chamber and to maintain a given normal operating level therein. The boiling water maintains the temperature of the heating element at approximately two hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. It is important that the water level be maintained high eno&Vh to fully submerge the heating element, and not be allowed to drop while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur. A float sensing shut - off switch mechanism senses an abnormally low water level as the water tank is depleted and turns the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs. Mks6 of the tanks described above and known in the prior art include a handle projecting from a tank top surface. Such positioning of the handle requires that the tank be carried from the humidifier to the spigot cap with the fill opening facing down. It is dom<on for some leakage to occur from the cap during such movement. It is also common that, after being carried to a water supply, the tanks are rested on a surface with the fill opening facing down. Although usually protruding precariously from the bottom surface of the tank, prior cap / valve assemblies have not generally provided a great amount of structural support, and being that a filled water tank is relatively heavy, the weight of the tank resting on the cap / valve assembly can subject the valve to an enormously high amount of stress. Consequently, permanent damage to valves is relatively common and often results in water spillage that damages furnishings. It is the object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a humidifier tank having a tank support structure which serves both to protect the delicate cap / valve assembly and provides a means by which the tank can be carried hole side up to prevent leakage during transport.
|
This invention relates generally to a portable humidifier and, more specifically, a portable humidifier with an improved water tank. types of humidifiers are used to provide moisture to indoor air. Included among such humidifiers are ultrasonic humidifiers, steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high-speed oscillator, positioned a given distance below the water surface, to the water and break it into a fine mist. A fan carries the into the surrounding environment. It is critical the distance from oscillator to the accurately maintained to ensure that the oscillation energy is efficiently transferred to the water. drop in water level can result in permanent to the oscillator. The water level generally is maintained by the use of an inverted water such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,210,818 and 5,247,604. The tank is sealed and includes a carrying handle on its top surface while a bottom surface includes an which a cap is attached. When the tank is inverted beneath a spigot and the cap is removed the opening serves as a fill opening. Often the cap includes a system which seals the fill opening unless the tank is properly positioned on a humidifier and the valve is engaged by a valve actuator the base. The valve opens the and water to escape from the tank into a reservoir defined by base. Discharging water exchanged for air which enters the tank through the same opening. As water flows into the base the water level rises until it seals the valve and from getting the tank. At this level, which is the normal operating water for the humidifier, water flow from tank ceases. The design the humidifier is to the oscillator that given distance below this level. As the oscillator and fan cause dispersal of from the reservoir, the water level attempts to drop creating a pathway for air into the tank and in turn allowing the release of a proportional amount of water the tank the reservoir to thereby return the to normal operating level. This process repeats itself continually until the water supply in tank is depleted, at which time the water level begins increasingly lower. A float sensing shut-off switch mechanism senses the abnormally low level and turns the humidifier off before the water level drops cause damage to the oscillator. This basic system is well known and often practiced in ultrasonic humidifiers of the prior art. Evaporative humidifiers come in several varieties. Some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first water reservoir and then an air stream cause humidity. employ pumps to lift water from a and pour it over a porous media through which air flows to cause similar and some employ wicking pads which are positioned partially below water level and partially above. such the water level must maintained for a different reason that of the ultrasonic humidifier. Specifically, it important that water level be maintained to ensure consistent humidity efficiency and maximum output. Wick pads generally are of drawing water from the reservoir water to a height through capillary action. A relatively smaller portion of the wick pad must positioned below the water level where water is absorbed, than above where air flowing through the pad causes the desired Excessive height of the above that height to which water will be drawn not only constitutes wasted wick material and is therefor inefficient by design, but also reduces the humidification efficiency of the humidifier by a for which does pass through the moistened portion of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. For this reason, wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a given water which ensures that the most of wick pad lies above and below the water level to maximize and output. a tank similar to that described above often is used with evaporative humidifiers. Steam humidifiers cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. A submersible element depends from a humidification unit into a boiling within a base. A water tank similar to that described above is positioned on the base to feed water boiling chamber to maintain a given normal operating level therein. The boiling water maintains the the heating element at approximately two hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. It is important that the water level be maintained high enough to fully submerge the heating element, and not be allowed to while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur. A float sensing switch mechanism an abnormally low water level as the water tank is depleted the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs. Most of the tanks described above and known in the prior art include a handle projecting tank top surface. Such positioning of the handle requires that the tank carried from the to the spigot cap with the fill opening facing down. is common for some leakage to occur from cap during It is common that, after being carried to a supply, the tanks are rested on a surface with the fill opening down. Although usually protruding precariously from the bottom surface of tank, prior cap/valve assemblies have not generally provided a great amount of structural support, and being that a filled water tank is relatively heavy, the weight of the tank on the cap/valve assembly can subject the valve to an high amount of stress. Consequently, permanent to valves is relatively common and often results in water spillage that damages furnishings. It is the of the present to overcome the deficiencies the prior art and provide a humidifier tank having tank support structure which serves both to protect the delicate cap/valve assembly and provides a means which the tank can be carried hole side up to prevent leakage during transport.
|
ThIS INventiON ReLAtES GENeraLLy to a PoRTaBlE HUMidiFIEr anD, MoRe SPECifIcAllY, to a pORtaBle HUMIdifieR witH aN IMpROvEd wATer TaNK.
vaRiOUS Types of huMIDIfIerS are usEd tO PRovidE moIstURE tO indOor Air. iNcLUded amOng SUCh HUMiDiFIerS ArE uLtRAsONic HumIDIfiErs, steaM hUmiDiFIERS Or vapOrIZERs, aND EvAPorativE huMiDifiERs.
uLtRASoNIc hUmIdiFIeRs EMPLoy a higH-Speed OSCIllaTOR, POsitIoNEd A gIVeN diStAnce BeloW THe WAtEr sURFAce, TO ENeRgIzE tHE waTer AnD breaK IT iNTO A FiNe MIsT. a FaN cArRIes THe MIST inTO THe SUrROunDIng ENviroNMENT. It IS CRIticAL tHaT the DIstanCE from tHe OsCILlatoR to tHE WatEr LEveL BE AcCuRAtelY maiNtaINEd To eNsURE tHAt The OsCIllatiON eNErgy is effiCieNtLY TraNsfERRED to tHE waTER. a droP IN WAtER levEl CAN RESUlt IN pERmanEnt dAmage to tHe OsCILLAtOR. thE WatER LeVeL GEnERally iS mAinTAINEd by tHe usE of AN InvErTed Water taNk SUcH As tHAT DEscrIBed iN U.S. pat. nOs. 5,210,818 AnD 5,247,604. tHE TANk IS sealeD aNd INclUDes a caRRYinG hanDLe On iTs ToP surFACE WHIle A BOttoM SUrfaCe INCLuDES an opEninG tO wHICH A caP IS AtTAChed. wHEN THE TanK iS INVErted bENeaTH a SpIGot anD ThE CAP is REMoVed THE OpENinG SErVeS as A FiLl OpeniNg. ofTEN THE cAp iNCLudES a VALVe SySTEm WhICh SeALs The FIlL opeNINg UnlESS THe tANK IS PrOPerly PositIOneD On A HuMiDiFieR BAsE anD the vALve Is enGaGed BY a VAlVE acTuATOR in tHE BasE. tHe ValVe aCtUAtor OpENs THe vAlVe ANd AlLoWs watER tO esCaPE FrOm THE tANK INto A reSeRVOiR DeFIned BY ThE Base. DisCHARginG WaTER iS eXchanGED fOr AiR WHICh EntERs the TanK thRougH ThE Same OPEning. aS WaTEr FloWS INtO tHe BAsE rEServoIr, the WATER lEVeL riSES unTiL it SEALS The vALVE ANd preVeNtS air FrOM GetTinG Into thE tAnk. At tHis LEvel, WhICh iS the NORmAL OPEraTIng WaTER lEvEL fOr ThE huMIDIfIEr, wAteR flOw FROM tHe tAnk CeAsES. thE desiGN Of the hUMIdIFiER is EstaBliSHED tO PoSItiOn tHE OScilLAtor thAt GivEn distaNce belOw this Level. As THE OScILLAtOR ANd FAn cAUse DISpeRSAL of MoIStUrE frOm THe ResERvoIr, THe waTer LEvel attemPTS To DROp CREatiNG A PathWAY FoR air iNTo THe taNK and In tuRn ALLoWiNG THe ReleAse OF A prOpORtioNAl AMouNT of WateR froM the TAnk into ThE rEsERVoir To THereBy RETurn the WaTer LevEL to tHe norMal OPErAtING lEVEl. ThIs prOCEss RepEAtS ItSelF ContINuALLY UnTIL THe watER SuPPLy iN thE TAnK Is dEplEteD, AT WHICh TIme tHE WaTEr leveL BEGINs To drop INcreasinGlY lowEr. a FlOAT sENSInG shuT-Off SWITch MeChANiSm seNSEs tHE AbNorMAlLy LOw watEr lEvEl aNd TURNs tHe hUmiDIFIeR OFF bEFORe ThE wAteR LEvEl DROPS low enOUGH TO caUSE dAmaGE To THE oSCiLLatoR. THis bAsiC sYSTEM IS welL KnoWN anD often pRAcTiCEd in ultraSoniC hUmIDIfieRS of ThE prIoR Art.
evApORATIve huMIDiFIERS cOme In SeveraL VArIetiES. Some EmpLoY aBsORbEnt BeLts COnTiNUouSlY ROtaTing tHroUGH fIRst A wATer reseRvOiR AnD TheN an AiR STrEAM tO CauSE hUmIditY. SomE EmPlOY PUmpS to LifT WATEr fROm A RESERvOIR aNd pour IT oveR a poROUs mEDia thrOUgh WhiCH air FlowS tO CaUse SiMiLAr HUmIDificaTIoN, anD SomE EMplOY wIcKiNg PaDS WhICH ArE POSitIoned partIAllY beLoW WaTEr lEvel aND PaRTiAlLY aboVe. in Such HumIdiFIers, THe WATeR lEVeL musT bE MAINTaIneD fOR a dIfFerent ReAsON tHaN THaT oF tHe ULtrASoNiC HUmidIFier. SpecifIcAllY, it is ImpOrTAnt that WatER leVeL Be maIntAINED To ENSurE ConSIstEnT HUMiDITY efFiCIeNCY And MAxIMUm moIsture OuTPUt. WICK PADs geNeRaLLY ARE CAPable Of DrawIng WateR FROm ThE reserVOir wATer leVel TO a GivEn hEiGhT THRoUgh caPIlLaRY AcTioN. A reLAtiVeLy SMAller POrTiON of The wICk pAd mUsT BE POsiTIoNed bEloW tHE WAter LEveL Where WATer Is ABSORBED, than ABOVe WHERe Air FLowiNg THROUgh THe pAd caUSes The desIrEd humIDiFICatiON. ExceSSiVe heIGHT oF The PAd AboVe tHAt heIGHt TO WhICh WATEr WiLL BE dRAWn NOT onLY cOnsTiTuTes waSTEd WIck MaTerIAl aND is thEREFOR INefFicieNt By dESIGN, BuT aLsO reDUcEs THe huMIdIFicaTIon EfFicIenCY Of tHe humidiFiEr bY AllowIng A patHwAY FOr Air WhICh DoEs not PAsS thRoUGH THe MOisteNed PORTioN OF ThE pAD, ESSEnTIAllY coNSTitutINg aIR leaKAge whicH redUCES thE tOTAL hUmiDiFICatIoN RatE. FoR ThIS REaSOn, WicK TypE EvAporAtiVE humIDIFiErS ARe often desIgNed to MaiNtAIN A GIveN wATeR leVeL wHICh ensures ThAt tHE MOst EfFIciEnT AmOunt Of THe WICk paD LIes ABove aND BELOw tHe WatEr LEVEL to maXiMiZe eFfiCIEncY AnD oUtPut. AccordINGLy, a WaTeR TanK simILar TO THAt dEscRIbeD ABoVe oFTEN iS usED with evaporaTive HumiDiFiers.
STeAM HumiDIFIeRS CAuSE humiDITy bY BOilINg WATER inTO vAPoR. A SUbmersIble HeaTiNG eleMeNt DEPENDs fROm a humidIfIcaTiON Unit Into a BoILIng ChamBER wiThIn a BAsE. a WAter taNK SImiLAR to thAt dEscRibED Above Is POSItIOnEd ON tHe bAsE To bOTH fEED wAteR to tHe boiliNg CHamBEr aNd to mAiNTaiN A GiVEN NOrMaL opEratinG LeVel thEreIn. ThE BOilinG wATeR MAINTAInS THe tEmperAtuRE Of The heATING ElemEnT aT ApproXimATeLy TWo HuNdRed aND twElve dEgReEs fahRENheIT. IT IS iMPorTAnT ThAt ThE WAteR lEvel bE maiNtaINED hIGh eNOUGH tO fUlLY SuBmeRGE THE HeAtiNg ELEmENT, AND Not bE aLLOWED tO Drop WhILe the hEATIng eLeMent IS EnERGIzed OR oVErheatInG WiLl OCcUr. A FlOAt senSiNg sHUT-oFf SWiTcH MechANiSm seNSES AN aBNORmALly low wAteR LEVel As thE wAter tANk is DEPLetED And turnS THE hEaTiNg ELemeNt oFF BEfORE ExcesSivE oVERHeAtINg OCCurS.
Most oF tHE TANKS deScrIbEd aBOVE aNd known iN tHe PRIor ARt IncLUDe A hAndLE pROjectING FRom A taNK tOp suRfaCe. sUCH PosITiOniNg oF tHE HaNdLE rEqUiReS thAT ThE TANK BE CaRRIeD FroM tHE huMiDIFIeR tO THe spiGOt Cap WIth ThE Fill OPeNinG FACInG dOWN. iT Is cOMMon For SOme leakAge TO OcCuR FRoM ThE caP DURiNG sUCH MovEMeNT. IT Is aLSO CoMMON THaT, aFteR BEing CarrIed TO A wAter sUpPly, the TanKS arE reSTeD On A SUrface WiTH The filL OPEnIng FAciNg dOWN. ALtHouGh USUalLy prOTRudIng preCARiouslY frOM THE BOTtoM SurfACE oF The TaNk, pRioR cAp/vaLVe AssemBLIes HavE NOt gENeRalLY ProvIdEd A GrEAt AmOunT of strUCTuRaL SupPOrT, And bEIng THAT A fILlED wATer TaNk Is relatiVElY HeaVy, tHe WeIGHt oF thE tAnK REsTINg ON THe caP/vAlVE aSsEMBlY Can sUbject the VaLve To An eNoRmOuSLy higH amOUNT OF STRESS. CONsEQUENtLy, pErmanEnT daMage to valves IS RElAtIveLY CoMMoN anD ofTEN ReSUlTs in WatER SpILlage tHAt dAmAGes fUrNIsHinGs.
it IS ThE oBject oF thE PrESENt invENtioN tO oVERCOMe THe DeficIENcIeS OF the pRioR Art aNd pROvidE A HumIdIFIEr taNk HAving a Tank suPPOrt sTrUcTURE wHICh serVeS BOTH TO PRoTeCT the DeliCaTE caP/VaLvE asSEMblY And PrOViDeS a meANs bY WhiCH thE tANk can Be cARRIed hoLE SIde UP to pReVenT lEaKAgE DuRiNG TRanSpoRT.
|
Thisinvention relates generally to a portable humidifier and, morespecifically, to a portable humidifier with an improved water tank. Various types of humidifiers are used to provide moisture to indoor air. Includedamong such humidifiers are ultrasonichumidifiers, steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high-speedoscillator, positioned a givendistancebelow the water surface, to energize the water andbreak it intoa fine mist. A fancarries the mist into the surrounding environment. Itis critical that the distance from the oscillatorto the water level be accuratelymaintained to ensure that the oscillation energy is efficiently transferred to the water. A dropinwater level can result in permanent damage to the oscillator.The water level generally is maintained by the use ofaninvertedwater tank such as that describedinU.S. Pat.Nos. 5,210,818 and 5,247,604. The tank is sealed and includes a carrying handleon its top surface while a bottom surface includes an opening to which a cap is attached. When thetank is inverted beneath a spigot and the cap is removed the opening serves as a fillopening. Often the cap includes a valve systemwhich seals the fill opening unless the tank is properly positioned on a humidifier base and the valve is engaged by a valve actuator in the base. The valve actuatoropens the valve and allows water to escape from thetank into a reservoir defined by the base. Discharging water is exchanged for air which enters the tank through the same opening. As water flows into the base reservoir, the water levelrises until it sealsthevalve and preventsair from getting into the tank. At this level, which is the normal operating water level for the humidifier, water flow fromthe tankceases. The design of the humidifier is established to position the oscillator that given distancebelow thislevel. As the oscillatorand fan cause dispersal of moisture from the reservoir, the waterlevelattempts to drop creatinga pathway for air into the tank and inturn allowing the release of a proportional amount of water from the tank into the reservoir to thereby return the water level tothenormal operating level. This process repeats itself continually untilthewater supply in the tankis depleted, atwhich time the water level begins to drop increasingly lower. A float sensing shut-off switchmechanism senses theabnormally low water level and turns the humidifieroff before the water level drops low enough to cause damage to the oscillator. This basic system is well known and often practiced in ultrasonic humidifiersof theprior art.Evaporative humidifiers come in several varieties. Some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first a water reservoir and then an air stream to cause humidity. Some employ pumps to lift water from a reservoir and pourit over a porous media through whichairflows to causesimilar humidification, and some employ wicking pads which are positioned partially below water level and partially above. In such humidifiers,the water level must be maintained for a different reason than that of the ultrasonic humidifier. Specifically, it is important that waterlevel be maintained toensure consistent humidityefficiency and maximum moisture output. Wick pads generally are capable of drawingwater fromthereservoir water level to a given heightthrough capillary action.A relativelysmaller portion ofthewick pad must be positioned below the water level where water is absorbed, than above where airflowing through the pad causes the desired humidification. Excessive height ofthe pad above that height to which water will bedrawn not only constitutes wasted wickmaterial and is therefor inefficient by design, but also reducesthe humidification efficiency of the humidifier by allowing apathway forair which does notpassthrough the moistened portion of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. For this reason,wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a given waterlevel which ensures that the most efficient amount of the wickpad lies above and below the water level to maximize efficiency and output. Accordingly, a water tank similar tothatdescribed above often is used with evaporative humidifiers.Steamhumidifiers cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. A submersibleheating element dependsfrom a humidification unit into a boiling chamber within a base.A watertank similar to thatdescribed above is positioned on the baseto both feed water to the boiling chamber and to maintain a given normal operatingleveltherein. The boiling water maintains the temperature of the heating element at approximatelytwo hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. It isimportant that the water level be maintained highenough to fully submerge the heating element, and not be allowed todrop while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur.A float sensing shut-offswitch mechanism senses an abnormally low water level as the water tank is depleted and turns the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs. Mostofthe tanks described above andknownin the prior art includea handleprojecting froma tank top surface. Such positioning of the handle requires that the tank be carried from the humidifier to the spigotcap with the fill opening facing down. It is common for some leakage to occur from the cap during such movement. It is also common that, after being carried to a water supply, the tanks are restedon a surface with the fillopening facing down. Although usually protruding precariously from the bottom surfaceof the tank,prior cap/valve assemblies have not generally provided a great amount ofstructural support, and being that a filled water tank is relativelyheavy, the weightofthe tank resting on the cap/valve assembly can subject the valve toan enormously high amount ofstress. Consequently,permanent damage to valves is relatively common and often resultsinwater spillage that damages furnishings.It is the object of thepresent invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior artand provide ahumidifier tank having atank support structure which servesboth toprotect the delicate cap/valve assembly and provides a means by which the tank can be carried hole side up toprevent leakage during transport.
|
This _invention_ relates generally to a _portable_ humidifier and, more specifically, to a portable humidifier with an _improved_ _water_ tank. Various types of humidifiers _are_ used _to_ provide _moisture_ to indoor air. Included among such humidifiers _are_ ultrasonic _humidifiers,_ steam humidifiers or vaporizers, and evaporative humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers employ a high-speed oscillator, positioned a given distance _below_ the water surface, to _energize_ the water and break it into a _fine_ mist. _A_ fan carries _the_ mist into the surrounding environment. It _is_ critical that the distance from the _oscillator_ to the water level be accurately maintained to ensure that the _oscillation_ energy is efficiently transferred to the water. A drop in water level can result in permanent _damage_ to _the_ oscillator. The _water_ level generally is maintained by the _use_ of an inverted water _tank_ _such_ as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,210,818 _and_ 5,247,604. The tank is _sealed_ and includes a carrying handle on its top surface while a bottom surface includes an opening to which _a_ cap is attached. When _the_ _tank_ is inverted _beneath_ a spigot and the cap is removed the opening _serves_ as a fill opening. _Often_ the cap includes a valve system _which_ seals the fill opening unless _the_ _tank_ is properly positioned on a humidifier _base_ and the _valve_ is _engaged_ _by_ a valve actuator in the base. The valve _actuator_ opens _the_ valve and allows _water_ to escape from the tank into a _reservoir_ defined by the base. Discharging water is exchanged for air which enters the tank through _the_ _same_ _opening._ _As_ water flows into the base reservoir, the water level rises _until_ it _seals_ _the_ valve and prevents air from getting into the tank. At this level, _which_ is the normal operating _water_ level for the humidifier, water flow from the tank ceases. _The_ design of the humidifier _is_ established to position the oscillator that given distance below this level. As the oscillator and fan cause dispersal of moisture _from_ the reservoir, the water level attempts to drop creating a pathway for air into _the_ tank and in turn allowing the release of _a_ proportional _amount_ of water _from_ the tank into the reservoir _to_ thereby return the water _level_ to the normal operating level. This _process_ repeats itself continually until the water supply in the tank is depleted, at _which_ time the water level begins _to_ drop _increasingly_ _lower._ A float sensing shut-off switch _mechanism_ senses the abnormally low water level and turns the humidifier off before the water level drops low enough to cause damage to the oscillator. This basic _system_ _is_ well known and often practiced in _ultrasonic_ _humidifiers_ of _the_ prior art. Evaporative _humidifiers_ _come_ _in_ several varieties. Some employ absorbent belts continuously rotating through first a _water_ reservoir and then _an_ air stream to cause humidity. Some employ _pumps_ _to_ lift water from _a_ reservoir and pour _it_ over a porous media _through_ which air flows to cause similar humidification, _and_ some employ wicking _pads_ which are positioned partially below water _level_ _and_ partially above. In such humidifiers, the _water_ level _must_ be _maintained_ _for_ a different reason than that of _the_ ultrasonic humidifier. Specifically, it is important _that_ water _level_ be maintained to ensure _consistent_ humidity efficiency and maximum moisture output. Wick _pads_ generally _are_ capable of drawing water from _the_ _reservoir_ water _level_ to a given height through capillary action. _A_ _relatively_ smaller portion _of_ the _wick_ _pad_ must be positioned _below_ the water level where _water_ is absorbed, _than_ above where air _flowing_ _through_ _the_ _pad_ causes _the_ desired _humidification._ Excessive height _of_ the pad above _that_ height to which _water_ will be _drawn_ not only constitutes wasted wick _material_ _and_ is therefor inefficient by design, but _also_ _reduces_ the humidification _efficiency_ of the humidifier by allowing a _pathway_ for air which _does_ not pass through the moistened _portion_ of the pad, essentially constituting air leakage which reduces the total humidification rate. For _this_ _reason,_ wick type evaporative humidifiers are often designed to maintain a _given_ water level which ensures that _the_ most efficient amount of _the_ wick _pad_ lies above _and_ below the water level to maximize efficiency and output. _Accordingly,_ _a_ water tank similar _to_ that described above often is used _with_ evaporative humidifiers. Steam _humidifiers_ cause humidity by boiling water into vapor. A _submersible_ heating element depends from a humidification unit into a boiling chamber within a base. A _water_ tank similar to that described above is positioned on _the_ base to both feed water to the boiling _chamber_ and to maintain a given normal operating level therein. The _boiling_ water maintains the temperature _of_ the _heating_ element at _approximately_ two hundred and twelve degrees fahrenheit. It is important that the water _level_ be maintained high _enough_ to _fully_ _submerge_ the heating element, and _not_ be _allowed_ to drop while the heating element is energized or overheating will occur. A float sensing shut-off _switch_ mechanism senses _an_ _abnormally_ _low_ water level as the water _tank_ _is_ depleted and turns the heating element off before excessive overheating occurs. Most of the _tanks_ described above _and_ known in the prior art include a handle projecting _from_ a tank top surface. Such positioning of the handle requires that the tank _be_ _carried_ from the humidifier to the _spigot_ cap with the fill opening facing _down._ It is common for some leakage _to_ _occur_ from the cap during such movement. It is also common _that,_ after being carried _to_ a water supply, _the_ tanks _are_ rested on _a_ surface _with_ the fill _opening_ facing _down._ _Although_ usually protruding _precariously_ from the bottom surface _of_ the tank, prior _cap/valve_ assemblies have not generally _provided_ a great _amount_ of _structural_ support, _and_ being that a filled water tank is relatively heavy, the weight _of_ _the_ tank resting on the cap/valve assembly can subject the valve to an _enormously_ high amount of _stress._ Consequently, permanent _damage_ to valves _is_ relatively common and often results in water spillage _that_ damages furnishings. It _is_ the object of the present invention _to_ overcome the deficiencies of _the_ prior art _and_ provide a _humidifier_ _tank_ having a tank support _structure_ _which_ serves both to protect the delicate cap/valve assembly and provides a means by which the tank can be carried hole side up to prevent _leakage_ during _transport._
|
Conventionally, in a rotary pump such as can be used for transporting liquid foods, a rotary drive shaft is formed with its leading end in a spline shaft, a spline hole formed through a rotor is engaged by the spline shaft of the rotors of the pump within a pumping chamber in a main rotor casing, and a fastening nut of the rotors is engaged and fixed at the end of the rotor drive shafts projected outwardly from the rotor, and a concave casing cover receives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut.
In such a conventional rotary pump, a transported liquid flows in the pumping chamber, enters into the concave part inside the casing cover through a space between the rotor and the casing cover, and tends to be retained in that concave part, becoming trapped therein. Since the so trapped food can spoil, the pumps of this type have to be frequently disassembled and the pump with the concave part inside the casing cover cleaned after a day's use of the pump. Reassembly of such pumps after their disassembly, and their cleaning requires the expenditure of considerable time and labor thus increasing the cost of the product.
|
conventionally, in a rotary pump such as can be used for transporting liquid foods, a rotary drive shaft is formed with its leading end in a spline shaft, each spline hole formed through each rotor is engaged by the spline shaft of the rotors of the pump within a pumping cylinder in a main rotor casing, and a vertical nut of the rotors is engaged and fixed at the end of the rotor drive shafts projected outwardly from the rotor, and a concave casing cover receives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut. in such a conventional rotary pump, a transported liquid flows in the pumping chamber, enters into the concave part inside the casing cover through a space between the rotor and the casing cover, and tends to be retained in that concave part, becoming trapped therein. since the resulting trapped food can spoil, the pumps of this type have to be frequently disassembled and the pump with the concave part within the cylinder cover cleaned after a day ' in use of the pump. reassembly produce such pumps after their disassembly, and their cleaning requires extra expenditure of considerable time and labor thus increasing the cost of the product.
|
Conventionally, in a rotary pump such as can be tseW for transporting liquid foods, a rotary drive shaft is formed with its leading end in a spline shaft, a spline hole formed tJro6gh a %otoF is engaged by the spline shaft of the rotors of the pump within a pumping chamber in a naig rotor casing, and a fastening nut of the rot9rx is engaged and fixed at the end of the rotor drive shafts projected outwardly from the rotor, and a concave casing cover receives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut. In such a convrntoonal rotary pump, a transported liquid flows in the pumping chamber, enters inGK the concave part inside the casing cover through a space between the rotor and the casing cover, and tends to be retained in that concave part, becoming trapped therein. Since the so trapped food can spoil, the pumps of this type have to be Breq*ently disasxeNbled and the pump with the concave part inZKde the casing cover cleaned after a day ' s use of the pump. Reassembly of such pumps after their disassembly, and their cleaning requires the expenditure of considerable time and labor thus increasing the cost of the product.
|
Conventionally, in a rotary pump such as be used transporting liquid foods, a rotary drive is formed with leading end in a spline shaft, a spline hole formed through a rotor is engaged by the spline shaft of the of the pump within a pumping chamber in a main rotor casing, and a fastening nut of the rotors is engaged and fixed at the end the rotor drive shafts projected outwardly from the rotor, and concave casing cover receives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut. In such a rotary pump, a transported liquid flows in the chamber, enters into the concave part inside the casing cover a space between the rotor and the casing cover, and tends be retained that concave part, becoming trapped therein. Since the so trapped can spoil, the pumps of this type have to be frequently disassembled and the pump with the concave part the casing cover day's use of the pump. Reassembly of such pumps after their disassembly, their cleaning requires the of considerable time and labor thus increasing the cost of the
|
coNVeNTioNAlly, in a rOTAry pUmP sUCh AS Can BE USEd FoR trANSporTING LiqUId foODs, a RotArY drivE ShAft IS FORMed wItH ITS LEaDINg eND iN A sPLINe SHAFt, a SPlINE holE fOrmeD THROuGh A rotoR IS engaGed by The spLiNe SHAFt oF thE Rotors of thE pUmP WItHiN A pUmping cHambER iN a MaIN RotOR cAsINg, And A FastenINg nut of tHE ROTorS is eNgAgED aNd fIXed At The END OF thE rOTOR drivE ShAFTs PRoJeCTED ouTwArdlY FROm The rotOR, anD a cONcAve cASinG CoVEr reCEivES The roTOR SeGmEntS aND the rOtor faSTeNiNg NUt.
IN SUcH A ConvenTIonAl ROTarY pUMP, A TRAnSpORTeD liqUId fLoWS In The PUmpiNg CHAMBEr, EnTeRs InTo THE CoNcAVe pARt iNsIDe THE casiNG cOVEr THrOuGH A sPace bEtweEN THE rOTor AND THe CASing coVeR, anD tENDs TO Be ReTaiNeD In thaT CoNcave pArT, bECoMINg traPPED tHEReIN. SinCE thE So trAPPed FooD caN spoIl, The pUMPs OF this TypE hAve TO bE fReqUenTLY DISAssemBLeD And tHE PuMP WItH tHE cOnCAvE pArt inSIdE THE CASIng cOVEr CleAnED afTER A DaY's uSe Of THe pUMP. rEaSSEMBlY OF sucH puMpS afTer Their DisaSsEMBlY, aNd tHeIR cleAniNg rEqUiReS THE ExPENDITurE of CoNSideraBLe tIme aND Labor THuS INcREAsiNg THe cOST of the prodUct.
|
Conventionally, in arotary pumpsuchas can be used for transporting liquid foods,a rotary drive shaft is formedwith its leadingend in a spline shaft, a spline hole formed through a rotor is engaged by the spline shaft of the rotors of thepump within a pumpingchamber in a main rotor casing, and a fastening nut of therotors is engaged and fixed at the end of the rotor drive shaftsprojected outwardly fromthe rotor, and a concave casing coverreceives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut. In such aconventional rotary pump, a transported liquidflows in the pumping chamber,enters into theconcave part inside thecasing coverthrough a space between therotorand the casing cover, and tends to be retained in that concave part, becoming trappedtherein. Since the so trapped food can spoil, the pumps of this type have to be frequently disassembled and the pump with the concave partinside the casing cover cleaned after a day's use of thepump. Reassembly of such pumpsafter theirdisassembly, and their cleaningrequires the expenditure of considerable time and labor thus increasing thecostof the product.
|
_Conventionally,_ _in_ a rotary pump _such_ as can be used for _transporting_ liquid foods, _a_ rotary _drive_ _shaft_ is formed with _its_ leading _end_ in a spline shaft, a spline _hole_ formed through _a_ rotor is engaged by the spline shaft _of_ the rotors of the _pump_ within _a_ pumping chamber in _a_ _main_ rotor casing, and a _fastening_ nut of the _rotors_ is engaged and fixed at the end of the _rotor_ drive shafts projected outwardly from _the_ rotor, and a concave casing cover receives the rotor segments and the rotor fastening nut. In such a conventional rotary pump, _a_ transported liquid flows _in_ _the_ pumping _chamber,_ enters into the concave part inside the casing _cover_ _through_ a space between the rotor and _the_ _casing_ cover, and tends to be _retained_ _in_ that concave part, becoming trapped therein. Since _the_ so trapped food can spoil, _the_ pumps of _this_ _type_ have to be frequently _disassembled_ _and_ the pump _with_ _the_ _concave_ _part_ inside _the_ casing cover cleaned after a day's use of the pump. Reassembly of such pumps after their disassembly, _and_ their cleaning requires _the_ expenditure of considerable time _and_ labor thus _increasing_ the cost of _the_ product.
|
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a mounting case to accommodate an electro-optical device, such as a liquid crystal panel, which is used as a light valve of a projection display apparatus, such as a liquid crystal projector, an electro-optical device encased in a mounting case, in which the electro-optical device is accommodated and a projection display apparatus including the electro-optical device encased in the mounting case.
2. Description of Related Art
In general in the related art, when a liquid crystal panel is used as a light valve of a liquid crystal projector, the liquid crystal panel is not provided in an exposed state on a console, etc., constituting the liquid crystal projector. But it is accommodated or encased in a suitable mounting case and then the mounting case including the liquid crystal panel is provided on the console, etc.
This is because the liquid crystal panel can easily be fixed to the case by suitably providing screws in the corresponding mounting case.
In the liquid crystal projector, the light emitted from a light source is projected onto the liquid crystal panel encased in the mounting case as focused light. Light passing through the liquid crystal panel is enlarged and projected on the screen to display images. In such a liquid crystal projector, since the enlarged projection is generally predetermined, relatively intense light emitted from a light source, such as a metal halide lamp is used.
However, in this construction, first, there is a problem in that the temperature of the liquid-crystal-panel encasing mounting case, particularly of the liquid crystal panel rises. The rise in temperature causes a rise in temperature of the liquid crystal interposed between a pair of transparent substrates in the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the characteristics of the liquid crystal are deteriorated. In addition, when the light emitted from the source light is uneven, the liquid crystal panel is partially heated, and then variations in the transmittance are generated at so-called hot spots. Thus, the quality of projected images deteriorates.
|
1. field of invention the present invention relates to a mounting case to accommodate an electro - optical device, such as a liquid crystal panel, which is represented as a light valve of a projection display apparatus, such as a liquid mirror projector, an electro - optical device encased in a mounting case, in which the electro - optical device is accommodated atop a projection projection apparatus including the electro - optical device encased in the mounting case. 2. description of projected art in general in the projection art, when a liquid crystal panel is used as a light valve of a liquid crystal projector, the liquid crystal panel is not provided in an exposed state on a console, etc., constituting the liquid crystal projector. but it is accommodated or encased in this suitable mounting case and then the mounting case including the liquid crystal panel is provided on the console, etc. this is because the liquid crystal panel can easily be fixed to the case by suitably providing screws in the corresponding mounting case. in the liquid crystal projector, the light emitted from a light source is projected onto the liquid crystal panel encased in the mounting case as focused light. light passing through the liquid crystal panel is enlarged and projected on the screen to display images. in such a liquid crystal projector, since the enlarged projection is highly predetermined, relatively intense light emitted from a light source, such as a metal halide lamp is used. however, in this construction, first, there is a problem in that the temperature of the liquid - crystal - panel encasing mounting case, particularly of the liquid crystal panel rises. the rise in temperature causes a rise in temperature of the liquid crystal interposed between a pair of transparent substrates in the liquid crystal panel. therefore, the characteristics of the liquid crystal are deteriorated. in addition, when the light emitted from the source light is uneven, the liquid crystal panel is actively heated, and then variations in radio transmittance are generated at so - called hot spots. thus, the quality of projected images deteriorates.
|
1. Field of Inbentiom The present invention relates to a mounting case to accommodate an electro - optical device, such as a liquid crystal (xnel, which is used as a light valve of a projection display apparatus, such as a liquid crystal projector, an electro - optical device encased in a mounting case, in wUicj the electro - optical device is accommodated and a projection display apparatus including the electro - optical device encased in the mounting case. 2. Description of Related Art In general in the related art, when a liquid crystal pabRl is used as a light valve of a liquid crystal projector, the liquid crystal panel is not provided in an exposed state on a console, etc. , constituting the liquid crystal projector. But it is accommodated or encased in a suitable mounting case and then the mounting case including the liquid crystal panel is provided on the console, etc. This is because the liquid crystal panel can easily be fixed to the case by suitably providing screws in the corresponding mounting case. In the liquid crystal projector, the light emitted from a light source is projected onto the liquid crystal panel encased in the mounting case as focused light. Light passing through the liquid crystal panel is enlarged and projected on the screen to display images. In such a liquid crystal projector, since the enlarged projection is genegal/y predetermined, relatively intense light emitted from a light source, such as a metal halide lamp is used. However, in this construction, first, there is a pr0b,em in that the temperature of the liquid - crystal - panel encasing mounting case, particularly of the liquid crystZk panel rises. The rise in temperature causes a rise in temperature of the liquid crystal interposed beGwe3n a pair of transparent substrates in the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the characteristics of the liquid crystal are deteriorated. In Qdwition, when the light emitted from the source light is uneven, the liquid crystal panel is partially heated, and then variations in the transmittance are generated at so - called hot spots. Thus, the quality of projected images d4terLorates.
|
1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a mounting case to accommodate an electro-optical device, such as a liquid crystal which is used as a valve of display apparatus, such a liquid crystal projector, an electro-optical device a mounting case, in which the electro-optical device is and a projection display apparatus the electro-optical device encased in the mounting case. 2. Description Related In general in the related art, a liquid crystal panel is used as a light valve of a liquid projector, the liquid crystal is not provided in an exposed state on a console, etc., constituting the projector. But it is accommodated or in a suitable mounting and then the mounting case the liquid crystal panel is provided on the console, etc. This is because the liquid crystal panel can easily be to the case by suitably providing screws in the corresponding mounting case. In the liquid crystal projector, the emitted from a light source is projected onto the liquid crystal panel encased in the mounting case as focused light. Light passing through the liquid crystal panel is enlarged and projected on the screen to display images. In such a liquid crystal projector, since enlarged projection is generally predetermined, relatively intense light emitted from a light source, such as a metal halide lamp is used. However, in this construction, first, there is a problem in that the of the encasing mounting case, particularly of liquid crystal panel rises. The rise in temperature causes rise in of the liquid crystal between a pair of transparent substrates in the liquid crystal the characteristics of the liquid crystal are In addition, when the from the source light is uneven, the liquid crystal panel is partially heated, and then variations in the transmittance are generated at so-called hot spots. Thus, the quality of projected images deteriorates.
|
1. FiElD oF InvEntIon
THE PrEseNT iNventIOn ReLaTeS To a MOuntING CasE tO aCCOMmoDAte an ELEcTRo-opTical DEviCe, SUcH aS a LiQuID CRYStAl PAnel, wHICH IS used aS a LiGht ValvE OF a PROjEctiON dISpLay APpAratuS, SuCH As a LIquID crySTal projEctor, An eleCTrO-OPtICaL deVIcE encAsED in A MOUnTiNG CASe, in whiCh THE ELeCTRO-OPticAL DeVicE is accomMOdAtEd And a ProjecTiON DIsPLAy apPaRAtUs INcluding ThE ElECTRO-OPticAl deVIcE EnCasEd IN tHE MOUNtIng CASE.
2. dEscrIptION oF rELatEd art
In gENeRAL iN tHE rElated ArT, WHeN A LiquiD cRYStaL PAnEl Is USEd As a LigHT valvE Of a LIQUId CRYstAl pRoJeCtoR, thE liquId cRYstAl pAnEL is nOt PRoVIDEd iN AN expOSed staTE on a ConSOlE, Etc., coNStITutINg THe LIQUid cRYstAl pRojecTOR. But iT IS aCcoMMOdatED or ENcased IN A SUItABLE mOUNtiNG case anD TheN thE mOUNtinG casE IncLuDinG tHE LiQUID CRYStAl PaneL iS PrOvideD On ThE CoNsOle, etc.
ThIs is beCauSE The liquID cryStaL PAnel cAN easilY be fixED to The caSE bY suiTAbly PROvIdING ScRews iN ThE cORreSpoNdInG mounTINg cAse.
in ThE LIqUid CRYstAL pRoJeCtOr, tHE LIgHt EmITtEd from A lIGhT sOUrcE Is PRojEcTed ONtO THe liQuid cRYSTal paNEl ENCasEd IN THe mOUnTInG CASE AS foCusEd lIgHT. lighT PaSsIng ThRoUGH ThE lIqUiD CRySTaL paNel iS enlarGeD and projeCteD on THE sCrEeN tO dISplAy ImaGes. iN suCH A LIquID cRySTAL pRojECTOr, SinCE The enLaRgEd pRojeCtIon IS gEneralLY PREdEtErmINED, reLatIVELy iNTenSe lIght EmItTeD FROM a LigHT soUrCe, sUCh as A mEtaL HAlidE LaMp is USED.
HOWEvEr, IN THis ConSTRucTiOn, FIRST, tHerE iS a pRObleM IN THaT tHE TEmpERATURE Of thE liQUiD-cRysTal-pAneL EnCasIng MountIng CasE, PARTicULARLy of tHe LIqUiD CryStal pAneL rIseS. ThE RISe iN tEMPeRAtURe cAUSeS a RiSE IN TEMPERaTure Of the LiqUiD CRystal INTeRPOsED beTwEeN a PaIR Of traNsparenT SubStRateS in tHE LIquiD cryStAL PaNel. thErEfore, thE CHAracTerisTiCS Of thE lIQuID crystaL arE dETeRIoRATed. in ADDiTiOn, when THE liGhT EmiTTED frOM tHE SoUrcE LIgHT IS UNEVEN, thE liqUiD cRYSTAl pANEL iS PaRtiALLY HEATed, AnD ThEN VARIAtIonS in ThE tranSMiTTanCE Are geNERaTed At SO-CAlLEd hOt spOTs. tHUs, ThE QUaLITy Of PROjecTED Images dEterIorates.
|
1. FieldofInvention The present invention relates to a mounting case to accommodate an electro-optical device, such as a liquid crystal panel, which is usedas a lightvalve of aprojection display apparatus, such asa liquid crystal projector, an electro-optical device encased in amounting case, in which the electro-optical device is accommodated and a projection display apparatus includingthe electro-optical deviceencased in the mountingcase. 2. Description of RelatedArt In general in the related art, whena liquidcrystal panel is used asa light valve of aliquid crystal projector, the liquidcrystal panel is not provided in anexposed state on a console, etc., constitutingthe liquid crystal projector.But it is accommodated or encased in a suitable mounting case and then the mounting case including the liquid crystal panel is providedon theconsole, etc. This is because theliquid crystal panel can easily be fixed to the caseby suitably providing screws in the correspondingmounting case. In theliquid crystal projector, the light emitted froma lightsource is projected onto the liquid crystal panel encased in the mounting case as focused light. Light passing through the liquid crystal panel is enlargedand projected on the screen to display images. In such a liquid crystal projector, since the enlarged projection is generally predetermined, relativelyintense light emitted from a light source, such as ametal halide lamp is used. However,in this construction, first,there is aproblem in thatthe temperature of the liquid-crystal-panel encasing mounting case, particularly ofthe liquid crystal panel rises.The rise intemperature causes a rise in temperature of theliquid crystal interposed between a pair of transparent substrates inthe liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the characteristics of the liquid crystalare deteriorated. In addition, when the lightemitted fromthe source light is uneven, the liquid crystal panel is partiallyheated, and then variationsin the transmittanceare generated at so-called hot spots. Thus, the quality of projected images deteriorates.
|
1. Field of Invention _The_ present invention relates _to_ a mounting case to accommodate an _electro-optical_ _device,_ such _as_ a liquid crystal panel, which is used as _a_ light valve of a projection display apparatus, such as _a_ liquid crystal projector, an electro-optical device encased _in_ _a_ mounting case, in which the electro-optical device is accommodated and a projection display apparatus including the electro-optical _device_ _encased_ in the mounting case. 2. Description of Related Art _In_ general in the related art, when a liquid _crystal_ panel _is_ used as a light valve of a liquid crystal projector, _the_ liquid crystal _panel_ _is_ not provided in an _exposed_ state on a console, etc., constituting the liquid _crystal_ projector. But it is accommodated _or_ _encased_ in a suitable mounting case and _then_ the mounting case including the liquid _crystal_ panel is provided on the _console,_ etc. This is because the liquid crystal panel can easily be fixed to the case by _suitably_ _providing_ screws _in_ the corresponding mounting case. In the liquid _crystal_ projector, the light emitted from a light _source_ is projected onto _the_ liquid crystal panel _encased_ in the mounting _case_ as focused light. Light _passing_ through the liquid crystal panel is enlarged and projected on the screen _to_ _display_ images. _In_ such a liquid _crystal_ projector, since the enlarged _projection_ is generally predetermined, relatively intense light emitted from a light source, such _as_ a metal _halide_ lamp is _used._ However, _in_ this construction, first, there is a problem in _that_ _the_ temperature of the liquid-crystal-panel encasing mounting case, particularly of the liquid crystal _panel_ rises. The rise in temperature _causes_ a rise in _temperature_ of the liquid crystal _interposed_ _between_ a _pair_ _of_ transparent substrates in the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the characteristics _of_ the liquid _crystal_ are _deteriorated._ In _addition,_ when the light emitted from the source light _is_ _uneven,_ _the_ _liquid_ crystal panel is partially heated, and then variations in the transmittance are generated at _so-called_ hot spots. Thus, the quality of _projected_ images deteriorates.
|
Integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories (SRAMs) require increasingly short access times. SRAMs are often used in the portion of a processing system where speed is very important, such as a cache memory for microprocessor. Address transition detection is one method that has been used to decrease access time by allowing a memory access to begin as soon as a change in an address is detected. ATD decreases memory access times, and may also reduce power consumption, by providing both preconditioning signals and activation signals in the memory. For example, ATD may be used for a word line driving, bit line driving and precharge, data line sensing, and for data outputting.
An address transition detector generates a pulse in response to an address change. It is typical to have a separate address transition detector for each address signal which transitions are to be detected. For example, if a transition of the row address is to be detected, then an address transition detector is commonly used for a row address signal. The output pulses of these detectors are then logically combined by logic gates to provide a single summation signal. This summation signal is then used to provide timing and control signals for the memory.
In the past, the summation of ATD pulses has been accomplished by using centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. Metal lines have been used to route the ATD summation signal to portions of the memory where the ATD summation signal is to be used, such as to the word line drivers or to the bit line loads. However, as memories increase in size and density, the distance from the centrally located ATD summation circuitry to the most distant circuits of the memory increases, resulting in the need for longer metal lines. A problem with using longer metal lines to route the ATD pulses is the increased parasitic capacitance that the centrally located ATD summation logic circuit must drive, increasing power consumption, and requiring the use of larger drive transistors in the centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. In addition, the timing signals may be excessively skewed from one another in different portions of the memory because the signals have to travel different distance across the memory. Excessively skewed timing signals may seriously degrade the performance and reliability of the memory.
|
integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories ( srams ) require increasingly short access times. srams are often used in the portion of a processing system where speed is very important, such as a cache memory for microprocessor. address transition detection is one method that has been used to decrease access time by allowing a memory access to begin as soon as a change in an address is detected. atd decreases memory access times, and may also control power consumption, by providing both preconditioning signals and activation signals in the memory. for example, atd may be used for a word line processor, bit line driving and precharge, data line sensing, and for data outputting. an address transition detector generates a pulse in response to an address change. it is typical to have a separate address transition detector for each address signal which transitions are to be detected. for example, if a transition of the row address is to be detected, then an address transition detector is commonly used for a row address signal. the output pulses of these detectors are mechanically logically combined by logic gates to provide a single summation logic. this summation signal is then used to provide timing and control signals for the memory. in the past, the summation of atd pulses has been accomplished by using centrally located atd summation logic circuitry. metal lines have been used to route the atd summation signal to portions of the memory where the atd summation signal is to be used, particularly as to the word line drivers or to multiple bit line loads. however, as memories increase in size and density, the distance from the centrally located atd summation circuitry to the most distant circuits of the memory increases, resulting in the need for longer metal lines. a problem with introducing longer metal lines to route the atd pulses is the increased signal capacitance that the centrally located atd summation logic circuit must drive, increasing power consumption, and requiring the use of larger drive transistors in the centrally located atd summation logic circuitry. in addition, parallel timing signals may be excessively skewed from one another in different portions of the memory because the signals have to travel different distance across the memory. excessively parallel timing signals may seriously degrade the performance and reliability of the memory.
|
Integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories (SRAMs) require increasingly short acceCE times. SRAMs are often used in the portion of a processing system where speed is very important, such as a cache memory for microprocessor. Address transition de$ectuon is one method that has been used to decrease access time by allowing a memory access to begin as soon as a change in an address is detected. ATD decreases memory access times, and may also reduce power consumption, by providing both preconditioning signals and activation signals in the memory. For example, ATD may be used for a w9$d line driving, bit line driving and precharge, data line sensing, and for data outputting. An address transition detector generates a pulse in response to an address change. It is typical to have a separate address transition detector for each address signal which transitions are to be detected. For example, if a transition of the row address is to be detected, then an address transition detector is commonly used for a row address signal. The output pulses of these detectors are then logically combined by loguV gates to provide a single summation signal. This summation siBnak is then used to provide timing and control signals for the memory. In the past, the summation of ATD pulses has been accomplished by using centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. Metal lines Uzve been used to route the ATD summation signal to portions of the memory where the ATD summation siFGal is to be used, such as to the word line drivers or to the bit line loads. However, as memories increase in size and density, the distance from the centrally located ATD summation circuitry to the most distant circuits of the memory increases, resulting in the need for longer metal lines. A problem with using longer metal lines to route the ATD pulses is the increased parasitic capacitance that the centrally located ATD summation logic circuit must drive, increasing power consumption, and requiring the use of larger drive transistors in the centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. In addition, the timing signals may be excessively ske@sd from one another in different portions of the memory because the signals have to travel different distance across the memory. Excessively skewed tiHihg signals may weriouslJ degrade the performance and reliability of the memory.
|
Integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories (SRAMs) require increasingly short access times. are used the portion of a processing system where speed is important, such as a cache memory for microprocessor. Address transition detection is one method that has been used decrease access time by allowing a memory to begin as soon as a change in an is detected. ATD decreases access times, and may also reduce by providing both preconditioning signals activation signals memory. For example, ATD may be used for a word line driving, bit line driving and precharge, data line sensing, and for data outputting. An address transition detector generates a in response to an address change. It is typical to have a separate transition detector for each address signal which transitions are to detected. example, if a transition of the row address is to be detected, then an address transition is commonly used for a row signal. The output pulses of these detectors are logically combined by logic gates to provide a single summation signal. This summation signal is then used to provide and control for the memory. In the past, the of ATD pulses has accomplished by centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. Metal lines have been used to route the ATD summation signal to portions of the memory where the signal is to be used, such as to the word drivers or to the bit line However, as increase size and density, the distance from the centrally located ATD summation circuitry to the most distant circuits of the memory increases, resulting in the need for longer metal lines. A problem with using longer metal lines to route ATD pulses is the increased parasitic capacitance that the centrally located ATD logic circuit must drive, power consumption, and requiring the use of larger drive transistors in the centrally ATD logic circuitry. In addition, the timing signals may be excessively skewed from one another in different portions of the memory because the signals have to travel different distance across memory. Excessively skewed timing may seriously degrade the performance and reliability of the memory.
|
iNTEgRaTEd CIRCUIT mEMORIES, suCH as sTATic RandoM aCcess MeMorieS (sraMs) requiRe INCReASInGly ShorT ACCESS tImEs. srams arE OFTEn USEd In THE POrtiOn Of a pROCEsSinG sySteM WHere sPEed IS VeRy iMPOrtant, sUcH as a CACHe mEmory for miCrOPrOCeSsOr. adDRess tranSITioN dETECTIon IS OnE METhod ThaT Has beEn USeD To dECREasE AcCEss TimE BY ALlOwiNG A MEmory acCess TO BEgIn AS soon As a ChangE IN An aDdrESs IS deTECTed. Atd DeCReAsES MemoRY AccesS tImEs, AND maY alSO REDUcE poweR coNSUmPTIOn, by PRovIdINg bOTh pRECONditioNING sIGnaLS AND aCtiVATiOn signalS In ThE MeMORY. FOR eXaMPlE, aTD mAY Be USEd FOR a wORD LiNe DRivInG, BIt liNe DriVINg AND PrecHaRge, dATa LinE sEnSinG, aNd FoR dATA oUTPUTtINg.
aN ADdRess TrANSiTIon deTecTOr gEnErates a puLse In rESPONsE TO an adDRESS cHaNgE. IT Is tYPical to haVE a SEPaRAtE aDDReSs TransitIon DETeCtoR fOr EAch ADDress SIGNAl whICH trAnSiTiONS aRE to Be dEtECTEd. FOr ExAMplE, iF A tRansiTIOn Of tHE ROW ADDress Is to Be DeTEctEd, THeN AN AdDREss tRanSItiOn detECtoR Is comMOnly useD foR a rOw aDdrEss SigNAL. THE ouTPuT PUlSES oF tHeSE DetEcToRs aRe THeN LogIcally cOmBINEd by loGic gaTEs TO pRovide a SInGle sUmMation SiGNAl. THIs sumMATiON sigNaL iS tHen uSEd tO pROvIDE tiMiNG aND cONtroL signalS for tHe mEmory.
in the pAST, tHE sUMmATIOn Of Atd pUlSes HaS BEeN AcComPlisHED bY Using CEntRALLY loCaTED aTD summATIon LOgiC CircuItrY. MEtAl LInEs HAvE been usED TO rouTe the atD SuMmATIOn SIGNaL to PORTionS of The MEmory WherE The ATD SUMmATIon sIGNAl Is tO BE USEd, SUCh As TO tHE WoRD LINe dRiVErS OR tO thE bIt LiNE lOadS. howEveR, As mEMorIeS IncREASe in sizE anD DeNSity, tHe dISTancE FroM THE CEntrAllY lOcATed AtD SUmMatioN CIrcUItrY tO THe mOST disTaNT cirCUIts OF the mEMORy INCREaSES, RESUlTIng IN The neED FOR loNGEr metaL liNeS. A ProbLeM wITh uSIng LonGER MeTal lineS To RoUtE THE atD PULSeS is ThE iNCrEaSED PAraSItIc cApaciTANce ThAt ThE CentRally LOcaTED ATd SUMMAtiOn logIc cIRcuit MUst DRivE, increASInG PowEr cONsUMption, aNd rEquiriNg the UsE oF LarGEr DRIVE TrAnSiSTorS iN tHE cenTraLLy locATeD atd SUmMATIoN LOGic ciRcUItRY. in aDDItION, The tIMiNg SignaLS maY BE ExCeSsiveLY SKewED From OnE ANothER IN DIFFerent pORTIONs of tHE mEMOrY becaUsE THe SIgnalS hAvE to TRAVEl DifFerENT DIStANCE acroSs thE MemOrY. ExcessIvely SkeWEd TiminG siGNalS MaY SERiously dEgRADE THE pERfORmANCe aND rElIABiLity oF The mEMORy.
|
Integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories (SRAMs) require increasingly short access times. SRAMs are often used in theportion of a processing systemwhere speed is very important, such asa cache memory for microprocessor. Address transition detection is one method that has beenused to decrease access timeby allowing a memory accessto begin as soon as a change in an address is detected. ATD decreases memory access times, andmay also reduce power consumption, by providing bothpreconditioning signals and activation signals in the memory. For example,ATD may beused for a word line driving, bit line driving and precharge, data linesensing, and fordata outputting. An address transition detector generates a pulse in response toan address change. It is typical to have aseparateaddress transition detector for each addresssignal which transitions are tobe detected. For example, if a transition of therow address is to be detected, then an addresstransitiondetector is commonly used for a row address signal. The output pulses of these detectors are then logically combined by logic gates to provide asingle summation signal.This summationsignal is then used to provide timingandcontrol signals for the memory. In the past, the summation ofATD pulses has been accomplished by using centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. Metal lines have been used to route the ATD summation signal to portions of the memory where the ATD summation signal is to be used,such as to the wordline drivers or tothe bit lineloads. However, as memories increase in sizeand density, the distance from the centrally located ATD summationcircuitry to the most distant circuitsof the memory increases, resulting intheneed for longer metal lines. Aproblem with using longer metal lines toroute the ATD pulses is the increasedparasitic capacitance thatthe centrally located ATD summation logiccircuit mustdrive, increasing power consumption, and requiring theuse of larger drive transistors in the centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. In addition, the timing signals may be excessively skewed from one another in different portions of the memorybecause the signals havetotravel different distance across thememory. Excessively skewed timing signals mayseriously degrade the performance and reliabilityof the memory.
|
Integrated circuit memories, such as static random access memories (SRAMs) require increasingly short access _times._ SRAMs are often used in the portion of a processing system where _speed_ is very important, such as _a_ _cache_ memory _for_ microprocessor. Address transition detection is one method _that_ has _been_ used _to_ decrease access time by allowing _a_ memory access _to_ begin _as_ soon as a change _in_ an address is detected. _ATD_ decreases _memory_ access times, and may also reduce power consumption, by providing both preconditioning signals and activation signals in the _memory._ _For_ example, ATD may be used for a word line driving, bit _line_ driving _and_ precharge, data line sensing, and for data outputting. _An_ address transition detector generates a pulse in response to an _address_ _change._ It _is_ _typical_ to have a separate address transition _detector_ for each address signal which transitions _are_ to _be_ _detected._ For example, _if_ a transition of the row address is _to_ be detected, _then_ an address transition _detector_ is commonly used _for_ a row address signal. _The_ output pulses of these detectors are then logically combined by _logic_ _gates_ to _provide_ _a_ single summation signal. _This_ summation signal is then used to provide timing and control signals for _the_ memory. In the past, _the_ summation of ATD _pulses_ has been accomplished _by_ using centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. _Metal_ lines _have_ been used _to_ route the ATD summation _signal_ to _portions_ of the memory where _the_ ATD summation _signal_ is to be used, such as to the word _line_ _drivers_ or to the bit line loads. _However,_ as memories increase in _size_ and density, the distance from the _centrally_ located ATD summation _circuitry_ to the most distant circuits of the memory increases, resulting _in_ the need for longer metal lines. A problem _with_ using longer metal _lines_ _to_ route the ATD pulses is the increased _parasitic_ capacitance _that_ the centrally located ATD summation _logic_ circuit must drive, increasing power consumption, and requiring the _use_ of larger drive _transistors_ _in_ the centrally located ATD summation logic circuitry. In addition, the timing signals _may_ be excessively _skewed_ from one another in different portions of the memory because the _signals_ have to travel _different_ _distance_ across the memory. Excessively skewed timing signals may seriously degrade the _performance_ and _reliability_ _of_ the memory.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to a shift control method for a vehicle having a double clutch transmission (DCT), and more particularly, to a technology for improving a response to a speed change during a kickdown.
2. Description of Related Art
Unlike an automatic transmission (AT) which requires only clutch shifting, a DCT can enable clutch shifting only after gear shifting has been completed. Therefore, in the DCT, gear shifting performance is a key factor for an overall response to speed change. In particular, more rapid gear shifting is required for a kickdown that a driver regards most sensitive for a response to speed change.
For reference, the gear shifting refers to a speed change operation that causes a sleeve to engage with a clutch gear due to them being synchronized using a synchronizer. The clutch shifting refers to a speed change operation that transmits power that has been supplied from an engine to drive wheels by changing its speed substantially using the sleeve, the clutch gear and shift gears by engaging the working parts of a clutch of an input shaft, the gear shifting of which has been completed as described above, with each other. In addition, gear releasing refers to the process in which the sleeve is released and disengaged from the clutch gear.
In order to reduce a time required for the gear shifting, displacement optimization at a point where the synchronization by the synchronizer starts, a reduced time for the synchronizer to carry out the synchronization, displacement optimization at a point where the working parts of the clutch gear are to engage with each other, and the like are required. Among these, most time is consumed in the range of the synchronization by the synchronizer during the gear shifting. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the time it takes the synchronizer to carry out synchronization.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates, in general, to a shift control method for a vehicle having a double clutch transmission ( dct ), and more particularly, to a technology for improving a response to a speed change during a cycle. 2. description of related art unlike an automatic transmission ( at ) which requires only clutch shifting, a dct can enable clutch shifting only after ground shifting has been completed. therefore, in the dct, gear shifting performance is a key factor for an overall response to speed change. in particular, more importantly gear shifting is required for a kickdown that a designer regards most sensitive for a response to speed change. for reference, the gear shifting refers to a speed change operation that causes a sleeve to engage with a clutch gear due to them being synchronized using a synchronizer. the clutch shifting refers to a speed change operation that transmits power that has been supplied from an engine to drive automatically by changing its speed substantially using the sleeve, the clutch gear and shift gears by engaging the working parts of a clutch of an input shaft, whilst gear shifting of which has been completed as described above, with each other. in addition, gear releasing refers to the process in which the coupling is disconnected and disengaged from the clutch gear. in order to reduce a time required for the gear shifting, displacement optimization at a point where the synchronization by the synchronizer starts, a reduced time for the synchronizer to carry out the synchronization, displacement optimization at a point where the working parts of the clutch gear are to engage with each other, and the like are required. among these, most time is consumed in the range of the synchronization by the synchronizer during the gear shifting. therefore, it is necessary to reduce the time it takes the synchronizer to carry out synchronization. the information disclosed in this background of the invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken during an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the skill.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates, in general, to a shift control method for a vehicle having a double clutch transmission (DCT ), and more particularly, to a technology for improving a response to a speed change during a kickdown. 2. DrscriptioH of Related Art Unlike an automatic transmission (AT) which requires only clutch shifting, a DCT can enable clutch shifting only after gear shifting has been completed. Therefore, in the DCT, gear shifting performance is a key factor for an overall response to speed xhabge. In particular, more rapid gear shifting is required for a kickdown that a driver regards most sensitive for a response to speed change. For reference, the gFQr shifting refers to a speed change operation that causes a sleeve to engage with a clutch gear due to them being synchronized using a synchronizer. The clutch shifting refers to a speed change operation that transmits power that has been supplied from an engine to drive wheels by changing its speed subdtantiallJ using the sleeve, the clutch gear and shift gears by engaging the working pArHs of a clutch of an input shaft, the gear shifting of which has been completed as described above, with each otm2r. In addition, gear releasing refers to the process in which the sleeve is released and disengaged from the clutch gear. In order to reduce a time required for the gear shifting, displacement optimization at a point where the synchronization by the s7nchroniAer starts, a tedused time for the synchronizer to carry out the synchronization, displacement optimization at a point where the working parts of the clutch gear are to engage QitU each other, and the like are required. Among these, most time is consumed in the range of the synchronization by the Dynchrobizer during the gear shifting. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the time it takes the synchronizer to carry out synchronization. The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates, in general, to a shift control method for a vehicle having a double clutch transmission (DCT), and more particularly, to a technology for improving a response to a speed change during a 2. Description of Related Art Unlike an automatic transmission (AT) which requires only shifting, a DCT can enable clutch only after gear shifting has Therefore, in DCT, gear performance is a factor for overall response to speed change. In particular, more rapid gear is required for a kickdown that a driver most sensitive for a response to speed change. For the gear shifting refers a speed change that causes sleeve to engage a clutch gear due to them being synchronized using a The clutch shifting refers to speed change operation that transmits power that been supplied from engine to drive wheels by changing its speed substantially the sleeve, the clutch and shift gears by engaging the working parts of a clutch of an input shaft, the gear shifting of which has been completed as described above, with each other. In addition, gear releasing refers to process in which the sleeve is released and disengaged from clutch gear. In order to reduce a time required for the gear shifting, displacement optimization at a point where the synchronization by the synchronizer starts, reduced time for the synchronizer to out the synchronization, displacement optimization at a point where the working parts of the clutch gear are to engage with each other, and the like are required. these, most consumed in the range of the synchronization by the synchronizer during the gear shifting. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the time it takes the synchronizer carry out synchronization. The information disclosed in Background the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding the general background of the and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known person skilled in the art.
|
1. fieLD Of THe iNvEntION
THE PreseNT INveNTioN RElAtEs, iN gENeRal, TO a shift cONTROL mEthoD foR A VEhicLE havinG A DoUBlE cLUtCh TrAnSMissIOn (DCT), and MorE paRTicuLArlY, To a tEChnOloGy FOr ImpRoViNG A ResPOnsE TO a SPEEd changE DURInG A kiCkdOwn.
2. dEScriPtIoN Of RELAtEd ART
uNLIke An AUtOMAtIC trAnsmiSsION (aT) whIch rEqUIREs onLY CluTch ShIftInG, A Dct can EnaBlE clUTCH SHiFtINg oNLY aFTER geAR shIfTinG has Been cOMPLEteD. THEReFoRE, IN tHE DcT, gear sHIfTing PErforMANce is a kEy fActOR FOr AN ovERalL ReSponse TO spEED cHaNgE. In PaRTiculAR, mORe RApId GeAR SHIFTIng is ReQUIrED fOR A KickDoWn THat a drIVeR RegARDS moSt sensITiVe FoR a rEspOnsE TO Speed ChANGe.
for REfEreNce, THE gEar SHIfting REFeRS tO a sPEeD cHANgE OpeRAtioN tHAt CAusEs A SLEEvE tO engaGe with A CLUtch GeaR DuE to tHEm BeInG SYnChronIzED UsiNG a SyNChRoNIzeR. The ClutCh shIfTinG REFeRs to A SPEEd CHAngE oPERATion tHat tRanSmiTS poweR tHaT HaS BeEn SuPplied FrOM aN enGine tO drIve WHeeLS by chanGinG itS speeD sUbstaNTIalLY uSING thE SLEEVe, tHE clutCH gear AND sHIfT GeArs by ENGAgINg THe WORKING PARts Of A CLUtcH of An InPuT ShAft, THE geAr shIFTing oF whICh HaS bEen CoMpletEd AS deSCRibed aBOVe, WITH EACH OThER. IN aDDitIoN, GEAr REleASiNG reFERS tO tHE PROCEss In WHIch tHe sLeevE is rElEasED anD DiSengAGEd FrOm The CLUTCh gear.
In oRder TO redUCe A TimE ReQUireD FoR THE gEAR SHiFTiNg, displaCEMENT optImIZAtIOn at a poiNT whERe tHE synCHroNIZAtion bY the SyNCHROnIzEr StArtS, a ReDuCeD TIME for THe sYNcHRoNizER tO CARry OUt THE synchrOnization, DiSpLaceMEnt OptIMIzATIoN AT A poInT whERe tHe WorKinG pARTs of The cLUtcH geaR ArE tO engAge WITH eACH oThER, AND tHE Like aRE rEqUiRED. amonG these, MOst TIME IS cONSumEd iN tHe rANGe oF tHE SyNcHROnIZaTiOn bY tHE SYNCHroNiZEr dUrIng the gEaR sHiftInG. thereFOrE, it Is neceSSarY TO rEducE thE TiME iT TAKES the sYnCHROnIzeR TO carRy OUT SYnCHronIZAtIOn.
tHe inFOrmATion diSclOsEd In tHis BAcKGroUnd OF ThE invEntIOn SECtiON IS Only FoR eNHAncEmenT Of UNdErSTaNdIng oF the geNeRaL BaCkgROuNd oF the InveNTioN ANd SHoULD NOT Be takeN aS An acKNOwLEdgeMent oR AnY fOrM OF SuggEsTiON thaT ThiS iNfORMAtioN FORms THE pRIor ARt alReADy KNoWn tO a PErSoN skIlLeD iN tHe aRt.
|
1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates, in general, toa shift control method for a vehicle having a double clutchtransmission (DCT), and more particularly, to atechnology for improving a responseto a speedchange during a kickdown. 2.Description of Related Art Unlike an automatic transmission(AT) which requires only clutch shifting, aDCT can enable clutchshiftingonly after gear shifting has been completed. Therefore, in the DCT, gear shifting performance is a key factor for an overall responseto speed change. In particular, more rapid gearshiftingisrequired for a kickdown that adriver regards most sensitive for aresponse to speed change. Forreference, the gear shifting refersto aspeed change operation that causes a sleeve to engage with a clutch gear due to them being synchronized using a synchronizer. The clutch shifting refers to a speed change operation that transmits power that has been supplied from anengine to drive wheels by changing itsspeed substantially using thesleeve,the clutch gear and shift gears by engaging the working parts of a clutchof an input shaft, the gearshifting of which has been completed as described above, with each other. In addition, gear releasing refersto the process in which the sleeve is releasedand disengaged from theclutch gear. In order to reducea timerequiredforthe gear shifting, displacement optimizationat a point where the synchronization by the synchronizer starts,a reduced time for the synchronizer to carry out the synchronization, displacement optimizationat a point where the working parts of the clutch gear are to engage with each other, and the like are required.Amongthese, most time isconsumed in the range of thesynchronization by the synchronizer during the gear shifting. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the time ittakes the synchronizer to carry out synchronization. The informationdisclosed in this Backgroundof the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the generalbackground of the invention and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgementor any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled inthe art.
|
1. Field of the Invention The _present_ _invention_ relates, in general, to a shift control _method_ for _a_ vehicle having a double clutch transmission (DCT), and more particularly, to a technology for improving a response to _a_ speed change during a _kickdown._ 2. Description of _Related_ Art Unlike _an_ automatic transmission (AT) which _requires_ _only_ clutch shifting, a DCT can enable clutch shifting only after _gear_ shifting has _been_ completed. Therefore, in the DCT, gear shifting performance is a key factor for an overall response _to_ speed change. In particular, more rapid gear shifting is required for a kickdown _that_ _a_ driver regards most sensitive for _a_ _response_ to speed _change._ _For_ reference, the gear _shifting_ refers to _a_ speed change operation that causes a sleeve to engage _with_ a clutch gear _due_ _to_ them being synchronized using a synchronizer. _The_ clutch shifting refers to a speed change operation that transmits power _that_ has been _supplied_ from an _engine_ to _drive_ _wheels_ by changing its speed substantially using the _sleeve,_ the clutch gear _and_ shift gears by engaging the working _parts_ of a clutch of an input shaft, the gear _shifting_ of which has _been_ completed as described above, _with_ _each_ _other._ In addition, gear releasing refers to _the_ process _in_ which the sleeve is released and _disengaged_ from _the_ _clutch_ gear. _In_ order to reduce a time _required_ for the gear shifting, displacement optimization at a point where the synchronization by the synchronizer starts, a reduced _time_ for the synchronizer to carry out the _synchronization,_ displacement optimization at a point where the _working_ parts of the clutch _gear_ are to engage with _each_ other, and _the_ like are required. Among these, most time is _consumed_ _in_ the range of the synchronization by _the_ synchronizer _during_ the gear shifting. Therefore, it is _necessary_ to reduce the time _it_ takes _the_ synchronizer to carry out _synchronization._ The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention _and_ should not be _taken_ as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in _the_ _art._
|
The present disclosure is related to battery systems.
In the recent years, with shortage of fossil-fuel based energy and adverse environmental effects from the consumption of fossil fuel, both public and private sectors have poured valuable resources into clean technologies. An important aspect of clean technologies is energy storage, or simply battery systems. Over the past, many battery types have been developed and used, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. For its chemical properties, including high charge density, lithium material has been used in various parts of a battery. For example, in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lithium ions move from negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. In the basic operations of a lithium battery, a conversion material undergoes a conversion reaction with lithium, and the performance of the conversion material is an important aspect of a battery.
Unfortunately, conventional battery systems and their manufacturing and processes result in relatively high cost, low energy density batteries that do not meet market demands for many applications. Therefore, it is desirable to have new systems and techniques for batteries.
|
the present disclosure is related to battery systems. in the recent years, with shortage of fossil - fuel based energy and adverse environmental consequences from the consumption of fossil fuel, both public and private sectors heavily poured valuable resources into these technologies. an important aspect of clean technologies is energy efficiency, or simply battery systems. over the past, many battery types have been developed and used, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. for its chemical properties, including high charge density, lithium material has been used in various versions of a battery. for example, in a rechargeable lithium - ion battery, lithium ions move from negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. besides the basic operations of a lithium ion, a conversion material undergoes a conversion reaction with silicon, and the performance of the conversion material is an important aspect of a process. finally, conventional battery systems and their manufacturing and processes result in relatively high cost, low energy density batteries that do not meet market demands for many applications. therefore, it is desirable to have new systems and techniques for batteries.
|
The present diZclos&re is related to battery sysFe,s. In the recent years, with shortage of fossil - fuel based energy and adverse environmental effects from the consumption of fossil fuel, both public and private sectors have poured valuable resources into clean technologies. An important aspect of clean technologies is eherg% storage, or simply battery sysGemD. Over the past, many battery types have Gwen developed and used, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. For its chemical properties, including high charge density, lithium Nateroal has been used in various parts of a battery. For example, in a rechargeable lithium - ion battery, lithium ions move from negative eldctrlde to the positive electrode during discharge. In the basic operations of a lithium battery, a conversion material undergoes a conversion reaction with lithium, and the performance of the conversion material is an important aspect of a battery. Unfortunately, conventional battery systems and their man*fasturing and processes result in relatively high cost, low energy density batteries tbAt do not meet market demands for many applications. Therefore, it is desirable to have new Xystens and techniques for batteries.
|
The present is related to battery In the years, with shortage of fossil-fuel based energy and adverse environmental effects from consumption of fossil both public and private sectors have poured valuable resources into clean technologies. An important aspect of technologies is storage, or simply battery systems. Over the past, many battery types have been developed and used, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. For its chemical properties, including charge density, material been used in various parts of battery. For example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lithium ions move from negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. the basic operations of a lithium battery, a conversion material a conversion reaction with lithium, and the performance of the conversion material is an important aspect of battery. Unfortunately, conventional battery and their manufacturing and processes result in relatively high cost, low energy density that do not meet market demands for many applications. Therefore, it is desirable to have new systems and techniques for batteries.
|
ThE PREsenT disClOsURE Is reLAted To BAttErY SYsTEMs.
IN thE rECENT YeArs, WItH shortaGE of foSsiL-fUel BASED ENergy And AdversE EnvIROnMENtal eFfeCTS FRoM thE ConSumptION of foSsIL fueL, BoTH pUBlIc ANd prIVATe SEcTOrs have POuREd VALUAbLE ReSOuRceS inTO clEAn tECHnOLOGIEs. aN importaNT AspeCT of CleAn TeChnoLogieS iS enErgy stOrAGE, or SImpLY BaTTerY systEMs. ovEr the pASt, manY baTteRy TypES hAVe beEN deVeloPeD anD USED, WItH ThEIr rEsPECtIVE aDVaNtAGes anD diSAdVANtAgEs. fOr ItS CHEmIcal PrOpERTieS, iNClUDINg hIgH ChaRge DEnSIty, LIthIUm MaTERial HAs BeEN useD IN vaRIous PARTS oF a BAttERy. foR eXampLe, IN a reCHaRGEaBLE liThiUm-ION BaTTEry, LItHIum Ions MoVE frOm neGAtIvE eLecTroDe TO The poSitIvE ElECtroDe DUring dIsCHARGe. IN tHE BASIc opERAtIONS oF a lITHiUM BaTTErY, a COnVeRSion mATErIAl UNdErGoES A cONvErSion REACTiON WIth litHiUm, AND thE pERfOrManCE Of thE COnversiON mAteRiAL Is An imPoRtAnT AsPEcT OF A bAtteRY.
UNfORtuNATely, COnVENtiONAl bAtTerY SyStEMS aNd THeiR maNuFAcTuRIng ANd pRocEsSES resUlT in rELATIvEly high COst, LoW ENErGY dENsITY bAtTErIeS tHat dO nOT mEET MARkEt DEManDS foR MANy AppLIcAtiONs. THEreFORE, iT IS DESIRaBle to hAVe nEW sYsTeMS AnD TECHniqueS FOR bATteRieS.
|
The present disclosure is related to battery systems. In therecent years,withshortageof fossil-fuel based energy and adverse environmental effects from the consumption of fossil fuel, both public andprivate sectors have poured valuable resourcesinto clean technologies. An important aspect of cleantechnologies is energy storage, or simply battery systems. Over the past, many battery types have been developed and used, with their respective advantages and disadvantages.For its chemical properties, including high charge density, lithium materialhas been used invariousparts of a battery. For example, in a rechargeablelithium-ion battery,lithium ions move from negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. In the basic operationsof a lithium battery, aconversion material undergoes a conversion reaction with lithium, and the performance of theconversion material is an important aspect of abattery. Unfortunately,conventional battery systems and theirmanufacturingand processesresult in relatively high cost, lowenergy density batteries that do not meet market demands for many applications.Therefore, it isdesirable to have new systems and techniques for batteries.
|
The present disclosure is related to battery systems. _In_ the _recent_ years, _with_ _shortage_ of fossil-fuel based energy _and_ _adverse_ environmental effects from the consumption of fossil _fuel,_ both public and private _sectors_ have _poured_ valuable resources into clean technologies. An important aspect of clean technologies is _energy_ storage, _or_ _simply_ battery systems. Over _the_ _past,_ many battery types have been developed _and_ used, with their respective advantages _and_ disadvantages. _For_ its chemical properties, including high charge density, lithium _material_ has been _used_ _in_ various parts of a battery. For example, in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lithium _ions_ move from negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge. In the basic operations of a _lithium_ battery, _a_ conversion _material_ undergoes a conversion _reaction_ with lithium, and the performance of the _conversion_ material is _an_ _important_ aspect of a battery. Unfortunately, conventional battery systems _and_ their manufacturing and processes result in relatively high cost, low energy _density_ _batteries_ _that_ do not meet market demands for many _applications._ _Therefore,_ it _is_ desirable to have _new_ systems and techniques for batteries.
|
Devices for transporting printed products such as sheets of paper are known in the prior art. These transporting devices are used, for example, in offset printing machines in order to transport the printed sheets.
These transporting devices comprise hollow conveyor rollers which have a transporting surface in contact with the sheet that is to be transported.
In order to cause the sheet to adhere to the conveyor roller, the transporting surface has cavities connected to a vacuum-creating device.
|
devices for transporting printed products such as sheets with copper were known beneath the prior art. other transporting devices are depicted, for example, in offset printing machines in order to transport the printed sheets. these transporting devices comprise hollow conveyor rollers which have a transporting surface in contact with the sheet that is to be transported. in order to cause some sheet to adhere to the conveyor roller, this transporting surface has movements akin to a vacuum - creating device.
|
Devices for transporting printed products such as sheets of paoeD are known in the prior art. Th@sR transporting devices are usfs, for example, in offset printing machines in o%d3r to transport the printed sheets. These transporting devices comprise hollow conveyor rollers which have a transporting surface in contact wLtN the she#^ 4mat is to be transported. In order to cause the wheWt to adhsrD to the conveyor roller, the transporting surface has cavities connected to a vacuum - creWtinn device.
|
Devices for transporting printed products as sheets of paper are known in the prior These transporting devices are used, for example, in offset machines in order to transport the printed sheets. These devices comprise hollow conveyor which have transporting surface in contact with the sheet that is to be transported. In order to cause the sheet to adhere to the conveyor roller, the transporting surface has cavities connected to vacuum-creating device.
|
DEVIcES FOR TranSPoRTInG priNTEd PRODuctS SUCh as SHeEts oF PaPer arE KNoWn IN The prioR aRT. these TRansPorTiNG devICES ARE uSeD, FOR ExAMpLE, iN ofFseT PRINTInG maChines In ORDeR To TRANSPOrT ThE pRINTed shEetS.
ThESe trAnSpORtINg deViCes coMpRIsE HOlloW CONveYoR ROLLerS WhiCh haVe A TRanSPORTING SuRFACe In coNtACt wITh the SheEt THAt iS tO BE trAnSPorTEd.
In oRdER TO caUSe The SheET To AdheRE tO THe cOnvEYor rOller, THe tRansPorTing sURfAcE Has CavItIeS coNNectEd to A VAcUUm-creAtinG DevICE.
|
Devices for transportingprinted products such assheets of paper are known in the prior art. These transporting devices are used, forexample, inoffset printingmachines in order to transport the printed sheets. These transporting devices comprise hollow conveyor rollers which have a transporting surface in contact with the sheet thatis to betransported. Inorder tocause the sheet to adhere tothe conveyor roller, the transporting surface has cavities connected to a vacuum-creating device.
|
Devices for transporting printed products such as sheets of paper are known _in_ the prior art. These transporting devices are _used,_ _for_ example, in _offset_ printing machines in order to transport the printed sheets. These transporting devices comprise hollow conveyor rollers which have a transporting surface in contact with the sheet that is to be transported. _In_ order to _cause_ the sheet _to_ _adhere_ _to_ the conveyor roller, _the_ transporting surface has cavities connected to a vacuum-creating device.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns by using charged particle beams.
2. Description of the Related Art
A lithography technology has been used for pattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. In such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used as an energy beam to expose a photo-sensitive film. In photolithography using a light as an energy beam, in order to deal with microfabrication of a semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source has been made shorter from a g line (436 nm) to an i line (365 nm), and to KrF (248 nm). This has been carried out because of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse proportion to a wavelength. In the photolithography, resolution has accordingly been increased by a shorter wavelength. However, performance of a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size required as device performance. Thus, further shortening of a wavelength of the light source has been pursued so as to increase resolution. However, not only light sources but also new lens materials and resists must be developed, necessitating enormous development costs. Consequently, device prices and process costs are increased, creating a problem of a high price of a manufactured semiconductor device.
On the other hand, electron beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy beam has an advantage of high resolution capability compared with the photolithography. In the case of a conventional electron beam lithography device, however, writing was carried out on a resist on a wafer by coating (direct writing) with a point (rectangular) beam or connecting a mask pattern of only several xcexcmxc3x97several xcexcm. In the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high-density electron beams was not provided, and uniform electron beams were not provided in a wide range. Alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion and a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area of a large area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to project patterns of large areas all at once. Therefore, in a conventional electron beam writing method, since writing is carried out while connecting very small areas, many shots are necessary for writing on one wafer. In addition, since time is necessary until stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number of shots causes a reduction in throughput. For such a reason, throughput has conventionally been low, about several pieces per hour (in 8-inch wafer), proving the method to be unsuitable as a mass-production technology.
As one of the measures to improve throughput of the electron beam lithography, for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, Japan Journal Applied Physics, vol., 39 (2000), electron projection lithography has been presented, which forms all patterns on a mask original plate (referred to as a reticle, hereinafter), and then projects/transfers the patterns by using electron beams. In this electron beam projection lithography, a lens was developed, which prevents aberration from being generated even when high-density electron means are provided uniformly in a wide range, and large-area irradiation is carried out. As in the case of the photolithography, the development of the lens enables the mask to be irradiated with electron beams, and scanned, greatly reducing the number of shots. Thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light source from a light to an electron beam. Compared with several pieces/hour of the conventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, i.e., 35 pieces/hour (in 8-inch wafer) is estimated.
A shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp.214 to 224 of Proceedings of SPIE vol. 3997 (2000). FIG. 2A is a bird""s eye view of a reticle for electron beam projection, FIG. 2B an expanded view of a area 203 of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C a view of the reticle seen from the above. The electron beam lithography has a limited projection range. Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip are divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on the reticle, and these circuit patterns are connected to form a pattern of the entire chip during projection. Hereinafter, one of such divided areas, i.e., a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. A wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by mechanically moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the wafer movement. A thickness of silicon (Si) of a pattern portion of the reticle is thin, 0.5 to 2 xcexcm, and consequently breaking easily occurs. Thus, a mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called a strut 202 between the subfields.
Now, a manufacturing flow of a reticle for electron beam projection is described by referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer having SiO2 buried in a Si substrate is used. The substrate has a thickness of about 400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is deposited by 0.1 to 0.5 xcexcm, and Si by 0.5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a reticle for electron beam projection, there are available a preceding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate before formation of a reticle pattern to manufacture the strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate later. Here, the preceding back etching method is described. In the preceding method, first, a area of the strut 202 is subjected to patterning, and dry etching is carried out. According to the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after blanks for a stencil mask are made. Thus, since blanks for a stencil mask can be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, turn around time (TAT) can be shortened.
On the other hand, in the succeeding back etching method, patterning is carried out on a normal thick substrate. Accordingly, the number of special steps for manufacturing an EPL mask is relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide film of an intermediate layer and silicon on the surface by execution of etching of back-side Si, which makes TAT longer, mask deformation may occur, causing a shift in projection position. This positional shift is prevented by adding boron or the like to an oxide film on the surface to generate tensile stress on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. Both methods have own features different from each other as described above, and the preceding back etching method enabling TAT to be shortened is considered to be more suitable. The oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticle for electron beam projection are made (FIG. 3B). Then, circuit patterns are divided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 is formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by a resist process (FIG. 3C). A predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is made by carrying out cleaning (FIG. 3D). As described herein, the reticle having an opening pattern for passing the energy beam is called a stencil type.
Representative features of the present invention can be summarized as follows.
In the case of using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to 35 pieces/hour compared with the electron beam direct writing method. Compared with the conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. In the case of the stencil-type reticle, since the opening pattern for passing the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d pattern called a doughnut-type pattern cannot be included. This is because the inside of the xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening pattern, and thus no supports are present, causing it to fall. Therefore, to carry out pattern projection for one area, it was necessary to use a so-called complementary reticle for dividing patterns into two or more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same area by a plurality of times. In such a case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and a reduction inevitably occurs in throughput. A current value of an electron beam must be increased in order to achieve high throughput. In such a case, repulsion between electron beams enlarges beam blur, lowering resolution. Accordingly, even if an electron projection lithography device that has been under development conventionally and now is used, it has been difficult to obtain throughput as high as that of the photolithography. Thus, there is a need to properly use the photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithography having low throughput but high resolution. However, no effective proper using methods have been available.
In the electron projection lithography, it is necessary to properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non-complementary reticle having many pattern constraints but high throughput. Thus far, however, no effective proper using methods have been presented. Therefore, objects of the present invention are to provide an effective method of properly using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns by using charged particle beams. 2. description of the related art a lithography technology has been used for pattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. in such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used as an energy beam to expose a photo - sensitive film. in photolithography using a light as an energy beam, in order to deal with microfabrication of a semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source has been made shorter from a g line ( 180 nm ) to an i line ( 365 nm ), and to krf ( 248 nm ). this has been carried out because of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse proportion to a wavelength. in the photolithography, precision has accordingly been increased by a shorter wavelength. however, performance of a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size required as device performance. thus, further shortening of a wavelength of the light source has been pursued so actively to increase resolution. however, not only light sources but also new lens materials and resists must be developed, necessitating enormous development costs. consequently, device prices and process costs are increased, creating a problem of a high price of a manufactured semiconductor device. on the other hand, electron beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy beam has an advantage of high resolution capability compared with the photolithography. in the case of a conventional electron beam lithography device, however, writing was carried out on a resist on a wafer by coating ( direct writing ) with a point ( rectangular ) beam or connecting a mask pattern of only several xcexcmxc3x97several xcexcm. in the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high - density electron beams was not provided, otherwise uniform electron beams were not provided in a wide range. alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion and a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area over a large area. consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to identify patterns through large areas all at once. therefore, in a conventional electron beam writing method, since casting is carried out while connecting very small areas, many shots are necessary for writing on one wafer. in addition, retention time are necessary until stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number of shots causes a reduction in throughput. for such a reason, throughput has conventionally been low, about several pieces per hour ( in 8 - inch wafer ), proving the method to be unsuitable as a mass - production technology. as one of the measures to improve throughput of the electron beam lithography, for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, japan journal applied physics, vol., 39 ( 2000 ), electron projection lithography has been presented, which forms all patterns on a mask original plate ( referred to as a reticle, hereinafter ), and then projects / transfers the patterns by using electron beams. in this electron beam projection lithography, a lens was developed, which prevents aberration from being generated even when high - density electron means are provided uniformly in a wide range, and large - area irradiation is carried out. as in the case of the photolithography, the development of the lens enables the mask to be irradiated with electron beams, and scanned, greatly reducing the number of shots. thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light source from a light to an electron beam. compared with several pieces / hour of the conventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, i. e., 35 pieces / hour ( in 8 - inch wafer ) is estimated. a shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp. 214 to 224 of proceedings of spie vol. 3997 ( 2000 ). fig. 2a is a bird " " s eye view of a reticle for electron beam projection, fig. 2b an expanded view of a area 203 of fig. 2a, and fig. 2c a view of the reticle seen from the above. the electron beam lithography has a limited projection range. accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an lsi chip are divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on the reticle, and these circuit patterns are connected to form a pattern of the entire chip during projection. hereinafter, one of such divided areas, i. e., a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. a wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by mechanically moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the wafer movement. a thickness of silicon ( si ) of a pattern portion of the reticle is thin, 0. 5 to 2 xcexcm, and consequently breaking easily occurs. thus, a mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called a strut 202 between the subfields. now, a manufacturing flow of a reticle for electron beam projection is described by referring to figs. 3a to 3d. as shown in figs. 3a to 3d, a silicon - on - insulator ( soi ) wafer having sio2 buried in a si substrate is used. the substrate has a thickness of about 400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, sio2 is deposited by 0. 1 to 0. 5 xcexcm, and si by 0. 5 to 2 xcexcm. as methods of manufacturing a reticle for electron beam projection, there are available a preceding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate before formation of a reticle pattern to manufacture the strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate later. here, the preceding back etching method is described. in the preceding method, first, a area of the strut 202 is subjected to patterning, and dry etching is carried out. according to the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after blanks for a stencil mask are made. thus, since blanks for a stencil mask can be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, turn around time ( tat ) can be shortened. on the other hand, in the succeeding back etching method, patterning is carried out on a normal thick substrate. accordingly, the number of special steps for manufacturing an epl mask is relatively small. however, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide film of an intermediate layer and silicon on the surface by execution of etching of back - side si, which makes tat longer, mask deformation may occur, causing a shift in projection position. this positional shift is prevented by adding boron or the like to an oxide film on the surface to generate tensile stress on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. both methods have own features different from each other as described above, and the preceding back etching method enabling tat to be shortened is considered to be more suitable. the oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticle for electron beam projection are made ( fig. 3b ). then, circuit patterns are divided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 is formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by a resist process ( fig. 3c ). a predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is made by carrying out cleaning ( fig. 3d ). as described herein, the reticle having an opening pattern for passing the energy beam is called a stencil type. representative features of the present invention can be summarized as follows. in the case of using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to 35 pieces / hour compared with the electron beam direct writing method. compared with the conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. in the case of the stencil - type reticle, since the opening pattern for passing the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare - shapedxe2x80x9d pattern called a doughnut - type pattern cannot be included. this is because the inside of the xe2x80x9csquare - shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening pattern, and thus no supports are present, causing it to fall. therefore, to carry out pattern projection for one area, it was necessary to use a so - called complementary reticle for dividing patterns into two or more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same area by a plurality of times. in such a case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and a reduction inevitably occurs in throughput. a current value of an electron beam must be increased in order to achieve high throughput. in such a case, repulsion between electron beams enlarges beam blur, lowering resolution. accordingly, even if an electron projection lithography device that has been under development conventionally and now is used, it has been difficult to obtain throughput as high as that of the photolithography. thus, there is a need to properly use the photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithography having low throughput but high resolution. however, no effective proper using methods have been available. in the electron projection lithography, it is necessary to properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non - complementary reticle having many pattern constraints but high throughput. thus far, however, no effective proper using methods have been presented. therefore, objects of the present invention are to provide an effective method of properly using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns by using charged particle beams. 2. Description of the Related Art A lithography technology has been used for pattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. In such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used as an energy beam to expose a photo - sensitive film. In photolithography using a light as an energy beam, in order to deal with microfabrication of a semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source has been made shorter from a g line (436 nm) to an i line (365 nm ), and to KrF (248 nm ). This has been carried out because of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse proportion to a wavelength. In the photolithography, resolution has accordingly been increased by a shorter wavelength. However, performance of a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size required as device performance. Thus, further shortening of a wavelength of the light source has been pursued so as to increase resolution. However, not only light sources but also new lens materials and resists must be developed, necessitating enormous development costs. Consequently, device prices and process costs are increased, creating a problem of a n*gh price of a manufactured semiconductor device. On the other hand, electron beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy beam has an advantage of high resolution capability compared with the photolithography. In the case of a conventional electron beam lithography device, however, writing was carried out on a resist on a wafer by coating (direct writing) with a point (rectangular) beam or connecting a mask pattern of only several xcexcmxc3x97several xcexcm. In the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high - density electron beams was not provided, and uniform electron beams were not provided in a wide range. Alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion and a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area of a large area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to project patterns of large areas all at once. Therefore, in a conventional electron beam writing method, since writing is carried out while connecting ve4j small areas, many shots are necessary for writing on one wafer. In addition, since time is necessary until stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number of shots causes a reduction in throughput. For such a reason, throughput has conventionally been low, about several pieces per hour (in 8 - inch wafer ), proving the method to be unsuitable as a mass - production technology. As one of the measures to improve throughput of the electron beam lithography, for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, Japan Journal Applied Physics, vol. , 39 (2000 ), electron projection lithography has been presented, wUidh forms all patterns on a mask original plate (referred to as a reticle, hereinafter ), and then projects / transfers the patterns by using electron beams. In this electron beam projection lithography, a lens was developed, which prevents aberration f$ok being generated even when high - density electron means are provided uniformly in a wide range, and large - area irradiation is carried out. As in the case of the photolithography, the development of the lens enables the mask to be irradiated with electron beams, and scanned, greatly reducing the number of shots. Thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light source from a light to an electron beam. Compared with several pieces / hour of the conventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, i. e. , 35 pieces / hour (in 8 - inch wafer) is estimated. A shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp. 214 to 224 of Proceedings of SPIE vol. 3997 (2000 ). FIG. 2A is a bird " " s eye view of a reticle for electron beam projection, FIG. 2B an expanded view of a area 203 of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C a view of the reticle seen from the above. The electron beam lithography has a limited projection range. Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip are divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on the reticle, and these circuit patterns are connected to form a pattern of the entire chip during projection. Hereinafter, one of such divided areas, i. e. , a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. A wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by mechanically moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the wafer movement. A thickness of silicon (Si) of a pattern portion of the reticle is thin, 0. 5 to 2 xcexcm, and consequently breaking easily occurs. Thus, a mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called a strut 202 between the subfields. Now, a manufacturing flow of a reticle for electron beam projection is described by referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a silicon - on - insulayIr (SOI) wafer having SiO2 buried in a Si substrate is used. The substrate has a thickness of about 400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is deposited by 0. 1 to 0. 5 xcexcm, and Si by 0. 5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a reticle for electron beam projection, there are available a pteceeing back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate before formation of a reticle pattern to manufacture the strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate later. Here, the preceding back etching method is described. In the preceding method, first, a area of the strut 202 is subjected to patterning, and dry etching is carried out. According to the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after blanks for a stencil Nadk are made. Thus, since blanks for a stencil mask can be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, turn around time (TAT) can be shortened. On the other hand, in the succeeding back etching method, patterning is carried out on a normal thick substrSt3. Accordingly, the number of special steps for manufacturing an EPL mask is relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide film of an intermediate layer and silicon on the surface by execution of etching of back - side Si, which makes TAT longer, mask deformation may occur, causing a shift in projection position. This positional shift is prevented by adding boron or the like to an oxide film on the surface to generate tensile stress on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. Both methods have own features different from each other as described above, and the preceding back etching method enabling TAT to be shortened is considered to be more suitable. The oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticle for electron beam projection are made (FIG. 3B ). Then, circuit patterns are divided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 is formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by a resist process (FIG. 3C ). A predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is made by carrying out cleaning (FIG. 3D ). As described herein, the reticle having an opening pattern for passing the energy beam is called a stencil type. Representative features of the present invention can be summarized as follows. In the case of using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to 35 pieces / hour compared with the electron beam direct writing method. Compared with the conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. In the case of the stencil - type reticle, since the opening pattern for passing the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare - shapedxe2x80x9d pattern called a doughnut - type pattern cannot be included. This is because the inside of the xe2x80x9csquare - shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the openigy pattern, and thus no supports are present, causing it to fall. Therefore, to carry out pattern projection for one area, it was necessary to use a so - called complementary reticle for dividing pa^t@rns into two or more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same area by a plurality of times. In such a case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and a reduction inevitably occurs in throughput. A current value of an electron beam must be increased in order to achieve high throughput. In such a case, repulsion between electron beams enlarges beam blur, lowering resolution. Accordingly, even if an electron projection lithography device that has been under development conventionally and now is used, it has been difficult to obtain throughput as high as that of the photolithography. Thus, there is a need to properly use the photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithography having low throughput but high resolution. However, no effective proper using methods have been available. In the electron projection lithography, it is necessary to properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non - complementary reticle having many pattern constraints but high throughput. Thus far, however, no effective proper using methods have been presented. Therefore, objects of the present invention are to provide an effective method of properly using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns charged particle beams. 2. Description of the Art lithography technology has been used for pattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. In such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used as an energy beam to expose a photo-sensitive film. In photolithography using a light as an energy beam, order to deal with of a semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source has been made shorter from a line nm) to an i line nm), and to KrF nm). This has been carried out of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse to In the photolithography, resolution has accordingly been increased a shorter performance of a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size required as device performance. Thus, further of a wavelength of the light source has been pursued as to increase resolution. However, not only light sources but also new lens materials resists be developed, necessitating enormous costs. Consequently, device prices and process are increased, creating a problem of high price of a manufactured semiconductor device. On the hand, electron beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy has an of high resolution capability compared with the In the case of a conventional electron lithography device, writing was carried out on a resist on a wafer by coating (direct writing) with a point (rectangular) or connecting a mask pattern of only several xcexcm. In the case of conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining electron was provided, and uniform electron beams were not provided in a wide range. Alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area of a area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to project patterns of large areas all once. Therefore, in a conventional electron beam writing method, since writing is carried out while connecting very small areas, many shots are necessary for writing on one wafer. In since time is necessary until stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number of shots causes reduction throughput. such reason, throughput has conventionally been low, about several per hour (in 8-inch wafer), proving the method to be unsuitable as a mass-production technology. As one of the measures to of the electron beam for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, Japan Journal Applied Physics, vol., electron lithography has been presented, which forms all patterns on a mask original plate (referred to as a hereinafter), then projects/transfers the by electron beams. this electron beam projection lithography, a lens developed, which prevents aberration being generated when high-density electron means are uniformly in a wide range, and irradiation is carried out. As in the case of the photolithography, development of the lens enables the mask to be irradiated with electron beams, and scanned, greatly reducing the number of shots. Thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light source from light to an beam. Compared with several of the conventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, 35 (in 8-inch wafer) is estimated. A shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp.214 to of of vol. 3997 (2000). FIG. 2A is a bird""s eye a reticle electron beam projection, FIG. an expanded view of a area 203 of FIG. and FIG. 2C a view of the reticle seen from above. The electron lithography has a projection range. Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on reticle, and these circuit patterns connected to form a pattern of the chip during projection. Hereinafter, one such divided areas, i.e., a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. A wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the wafer movement. thickness of silicon (Si) a portion of the is thin, 0.5 to 2 xcexcm, and consequently breaking easily occurs. mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called a 202 between the subfields. Now, a manufacturing flow of a reticle for electron beam projection is described by referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer having SiO2 buried in a Si substrate is used. The substrate has a thickness about 400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is deposited by 0.1 to 0.5 xcexcm, and Si by 0.5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a reticle for electron beam projection, there available a preceding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate formation of a reticle pattern to manufacture strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carrying out back of the substrate later. Here, the preceding back etching method described. In the preceding method, a area of the strut 202 is subjected to patterning, and dry carried out. According the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after blanks for a stencil mask are made. Thus, since blanks for a stencil mask can be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, around time (TAT) can be shortened. On the other hand, in the succeeding back etching method, patterning is carried on a normal thick substrate. Accordingly, the number of steps for manufacturing an EPL mask is relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an film of an intermediate layer silicon on the surface execution of etching of back-side Si, which makes TAT longer, mask deformation may causing a in projection position. This positional shift prevented by adding boron or the like to oxide on the surface to generate stress on the substrate surface well, reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. Both have own features different from each other as described above, and the preceding etching method enabling TAT to be shortened is considered to be suitable. The oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the for electron projection are made (FIG. 3B). Then, circuit patterns are divided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by a resist process (FIG. 3C). A predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection made by carrying out cleaning (FIG. 3D). As described herein, the having an opening pattern for passing the energy beam is called a type. Representative features of the present invention can summarized as follows. In the case the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to pieces/hour compared with the electron beam direct writing method. Compared with the conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is about xc2xd. In the case of the the opening pattern for the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d pattern called a pattern cannot be included. This is because the of the xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening pattern, and thus no supports are present, causing it Therefore, to carry out pattern for one area, it necessary to use a so-called complementary reticle for dividing patterns into two more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same area by a plurality of times. such a case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and a inevitably occurs in current value of an electron beam must be increased in order to high throughput. In such a case, repulsion between electron beams enlarges beam blur, lowering Accordingly, even if an electron projection lithography device that has been development conventionally and now is it has been difficult to obtain throughput high as that of photolithography. there is a need to properly use photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithography having low throughput high resolution. However, no effective proper methods been available. In the electron projection lithography, it is necessary properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non-complementary reticle having many pattern constraints high throughput. Thus far, no effective proper using methods have been presented. Therefore, objects of the present invention are to provide an effective method of properly using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device
|
1. fieLD oF THe iNveNtion
The presEnT INvENtIOn relaTES To a MAnUfACturING MeThoD OF A SemiCOndUcToR DEVIce, whIch forMS semIcONdUctOr iNtEGRaTEd CIRCuIt paTterNS By usInG chaRGEd partiCLE BEAMs.
2. dESCriPtIoN OF ThE Related ARt
A LIthOGraPHY technOlogy hAS BeEn USed FoR PATteRN FORmatiON Of a SeMICONDUctOR iNtEGRAteD CIrCUIT. In SUCH A casE, A LigHt, aN ElEcTRON BEAm Or thE LiKe Is UsED AS An eNeRgy bEaM TO EXPoSe a pHoto-sENsitIvE FIlM. iN PHOTOlItHoGrApHY usING A lIGhT as an energy beAM, IN OrDer tO deaL WitH mIcrOfABRIcatIOn OF A seMIcoNduCTOr DEvice, a waVeLEngtH of A LiGHT SOURCE HaS BEEN Made SHoRTEr FrOm a g liNE (436 Nm) To aN i line (365 NM), ANd TO KRf (248 NM). THIS HaS beeN cARrieD ouT beCAuSe OF thE FACT ThAT ResOlUtION oF a miCro pAttERn iS IncrEaSEd IN inveRse pROPorTiON to a wAVElEngTH. iN tHE pHoToliThoGRAphy, REsoLutIon hAS ACcoRDInGLY bEeN InCreASED By A SHortEr WaveLENgTH. HowevEr, PERfoRmaNce Of A pHOToLiThogRAPHy DEVicE HaS BeCoMe iNSUFficieNt fOr a PaTTeRN SIZe REquirEd AS dEvIce pErFoRmAnCE. tHUs, FURTher sHOrTEniNG oF A wavelenGth oF The LIgHT SoUrcE hAs Been purSUED So as To increASe RESoLuTiOn. HOWEver, NOt OnlY LiGhT SourCES but Also nEw LenS MATeRiALS AND resISTs mUSt BE DevElOPeD, neCESsItatING ENORmOuS DEVELopmENt cOSTS. CONsEqUeNTLy, DeVICE pRiCES aNd Process cOSts ArE INCrEASED, cReATING a pRoBlEm OF a HiGH PRICe of a maNufAcTUreD sEmIcOnDucTor DeViCe.
oN The OthER haND, ElECtrON beam LiThogrAPhY USINg An eLeCtROn bEAM aS aN eNERgY BEaM HAS an ADvAnTaGe Of HiGh ResOlUtIon capAbility ComParED wiTH thE PHotOLItHOgRapHY. IN tHE CAsE oF A coNvENtIoNaL eLeCTRON beAM liTHoGrApHY DEVIcE, HoWevER, WRiTINg waS carRIED OUt ON A rESIST On A wafER by coAtiNG (DiRECt WRItING) WitH A PoInt (RECtAnGulAR) BEaM OR cONnECtINg a mASk pAttern of OnLY SEvERaL xcEXcMxC3X97SeVErAl XCeXcm. iN THE case OF THE cOnvENTionAL eLEcTROn beam, An ELEcTron SourCe fOr obTAIning hiGh-DeNSITY elECtRON BEamS wAS NOt PRoVIDEd, AnD unIFORm EleCTroN BEamS wERe nOT pRoVidED in a WIde RangE. alternatiVELy, ABerrATIoN OccurRED BETWEen A CentEr PoRtIOn ANd A PeRiPHeraL portIon IN tHe CAsE OF pRoJECTINg AN arEA OF a laRGE ARea. CoNSEqUENtLY, rESOLUTIoN WAs deTERIoRATed, mAkinG it iMPOssIBLE To pRoJECt patTErNS OF laRge aREaS ALL aT OnCE. THereFore, iN A cONVENTiONAl eLECtRon BEaM wRiTiNG METhoD, sInce wRITINg Is caRRiED oUT WHilE cOnNECTInG vERY SMALl AREaS, mANY SHOts Are NeCeSsArY foR WrItinG On One wAFER. iN aDDiTiON, SinCe tImE is NECeSSarY UNtIL StABILiZATiON AftEr AN ELEctROn beAm Is dEFLectED to A predeTerMineD pOsiTiOn FOr EACH Shot, tHE iNcreasEd nUmbER Of SHOts cAusEs A RedUCTIOn IN throughpUt. fOR SUcH a ReAsoN, THrOuGhPuT haS cONvenTIONALlY bEEn loW, ABOuT SEvERaL PiEceS pER hoUr (in 8-iNCh wAfeR), ProVInG thE mEthod TO be uNsUITAbLE AS A mAss-pROduCTiOn tECHNOLogy.
aS onE oF ThE MeaSuRES to imProVe THRougHPUT Of THe ElECTROn BEaM LiThOGrAPhY, fOr exaMplE AS descRIbED IN PP. 6897 TO 6901, JApaN journal ApPlIED PhYsIcs, VoL., 39 (2000), eleCtRON PrOjEcTion liThoGrAPhY has BeeN pREsenTeD, WHIch foRMs aLl patTErNs on a MaSK origInAL PlatE (REfERrEd TO As a reticLe, HeREinaFTEr), anD ThEn proJEctS/transfers thE PaTtErnS By Using ELECTrON BeAmS. iN tHIs EleCtRon beaM pRoJeCTIOn LiTHogRaPhy, a LEns WAs DevELOpEd, WhICh prEveNTs abeRRAtIOn fROm bEiNg gEneRatED even when hiGH-denSity ELectRoN MEaNS aRE proviDEd UNifOrMlY IN A wIDE RanGE, anD lArGE-ArEA IRraDIatIon is caRried oUT. as in the casE OF thE PHOtoLiThOgraPhY, The DEVeLOPMEnt of ThE LenS eNAbLes The mASk To BE IRRaDiAteD witH ELEcTrOn BEAMs, and scaNNeD, GrEaTlY rEDUcIng THE NumbEr OF shOTs. THUS, thE eleCTROn PRojeCTION lIthogrApHy IS SimILAr to The pHotOliTHOgrAPhy in TerMS OF pROjecTIon, iTS IMaGE BeiNG SimiLar tO A chANgE OF A lIGHT sOurce FROM a LiGHT TO aN eLECtrOn BEaM. CompAred With sEveRAL pieCES/houR OF The conVENtiONAl elEctRoN BeAM LitHOGrAPHy, THROughpuT OF OnE dIGIt higHEr, i.e., 35 pIEcES/hoUR (in 8-INch waFeR) is ESTiMatED.
A sHAPE OF thE ReTiclE for EleCtRON beAm ProJectiOn Is dEsCrIEd iN, FOR EXAmplE pp.214 TO 224 Of ProcEedINgs Of spiE VOl. 3997 (2000). fIG. 2A Is a bird""S EYe viEW OF a RETICle FOR eLECtron BeaM pROJecTION, Fig. 2b aN eXPaNDeD VieW oF a aREa 203 Of fIG. 2a, AnD fIG. 2C A ViEw Of The rETIclE seEn fROm tHE abOVE. ThE ELecTroN bEam LiThograPHY hAs a LimITED pRoJeCtiON rAnge. AccOrDInglY, circuit PAttErNs cONsTiTuTINg An LsI CHIp Are divIDEd at sIZeS 1000 XcExcMxe2X96XA1 ON The REticle, anD thESe cIrCuit PaTTerNs ArE CoNNectED TO FORm A PAtTeRn oF ThE entIrE CHIP DUrIng prOJecTIOn. heREINafTer, onE of SUch divIdEd AReas, i.E., a arEA oN whIcH THe PATtErnS Are PrOjectED alL aT oNCE, IS rEFERrED TO As a Xe2X80x9cSubfIeLDXe2x80x9D 201. a WAFeR, ON WHiCh thE CiRCuiT PATteRNs Are pROJECtED, Is contInuOUsLY Moved, AnD eacH Pattern PRojeCTion iS carRIED Out By meChaNIcALly mOviNg a rETiCLe STagE AND DEflecTiNG EleCtron BEAMs corresPondInG tO The wafeR MOVEmENT. a tHickNeSs of sIlIcon (sI) OF A PaTtERN Portion oF the retIclE Is THiN, 0.5 tO 2 XCeXcm, ANd COnSEquentLy BReaKInG eaSIlY OcCurs. ThUs, A MECHaNIcal sTrENGTH iS incReaseD BY PRoVidINg a siliCOn beam CaLlEd a STrUt 202 BETWeen the SubfIELdS.
nOW, a mAnufacTUrinG fLoW OF a ReTiclE FoR eleCtron BEAM prOJECTIon iS DeScRIbeD By RefeRriNg to fiGs. 3A TO 3D. As ShOWN IN fiGs. 3A TO 3D, A SiliCOn-on-iNSUlaToR (soi) WaFEr HAvInG sIo2 bUrIED In a si subSTRatE Is usEd. THe sUBStrATE HAs a tHIckNESS of AboUt 400 tO 800 XcEXCM ANd, ThEREon, Sio2 is dEpOSitED bY 0.1 To 0.5 XCEXCM, AND sI BY 0.5 tO 2 Xcexcm. as METHods of mANUfaCturIng A REtIcle For eleCTROn BeAm PRojeCtiON, THErE aRe AvAILaBle A prECEDInG bACk eTchInG MeTHOd For cArryIng oUT bAcK etching of ThE SUbsTraTE BefORe fORMatIon OF a RetiCLE pAttERN to manUFActURE THe StRUT 202, anD A SUCCEEdING BacK etCHInG mEtHod FoR caRryiNg ouT baCK EtchiNG Of the SuBStRatE laTEr. HEre, ThE pRecedInG Back ETcHiNG MeThod is DEsCRIbEd. In tHe Preceding metHOD, FIrst, a arEA OF thE STrUT 202 is SUBjecTEd To PAttErNinG, anD DRY EtCHInG IS cARRied ouT. AcCoRdIng TO tHe PREcedINg BACK EtcHInG meTHOd, a reTIcLE PaTTERN Is fORMeD AFTEr blaNks for A sTENciL mAsK ARe MAde. tHUs, sINce BLAnKS FOR A STenCIl mASk caN bE MaDe aND sToReD, And only SURFAce maChINiNG IS nEeDed thereafTeR, TuRN ArounD time (tat) caN be shorTenEd.
ON ThE OTHer HaND, iN tHe sUCCeEDInG bAcK EtcHING mEtHOD, PatTErNinG iS caRRiEd out on A NormaL tHiCK SubsTrAtE. AccoRdinGLY, tHE nUMbEr Of SPECial STePS FOR manUfaCTURing an EpL mASk Is relativeLY SmaLl. howEvER, If MIsMATCHinG Is PrESEnt in mEmbraNe stResS BeTweeN An OXidE FiLM Of aN InTErmedIatE LAyER and silicON on ThE sUrface bY eXECUTIoN oF eTCHING Of back-sIdE Si, wHicH MAkes Tat longER, mASK DEfORMATiOn May OccuR, CausiNG A shIfT In projectIoN PositiOn. ThiS POSiTIonAL SHIfT IS pReVENTed bY addiNg BORoN Or THE likE TO an oxIde fiLm On tHe sURfacE to gENERatE tenSILE StresS on The SUbsTrATe SURFaCe as weLl, and REDucinG sTrESs BetweEN ThE oxidE fILM AnD The subStRaTE. BOth Methods HaVe owN fEATUREs dIfFerenT FrOm Each otHeR As DesCrIbed above, aND tHe prEcEDing bACK EtCHINg MEtHoD enAbliNG TAt tO Be shoRtenEd iS coNSidereD TO bE MOrE SuitaBLE. tHE oXiDE fiLm Is RemOVeD aFTEr THe ExeCuTIOn oF the Back eTcHinG. AcCordINGly, MeMbRane BlANks FOR tHe RetICLE fOr ELEcTrOn BeAM PrOJeCtIoN Are MAdE (fIG. 3b). THEN, CiRCuIT PATtERNs ARE dIVIDeD INtO predeterMIneD SubFieLDS, And A ResiSt PaTTErn 301 Is forMed on THe rETicLE FoR ELeCtRoN beam PROJECTiOn By A Resist PrOCESs (fIg. 3c). A preDeTeRmIned pattERn is ForMeD by FURthER CaRRyInG out dry EtcHIng. lastly, THE RETiCLe For elECtroN bEam PRoJectiON is maDe bY cArRYiNg OUt CLeanInG (FIG. 3d). AS desCriBed hErein, The ReTiClE hAVING AN opeNinG PATtErN fOr PASsIng ThE ENerGy beAm is caLlED A stENcil tYpe.
REprEsentaTIVe feaTuRES Of THE PREsENT INVentIoN CAn Be sumMariZeD As FoLloWS.
In tHe CASe OF USINg ThE elECTRON projEcTioN lIthogrAPhy DevicE, THROUgHPUt CAN bE GReATLy iMPRoVed up To 35 PIEceS/hOuR COMPareD WITh thE ELeCtRon bEAm DIRECT WRitiNG MeTHOd. cOMPAReD WiTH thE convEntIOnal pHoTOlIthOGRAPhy, HoweVer, The ThROUGhpUT iS LOWer, ABOut XC2xd. IN ThE CaSE Of thE StenciL-TYpe ReTIclE, SIncE tHE opEninG pATtern for passiNG tHe eleCtron beaM Is provIdeD, a XE2X80X9csqUaRe-shaPEdxE2X80X9D PAttErN caLLED a dOughNuT-TYPe PaTTERN CANnot be iNCluDeD. thIs iS beCAuSe THE inSIde OF tHe xe2X80X9CsquArE-ShApedXE2x80x9D portIon IS SurROundeD WIth tHe OpENINg pATteRN, anD tHus NO supPorTS ARe PreSent, caUsInG iT TO fAll. THEREfORe, to cArRY Out PattErN PrOJecTION FOr oNe area, it WaS NEcESSArY To uSe A So-calLED cOmpleMeNTaRy RETIClE fOR dIVidiNG PAtTeRnS inTO tWO Or mOrE ReTiCLES, ANd exEcutINg EleCTrOn bEaM prOjEction for THe sAme aREa BY A pluRALITY OF TImES. in SUcH A casE, ProjectIOn muST be cArried oUT tWice fOr PAttERN PROjECtION of OnE aREA, and A REducTiON iNevitabLy OcCuRS iN tHrOUGHPut. a cURrEnt vALuE Of aN eleCTROn beAM muSt Be INcreased IN oRdER TO aCHieVe HIgh tHROughput. IN suCH A CASE, rEPuLSIon bETWEEn ELECTRON beAms EnLaRGeS bEAm blur, lOWering reSoLUtion. ACCORDINgLY, EvEN if An ElECtrON ProjECtiOn LitHoGRapHy DEVICE THaT HAS beeN UNdEr dEvEloPmEnt cOnvEnTIoNAlLy AnD NOw is UsED, iT HAs BeeN DIFfIcult To obtaiN THROuGhPUT As hiGh aS ThaT OF THe photolIThOgrapHY. ThuS, thERE Is A NEed TO propErLY UsE thE PhOtolitHogrAphy hAving high tHroUgHPuT, AnD thE electroN PROjECtION lIThogrApHY HaVINg LOW tHRoUghpUt But hiGH rESOLutiON. HOWEver, no efFeCTiVE ProPEr Using metHods haVE BEeN avaIlABlE.
IN THe ELecTRON PROJecTiOn LItHOGRAPhy, It is nECEsSArY TO prOPeRLy USe A cOMplEmentAry reticLE hAvIng lIMITEd PatterN conStrAInTs bUT lOW ThroUGHpUT, And a NoN-CompLeMENTary RETICle HAVING maNY PATTERN cOnsTRaInTs bUt HIgh tHrOUGHPUT. ThuS faR, HoWevER, No EFfEcTivE prOPER USiNg meThODs HAVe beEN PrESEnteD. THerefOre, ObjEcts Of tHE prEsenT iNVenTIoN aRE TO proVIde aN eFFeCtIvE mEtHod of PRopErLy usinG A pHOtoLiTHOGRAPHY dEViCe anD AN elECTrON ProjeCtion liTHoGrAphY devIce
|
1. Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns byusing charged particle beams. 2. Description of the RelatedArtAlithography technology has been usedforpattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. Insuch acase, a light, an electronbeam or the likeis used as an energy beam to expose a photo-sensitive film.In photolithography using a light as an energybeam, inorder to deal with microfabrication ofa semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source hasbeen made shorter from a g line (436 nm) to an i line (365 nm), and toKrF (248nm). This has been carried out because of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse proportion to a wavelength. In the photolithography, resolution has accordingly been increased by a shorter wavelength.However, performanceof a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size requiredas device performance.Thus,furthershortening of awavelengthof the light source has been pursued so as to increase resolution.However, notonly light sources butalso new lensmaterials and resistsmust be developed,necessitating enormous development costs. Consequently,device prices and process costs are increased, creatinga problem of a high priceof a manufactured semiconductor device. On the other hand, electron beam lithographyusing an electron beam as an energy beamhas an advantage of high resolution capability compared with the photolithography. In the case of a conventional electron beam lithography device, however, writing was carried out ona resist on a wafer by coating (directwriting) witha point (rectangular) beam or connectinga mask pattern of only severalxcexcmxc3x97several xcexcm. In the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high-density electronbeams wasnotprovided,and uniform electron beams were not provided in a widerange. Alternatively, aberrationoccurred between a center portion and a peripheral portionin the caseof projecting an area of a large area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, makingit impossible to project patterns of large areas all at once. Therefore, in a conventionalelectron beam writing method, since writing is carried out while connecting very small areas,many shots are necessary for writing ononewafer.In addition,since time isnecessary until stabilization after an electron beamis deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number ofshots causes a reduction in throughput. For such a reason, throughputhas conventionally been low, about several pieces perhour (in 8-inch wafer), proving the method to be unsuitableasa mass-production technology. As one ofthe measures to improve throughput of the electron beam lithography, for example asdescribed in pp. 6897 to 6901, JapanJournalApplied Physics,vol.,39 (2000), electron projection lithography has been presented, which forms all patterns ona mask original plate (referred toas areticle, hereinafter), and then projects/transfers thepatterns by using electron beams.In this electron beam projection lithography, alens was developed,which prevents aberrationfrom being generated even when high-density electron means are provided uniformly in a wide range, and large-area irradiation is carried out. As in the case ofthe photolithography, the development ofthe lens enables themaskto be irradiatedwith electron beams,and scanned, greatlyreducing the number ofshots. Thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light sourcefrom a light to anelectron beam. Compared with several pieces/hour of theconventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, i.e., 35 pieces/hour (in 8-inchwafer) is estimated. A shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp.214 to 224 of Proceedings of SPIE vol. 3997 (2000). FIG. 2A is a bird""s eye view of a reticle for electron beamprojection,FIG. 2B an expanded view of a area 203 ofFIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C a view of the reticle seen fromthe above. The electron beam lithography has a limited projection range. Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip are divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on the reticle, andthese circuit patterns are connected to form a pattern of the entire chip duringprojection. Hereinafter, oneof such divided areas, i.e., a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. Awafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by mechanically moving a reticlestage and deflecting electron beams corresponding tothe wafer movement. A thickness of silicon (Si) of a pattern portion ofthereticle is thin, 0.5 to 2 xcexcm,and consequently breaking easily occurs. Thus, a mechanical strengthis increased by providing a siliconbeam called a strut 202 between the subfields.Now, a manufacturing flowof a reticlefor electron beam projectionis described by referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D.As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waferhaving SiO2 buried in a Si substrateis used. The substrate has a thickness of about400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is depositedby 0.1 to 0.5 xcexcm, andSi by 0.5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a reticle forelectron beam projection, there are available a preceding back etchingmethod for carrying out back etchingofthe substrate before formation of a reticlepattern to manufacturethe strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carryingout back etching of the substrate later.Here, the preceding back etching method is described.In the preceding method, first, a area of the strut 202is subjectedto patterning, anddry etching is carried out. According to the preceding back etchingmethod, a reticle pattern is formedafterblanks for astencil mask are made. Thus, since blanks for a stencil maskcan be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, turn around time (TAT) can beshortened. Onthe other hand,in the succeeding back etching method, patterningis carried out on a normal thick substrate. Accordingly, the numberofspecial steps for manufacturing an EPL mask is relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide film of an intermediate layer and silicon onthe surface by execution of etching ofback-side Si, whichmakes TAT longer, mask deformation may occur, causing a shift in projectionposition. This positionalshift is prevented by addingboron or the like to an oxide film on the surfaceto generate tensile stress on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide filmandthe substrate.Both methods have own features different from each otheras described above, and the preceding back etching method enabling TAT to be shortened is considered to be more suitable. The oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticlefor electronbeam projection are made (FIG. 3B). Then, circuit patterns aredivided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 is formed onthereticle for electron beam projection by a resist process (FIG. 3C). A predetermined patternis formed by furthercarryingout dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is made by carrying out cleaning (FIG. 3D). As described herein, thereticlehaving an opening pattern for passing the energybeam is called a stencil type. Representative features of the present invention canbe summarized asfollows. In the caseof using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improvedup to 35 pieces/hourcompared with the electron beam direct writingmethod. Compared withthe conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. In the caseofthe stencil-type reticle, since the opening pattern for passing the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9dpattern called a doughnut-type pattern cannot beincluded. This isbecause the inside ofthe xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening pattern, andthusno supports are present, causing it to fall. Therefore, to carry out patternprojection forone area,it was necessary to use a so-called complementaryreticle for dividing patterns into two or more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same areaby a plurality of times. In sucha case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and areductioninevitably occurs in throughput. A current value of anelectron beam mustbe increasedin order to achievehighthroughput. In sucha case, repulsion between electron beams enlargesbeam blur,lowering resolution. Accordingly, even if an electronprojection lithography device thathas been under development conventionally and now is used, it has been difficult toobtain throughput ashigh asthat of the photolithography.Thus, there is a need to properly usethe photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithographyhaving lowthroughput but high resolution. However, no effective proper using methods havebeen available. Inthe electron projectionlithography, it is necessaryto properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non-complementary reticle havingmany pattern constraints buthigh throughput.Thus far, however, no effective proper using methods have been presented. Therefore, objectsof the present invention are to provide an effective methodof properly using a photolithographydevice andan electron projection lithography device
|
1. Field _of_ the _Invention_ _The_ present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, _which_ forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns by _using_ charged _particle_ _beams._ _2._ _Description_ _of_ the Related Art _A_ lithography technology has been used for _pattern_ formation of _a_ semiconductor integrated _circuit._ In such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used _as_ an _energy_ _beam_ to expose a photo-sensitive _film._ In photolithography using a light as _an_ energy _beam,_ in order to deal with microfabrication of a _semiconductor_ device, a wavelength of a _light_ _source_ has been _made_ shorter _from_ a g line (436 nm) to an i line (365 nm), and to KrF _(248_ _nm)._ This _has_ been carried out because _of_ the fact that resolution _of_ a micro pattern _is_ increased in inverse proportion _to_ a wavelength. In _the_ _photolithography,_ resolution has accordingly been increased by a _shorter_ wavelength. _However,_ performance of a photolithography device has become _insufficient_ for a _pattern_ size required _as_ device performance. Thus, _further_ shortening of a wavelength of the light source _has_ been pursued _so_ as to increase resolution. However, not only _light_ _sources_ _but_ also new lens materials and resists must be developed, necessitating enormous development costs. _Consequently,_ device prices _and_ process costs are increased, creating _a_ problem of _a_ high price of a manufactured semiconductor device. On the other hand, _electron_ beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy beam _has_ an advantage of high _resolution_ capability compared with the photolithography. In the case of a conventional electron beam _lithography_ device, however, writing was carried out on a _resist_ on a wafer by coating (direct writing) with a _point_ (rectangular) beam _or_ connecting _a_ mask pattern of _only_ _several_ _xcexcmxc3x97several_ xcexcm. _In_ the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high-density electron beams was not _provided,_ and _uniform_ electron beams were not _provided_ _in_ a wide range. Alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion and a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area of a large area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to project patterns _of_ large _areas_ all at once. Therefore, in a _conventional_ electron beam writing method, since writing _is_ carried out while connecting very small areas, many shots are necessary _for_ writing on one wafer. _In_ addition, since time _is_ necessary _until_ stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined _position_ for each shot, the increased number of shots causes _a_ reduction in throughput. _For_ such a reason, throughput has _conventionally_ been low, about several pieces per hour (in 8-inch wafer), proving the _method_ _to_ _be_ unsuitable as a mass-production technology. As _one_ _of_ the measures to improve throughput _of_ the _electron_ beam lithography, for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, Japan Journal Applied Physics, vol., _39_ (2000), electron projection _lithography_ has been _presented,_ which forms all patterns on a mask original plate (referred to as a reticle, hereinafter), and then projects/transfers the _patterns_ by using electron beams. In this electron _beam_ projection lithography, a _lens_ was developed, which _prevents_ _aberration_ from being _generated_ even when high-density electron means are provided uniformly in _a_ wide range, and large-area irradiation is carried out. _As_ in the _case_ of _the_ photolithography, the development of the lens enables _the_ mask to be irradiated with _electron_ beams, and scanned, _greatly_ reducing the number _of_ shots. Thus, the _electron_ projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its _image_ being similar _to_ _a_ change of a light _source_ from a light to an electron beam. Compared with several pieces/hour of the conventional electron _beam_ lithography, throughput of _one_ digit higher, i.e., 35 _pieces/hour_ (in 8-inch wafer) is estimated. _A_ shape of the reticle for electron beam _projection_ is descried in, for example _pp.214_ to 224 of Proceedings of SPIE vol. 3997 (2000). FIG. 2A is a bird""s eye view _of_ a reticle for electron beam projection, _FIG._ 2B an expanded _view_ of a area _203_ of _FIG._ 2A, and FIG. _2C_ a _view_ of the reticle seen from the above. The electron beam lithography _has_ _a_ limited projection _range._ Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip _are_ divided at _sizes_ 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on _the_ _reticle,_ and these circuit patterns _are_ connected to form a pattern of the entire chip during projection. Hereinafter, one _of_ such divided areas, i.e., _a_ area _on_ which _the_ patterns are projected all at once, is referred _to_ as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d _201._ A wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously _moved,_ and each pattern projection _is_ carried out by mechanically moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the _wafer_ movement. A thickness _of_ silicon _(Si)_ of a pattern portion of the reticle is thin, 0.5 to 2 xcexcm, and _consequently_ breaking easily _occurs._ Thus, a mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called _a_ strut 202 between _the_ subfields. Now, a manufacturing flow _of_ a reticle for _electron_ _beam_ projection is described by _referring_ to FIGS. 3A to 3D. As shown in FIGS. _3A_ _to_ 3D, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer having SiO2 buried in a _Si_ substrate is used. The substrate has _a_ thickness of about _400_ to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is deposited by 0.1 to 0.5 xcexcm, _and_ Si by 0.5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a _reticle_ for electron beam projection, there are _available_ a preceding _back_ etching method for _carrying_ out back _etching_ _of_ _the_ _substrate_ before formation of a reticle pattern _to_ manufacture the strut 202, _and_ a succeeding back _etching_ method for carrying out back etching of the substrate later. Here, the preceding back etching _method_ is described. In the _preceding_ method, first, _a_ area of the strut _202_ is subjected _to_ patterning, and dry etching is carried _out._ According to the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after _blanks_ for a stencil _mask_ are made. Thus, since _blanks_ _for_ a _stencil_ mask can _be_ made and stored, _and_ only _surface_ machining _is_ needed _thereafter,_ turn around time _(TAT)_ _can_ _be_ shortened. _On_ the other hand, _in_ the succeeding _back_ etching method, _patterning_ is carried _out_ _on_ a normal thick substrate. _Accordingly,_ the number _of_ special steps for manufacturing an EPL mask _is_ relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide _film_ of an intermediate _layer_ and silicon on the surface by _execution_ of etching _of_ back-side Si, which makes TAT longer, mask _deformation_ may occur, causing a shift in _projection_ position. This positional _shift_ is prevented by adding boron or the _like_ to _an_ oxide film on _the_ surface to _generate_ tensile _stress_ on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. _Both_ methods have own features different from each other as described above, and the _preceding_ _back_ etching _method_ enabling TAT to be _shortened_ is considered to be more suitable. _The_ oxide film is removed after the _execution_ of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticle _for_ electron beam projection are _made_ (FIG. 3B). Then, circuit patterns _are_ divided into predetermined _subfields,_ and a resist pattern 301 is formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by _a_ _resist_ process (FIG. _3C)._ A predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is _made_ by carrying out cleaning (FIG. _3D)._ As described herein, the reticle having an opening _pattern_ for passing the energy beam is called a stencil type. Representative features of the present invention can be summarized as follows. In the case of using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to 35 pieces/hour compared _with_ the electron beam direct writing _method._ Compared with _the_ _conventional_ _photolithography,_ however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. In the case _of_ _the_ stencil-type reticle, _since_ the opening _pattern_ _for_ passing the electron _beam_ is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d _pattern_ called a _doughnut-type_ pattern _cannot_ be included. This is because the inside of the xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening _pattern,_ and thus no _supports_ are present, causing it _to_ fall. _Therefore,_ to carry out pattern _projection_ for one area, _it_ _was_ necessary to use a so-called complementary reticle for dividing patterns into two or more reticles, and _executing_ electron beam projection for the same area by _a_ _plurality_ _of_ times. In such a case, projection _must_ be carried out _twice_ for _pattern_ projection of one area, and _a_ _reduction_ inevitably _occurs_ in throughput. _A_ current value of an electron beam must be _increased_ in order to achieve high throughput. _In_ _such_ a case, repulsion between electron beams _enlarges_ beam blur, lowering resolution. _Accordingly,_ even if an _electron_ projection _lithography_ _device_ that has been under _development_ conventionally and now is used, it has been _difficult_ to obtain throughput as high as _that_ _of_ the photolithography. Thus, there is a need to properly use _the_ photolithography having _high_ throughput, and _the_ electron _projection_ lithography having low throughput _but_ high resolution. However, _no_ effective proper using methods have been available. In the _electron_ _projection_ lithography, it is necessary to properly use a complementary _reticle_ _having_ limited _pattern_ constraints but _low_ throughput, and a non-complementary _reticle_ having many pattern constraints but high throughput. Thus _far,_ however, no effective proper using methods _have_ been presented. Therefore, objects of the _present_ invention are to _provide_ an effective method of _properly_ using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device
|
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to fuel cells and electrical motors and, more particularly, to a fuel cell powered electrical motor.
2. Description of the Related Prior Art
The use of fuel cells to actuate electrical motors depends upon several factors. Among them efficiency and compactness are essential.
Attempts have been made in the past to introduce a better fuel cell powered electrical motor. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and granted to Wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Cell Powered Propulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes a system for powering a vehicle. This system comprises an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cell power and a turbine-generator unit. The latter includes a generator for supplying power output and a turbine for driving the generator. This system is believed to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, the components of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,106, dated Jul. 13, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical Motor with Static Fuel Cell and Rotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel cell with an electrical output integrated within a cylindrical form monopole electric motor. A rotor and a shaft are supported by a bearing attached to the top of the main body of the electrical motor, by another bearing attached to the cover of the body and by a third bearing attached to the bottom of the body. This motor has an important shortcoming. Structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,322 dated Dec. 21, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electric Motorxe2x80x9d relates to a motor similar to that described in the above United States Patent, wherein the cell is rotating.
Besides the shortcoming of above United States Patent, the use of a rotating cell increases the mass to be balanced. Thus, it is more difficult to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of the rotating part of the system.
There is accordingly a need for a fuel cell powered electrical motor which is well engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable in operation. It is further desirable to have a compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor.
Broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell powered electrical motor which comprises an electrical motor including shaft means, stator means encircling the shaft means and rotor means encircling the stator means. Furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a low part of the latter, and a flywheel means located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a top part of the latter. Fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on the base plate means between the shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. The shaft means basically revolves together with the flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator means are attached to the base plate means.
In one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes a commutator located under and attached to the flywheel means. The commutator is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack and rotor means.
In another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to a top of the fuel cell stack means. The annular brush disk is provided at its upper surface with a plurality of brushes. The latter are adapted to be connected to an outside source of electrical power.
In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a main shaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed; a flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several openings, equally spaced and circularly disposed; and a bearing housing internally provided at both ends with a bearing. The bearing housing is mounted on the flanged sleeve. The upper flange is attached to the flywheel means and the bearing housing. The lower flange is attached to the flanged sleeve.
In a further aspect of this invention, the base plate means incorporates a manifold and a sealing plate. The latter is disposed on top of the manifold plate. The manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged. The circular recess is provided at its center with a shaft hole for a main shaft of the shaft assembly. Concentrical channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially from each of the concentrical channel means. Several downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric channel means and communicate with the exterior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a periphery of the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, while four-hole row means are concentrically disposed around the passage hole. Each hole row means has a series of notch hole means, which correspond, with the notch means in the manifold plate. Both manifold and sealing plates are provided with a pair of coinciding slots: a first slot adapted for an electrical power output from the fuel cell stack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for an electrical power input from the external controller to the stator and rotor means.
|
1. field of the invention this invention relates in general to fuel cells and electrical electronics and, more particularly, to a fuel cell powered electrical motor. 2. description of the related prior art the use of fuel cells to operate electrical motors depends upon several factors. among them efficiency and compactness are essential. attempts have been made in the past to introduce a better fuel cell powered electrical motor. thus, u. s. pat. no. 5, 678, 647 dated oct. 21, 1997 and granted to wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cfuel cell powered propulsion systemxe2x80x9d describes a system for powering a vehicle. this system comprises an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel module power and a co - generator unit. the latter includes a generator for supplying power output and a turbine for driving the generator. this system is believed to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, the components of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. u. s. pat. no. 5, 923, 106, dated jul. 13, 1999 and granted to isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cintegrated fuel cell generator motor with static fuel cell and rotating magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel cell with an electrical output mounted within a cylindrical form monopole electric motor. a rotor and a shaft are supported by a bearing attached to the top of the main ring of rotating electrical motor, by another bearing attached to the cover of the body and by a third bearing attached to the bottom of the body. this motor has an important shortcoming. structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. u. s. pat. no. 6, 005, 322 dated dec. 21, 1999 and granted to isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cintegrated fuel cell electric motorxe2x80x9d relates to a motor similar to that described in the 1862 u states patent, wherein the cell is rotating. besides the shortcoming of above united states patent, the use of a rotating cell increases the mass to be balanced. thus, it is more difficult to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of the rotating part of the system. there is accordingly a need for a fuel cell powered electrical motor which is well engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable in operation. it is further desirable to have a compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor. broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell powered electrical motor which comprises an electrical motor including shaft means, stator means encircling the shaft means and rotor means encircling the stator means. furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a low part of the latter, and a flywheel means located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a top part of the latter. fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on the base plate means between the shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. the shaft means basically revolves together with the flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator means are attached to the base plate means. in one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes a commutator located under and attached to the flywheel means. the commutator is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack and rotor means. in another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to a top of the fuel cell stack means. the annular brush disk is provided at its upper surface with a plurality of brushes. the latter are adapted to be connected to an outside source of electrical power. in yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises : a main shaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed ; a flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several openings, equally spaced and circularly disposed ; and a bearing housing internally provided at both ends with a bearing. the bearing housing is mounted on the flanged sleeve. the upper flange is attached to the flywheel means and the bearing housing. the lower flange is attached to the flanged sleeve. in a further aspect of this invention, the base plate means incorporates a manifold and a sealing plate. the latter is disposed on top of the manifold plate. the manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged. the circular recess is provided at its center with a shaft hole for a main shaft of the shaft assembly. concentrical channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially from each of the concentrical channel means. several downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric channel means and communicate with the exterior. several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a periphery of the circular recess. the sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, while four - hole row means are concentrically disposed around the passage hole. each hole row means has a series of notch hole means, which correspond, with the notch means in the manifold plate. both manifold and sealing plates are provided with a pair of coinciding slots : a first slot adapted for an electrical power output from the fuel cell stack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for an electrical power input from the external controller to the stator and rotor means.
|
1. Field of the Invention TniW invention relates in general to fuel cells and electrical motors and, more particularly, to a fuel cell powered electrical motor. 2. Description of the Rela4eC Prior Art The use of fuel cells to actuate electrical motors depends upon several fact9re. Among them efficiency and compactness are essential. Attempts have been made in the past to introduce a better fuel cell po#eGed electrical motor. Thus, U. S. Pat. No. 5, 678, 647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and granted to Wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Cell Powered Propulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes a system for powering a vehicle. ^tis system comprises an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cell power and a turbine - generator unit. The latter includes a generator for supplying power output and a turbine for driving the generator. This system is believed to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, the components of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 923, 106, dated Jul. 13, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical Motor with Static Fuel Cell and Rotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel cell with an electrical output integrated within a cylindrical form monopole electric motor. A rotor and a shac5 are supported by a bearing attached to the top of the main body of the electrical motor, by another b2zring attached to the cover of the body and by a third bearing attached to the bottom of the body. This motor has an important shortcoming. Structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. U. S. Pat. No. 6, 005, 322 dated Dec. 21, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electric Motorxe2x80x9d relates to a motor similar to that described in the above United States Patent, wherein the cell is rotating. Besides the shortcoming of above United States Patent, the use of a rotating cell increases the mass to be balanced. Thus, it is more difficult to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of the rotating part of the system. There is accordingly a need for a fuel cell powered electrical motor which is well engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable in operation. It is further desirable to have a compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor. Broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell powered electrical motor which comprises an electrical motor including shaft means, stator means encircling the shaft means and rotor means encircling the stator means. Furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a low part of the latter, and a flywheel means located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a top part of the latter. Fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on the base plate means between the shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. The shaft means basically revolves together with the flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator means are attached to the base plate means. In one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes a commutator located under and attached to the flywheel means. The commutator is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack and rotor meZHs. In another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to a top of the fuel cell stack means. The annular brush disk is provided at its upper surface with a plurality of brushes. The latter are adapted to be connected to an outside source of electrical power. In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a main shaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed; a flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several openings, equally spaced and circularly disposed; and a bearing housing internally provided at both ends with a bearing. The bearing housing is mounted on the flanged sleeve. The upper flange is attached to the flywheel means and the bearing housing. The lower flange is attached to the flanged sleeve. In a further aspect of this invention, the base plate means incorporates a manifold and a sealing plate. The latter is disposed on top of the manifold plate. The manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged. The circular recess is provided at its center with a shaGG hole for a main shaft of the shaft assembly. Concentrical channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially from each of the concentrical channel means. Several downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric channel means and communicate with the eateTior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a periphery of the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, while four - hole row means are concentrically disposed around the passage hole. Each hole row means has a series of notch hole means, which correspond, with the notch means in the manifold plate. Both manifold and sealing plates are provided with a pair of coinciding slots: a first slot adapted for an electrical power output from the fuel cell stack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for an electrical power input from the external controller to the stator and rotor means.
|
1. of the Invention This invention relates general to fuel cells and electrical motors more particularly, to a fuel cell powered electrical motor. 2. Description of the Related Prior Art The use of fuel cells to actuate electrical motors depends upon several factors. Among them efficiency and compactness are essential. Attempts have been made in to introduce a better fuel cell powered electrical motor. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and granted to Wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Powered Propulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes a system powering a vehicle. This system comprises an electrical motor a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cell power turbine-generator unit. The includes a generator for supplying power output and a turbine for driving the generator. This system is believed to have important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. U.S. Pat. 5,923,106, dated Jul. 13, 1999 and to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical Motor with Static Cell and Rotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel with an output integrated within a cylindrical form monopole electric motor. A rotor and a shaft are supported by bearing attached to the top of the main body of the electrical motor, by bearing attached the of the and by a bearing attached to the bottom the body. This motor has an important shortcoming. Structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three components cannot be obtained. U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,322 dated 21, 1999 and to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Electric Motorxe2x80x9d relates to motor similar to that described in above United States Patent, the cell is rotating. Besides the shortcoming of above United States Patent, the use of a rotating cell increases the mass to be balanced. Thus, it is difficult to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of the rotating part of the There is accordingly need for a fuel cell powered electrical motor which is well engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable in It is further desirable to a compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor. Broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell powered electrical motor which comprises electrical motor including shaft means, stator means encircling the shaft means and rotor means encircling the stator means. Furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to shaft means at a low part of the latter, and a flywheel means located perpendicularly to the shaft at a top part of the latter. Fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on base plate means shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. The shaft basically revolves together with the flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator means are attached to the plate means. In one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered includes a located under and attached to the means. The connected to the fuel stack and rotor means. In another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to a top fuel cell stack means. The annular brush disk is at its upper surface with a plurality of brushes. The latter are adapted to be connected an outside of electrical power. In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a main shaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed; flanged sleeve having low flange with several openings, equally spaced and circularly disposed; and a bearing internally provided at both ends with a The bearing housing is mounted on the sleeve. upper flange is attached to flywheel and the bearing The lower flange is attached to the sleeve. In a further aspect of this invention, the base plate means incorporates a manifold and sealing plate. The latter is disposed on top of manifold plate. The manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged. The circular recess is provided its center with a hole for a main shaft of the shaft assembly. channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially from each of the concentrical channel means. Several downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric channel means and communicate with the exterior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a periphery of the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, four-hole means are concentrically disposed the passage hole. Each hole means has a series of notch hole means, which correspond, with the notch means in the manifold plate. Both manifold plates provided with a pair coinciding slots: a first slot an power output from the cell stack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for an electrical power input from the controller to stator and rotor
|
1. fIelD Of thE inVENTion
tHis inVENTIOn RElAtEs In geNeRaL TO FUEl CeLLS aNd eLecTrICAl MotOrs AnD, MOrE PArTiCUlaRly, To a Fuel cEll pOWEReD eLeCtrICAL MOToR.
2. descrIPtiON oF ThE reLATED priOr ARt
The uSE Of FUEl ceLls tO acTUATE eLEcTRIcAL motOrS DEPEnDS uPon seVEral FactORS. AmonG THEm EFFicIEncY aNd CoMPACtNESS ARe ESSenTiaL.
AtTeMptS hAVE bEeN maDE iN THe pAST TO INTrOdUce A BETtER Fuel CELL POWErEd eleCtricaL motOR. tHus, u.s. Pat. No. 5,678,647 dAtEd oCt. 21, 1997 anD gRaNTEd TO wOlFe eT al. for a xe2x80x9cfUeL CeLL PowErED proPulSion SYSTeMxE2x80x9d DescRiBES a SYStem foR poWEriNG a VEHIcLE. thiS SYsTeM coMPriSES An eLECTricAL mOtor for POweRiNg A VeHICle, A fUeL cell stAcK fOr PrOvIDINg fueL CeLl poweR AnD A turbInE-GEnERAtOr uniT. tHE lAtTer INCludES a generatOR fOR SuPPlyIng pOwer oUtPUt aNd a TurbInE FOr driVINg THe GeneRATOR. This SysTEm is BElievEd tO havE AN imPORtanT diSAdvantAgE thaT reSideS In iTS LAck of CoMPaCTNeSs, tHE COmPONenTs oF tHE SysTeM BeINg ConNECTED FUNctIoNaLLy, RAtHER ThAn STRUctUrAlly. U.S. PAT. NO. 5,923,106, dAted juL. 13, 1999 AND GrAnTed tO isAaK et Al. fOr An xe2X80x9ciNtegRatEd FUeL CeLl ElECTRiCAL mOTOR witH StAtiC FueL ceLl AND rOTAtIng mAgNetSXE2x80x9D dEScrIbeS a FuEL CELL wIth AN ELEctRICaL ouTPUt InteGratED wIthiN a CyliNDrICal fORm MoNoPOlE ELectRIC MOtor. a rOTOr aNd a ShAFT aRE suPportEd By a beArING atTaChed TO tHe TOP of The MAIN bodY oF The eLEctrICal mOtOR, bY anotHeR bEArIng AtTaCHEd to ThE CoveR oF THE BoDY aND bY a tHIrd BeARInG AtTaChEd TO The BOtTOm Of THe BOdy. ThiS MOTOr Has an imPORtAnT sHORTcomINg. STructURALLY, ThE mOToR iS nOT WElL ENGIneEreD, sInce AN AcCuRATe CoaxiAliTY OF ThE thREe BEariNGS MounTED sEPARatEly In tHRee DiffEreNT COmPoNentS caNnoT BE eASILY OBTAINEd. U.S. paT. nO. 6,005,322 datEd DEC. 21, 1999 aND grANTEd to ISAAK ET aL. foR An Xe2x80x9cINtEGrateD fueL CelL ELEcTriC mOTOrXe2X80X9d rElaTeS TO A moTOr SImilaR to ThaT DesCrIBEd iN THe abOve UNItEd sTatEs PATEnt, WHeRein THe cELl Is rOTatinG.
BesidES THE shORtCOMINg of Above UniteD STAtes paTenT, ThE USe OF A rotAtiNG ceLl INcreAses thE mAss To be BALAnCED. ThUS, it Is MORe DiFfIcUlt TO OBTaIN and, EspeCIALLY, To MaINTaiN. tHe bAlaNCiNG of THe rOTAting PArT OF tHE sySTeM.
tHeRe IS ACcORdiNgLY a NeeD FOr A FueL CeLL pOwErEd elECtRiCaL MoToR wHiCh IS welL EngiNEEREd, so THaT THe cOmPoNENtS ARE eAsy TO ManufACTURE aNd RELiABLE IN OpeRaTiOn. It iS fUrthEr DesIRaBlE To HAVE A coMpACt, VErSATile aND EfFICiENT FueL ceLL pOWEreD ELeCTRicAl MOTor.
BrOADlY deSCriBEd, The PReseNT invenTiOn iS DirECtED To a fUeL Cell pOWERed EleCTRIcAl MoToR Which compRIses an ELeCTRIcAl motor inClUdinG shaft meaNS, STaToR meanS eNciRClINg tHe ShAFT MEaNs ANd RoTOR meAnS eNcirCLIng ThE stATor meaNS. fUrthERMorE, tHE EleCTRicAl MOTOR INcOrpORatES A bAsE PlAtE MeaNs, loCaTED PErpenDiCULarLy TO THE ShAFT meAns aT A lOw PArt Of The lattEr, aNd A flyWHeEl mEAns lOCaTeD peRpeNdIcuLARLY To ThE ShAFT meaNS aT A TOp paRt of thE LATtEr. Fuel CELL STaCk meanS arE ciRcUlarly DIsPoSEd oN the bASE plaTE mEAns bEtWEEn The sHaFT AnD STaToR MeANs, coNcENTRicAlly WITH BoTh. THE SHAfT mEAns baSicAlLY rEvoLVEs tOgETHEr WiTH THe FLywheeL and rOToR MeANS with reSPect to tHe baSe pLaTE meaNS, while thE Fuel celL sTAck aNd stATor MeANs ARe AtTAcHED to The baSe platE MeaNS.
in ONe aSpEcT OF ThIS InveNTIon, thE FUel CelL POwEREd MOToR iNClUdeS a cOMMUtator LoCAtED UnDER and aTTAchEd To THe flYwHeel MEAns. The COmmuTATor iS ELECtRiCalLy CONNecTeD TO THe FueL CeLL STACK And rOTOr meaNS.
in AnOtHEr aSPeCT OF THis INVEntioN, thE fuel cEll PoweReD motor inclUdeS an ANnUlaR BrusH DisK attAchED tO A toP of the FUEL cElL sTACk mEaNS. ThE ANNUlAR bRUsH DIsk Is ProvidEd At ITs UpPeR SurfACe WiTH A PLUrAlIty Of BruShEs. thE LaTteR aRe adapTEd TO bE ConnECtEd to AN oUTSIDE SourCe oF elecTRICAL POWER.
in yET ANOTHEr AspECT OF thIS InVEntioN, the sHAft ASseMbLy COmprISEs: A mAiN SHafT HaViNG An uPpeR flange PrOvIdED wiTh sEVerAl APerTuRES, eQuALLy spACEd And CIRcuLArLY diSposed; a FLANgEd slEeVE hAViNg A lOw FLAnge prOVided WiTH SEveRAl oPeniNgS, equALLy SPacEd anD cIRculaRLY disPOSeD; ANd a bEArING HOusInG InteRNaLly pRoVIdED At both EnDS With a bEARIng. THe BEArInG HoUsiNG iS mouNteD oN tHe fLANgEd SLEEVe. THE uppER FlanGE is atTachED tO tHe flywHeeL mEans anD the BEArIng hOUsING. THE LOWER FLaNge is atTACHEd tO tHe FLaNgeD slEevE.
IN A furtHeR AsPECT OF this INvEnTion, tHE BASE PLATe MeaNs inCOrpORatEs A MaNIFoLd and a sEAlING plATe. The lATTEr IS dispOSEd ON toP OF THE mANIfOld plATE. thE MANIFoLD PLAtE HAs a ciRcULAR reCeSS wHEREIn The sEAliNg PLAte iS LOdGEd. tHE cIrCular recESs is Provided at Its cENtER WiTH a sHAFT HOle fOr A mAIn ShAFt OF THe ShAFT aSsembly. CoNcEnTrICAl ChanNeL mEanS Is lOcATed CoAxIAlly wITh tHe SHaFt hOLe, WhILE nOTCh means ExtEnds RADiALLY fROM eAcH of THE conCentRICAL cHAnNEL mEanS. SEVeRAL downWardLY exTENDINg AperTuRes STaRt fRom each Of tHE concEntRic ChAnNEl mEanS anD commUNicAte WItH THE ExTerIoR. SeVeRAl mANiFoLd plAte OpeNings aRE lOcateD PRoXiMate tO A PEriPHERY oF ThE ciRcUlAR REceSs. ThE SEALInG PlaTE is proVIdED aT iTS centER WITH A pASsaGE HOlE, WHILe fOUR-HOlE ROW MeanS ARe cONcEnTRIcaLLy diSpOSed ArOuNd tHE pASSAGE hoLE. eAch hOLE ROW MEaNs HaS a sERies oF NOtcH hoLE MEans, whicH cORResponD, WitH thE NoTCh Means IN THe manifOLd PLAte. bOTh MAnIfOLD anD SEalinG pLAtes are pROViDeD wItH a pAiR Of cOIncidiNg slOTS: A First Slot ADAPTed FOr An elECTRIcaL pOWer OUtpUt FRoM tHE fUeL ceLL sTack mEaNs to aN EXTErNal COnTrOLleR aNd A SECOnD SlOT AdaPtEd FOR AN ElECTRicaL pOWeR INPUt frOm THe exTErNAl ContRoLleR to tHE stATor aNd ROToR MEaNS.
|
1.Field of the Invention This invention relates in generalto fuel cells and electrical motors and, more particularly, toa fuel cell powered electrical motor. 2.Descriptionof the Related Prior Art The use of fuel cellsto actuate electrical motors depends upon several factors. Among them efficiency and compactness are essential. Attempts have been made in the past to introduce a better fuelcell powered electrical motor. Thus,U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and granted to Wolfe etal. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Cell PoweredPropulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes a system forpowering avehicle. This systemcomprises an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cellpower and a turbine-generator unit. The latterincludes a generator for supplying poweroutput and a turbine for driving the generator. This systemis believed to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness,the components of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. U.S. Pat.No. 5,923,106,dated Jul.13, 1999 and grantedto Isaak et al. foran xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical Motor with Static Fuel Cell andRotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel cell with anelectrical output integrated within acylindrical form monopole electric motor. A rotor and a shaft are supported bya bearing attached to the top of the main bodyof the electrical motor, by another bearing attached to the cover of the body and by a third bearingattached to the bottom of the body. This motorhas an important shortcoming. Structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accuratecoaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. U.S. Pat.No. 6,005,322 dated Dec. 21, 1999 and granted toIsaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel CellElectric Motorxe2x80x9d relates to a motor similar to that described in the above United States Patent, wherein the cell is rotating. Besides the shortcomingof above UnitedStates Patent, theuse ofa rotating cell increases themassto be balanced. Thus, it ismore difficult to obtain and, especially, tomaintain. the balancingof the rotating part of the system. There is accordingly a need for a fuel cell powered electricalmotor which is well engineered, so that the components areeasyto manufacture and reliable in operation. It is further desirable to havea compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor. Broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell poweredelectrical motor which comprises an electrical motor including shaft means, stator meansencircling the shaftmeans and rotor means encircling the stator means. Furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a low part ofthe latter, and a flywheel meanslocated perpendicularly to the shaft meansat a top part ofthe latter.Fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on the baseplatemeans between the shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. The shaftmeans basically revolves together withthe flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator meansareattached to the base plate means. In one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell poweredmotor includes acommutator located under and attached to the flywheel means. The commutator iselectrically connected to the fuel cell stack and rotor means. In another aspect of this invention, thefuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to atop of the fuel cell stack means. The annular brushdisk is provided atits upper surfacewith a plurality of brushes.The latter are adapted to be connected to an outside sourceof electricalpower.In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a mainshaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed; a flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several openings, equally spacedand circularly disposed; and a bearinghousinginternally provided at both ends with a bearing. The bearing housingis mounted on the flanged sleeve. Theupper flange is attached to theflywheel means and the bearing housing. Thelowerflange is attached to the flangedsleeve. In afurther aspect of thisinvention,the base plate means incorporates a manifold anda sealing plate. The latter is disposed ontop of the manifold plate. The manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged.The circular recess is provided atits center with a shaft hole for a main shaftof the shaftassembly. Concentrical channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially fromeach ofthe concentrical channel means. Several downwardlyextending apertures start fromeach of the concentric channel means and communicatewiththe exterior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximateto a periphery of the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, while four-hole row means areconcentrically disposed around thepassage hole. Each hole row means hasa series ofnotch hole means, whichcorrespond, with the notch means inthe manifold plate. Both manifold and sealingplates are provided with apair of coinciding slots: a first slot adapted for an electrical power output from the fuel cellstack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for anelectrical power input from the external controller tothe stator and rotor means.
|
1. _Field_ of the Invention This _invention_ relates in general to fuel cells and electrical motors and, more _particularly,_ to a _fuel_ cell powered electrical motor. 2. Description of the _Related_ Prior Art The _use_ of fuel cells _to_ actuate electrical motors depends upon several factors. Among them efficiency _and_ compactness _are_ essential. Attempts _have_ been made in the past _to_ introduce a _better_ fuel cell powered electrical motor. Thus, _U.S._ Pat. _No._ 5,678,647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and _granted_ to Wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Cell Powered Propulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes _a_ system for _powering_ _a_ vehicle. This system _comprises_ an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cell _power_ and a _turbine-generator_ unit. The latter includes a generator for supplying power _output_ and a _turbine_ for driving _the_ generator. This system is _believed_ to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, the components of the system _being_ connected _functionally,_ rather than structurally. U.S. Pat. _No._ 5,923,106, dated Jul. 13, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical _Motor_ with Static Fuel Cell and Rotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d _describes_ a fuel cell with _an_ electrical output _integrated_ within _a_ cylindrical _form_ monopole electric motor. A rotor and _a_ shaft are supported by a bearing attached to the top of _the_ main _body_ of _the_ electrical motor, _by_ another bearing _attached_ to the cover of the _body_ and by _a_ third _bearing_ attached to the _bottom_ of the body. This motor _has_ an important _shortcoming._ Structurally, the _motor_ is _not_ well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality _of_ the three _bearings_ _mounted_ separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. _U.S._ _Pat._ No. _6,005,322_ dated Dec. 21, 1999 and granted _to_ Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electric _Motorxe2x80x9d_ relates to a motor similar to that _described_ in _the_ above United States Patent, wherein the _cell_ is rotating. Besides the shortcoming of above United States _Patent,_ _the_ use of a rotating cell _increases_ the mass to _be_ balanced. _Thus,_ it is more _difficult_ to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of _the_ rotating part of the system. There is accordingly a need for a _fuel_ _cell_ _powered_ _electrical_ motor which is _well_ engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable _in_ _operation._ It is _further_ desirable to have a compact, versatile and efficient fuel _cell_ powered electrical motor. Broadly described, _the_ present invention is _directed_ _to_ a _fuel_ cell powered electrical motor which comprises an _electrical_ motor including _shaft_ _means,_ _stator_ means encircling the shaft _means_ _and_ rotor _means_ _encircling_ the stator means. Furthermore, _the_ electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to _the_ shaft _means_ at _a_ _low_ part of the latter, and _a_ flywheel means located perpendicularly to _the_ shaft means at a top part of the latter. Fuel cell stack _means_ are circularly disposed on the base plate means between the shaft and stator means, concentrically _with_ _both._ The shaft means basically revolves together with the _flywheel_ _and_ _rotor_ means with respect to the base _plate_ means, while the fuel cell stack _and_ stator means are attached to the base plate means. _In_ one _aspect_ of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes a commutator located under and attached _to_ the _flywheel_ means. _The_ _commutator_ is electrically _connected_ to the fuel _cell_ stack _and_ rotor means. _In_ another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes _an_ annular brush disk attached to a top _of_ the fuel cell stack means. The _annular_ brush _disk_ is provided at its _upper_ surface with a plurality of brushes. The latter are adapted _to_ be connected to _an_ outside source of electrical _power._ In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a main shaft having _an_ _upper_ flange provided with several apertures, equally _spaced_ _and_ circularly disposed; _a_ flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several _openings,_ equally _spaced_ and circularly disposed; and a bearing housing _internally_ _provided_ at both ends _with_ a bearing. The _bearing_ housing is mounted on the flanged _sleeve._ The _upper_ _flange_ _is_ attached _to_ the _flywheel_ means and _the_ bearing _housing._ The _lower_ flange is attached to _the_ flanged sleeve. In _a_ further aspect _of_ this invention, the base plate _means_ incorporates a manifold and _a_ sealing plate. _The_ latter is disposed on _top_ of the manifold plate. The manifold _plate_ has a _circular_ recess _wherein_ the _sealing_ plate is _lodged._ The circular recess _is_ _provided_ at _its_ center with a shaft hole for a main _shaft_ of the shaft assembly. Concentrical channel means is _located_ _coaxially_ with _the_ _shaft_ hole, while notch means _extends_ radially from each of the concentrical channel _means._ _Several_ downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric _channel_ _means_ and communicate with the exterior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a _periphery_ _of_ the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center _with_ a passage hole, while four-hole row means are _concentrically_ disposed _around_ _the_ passage hole. Each hole row _means_ has a series of _notch_ hole means, which correspond, with _the_ _notch_ means in the manifold _plate._ _Both_ _manifold_ and sealing plates are provided with _a_ pair _of_ coinciding slots: _a_ first slot adapted _for_ an electrical power output from the fuel cell _stack_ means to an external controller and a second _slot_ _adapted_ for an electrical power _input_ from the external controller to the stator _and_ rotor _means._
|
1. Field
The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier by using a radio frame timing offset.
2. Introduction
Presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers to distinguish themselves from each other. An operator ensures that a physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a base station. However, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as access points, may use the same physical cell identifiers, which can result in physical cell identifier confusion. For example, CSG cells can be a collection of cells used for deployment in a campus or can be individual cells used for deployment in users' homes. The CSG cells co-exist with macro cells on the same carrier frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage area than macro cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells are un-planned, in that the operator has much less control over their placement and configuration than with macro cells. Thus, two CSG cells that are located within the coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical cell identifiers. Unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion.
To elaborate, a mobile station uses physical cell identifiers (PCID) during synchronization and during cell ranking. The mobile station ranks cells by measuring the received signal strength and then uses the ranking to facilitate handover and reselection. If a PCID is not guaranteed to be unique within a macro cell, then PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover. If PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover, a mobile terminal would need to read system information of the target cell and acquire the cell global identity to determine if it is allowed to access the cell. Unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle mode and can seriously impact battery life. Another problem with using the same PCIDs is that mobile station cell handover will fail when there is more than one cell with the same PCID and a network cannot determine which cell is the right one for handover.
A range of PCIDs can be reserved for CSG cells. Also, a mobile terminal can have a list of CSG PCIDs, such as a CSG white-list of cells that it is allowed to access. These restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell is a CSG cell in the CSG white-list. However, PCID confusion can still frequently occur in metropolitan areas where more CSG cells are deployed. Even in cases where the spatial likelihood of PCID confusion is low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, if two homes within the coverage of the same macro cell use CSG cells with the same PCID, the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering their homes and they will have substantially higher battery drain.
In order to resolve the PCID confusion, a mobile terminal could read additional system information of a cell, which contains a unique cell identifier, which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if the cell is suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional system information in connected mode would cause substantial delay which negatively impacts handover performance. Also, a mobile terminal would have to read the additional system information every time it encounters a CSG PCID, because different encounters with the same PCID could correspond to different cells. Furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose data being sent through the serving cell as a result of reading the additional system information because the mobile terminal would have to synchronize to the target cell.
It is also possible to ignore a cell based on the PCID if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system information. However, this would not resolve the PCID confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be suitable to the mobile terminal but would be ignored if it has same PCID as a previously unsuitable cell. Furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored PCIDs and the network would not know when interference from the PCID is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service.
Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier.
|
1. field the present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with this same physical cell identifier. more particularly, the present disclosure is directed to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier by using a radio frame timing offset. 2. introduction presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers to distinguish themselves from each other. an operator ensures that a physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a base station. however, closed subscriber group ( csg ) base stations, such as access cellular, may use the same physical cell identifiers, so can result in physical cell identifier confusion. for example, csg cells can be a collection of cells used for deployment in a campus or can be individual cells used for deployment in users ' homes. the csg cells co - exist with macro cells on the same carrier frequency. csg cells have a smaller coverage area than macro cells. unlike macro cells, the csg cells are un - planned, and that the operator has much less control over their placement and configuration than with macro cells. moreover, two csg cells that are located within the coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical cell identifiers. unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion. to elaborate, a mobile station uses physical cell identifiers ( pcid ) during synchronization and during cell ranking. the mobile station ranks cells by measuring the received signal strength and then uses the ranking to facilitate handover and reselection. if a pcid is not guaranteed to be unique within a macro cell, then pcids cannot be used for reselection and handover. if pcids may be used for reselection and handover, a mobile terminal would need to read system information of the target cell then acquire the cell global identity to determine if it is allowed to access the cell. unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle mode and can seriously impact battery life. another problem with using the same pcids is that mobile station cell handover will fail when there exists more than one cell with the same pcid and a network cannot determine which cell is the right one by handover. a range of pcids can be reserved for csg cells. also, a mobile terminal can have a list of csg pcids, such like a csg white - list of cells that it is allowed to access. these restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell is a csg cell in the csg white - list. however, pcid confusion can still frequently occur in metropolitan areas where more csg cells are deployed. even in cases where the spatial likelihood of pcid confusion is low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. for example, if two homes within the coverage of the same macro cell use csg cells with the same pcid, the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering their homes and they will have substantially higher battery drain. in order to resolve the pcid confusion, a mobile terminal could read additional system information of a cell, which contains a unique cell identifier, which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if the cell is suitable. unfortunately, reading the additional system information in connected mode would cause substantial delay which negatively impacts handover performance. also, a mobile terminal would have to read the additional system information every time it encounters a csg pcid, because different encounters with the same pcid could correspond to different cells. furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose data being sent through the serving cell as a result of reading the additional system information because the mobile terminal would have to synchronize to the target cell. it is also possible to ignore a cell based on the pcid if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system information. however, this would not resolve the pcid confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be suitable to the mobile terminal but would be ignored if it has same pcid as a previously unsuitable cell. furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored pcids and the network would not know when interference from the pcid is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service. thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier.
|
1. Field The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier by using a radio frame timing offset. 2. Introduction Presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers to distinguish themselves from each other. An operator ensures that a physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a base station. Now2ver, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as access points, may use the same physical cell identifiers, which can result in physical cell identifier confusion. For example, CSG cells can be a collection of cells used for deployment in a campus or can be individual cells used for deployment in users ' homes. The CSG cells co - exist with macro cells on the same carrier frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage area than macro cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells are un - planned, in that the operator has much less control over their placement and configuration than with macro cells. Thus, two CSG cells that are located within the coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical cell identifiers. Unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion. To elaborate, a mobile station uses physical cell identifiers (PCID) during synchronization and during cell ranking. The mobile station ranks cells by measuring the received signal strength and then uses the ranking to facilitate handover and reselection. If a PCID is not guaranteed to be unique within a macro cell, then PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover. If PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover, a mobile terminal would need to read system information of the target cell and acquire the cell global identity to determine if it is allowed to access the cell. Unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle mode and can seriously impact battWrg life. Another problem with using the same PCIDs is that mobile station cell handover will fail when there is more than one cell with the same PCID and a network cannot determine which cell is the right one for handover. A range of PCIDs can be reserved for CSG cells. Also, a mobile terminal can have a list of CSG PCIDs, such as a CSG white - list of cells that it is allowed to access. These restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell is a CSG sel, in the CSG white - list. However, PCID confusion can still frequently occur in metropolitan areas where more CSG cells are deployed. Even in cQsrs where the spatial likelihood of PCID confusion is low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, if two homes within the coverage of the same macro cell use CSG cells with the same PCID, the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering their homes and they will have substantially higher battery drain. In order to resolve the PCUR confusion, a mobile terminal could read additional system information of a cell, which contains a unique cell identifier, which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if the cell is suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional system information in connected mode would cause substantial delay which negatively impsc%s handover performance. Also, a m)bi:e terminal would have to read the additional system information every time it encounters a CSG PCID, because different encounters with the same PCID could correspond to diffrrRnt cells. Furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose data being sent through the serving cell as a result of reading the additional system information because the mobile terminal would have to synchronize to the target cell. It is also possible to ignore a cell based on the PCID if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system iHformat9on. However, this would not resolve the PCID confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be suitable to the mobile terminal but would be ignored if it has sZmd PCID as a previously unsuitable cell. Furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored PCIDs and the network would not know when interference from the PCID is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service. Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier.
|
1. Field The present disclosure is directed to a and apparatus for distinguishing cells the physical cell identifier. More particularly, the present disclosure is to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier by using a radio frame timing offset. 2. Presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers distinguish from each other. An operator ensures that a physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a However, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as access points, use the same physical cell identifiers, which can result in physical cell identifier confusion. For example, CSG cells can be a collection of used for deployment in a campus or can be individual cells deployment in users' homes. The CSG cells co-exist with macro on the same carrier frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage than macro cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells are un-planned, in that the operator less control their placement and configuration macro Thus, two cells that are the coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical identifiers. Unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion. To elaborate, a mobile station uses cell identifiers (PCID) during synchronization and during cell ranking. The mobile station ranks cells by measuring the received signal strength and then uses the ranking to facilitate handover and reselection. If a PCID is guaranteed to be unique within a macro cell, then PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover. If PCIDs cannot be used for and a mobile terminal would need to read system information of the target cell acquire the cell global identity determine if it is allowed to access the Unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle mode and can seriously impact battery life. Another with using the same PCIDs is that mobile station cell handover will when there is more than one with the same PCID and a cannot determine which cell is the right for handover. A range of PCIDs can be Also, a mobile terminal can have a list of CSG PCIDs, such as a CSG white-list of cells that it is allowed to access. These restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell is a CSG cell in the CSG white-list. However, confusion can still frequently occur in metropolitan areas more CSG cells are deployed. Even in cases where the spatial likelihood of PCID confusion is low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, homes within the coverage of the same macro cell use CSG cells with the same the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering their homes and they will have substantially higher drain. In order to resolve the PCID confusion, a mobile terminal could additional system information of a cell, which contains a cell identifier, mobile could rely on to determine if the cell is suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional information in connected mode would cause substantial delay which negatively impacts handover performance. mobile terminal would have to read the additional system information every time it encounters a CSG because different encounters with the same PCID could correspond cells. mobile terminal would lose data being sent through serving cell as a of reading the additional system information because mobile terminal would have to synchronize to the target cell. It is also possible to ignore a cell based on the PCID if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system information. However, this would not resolve the PCID confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be suitable to the terminal but would ignored if it has same PCID as a previously unsuitable cell. Furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored PCIDs the would not know interference from PCID is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service. Thus, is a need for a method and apparatus distinguishing cells with the cell identifier.
|
1. fIeLd
ThE pRESENt DISCLOsuRE IS DIreCTED to A meTHOd And ApparaTus foR DiSTingUiSHiNG CElLS wIth The sAme PHYSICaL CELL IDENtiFiEr. MOrE pARTIcUlARLy, THE PREsENt DiscLosure IS direCTEd TO disTInGuISHiNG CEllS WITh thE Same PHySICAl cEll IDENtIFIEr By UsInG A raDio FraMe timINg OfFSEt.
2. INtroDuCTIon
pResEntly, in A cellULaR NetwORK, cEllS USe PHYsiCal CElL iDENtiFierS to DIStIngUiSh TheMsElVeS FROM eACh oTher. AN opERAToR eNsuReS THat a PHySiCaL cELl IDentifIeR UnAmBIGUOuSLY idENTiFiES a bASe sTaTion. HOWeVeR, CLoseD sUBsCribeR grouP (Csg) BAsE STAtIonS, sUCh As aCcEss pOINts, MaY use The SaMe PHYsIcAL celL ideNTIFiErs, WhicH CAN rESULt in PhySIcAL ceLl idENtIFIer cONFUsIOn. fOr eXAmple, Csg cELLS can be A ColLectIon OF ceLLS usEd for DEPLoymeNT iN a CAmPUs OR CAN BE INdIViDUaL CELls UsED FOr deployMENT iN uSErS' HomES. tHe CsG cELls CO-eXist WitH Macro cEllS oN ThE SaME CARRieR FrEQuENCY. Csg CEllS HAVe a smAlLer COverage Area tHan maCRO cellS. UnlIke MacRo cells, thE cSg celLs are UN-planNeD, iN ThAt tHE operatoR Has MuCh LEss CONtROl Over ThEIr pLacemENT anD cOnFIguRaTion THaN wiTh MaCRO CELls. tHUs, TWO cSg cElLs THAT ARe LoCateD WITHiN THE CoVeRAGe Of The SAME macrO cElL Can UsE THE SaMe PhysIcAl celL IDenTiFiERs. UnFORtUNaTELy, ThiS resULtS IN PHysIcal cEll IdEnTIfiER CoNFusIoN.
To eLaBORATE, a MObILe STaTiOn USES PhySIcAL cEll IdEnTiFieRs (PCiD) DuRing SYNChRONiZatiOn AND DuRiNg cell raNkINg. the MoBiLE sTATIoN rANKs cELlS by MeAsUrIng thE RecEIVed SiGNAL sTrenGTH aND TheN uSEs tHE rANkinG TO FaciLItaTe HaNdovEr And REseLECTIOn. if a pcid IS Not GUaranTEed To bE uNIQue WITHiN a maCRO CelL, THEN PcidS CaNnot Be Used fOR ReseLEcTioN AnD haNDOvER. iF PciDS cANnOt BE USED FOR REsELeCtioN And hAndoVeR, A MOBIle TErminaL wouLd nEeD TO rEAd sySTEM iNFormATiOn of the TargET cElL AND acQuIRe ThE ceLl GLObaL idenTitY To DeterMiNE iF It iS allOWeD To AcCesS ThE CeLL. UNFOrTunATELy, thIS REquiRes CONsideRable additioNAl bATTeRY UsagE iN IdLE MODE And can serIously ImPACT bATTeRy Life. aNOtHER PrOBlem with uSING tHE saMe pCIDS Is THAT MobIlE StatIon CeLL HANDoVER will FAiL whEN tHERe Is MOre ThAN oNE CeLL WiTH ThE SamE PCiD AND A NeTWork cAnNOT dEtERMINE WhICH celL iS THE right ONE For hanDOVeR.
A rANge of pcidS Can BE ReserVed FOR csG CellS. aLsO, a mObIlE TERmInAL can HaVE a LiSt OF Csg PciDS, such aS a CSg wHItE-lisT OF ceLls ThaT it iS aLLOWEd to ACcESS. ThEsE ReSTrIcTIoNS limit the ProBlem in THe rEseLECtioN cAse TO WheN tHE TARGet cElL IS a cSG Cell iN The cSg WHItE-LiSt. HowEvEr, Pcid COnfuSiON cAn stIlL fRequENtLY occUR in METRoPOlITAN aReAs WheRe MoRE CSG celLS aRE dEPLOyed. Even in cases WHERE THe sPAtIAL lIkELIhoOd of pcId coNFuSIon Is LOW, WhEN confUSiOn oCCUrs, it AFfECTs THE SAmE MOBilE TeRMiNAL REpEatEdLY. FoR examPLE, iF Two hoMES WiThiN The cOverage Of ThE saMe MaCRo ceLL UsE cSG CellS wITh thE saME PCId, tHe CORrESPoNDINg USeRS wIlL ExpeRIEnCe HAndoVer FaIlUReS WhEN EnTerinG theiR hoMeS aND They Will HavE SUBStantIalLY HiGHer BaTTErY DRAin.
iN oRDeR To resOlve THE pCiD conFUsIoN, A mObILe tErMinaL CoulD rEad aDDITiOnaL sYStem iNfoRmaTIoN oF a cell, whICH coNTaIns a uniQue CELL idenTiFiEr, WHICH tHE MoBIlE TeRMINAL COuLd rEly on To DETeRmINE iF THe CElL iS suItaBLe. UnFORTuNAteLY, reaDing tHe aDditIOnAl sYStem iNfORmation iN cONnEcTed modE WOuld cause SubStaNtiAl DeLay wHICh nEgAtiVELY impActS HaNdOVEr perforManCe. aLSo, a MobILe tErmiNAl woULD havE TO ReAD The aDDiTIonal SyStEM InFormAtiOn EVErY TiME It ENcOUNTErs A CsG pCId, becauSe dIFferENt ENcoUNtERs wiTH the sAMe PcID coULd COrrESpOnD to DIFFeREnT cEllS. FUrTHermoRE, tHe mOBIlE TerMinal wouLd loSE datA bEING sEnt through thE serViNg CeLl AS A rEsult Of ReADIng ThE ADDITionAL System INFOrmaTion BEcaUsE tHe mOBiLE teRmInaL WOuLD hAVE to SYNChroniZe tO The taRget cElL.
iT is aLsO PossIBLE TO iGNORE a cELl bASEd ON the pCiD IF iT Has BEeN FOunD tO be UNsuITABlE after PReVIOuSlY rEaDiNg AdDiTIonaL sySTem iNFOrmAtIon. HoWevER, this WoULD noT ReSOLVE tHE PCid cONfusiON PRoblEm beCausE a CeLL eNcOunTErED LateR mAy be sUITabLE To ThE MObILe tErMInAl BUt WoUlD be iGNORed if It HAs sAME PciD as A PRevIouSlY UNSUiTABlE CelL. FURtHErmORE, iN connECTed mode, A mObILE termInaL wOUlD nOT meAsure AnD RePorT ThE igNORed PCIdS aNd tHe nEtwOrK woUld nOt know wHen InTERFErEnCE From The pCID IS sigNifiCANT aNd woUlD not be aBLE to TAkE MeasURES To preveNT DiSruPtIon oF sERvIcE.
thuS, theRE iS A NEED For a mEThOD and aPpArATUS fOr diStinGuisHING CElLS WIth The same PhYSIcAl CElL IDentifiER.
|
1. Field The presentdisclosure is directed toa method and apparatus for distinguishingcells with the same physical cell identifier. More particularly, the present disclosure isdirected todistinguishing cells withthe same physical cell identifierbyusing a radio frametiming offset. 2.Introduction Presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers to distinguish themselves from eachother. An operator ensures thata physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a base station. However, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as access points, may use the same physicalcellidentifiers, which can result in physical cellidentifier confusion. For example, CSG cellscan be a collection of cells used for deployment ina campus or can be individual cells usedfordeployment in users' homes. The CSG cells co-exist with macro cells onthe samecarrier frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage area than macro cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells are un-planned, in that the operator has much lesscontrol over their placement and configuration than with macro cells. Thus, two CSG cells that are located within the coverageof thesamemacrocell canuse the same physical cell identifiers. Unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion. To elaborate,a mobilestation uses physical cell identifiers (PCID) during synchronization and during cell ranking. The mobile station rankscells by measuringthe received signal strength andthen usesthe ranking tofacilitate handover andreselection. If a PCID is notguaranteed to be unique within a macrocell,thenPCIDs cannot be usedfor reselection and handover.If PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover,a mobile terminal would need to read system informationof the target cell and acquire the cell global identityto determine if it is allowed to access the cell. Unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle modeand can seriously impactbattery life.Another problem with using the same PCIDs is that mobile stationcell handover will fail when thereis more than one cell with the samePCID and a network cannot determinewhich cell is the rightone for handover.A range of PCIDs can be reserved forCSG cells. Also, a mobile terminal can have alistof CSG PCIDs, such as a CSG white-listof cells that it is allowedto access. These restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell isa CSGcellinthe CSG white-list. However, PCID confusion can still frequently occurin metropolitan areas where more CSG cells are deployed. Even in cases where the spatial likelihood of PCID confusionis low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, if two homes within the coverage of the samemacro cell use CSG cells withthesame PCID, the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering theirhomes and they will have substantially higher battery drain. In order to resolve the PCIDconfusion, a mobile terminal could read additionalsystem information of a cell, which containsa unique cell identifier,which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if the cellis suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional system information in connectedmode wouldcause substantial delay which negatively impacts handoverperformance. Also, amobileterminal wouldhave to read the additional system information every time it encounters a CSGPCID,because different encounters with the samePCIDcould correspondto different cells. Furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose data being sent through the serving cell as a result of reading the additional systeminformation because themobile terminal would have to synchronizeto thetarget cell. It is also possible toignore a cell based on the PCID if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system information.However, this would not resolve the PCID confusion problembecause a cell encountered latermay be suitable to the mobileterminal butwould be ignored if it has same PCID as apreviously unsuitable cell. Furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored PCIDsand the network would not know when interference from the PCID is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service. Thus, there is aneed for a method and apparatusfordistinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier.
|
1. Field The present _disclosure_ is directed to a method and apparatus for _distinguishing_ _cells_ with the same physical cell identifier. More particularly, the _present_ _disclosure_ is directed to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell _identifier_ _by_ using _a_ _radio_ frame timing offset. 2. Introduction Presently, in a cellular _network,_ cells _use_ physical _cell_ identifiers to distinguish themselves from each _other._ An operator ensures that a physical cell _identifier_ unambiguously _identifies_ _a_ base _station._ However, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as _access_ points, _may_ use the same physical _cell_ _identifiers,_ which _can_ _result_ in _physical_ cell identifier confusion. For _example,_ CSG cells can _be_ a collection of _cells_ used for deployment in a campus or can be _individual_ cells used for _deployment_ in users' _homes._ The CSG cells co-exist _with_ macro _cells_ on the same _carrier_ frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage area than _macro_ cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells _are_ un-planned, in that the operator has much less _control_ _over_ their _placement_ and configuration than with macro _cells._ Thus, two _CSG_ cells that are located within _the_ coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical _cell_ identifiers. Unfortunately, this _results_ _in_ _physical_ cell identifier _confusion._ To elaborate, a _mobile_ _station_ uses _physical_ cell identifiers _(PCID)_ during _synchronization_ and _during_ cell ranking. The mobile _station_ _ranks_ cells by measuring the _received_ signal _strength_ and _then_ uses the ranking _to_ facilitate _handover_ and reselection. _If_ a PCID is not guaranteed _to_ be _unique_ within a _macro_ cell, then PCIDs cannot _be_ _used_ for reselection and handover. If _PCIDs_ cannot be used for reselection and handover, a mobile terminal _would_ need to _read_ system information of the target cell and _acquire_ the cell global identity _to_ determine if it is allowed to access the cell. Unfortunately, _this_ requires considerable additional battery usage in _idle_ mode and _can_ seriously impact _battery_ life. Another problem with using the _same_ _PCIDs_ is _that_ mobile station cell handover will fail when there is more than one _cell_ with _the_ same _PCID_ and a network _cannot_ determine which _cell_ is the _right_ one for handover. _A_ range _of_ _PCIDs_ can _be_ reserved _for_ CSG cells. Also, a mobile _terminal_ can have a list of CSG _PCIDs,_ such as a CSG white-list of cells _that_ it is allowed to access. _These_ restrictions limit the _problem_ in _the_ reselection case to when the target cell is _a_ CSG cell in the CSG _white-list._ However, PCID confusion can still frequently _occur_ _in_ metropolitan _areas_ where _more_ CSG cells are deployed. Even in cases where the spatial likelihood _of_ PCID _confusion_ _is_ low, when _confusion_ occurs, it affects the _same_ mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, if two homes _within_ the coverage _of_ the _same_ macro cell use CSG cells with the _same_ _PCID,_ the corresponding _users_ will experience handover failures when _entering_ their homes and they will have substantially _higher_ battery drain. _In_ order to resolve the _PCID_ confusion, a mobile terminal _could_ read _additional_ system information of _a_ cell, which _contains_ a unique cell identifier, which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if _the_ cell is suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional system _information_ in connected mode _would_ cause substantial delay which _negatively_ impacts handover performance. Also, a mobile _terminal_ would have to read the additional system information every _time_ it encounters a CSG PCID, because different encounters with the same PCID _could_ correspond to different cells. Furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose _data_ being sent _through_ the serving _cell_ as a result of reading the additional system information because the _mobile_ _terminal_ would have to synchronize to the target cell. _It_ is _also_ possible to ignore _a_ cell _based_ _on_ the PCID if it has been found _to_ be unsuitable after _previously_ _reading_ additional _system_ information. However, this _would_ not resolve the PCID confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be _suitable_ to the mobile terminal but would be ignored _if_ it _has_ same PCID as a _previously_ unsuitable cell. _Furthermore,_ in connected mode, a mobile _terminal_ would _not_ measure and _report_ the ignored _PCIDs_ and the network _would_ not know when _interference_ from the PCID _is_ significant and would _not_ be _able_ to take measures to prevent disruption of service. Thus, there is a _need_ _for_ _a_ method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same _physical_ cell _identifier._
|
Computer systems typically comprise a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. As increasing numbers of smaller and faster transistors can be integrated on a single chip, new processors are designed to use these transistors effectively to increase performance. Currently, many computer designers opt to use the increasing transistor budget to build ever bigger and more complex uni-processors. Alternatively, multiple smaller processor cores can be placed on a single chip, which is beneficial because a single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. This results in a less costly and complex verification process, as a once verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a chip.
Techniques known as multiple logical partitions take advantage of multi-processors. A logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which execute in separate memory spaces, may execute separate operating systems, and may use shared resources. Examples of shared resources are processors, memory, co-processors, network bandwidth, or secondary storage. Partitions are often implemented on computer systems that include multiple processors and/or on multiple computer systems (often called compute nodes or simply nodes) that comprise processors, which run the multiple partitions to accomplish tasks.
|
computer systems typically comprise a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. as increasing numbers of smaller and tighter transistors can be integrated on a single chip, new processors are able to use these transistors effectively to increase performance. currently, many computer designers opt to use the increasing transistor budget to build ever bigger much more complex uni - processors. alternatively, multiple smaller processor cores can be placed atop a single chip, which is beneficial because their single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. this results for a less costly and complex verification process, as a once verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a chip. algorithms known as multiple logical partitions take advantage of multi - processors. a logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which execute in separate memory spaces, may execute separate operating systems, and may use shared resources. examples of shared resources are processors, memory, co - processors, network bandwidth, or secondary storage. partitions are often implemented on computer systems that include multiple processors and / or on multiple computer systems ( often called compute nodes or simply compute ) that comprise compute, which run through multiple partitions to accomplish tasks.
|
Computer systems typically comprise a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. As increasonf numbers of smaller and faster transistors can be integrated on a singO4 chlo, new processors are designed to use these transistors effectively to increase performance. Currently, many computer designers opt to use the increqsinv transistor budget to build ever bigger and more complex uni - processors. Alternatively, multiple smaller processor cores can be plaSeS on a single chip, which is beneficial because a single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. This results in a l3sZ costly and complex verification process, as a Kjce verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a chip. Techniques known as multiple logical partitions take advantage of multi - processors. A logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which 2xecutf in separate memory spaces, may execute separate operating systems, and may use shared resources. Examples of shared resources are processors, memory, co - processors, network bandwidth, or secondary storage. Partitions are IEten L<plemented on computer systems that include multiple processors and / or on multiple computer systems (often called compute nodes or simply nodes) that comprise processors, which run the multiple partitions to accomplish tasks.
|
Computer systems typically comprise a combination hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. As increasing numbers of smaller and faster can be integrated on a single chip, new are designed to use these transistors effectively increase performance. Currently, many computer designers opt to use the increasing transistor budget to build ever bigger more complex uni-processors. Alternatively, multiple can be placed on a single chip, which beneficial because a single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. This results in a less costly complex verification process, as a once verified module, the is repeated multiple times on a chip. Techniques known as multiple logical partitions take advantage of multi-processors. A logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which execute separate memory spaces, may execute operating systems, and may use shared resources. Examples of shared resources are processors, co-processors, network bandwidth, or secondary Partitions are often implemented on computer that include multiple processors and/or multiple computer systems (often called compute or nodes) that comprise processors, which run the partitions to accomplish tasks.
|
cOmpUteR sYsTeMS TypICALlY COmpRise A ComBINaTIOn OF hardWArE, sUch As sEMIcONdUctors, traNSISToRs, CHIpS, aND CirCuiT bOARDS, AND ComputeR ProgRams. As InCREaSing nUMBeRs oF SMALlER anD faster TransISTORS cAN Be IntegRatEd On A sinGLE CHIP, new pRocesSOrS are DESiGnED TO USe tHesE tranSIstOrs EFFectIVely To IncREAse peRFORManCE. curRenTlY, mANY ComPuTEr dEsIgNERS OPt tO UsE the incREasING TRAnsistor bUdgEt to buiLD EvER bIGGeR AnD MORe COMPLex Uni-PROcEssOrS. alTErnATIVELY, MulTIpLE SmAlLER ProcEsSoR CORes CaN bE plACEd On a SiNglE chip, WhICh iS BeneFiCIal bEcauSE a sinGle, siMPlE ProcesSoR corE IS LesS COMpleX TO DEsIgn AnD VeRIfy. this REsultS IN A Less cOStlY aNd ComPLeX veRIfICATion pROCess, As A oNce VerIFIEd mOdUlE, The PROCEssOr, is rEPeaTeD MulTIPLE tiMes On a ChIP.
teChNIques KnOWN As mUlTiPlE LoGIcAl paRTItIOns tAke adVAntagE of MULTi-pRoceSsors. A lOgicALLY ParTiTIoneD cOmPutEr coMPrIses multIpLE LOgical PaRtItiONS THAT IMplemEnT ViRtual cOMPUtErs, WHich eXecuTE In SEPARATE memoRy spaCeS, May EXecute SePArate OperatinG sYStEMS, aNd mAy uSE Shared rEsOUrceS. EXaMples Of SHaRed RESouRCES aRe PROCeSSorS, MeMORY, Co-procEsSoRs, NEtwOrK baNdWiDth, Or sEcoNdARY SToRaGe. pArTitIoNS are ofTEN implEMenTED on comPUTeR SySTEmS tHat INClUDE MulTiPLE pRoCeSSors AnD/OR on MUlTIpLE cOmpUtEr SysTEms (ofTen CAllED COmPuTE NODes Or sIMply NOdEs) tHaT cOMPRISE ProceSSOrs, whICH RUn ThE mULtIPLe PaRtitiONS To AccOMPlish tASkS.
|
Computer systems typically comprisea combination of hardware, such assemiconductors, transistors,chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. Asincreasingnumbers of smaller and faster transistorscan beintegrated on asingle chip, new processors are designed to use these transistors effectively to increase performance. Currently, many computerdesigners opt to use the increasing transistor budget to build everbigger and more complex uni-processors. Alternatively,multiple smaller processorcores can be placed on a singlechip, which isbeneficial becausea single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. This results in a less costlyand complex verification process, as a once verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a chip. Techniques known as multiple logical partitions take advantage ofmulti-processors.A logically partitionedcomputer comprisesmultiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which execute inseparate memory spaces, may execute separate operating systems, and may use shared resources. Examples of shared resources are processors, memory, co-processors, network bandwidth,or secondary storage. Partitions areoften implemented on computer systems that include multipleprocessors and/oron multiple computer systems (often called computenodes or simply nodes) that comprise processors, whichrun themultiple partitions to accomplishtasks.
|
Computer systems typically comprise a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit _boards,_ and computer programs. _As_ increasing numbers of _smaller_ and faster transistors can be integrated _on_ _a_ _single_ chip, new processors are _designed_ to use these transistors effectively to _increase_ performance. Currently, many computer designers opt to _use_ the _increasing_ transistor _budget_ _to_ build ever bigger and more complex uni-processors. Alternatively, _multiple_ smaller processor _cores_ _can_ _be_ placed _on_ a single chip, which is beneficial because a single, _simple_ processor core is _less_ complex to _design_ _and_ _verify._ This results in a less costly and complex verification process, _as_ a once verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a _chip._ Techniques _known_ as multiple _logical_ partitions _take_ _advantage_ of _multi-processors._ A logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual _computers,_ which execute in separate memory spaces, may _execute_ separate operating systems, and _may_ use shared resources. Examples of _shared_ resources are processors, memory, _co-processors,_ network bandwidth, or _secondary_ storage. Partitions _are_ often implemented on _computer_ systems that include multiple _processors_ and/or on _multiple_ computer systems (often called compute nodes or _simply_ nodes) that comprise _processors,_ which run _the_ multiple partitions to accomplish tasks.
|
This invention relates generally to carbon-to-liquids systems, and more specifically to methods and systems for minimizing liquid product variation from a reactor portion of a system.
The terms C5+ and “liquid hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having five (5) or greater number of carbons, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, pentene, and which are liquid at normal atmospheric conditions. The terms C4− and “gaseous hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having four (4) or fewer number of carbons, including for example methane, ethane, propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions.
At least some known Fischer-Tropsch (FT) units have been optimized to produce synthesis gas (syngas) from natural gas, also known as Gas-to-Liquids process (GTL). Typically, syngas refers to a mixture of H2, CO and some CO2 at various proportions. To improve C5+ selectivity and minimize selectivity to C4−, i.e. natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in known units, a FT reactor is operated with relatively high residence times, with relatively high per pass conversion, and with hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2/CO) ratios below the consumption ratio. The remote location of most carbon-to-liquids plants makes natural gas and LPG co-production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs.
Minimizing natural gas and LPG production generally results in a significant fraction (30-40%) of the FT liquids being over-converted to wax. The wax formed must then be converted back to a diesel range, typically C10-C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. Also, the relatively high per pass conversion that is used to increase C5+ production generally adversely limits the pressure of the FT reactor, and the byproduct water partial pressure increases with conversion and total pressure. As the water partial pressure is increased the catalyst can be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active catalyst sites. Low water partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, CO, and H2 molecules on the catalyst active site, thus reducing syngas conversion. Iron-based FT catalysts in particular can be greatly affected by water. Cobalt-based FT catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation by water. Other carbonaceous fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to the FT process. However, undesirable product variations may be caused by the operating characteristics of the known FT gas-to-liquids systems described above.
|
this invention relates generally to carbon - to - liquids systems, and more specifically to methods and systems for minimizing liquid oxidation variation from a reactor portion of a system. the terms ft + and “ liquid hydrocarbons ” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having five ( 5 ) or greater number of ingredients, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, hydrogen, and which are liquid at normal atmospheric conditions. the terms c4− and “ gaseous hydrocarbons ” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or dissolved compounds having four ( 4 ) or fewer number of carbons, including for example methane, ethane, propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. present least some known bio - tropsch ( ft ) units have been optimized to produce synthesis gas ( syngas ) from natural gas, also known as gas - to - liquids process ( gtl ). typically, syngas refers to a mixture of h2, co and some co2 at various proportions. to improve c5 + selectivity and minimize selectivity to c4−, i. e. natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas ( lpg ) production in known units, a ft reactor is operated with relatively high residence times, with relatively high per pass conversion, and converting hydrogen to carbon monoxide ( h2 / co ) ratios below the consumption ratio. the remote location of most carbon - to - liquids plants makes natural gas and lpg co - production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs. minimizing natural gas and lpg production generally results in a significant fraction ( 30 - 40 % ) of the ft liquids being over - converted to wax. the wax formed must then turn converted back to a diesel range, typically c10 - c20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. also, the relatively high per pass conversion that is used to increase c5 + production generally adversely limits the pressure of the ft reactor, and the ambient water partial pressure increases with conversion and total pressure. as the water partial pressure is increased the catalyst can be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active catalyst sites. low water partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, co, and h2 molecules on the catalyst active site, thus reducing syngas conversion. iron - based ft catalysts in particular can be greatly affected by water. cobalt - based ft catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation by water. other carbonaceous fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to the ft process. however, undesirable product variations may be caused by the operating characteristics of the known ft gas - to - liquids systems described above.
|
This invention relates generally to carbon - to - liquids systems, and more specifically to methods and systems for minimizing liquid product variation from a reactor portion of a system. The 5erks C5 + and “ liquid hydrocarbons ” are used synonymously to r2Ver to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having five (5) or greater number of carbons, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, pentene, and which are lJquiv at normal atmospheric conditions. The terms C4 − and “ gaseous hydrocarbons ” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having four (4) or f$wet number of carbons, including for example methane, ethane, propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. At least some known Fischer - Tropsch (FT) units have been oltimised to produce synthesis gas (syngas) dro, natural gas, also known as Gas - to - Liquids process (GTL ). Typically, syngas refers to a mixture of H2, CO and some CO2 at various proportions. To improve C5 + selectivity and minimize selectivity to C4 −, i. e. natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in known units, a FT reactor is operated with relatively high reEiXence times, with relatively high per pass coGversuon, and with hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2 / CO) ratios below the consumption ratio. The remote location of most carbon - to - liquids plants makes natural gas and LPG co - production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs. Minimizing natural gas and LPG production generally results in a significant fraction (30 - 40%) of the FT liquids being over - converted to wax. The wax formed must then be converted back to a diesel range, typically C10 - C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. Also, the relatively high per pass conversion that is used to increase C5 + production generally adversely limits the pressure of the FT reactor, and the byproduct water partial pressure increases with conversion and total pressure. As the water partial pressure is increased the catalyst can be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active xafalyst sites. Low water partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, CO, and H2 molecules on the catalyst active site, thus reducing synraW conversion. Iron - based FT catalysts in particular can be greatly affected by water. Cobalt - based FT catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation by water. Other carbonaceous fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to the FT process. However, undesirable product variations may be caused by the operating characteristics of the known FT gas - to - liquids systems described above.
|
This invention relates to carbon-to-liquids systems, and more specifically to methods and systems minimizing liquid product variation from a reactor portion of a system. The terms C5+ and “liquid hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated having five or greater number of carbons, including for pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, pentene, and which liquid at normal atmospheric terms C4− “gaseous hydrocarbons” used to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having four or fewer number of carbons, including for example methane, ethane, propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. At least some known Fischer-Tropsch (FT) units have been optimized to produce synthesis gas (syngas) from natural gas, also known as Gas-to-Liquids process (GTL). Typically, syngas refers to a mixture of H2, and some CO2 at various proportions. To improve C5+ and minimize selectivity to C4−, i.e. natural and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in known units, FT reactor is operated relatively high times, with relatively high pass conversion, and hydrogen to carbon (H2/CO) ratios below the consumption ratio. The remote location most carbon-to-liquids plants makes natural gas and LPG co-production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs. Minimizing natural gas and LPG production generally results in significant fraction (30-40%) of the FT liquids over-converted to wax. The wax formed must then be converted back to a diesel typically C10-C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. Also, the high per conversion that is used to increase C5+ adversely limits the pressure of the FT reactor, and the water partial with conversion and total pressure. As water partial pressure is increased catalyst can be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active sites. Low partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, CO, and H2 molecules on the catalyst active site, thus reducing syngas conversion. Iron-based FT catalysts in particular can be affected by water. Cobalt-based FT catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation water. Other carbonaceous fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to the FT process. However, undesirable product variations may be caused by the operating of the known FT gas-to-liquids systems described above.
|
ThiS iNVENtiON RelAtES geNERALly TO CArBoN-to-LIQUiDS SystEMS, And MorE speCIFIcallY TO mEthoDs And syStems fOR MinIMIZiNG lIQUiD pROdUct vAriATIoN fROM a reAcToR portION Of A sYsTeM.
THE tErMS c5+ And “liqUid HYDrOCaRbOnS” aRe USed sYNoNymOuSLY to refeR To hydRocArbOnS or oXYGEnATEd comPoUNDs haVInG FIve (5) Or GrEater nuMbeR of CaRBonS, iNClUdINg fOR examPle peNtANE, HEXAnE, heptANE, pEntanOl, PEntenE, aNd wHiCh are liQUid AT NORmal ATMOSpHeRic COnDitIONs. THE teRms c4− AND “gAseoUs HYdrOcaRbons” Are usEd synONYMOuSLy TO reFEr TO hydRoCaRBoNS or oxYGEnATeD cOmpounds hAVInG FOur (4) Or FEwer nUmbEr oF CArboNS, iNClUDing foR eXaMpLe METHANE, ETHane, PRoPane, buTAne, buTaNol, buTeNE, pRopEnE, aNd whIch ARe gASeOUS aT NorMal atMOSPhErIC CoNdiTIOnS.
AT lEAsT SOme KNoWn fISChEr-TRoPScH (ft) UNits have BEeN optIMIZeD tO PRodUcE SyNThesIs GAs (SyngAs) FRom NaTUral GAs, ALso KnoWN As GaS-to-liqUidS PROCESS (GTl). TypiCAlLY, SynGAs rEfeRS To A miXtURe OF H2, co aND sOmE cO2 AT VariOuS PROPOrTIONS. To iMpRovE C5+ sELeCTivITY ANd MINIMizE selecTIVItY to C4−, I.E. NATURAL gAs and lIqUefIED pETroLeUM gas (LpG) ProductiOn in KnoWN unItS, A Ft rEacTor IS OpERateD WitH relatIVElY HIGH rESIdEnCE tiMeS, WITh RELATIvely hIgH peR PaSs cOnverSIoN, aND wITH HYdroGen TO CaRbOn mOnOXiDE (h2/Co) RATioS beLoW THE coNsUMption RaTIO. tHe REMotE LOCAtIoN of MOSt caRBon-tO-liQUIdS plANTs mAkes naTuraL gAS AND lpG CO-pRODucTIOn eCOnoMIcallY UnATTrAcTive BEcAUSE OF The rELATiVELY HIGH TRaNSpoRTaTion COSts.
MInIMIziNG NAtURAl gas aNd lPg PRODUCtiOn GeNerALLY rEsults iN a sIGNIfIcaNT FRACTiOn (30-40%) OF tHe fT liQUiDS being OVeR-ConVeRtEd To WAX. tHe wAx FORMEd mUsT THEN bE conveRtED bAcK TO A Diesel RAnGE, tYPiCallY C10-C20 HydROcarboNS, usInG A SEPARAte HYdroCRACKinG reActoR. ALSo, THe reLativELY HIgh per pASS cONVERSION THat Is UsED TO InCrEaSe C5+ PrOduCTIOn GenERallY AdVeRsELY limIts thE preSSURe of thE ft reACToR, ANd the ByPROduct wATER PaRtIAL PrEsSurE iNCReases with COnveRsIon AND TOTAl PressuRe. aS the WaTER parTIAL pRESSuRE iS INcReASEd tHE cATaLysT cAN Be GENErALLY dEACTIvAteD THrOUgh OxidAtioN OF tHE aCtIVe cATalYst SIteS. lOw wATeR partiAl pressuRe mAY cAuSE CoMPETITivE aDSOrPtioN OF water, co, anD h2 MOLEcules On THE caTAlysT aCTiVe SiTE, thus RedUCInG syngas CONVERsion. iroN-baseD Ft cAtALystS IN PArTicuLAr CaN Be grEATly affECtEd by WAtER. CoBaLt-BAseD ft CataLYSTS Are GeneralLy MoRE REsIstANt to oxidation BY waTeR. oTHEr cARBonAcEouS FuELs mAy alSO BE USed TO PRoVIDe ThE syNGAS InpUt tO THE FT PROCeSs. HoWEVER, UndESIrABLE prodUCT vAriAtions mAY Be CAUseD By thE OPeRAtIng CHarACTERiStIcS OF thE knOWn fT gAS-to-lIQuids SySTeMS DEscRiBED aBovE.
|
This invention relates generally tocarbon-to-liquids systems, and more specificallytomethods and systems for minimizingliquid product variation from a reactorportion of a system. The terms C5+ and “liquid hydrocarbons” areused synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons oroxygenated compounds having five (5) or greater number of carbons, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane,pentanol, pentene, and which are liquid at normal atmospheric conditions. The termsC4−and“gaseous hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to referto hydrocarbons oroxygenated compounds having four (4) or fewer number ofcarbons, including forexample methane, ethane,propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which aregaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. At least some known Fischer-Tropsch(FT)units have been optimized to produce synthesisgas (syngas) fromnatural gas, also known as Gas-to-Liquids process (GTL). Typically, syngasrefersto a mixture ofH2, CO and some CO2at variousproportions. To improve C5+ selectivity and minimizeselectivity toC4−,i.e. natural gas andliquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in known units, a FT reactor is operated withrelatively high residence times, with relatively high per pass conversion, and with hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2/CO) ratios below the consumption ratio. The remote location of most carbon-to-liquids plants makes natural gas and LPG co-production economically unattractive because of the relativelyhigh transportation costs. Minimizing natural gas and LPG production generally results in a significant fraction(30-40%) of the FTliquids being over-converted to wax. The wax formedmust then be converted back to a diesel range,typically C10-C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor.Also, the relatively high per pass conversion that isused toincreaseC5+ production generally adversely limits the pressure of the FT reactor, and the byproduct waterpartial pressure increases with conversion and totalpressure. As the waterpartial pressure is increased the catalystcan be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active catalyst sites. Low water partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, CO,and H2 molecules on the catalyst activesite, thus reducing syngas conversion. Iron-based FT catalysts in particular can be greatly affected by water. Cobalt-based FT catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation by water. Other carbonaceousfuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to theFTprocess. However, undesirable product variationsmay be caused by the operating characteristics of the known FTgas-to-liquids systems described above.
|
_This_ invention relates generally to carbon-to-liquids systems, _and_ more _specifically_ to methods and systems for minimizing liquid product variation _from_ a reactor portion of _a_ system. _The_ terms C5+ and “liquid hydrocarbons” are used synonymously _to_ refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having five (5) _or_ greater number of carbons, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, _pentene,_ and which are _liquid_ at normal atmospheric conditions. The _terms_ C4− and “gaseous hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having four _(4)_ or fewer _number_ of carbons, _including_ _for_ example methane, _ethane,_ propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric _conditions._ At least _some_ known Fischer-Tropsch (FT) units _have_ been optimized to produce synthesis gas (syngas) _from_ natural _gas,_ also known as Gas-to-Liquids _process_ _(GTL)._ Typically, _syngas_ refers to a mixture of H2, CO and some CO2 at various proportions. To improve C5+ _selectivity_ and minimize selectivity to _C4−,_ i.e. natural gas _and_ liquefied petroleum _gas_ _(LPG)_ _production_ _in_ known units, _a_ FT reactor _is_ operated with relatively high _residence_ times, with relatively _high_ per _pass_ conversion, _and_ with hydrogen _to_ carbon monoxide (H2/CO) ratios _below_ _the_ consumption ratio. _The_ remote _location_ of most _carbon-to-liquids_ plants makes natural gas _and_ LPG co-production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs. _Minimizing_ natural gas and LPG production generally results in _a_ significant _fraction_ (30-40%) _of_ the FT liquids being over-converted to _wax._ The wax formed _must_ then be converted back to a diesel range, typically C10-C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. Also, _the_ relatively _high_ per pass conversion that _is_ used to increase _C5+_ production generally adversely limits the pressure of _the_ FT reactor, and the byproduct water partial pressure increases with conversion and total pressure. As _the_ water partial _pressure_ is increased the catalyst can be generally deactivated through _oxidation_ of the active catalyst sites. Low water partial pressure may _cause_ competitive adsorption of water, _CO,_ and H2 molecules on the _catalyst_ active _site,_ thus reducing syngas conversion. Iron-based FT catalysts in particular can _be_ greatly affected _by_ water. Cobalt-based FT catalysts are generally _more_ resistant to oxidation by water. Other _carbonaceous_ fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input _to_ the FT process. _However,_ undesirable product variations may be _caused_ by the operating _characteristics_ of the _known_ FT gas-to-liquids systems _described_ above.
|
Waste heat recovery in various types of combustion engines is a way to improve the overall efficiency of these systems. Waste heat recovery systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. Power plants that have bottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in the low pressure exhaust gases from the primary work generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources.
On piston engines, waste heat recovery systems can consist of a closed loop Rankine Cycle. A Rankine Cycle uses the heat from the exhaust to power the cycle. These systems typically have a separate, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and is connected to the crankshaft of the engine.
|
waste heat recovery in various types of combustion engines as a way to improve the overall efficiency of these systems. alternative heat recovery systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. power plants generally have bottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in separating low pressure exhaust gases from whose primary work generating cycle. thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources. on piston engines, waste heat recovery engines can consist of a closed loop rankine cycle. a rankine cycle uses the heat within the reactor to power the cycle. these systems typically have a smaller, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and is connected to the crankshaft of the crank.
|
Waste heat recovery in various types of combustion engines is a way to improve the overall efficiency of these systems. Waste tea4 recovery systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to Yhermoel3ctric systems that generate electricity. Power plants ^hqt have bottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in the low orexsure exhaust gases from the LriNary work generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources. On pJstoB engines, waste heat recovery systems can consist of a closed loop RankObe Cycle. A Rankine Cycle Ts$s the heat from the exhaust to power the cycle. %Nese systems typically have a separate, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and is comnectev to the crankshaft of the engine.
|
Waste heat recovery in various types of combustion engines is to improve overall efficiency of these heat recovery systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. Power plants that have bottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in the low pressure gases from the primary work generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources. On piston engines, waste heat recovery systems can consist of a closed loop Cycle. A Rankine Cycle uses heat from the to power the These systems typically have a separate, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and is connected to the crankshaft of the engine.
|
WasTE hEaT rECovErY in VaRIoUs TyPeS Of COMbustIon EngInEs iS A WAY tO iMPRoVe thE OverAlL EfFicIeNCY Of tHese sYsTems. waSTe HEaT REcOvERY sYStEms rAnGE fROm poweR plANts thaT HaVE bOtTOmInG cyclES, TO thErMOElECTrIc syStEms That GeNeRaTE ELeCtriciTY. pOWER PLantS thAt HAVe bOTtOMiNG CyclES uTILiZe tHe ExCeSs HEat in the lOW PRessURE exHaUsT GASeS FrOM The PrImARY WorK geneRaTinG cYCLE. thERMoELeCTriC systeMs UTilize SimILaR WAstE HEAT sOurCEs.
on PisToN enGinEs, WastE HeAT recOVErY SystEMS CaN coNsISt OF A CLOsED lOoP RankINe cyclE. A raNKiNe CYcle USEs The Heat froM ThE EXHAust tO PoweR The CycLe. ThESe SystEmS TyPiCAlLy HAVe A SePaRate, dEDIcatEd, eXPaNdeR thAT ExtRaCTs POWer fROm the WoRKiNg Fluid aNd is CoNNECTED tO THe cRANKSHAft of tHe eNgINE.
|
Waste heat recovery in various types of combustion enginesis a way to improve the overall efficiency ofthese systems. Waste heat recoverysystems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. Power plants that havebottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in the low pressure exhaust gasesfrom the primary work generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources. On piston engines, waste heat recovery systems can consist of a closed loop Rankine Cycle. A Rankine Cycle uses the heat from the exhaust to power the cycle. These systems typically have a separate, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and isconnected to the crankshaft of the engine.
|
Waste heat recovery _in_ various types of combustion engines is _a_ way _to_ improve the overall efficiency _of_ these systems. Waste heat _recovery_ systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. Power plants _that_ have bottoming cycles _utilize_ the _excess_ _heat_ in the low pressure exhaust gases from the primary _work_ generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize _similar_ waste heat sources. On piston engines, waste heat _recovery_ systems can consist of a closed loop _Rankine_ Cycle. A Rankine Cycle uses _the_ heat _from_ the exhaust to power _the_ cycle. These _systems_ typically have a separate, _dedicated,_ _expander_ _that_ extracts power from the _working_ fluid and is _connected_ _to_ the crankshaft of the engine.
|
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to an aircraft deicing system, and more particularly, to a deicing system for a rotor blade of a rotary wing aircraft.
Rotary wing aircrafts may encounter atmospheric conditions that cause the formation of ice on rotor blades and other surfaces of the aircraft. Accumulated ice, if not removed can add weight to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration, causing undesirable flying characteristics.
A common approach to ice management is thermal deicing. Thermal deicing includes heating portions of the rotor blades, such as the leading edge for example, to loosen accumulated ice. Centrifugal forces acting on the rotor blades, and the airstream passing there over, remove the loosened ice from the rotor blades. Desired portions of the rotor blades are typically heated using electro thermal heating elements arranged at the leading edges of the airfoils, in direct contact with the blade spar. As a result of this direct contact, a malfunction of the electro thermal heating elements, such as by overheating or shorting for example, may damage the spar thereby affecting the structural stability and/or the airfoil of the rotor blade.
|
the subject matter disclosed herein generally relates using an aircraft deicing system, and more particularly, to a deicing system for a rotor blades of a rotary wing aircraft. rotary wing aircrafts may encounter atmospheric conditions that cause the formation of ice upon turbine blades and other surfaces of the aircraft. accumulated ice, if not removed can transfer weight to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration, causing undesirable flying characteristics. a common approach to climate management is thermal deicing. thermal deicing includes heating portions of the rotor blades, such as the leading edge for example, to loosen accumulated ice. centrifugal forces acting on the rotor blades, and the airstream passing there over, remove the loosened ice from the rotor blades. desired portions within the rotor blades are typically heated using electro thermal heating elements arranged at the leading edges of the airfoils, in direct contact with the blade spar. as a result of this direct contact, a malfunction of the electro thermal heating elements, such as by overheating or shorting for performance, may damage the spar thereby affecting the structural stability and / or the longevity of the rotor shafts.
|
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to an Xircraf% deicing system, and more particularly, to a deicing syc5em for a rotor blade of a rotary wing wiEcraft. Rotary wing aircrafts may encounter atmospheric conditions that ca6de the fifmation of ice on rotor blades and other surfaces of the aircraft. Accumulated ice, if not removed can add weight to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration, ca*song undesirable flying characteristics. A common approach to ice management is GherNal deicing. Thermal deicing includes heating portions of the rotor blades, such as the leading edge for example, to loosen accumulated ice. Centrifugal forces acting on the rotor blades, and the airstream passing there over, remove the loosened ice from the rotor blades. Desired portions of the rotor blades are typically heated using electro thwr<al heating elements arranged at the leading edges of the airfoils, in direct contact with the blade spar. As a result of this dKr3ct contact, a malfunction of the electro thermal heating elements, such as by overheating or shorting for example, may damage the spar fhe$eby affecting the structural stability and / or the airfoil of the rotor blade.
|
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to an aircraft deicing system, and more particularly, a deicing for a rotor blade of a wing Rotary wing aircrafts may encounter atmospheric conditions that the formation ice on blades and surfaces of the aircraft. Accumulated ice, if removed can add weight to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration, causing undesirable flying characteristics. A common approach to ice management is thermal deicing. Thermal deicing includes heating portions of the rotor blades, such as the leading edge example, to loosen accumulated ice. Centrifugal forces acting on the rotor blades, the airstream passing there over, remove the loosened ice from the rotor Desired portions the rotor blades are typically heated using electro thermal elements arranged at the leading edges of the in direct contact with the blade spar. As a result of this direct contact, malfunction of the electro thermal heating elements, such as by overheating shorting for example, may damage the spar thereby affecting the structural stability and/or the airfoil of rotor blade.
|
the SUbJEcT MatTER DisCLosEd heREiN geNeralLY RelaTEs tO aN AIrCrAFt DeiCInG sYstem, AnD MorE paRTICUlarlY, To a dEIciNG sYSTEM For A ROtOr bLADe Of a ROtarY wINg aircraFT.
ROtARy WING AIRcRAfts mAY ENcounTER AtmosphERic cONDiTiONS THAt CAusE tHe fORMAtIoN OF IcE ON rotor BLADEs aNd other SURFaCes oF THe airCrAFt. aCcuMUlAtED Ice, iF noT ReMOVed CAN aDd weIghT TO thE aIrcRaFt aNd MAy ALtER ThE aIrfOil COnFIGUraTion, CauSIng uNdESIRaBlE FLyING CHarACtERISTICs.
A COMmon aPpROach to iCe mAnAgEmeNt iS thErmal DeIcINg. tHERmAL dEIcINg iNcLUDES heaTiNG PORtIons oF THe roTOr blades, sUcH As tHe LeaDInG edGe fOR ExAMplE, to loOSEn aCcUMulATed ICE. CeNTrifUGal FoRceS aCting ON THE rOtor blAdEs, and THe AIRStREam PaSSing thERE OVER, Remove ThE LoOSEneD Ice from THE rotOr bladES. DEsirED poRTIONS of The ROtOr bLADes arE TyPICaLly Heated using ELECTRO ThermaL heatIng eLEmENTS ARRAnged at tHE leAdINg EDges Of thE AIRFOIls, In DIrEcT contaCT WiTh THe bladE sPAR. As a rEsulT OF tHis DIrEct coNTaCt, A maLfunCTION OF THE eleCTro ThermAl hEATInG ELEmENtS, SUch As bY ovERHeAtIng or shortINg for EXamplE, MAy damAGE THE SpaR tHeReby AfFeCtInG the STrUcTuRAl StAbiLITY AND/Or tHE AIRFOIL Of The rOTor BLaDE.
|
Thesubject matter disclosedherein generally relates to an aircraft deicing system, and more particularly, toa deicing system for arotor blade of a rotary wing aircraft. Rotary wing aircrafts may encounteratmospheric conditions that cause the formation ofice on rotor blades and other surfaces of the aircraft. Accumulated ice, if not removed can add weight to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration,causing undesirable flying characteristics. A common approachto ice management is thermaldeicing. Thermal deicing includesheating portions of therotor blades, such as the leading edgefor example, to loosen accumulated ice. Centrifugal forces acting on therotor blades, and theairstream passing there over,remove the loosened ice from the rotor blades.Desired portions of the rotor blades aretypically heated usingelectro thermal heatingelementsarranged atthe leading edges ofthe airfoils,in directcontact with the blade spar. As a result ofthis direct contact, a malfunction of the electro thermal heatingelements, such as by overheating or shortingfor example, may damage the sparthereby affecting the structuralstabilityand/orthe airfoilof the rotor blade.
|
The subject matter disclosed _herein_ generally relates to _an_ aircraft deicing system, and _more_ particularly, to a deicing system _for_ a rotor blade of a rotary wing _aircraft._ Rotary wing aircrafts may encounter atmospheric conditions that cause the formation _of_ ice on rotor blades and other surfaces of the aircraft. Accumulated ice, if _not_ removed _can_ add _weight_ to the aircraft and may alter the airfoil configuration, causing _undesirable_ flying _characteristics._ A common _approach_ to ice management is _thermal_ deicing. _Thermal_ deicing includes heating portions of the rotor _blades,_ such as _the_ leading edge for _example,_ to loosen accumulated ice. Centrifugal _forces_ acting on the rotor blades, and the _airstream_ passing _there_ over, remove _the_ _loosened_ ice from _the_ rotor _blades._ Desired _portions_ of the rotor _blades_ are _typically_ _heated_ using electro _thermal_ heating elements arranged at the leading edges of the airfoils, in direct contact with the blade _spar._ _As_ a _result_ of this direct contact, _a_ malfunction of the electro thermal heating elements, _such_ as by _overheating_ or _shorting_ for example, _may_ damage _the_ spar thereby affecting the structural stability and/or _the_ airfoil _of_ the _rotor_ _blade._
|
1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to providing an on-board diagnostic port connector in an automobile with a lockable connection, and specifically to a lockable connection that is discreet and easy to operate.
2. Background of Related Art
On-board diagnostic regulations require passenger cars and trucks to be equipped with a standardized connector to provide access to the vehicles diagnostic information. Since 1996, the standard required has been one published in Society of Automotive Engineers paper SAE J1962, known as OBD-II (or OBD2). This standard specifies the signal and message protocols, the pinout of the connector, and the details of the connector itself.
This standard connector is the access point for the diagnostic and operational information about the vehicle. The OBD-II port is crucial in such tasks as checking and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, allowing for governmental vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental instrumentation and telematics. These applications generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to the car's OBD-II port, commonly referred to as plug and remove.
In the car rental and fleet vehicle industries, there is often a desire to have a device connected to the vehicle's diagnostics. These devices can be hard-wired into the vehicle's electronics, or they can be plugged into the vehicle's OBD-II port. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Devices that are hard-wired into the vehicle's electronics provide the most secure and least intrusive option. Such devices connect directly to the vehicle control unit or are spliced into the wiring harness of the vehicle. If done properly, these connections will be semi-permanent and very reliable. These devices also allow the OBD-II port to be unobstructed and be available for other devices to connect. Furthermore, since they are made in the vehicles wiring, they are rarely visible or otherwise evident without removing dashboard panels or looking in the engine bay. In a rental or fleet situation, the user not being aware of the device can be helpful to prevent tampering or removal.
Though these hard-wired devices offer several advantages, their main drawback is the cost of time and labor associated with their proper installation. Proper installation of a hard-wired device requires a trained technician to first remove interior panels to access the wiring necessary. Once the technician has access to the wiring of the vehicle, great care must be taken to properly tap into the necessary inputs without doing permanent damage to the vehicle. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days per vehicle. Additionally, mistakes made during this installation can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Once the vehicles are no longer to be used in the fleet, uninstalling them to be installed in other fleet vehicles (or to provide for the sale of the decommissioned vehicle) is an equally labor intensive process.
The alternative to such laborious installation procedures is an OBD-II port connected device. These devices have the advantage of taking only minutes or hours to install and secure in the dash area of the vehicle. Similarly, they are easily uninstalled at the end of a vehicle's service time.
Because they are so easily installed and uninstalled, their downside is that they are often disconnected before it is desired by the fleet owner. This could be from vibrations gradually loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, or a driver intentionally unplugging a device. The standard for OBD-II requires that the port be located within reach of the steering wheel, which typically results in the port being located in or around the foot well of a passenger vehicle. As such, a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting the device from the vehicle. Furthermore, potential operators may seek to intentionally remove the devices, either to prevent the collection of vehicle data, or to steal the device.
What is needed, therefore, is an OBD-II compliant connector that is easy for a technician to install and uninstall, but difficult for an operator to knock loose or remove without permission. It is to such systems and methods that embodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.
|
1. technical field embodiments of the present invention relate generally to providing an on - board diagnostic port connector in an automobile with a lockable connection, and specifically to a lockable connection that is portable and easy to operate. 2. background of related art home - board diagnostic regulations require passenger cars and trucks to be equipped with a standardized connector to provide access to the vehicles diagnostic information. since 1996, the standard required has been one published in society of automotive engineers paper sae j1962, known as obd - ii ( or obd2 ). this standard specifies the signal and message protocols, the pinout of the connector, and the details of car connector itself. this standard connector is the access point for the diagnostic and operational information about the vehicle. the obd - ii port is crucial in such tasks as checking and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, allowing for mandatory vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental instrumentation and telematics. these applications generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to the car ' s obd - ii port, commonly referred to as plug and remove. with the car rental and fleet vehicle industries, there is often a desire to have a device connected to the vehicle ' s diagnostics. these devices can be hard - wired into the vehicle ' s electronics, or they can be plugged into the vehicle ' s obd - ii port. each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. devices that are hard - wired into the vehicle ' s electronics provide the most secure and least intrusive option. such devices connect directly to the vehicle control unit or are spliced throughout the wiring system of the vehicle. if done properly, these connections will be semi - permanent and very reliable. these devices also allow the obd - ii port to be unobstructed and be available for other devices to connect. furthermore, since they are made in the vehicles wiring, they are rarely visible or otherwise evident without removing dashboard panels or looking in the engine mounting. in a rental or fleet situation, the user not being aware of the device can be helpful to prevent tampering or removal. though these hard - wired devices offer several advantages, their main drawback is the cost of time and labor associated with their proper installation. proper installation of a hard - wired device requires a trained technician to first remove interior panels to access the wiring necessary. once the technician has access to the wiring of each automobile, great care must be taken to properly tap into the necessary inputs without doing permanent damage to the vehicle. this process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days per vehicle. additionally, mistakes made during this installation can cost thousands of dollars to repair. once the vehicles are no longer to be used in the fleet, uninstalling them to be installed in other fleet vehicles ( or to provide for the sale of the decommissioned vehicle ) is an equally labor intensive process. the alternative to such laborious installation procedures is an obd - ii port connected device. these devices have the advantage of taking only minutes or hours to install and secure in the dash area of the vehicle. similarly, they are easily uninstalled at the end of a vehicle ' s service time. because they are so easily installed and uninstalled, their downside is that they are often disconnected before it is desired by the fleet owner. this could be from vibrations gradually loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, or a driver intentionally unplugging a device. the standard for obd - ii requires that the port be located within reach of the steering wheel, which typically results in the port being located in or around the foot well of a passenger vehicle. as such, a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting the device from the vehicle. furthermore, potential operators may seek to intentionally remove the devices, either to prevent the collection of vehicle data, or to steal the device. what is needed, therefore, is an obd - ii compliant connector that is easy for a technician to install and uninstall, but difficult for an operator to knock loose or remove without permission. it is to such systems and methods that embodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.
|
1. Technical Field Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to providing an on - board diagnostic port connector in an automobile with a lockable connection, and specifofally to a lockable connection that is discreet and easy to operate. 2. Background of Related Art On - board diagnostic regulations require passenger cars and trucks to be equipped wktt a standardized connector to provide access to the vehicles diagnostic information. Since 1996, the standard required has been one published in Society of Automotive Engineers paper SAE J1962, known as OBD - II (or OBD2 ). This standard specifies the signal and message protocols, the pinout of the connector, and the details of the connector itself. This standard connector is the access point for the diagnostic and operational information about the vehicle. The OBD - II port is crucial in such ^aaks as checking and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, allowing for governmental vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental instrumentation and telematics. These applications generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to the car ' s OBD - II port, commonly referred to as plug and remove. In the car rental and fleet vehicle industries, there is often a desire to have a device connected to the vehicle ' s diagnostics. These devices can be hard - wired into the vehicle ' s electronics, or they can be plugged into the vehicle ' s OBD - II port. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Devices that are hard - wired into the vehicle ' s electronics provide the most secure and least intrusive option. Such devices connect directly to the vehicle control unit or are spliced into the wiring harness of the vehicle. If done properly, these connections will be semi - permanent and very reliable. These devices also allow the OBD - II port to be unobstructed and be available for other devices to connect. Furthermore, since they are made in the vehicles wiring, they are rarely visible or otherwise evident without removing dashboard panels or looking in the engine bay. In a rental or fleet situation, the user not being aware of the device can be helpful to prevent tampering or removal. Though these hard - wired devices offer several advantages, their main drawback is the XoAt of time and labor associated with their proper installation. Proper installation of a hard - wired device requires a trained technician to first remove interior panels to access the wiring gecesDary. Once the technician has access to the wiring of the vehicle, great care must be taken to properly tap into the necessary inputs without doing permanent damage to the vehicle. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days per vehicle. Additionally, mistakes made during this installation can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Once the vehicles are no longer to be used in the fleet, uninstalling them to be installed in other fleet vehiclDQ (or to provide for the sale of the decommissioned vehicle) is an equally labor intensive process. The alternative to such laborious installation procedures is an OBD - II port connected device. These devices have the advantage of taking only minutes or hours to install and secure in the dash a5Ra of the vehicle. Similarly, they are easily uninstalled at the end of a vehicle ' s service time. Because they are so easily installed and uninstalled, their downside is that they are often disconnected before it is desired by the fleet owner. This could be from vibrations gradually loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, or a driver intentionally unplugging a device. The standard for OBD - II requires that the port be located within reach of the steering wheel, which typically results in the port being located in or around the foot well of a passenger vehicle. As such, a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting the device from the vehicle. FurthedmoTe, potential operators may seek to intentionally remove the devices, either to prevent the collection of vehicle data, or to steal the device. What is needed, therefore, is an OBD - II compliant connector that is easy for a technician to install and uninstall, but difficult for an operator to knock loose or remove without permission. It is to such systems and methods tTar embodiments of the present invention are primarily direSt4d.
|
1. Technical Field Embodiments of present relate providing an on-board diagnostic port connector in automobile a lockable connection, and specifically to a lockable connection that is discreet and easy to operate. 2. of Art On-board diagnostic regulations require passenger cars and trucks to be equipped with a standardized connector to provide access the vehicles diagnostic information. Since 1996, the standard required has been published Society Automotive Engineers SAE J1962, known as OBD-II (or OBD2). This standard specifies the signal and message protocols, the pinout of the connector, and the details of the connector itself. This standard connector is the access point for the diagnostic and information about vehicle. The OBD-II port is crucial in such as checking and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, allowing governmental vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental instrumentation and telematics. These applications generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to car's OBD-II port, commonly referred to as plug and In the car rental and fleet is often a desire to have a device connected to the vehicle's diagnostics. These devices can hard-wired into the vehicle's electronics, or they can be plugged into vehicle's OBD-II port. Each of these options has own advantages and Devices that hard-wired into vehicle's electronics provide the most secure and least intrusive Such devices connect directly to the unit or are spliced into the wiring harness of the vehicle. If done properly, these will be semi-permanent and very reliable. These devices also allow the OBD-II port to be unobstructed and be available for other devices to connect. Furthermore, since they are made in the vehicles wiring, they are rarely visible or otherwise evident without removing panels or looking in engine bay. In a rental or situation, the user not being aware the device can be helpful to prevent tampering or removal. Though these hard-wired devices offer several advantages, their main drawback is the of time labor associated with their proper installation. Proper installation of a hard-wired device requires a trained technician first remove interior panels to access wiring necessary. Once the technician has access to the wiring the vehicle, great care must be taken to tap into the necessary inputs without doing permanent damage to the This process can take from a few hours to a days per vehicle. Additionally, mistakes made during this installation can thousands of dollars to repair. Once the vehicles are no longer be used in the fleet, uninstalling them to be installed in other fleet vehicles (or to for the sale of the decommissioned vehicle) is an equally labor intensive process. The alternative to such laborious installation procedures is an OBD-II port connected device. These devices the advantage of taking only minutes or hours to install secure in the dash area of the vehicle. they are easily uninstalled at the of a time. Because they are so easily and downside is that they are often disconnected before it is desired the fleet owner. This could be from vibrations gradually loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, or a driver intentionally unplugging a device. The for OBD-II requires that the port be located within of the steering which typically results in the port located in around the foot well of a passenger vehicle. such, a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting the device from the vehicle. Furthermore, potential may seek to intentionally remove the devices, either to prevent the collection of vehicle data, or steal the device. What is needed, therefore, is an OBD-II compliant connector that is easy for a technician install and uninstall, but difficult for an operator to knock loose or remove without permission. It is to such systems and methods embodiments of the present invention are primarily directed.
|
1. TeCHNiCAl FIeLd
embodIments Of the PreSent iNvention rElatE GEnERALLy tO PROVIdInG An On-BOARD dIaGnostic porT COnneCTor iN an autOmOBILE with a LoCKAblE cOnnEctiOn, And SPecificaLly To A LoCkABlE ConnecTIoN ThAT iS dIsCrEeT AND EASy tO opeRatE.
2. bACkgroUND of reLaTEd arT
oN-BOARd DIAgnosTIC REgulaTIoNs rEQuire PASSeNgEr carS And TRUCKS tO Be eqUIPpEd witH A sTAnDarDIZED CONnECTor TO pROVIDE aCCEss to The VEhiCLEs dIagnosTIc INforMaTIOn. sINCE 1996, thE standARD rEQuired HaS beeN ONE PuBlisheD in SOCietY oF AUTOMotIve ENGInEERs PAPER SaE j1962, KNowN AS Obd-iI (Or Obd2). ThIS StaNDaRD SPEciFIeS ThE siGNal aND mESSAGe PROTOCoLS, thE pInOUt Of ThE cOnneCtOr, and thE dETAILS of the cOnNeCToR iTselF.
tHIS STANdarD CoNNeCtOr iS ThE accESs pOINT fOr tHe dIAGNoSTIc ANd OpEraTiOnAL iNformAtION aBoUt tHe veHICle. THe oBD-ii porT IS CRuCIal iN sUCh tASkS AS CheCKINg And clearinG diaGnOsTIC TRoUbLE cODEs, ALLOWING FOr goVErnMENTaL VehiclE iNSpEctIon, anD DrIVer PROVIdeD sUPplEmENtAl INSTrUMentaTIoN And teLeMATicS. thesE ApPLICAtIONs gENErallY invoLVE TempoRARY, anD vOlUntaRY, cONnECTiOnS TO thE caR's OBd-Ii PORT, CoMMoNly reFErrED to aS PLuG And reMOVe.
in ThE cAR REnTaL aNd fleeT VEhIcLE INDustrieS, there iS OFtEn a deSire to haVE A DEVice cONNECtED to the VehiclE's DIaGnoStics. tHesE dEviCeS caN Be HARd-WIReD intO tHe veHicLe's eLEctRoniCS, oR they Can Be plUGGeD Into The VEhICle's Obd-II POrt. eAcH Of tHeSe OPTiOnS hAs ItS OWn adVaNTAgEs aNd disAdvanTAGES.
DEvIcES ThAt arE HaRd-WiREd iNto the VehIClE's eLeCtRONIcS provIDe tHe mOsT SeCURE ANd lEasT intRUsive OpTIon. SUCH DeVicEs CONneCT dirECTlY TO thE VEHIClE cONTroL UNIT OR ARe splIced IntO THE wIRInG hARnEss oF ThE vEhIcle. IF DoNE propeRLY, tHesE coNNEcTIons wIlL bE sEmi-PerMANEnt aNd VERy REliable. tHeSe devIceS ALSo aLlOW the ObD-iI pOrt to Be UnobsTrUctEd aNd BE AVaILAble FoR Other deviCes TO conNect. FurtHERMoRE, SInCE THey aRe mADE In THe VEHICLES wirInG, ThEY ArE rarELY vISiblE Or OTHeRWIse evIdENt WithOuT ReMoviNg dashboaRD paNels oR LookiNg In thE EnGINE BAy. IN a rEnTAl oR fLeEt SITUATioN, The uSeR Not BEiNG awaRE oF THe deVICE can be HelpFuL tO PrEvENt TaMpERing OR rEmOVAl.
THOugH THeSE hARD-wiREd devicES ofFeR SEVERAL ADVanTAGeS, thEiR maIn DrAWbACK iS The COst of TIME aNd lAboR ASsocIatEd WiTH thEIr PropER INStAlLATIoN. PrOpEr instAlLATIOn of A HaRd-WIReD DEVice REquIReS a trAiNED TECHNiCiaN To FiRST REmOVe INTERIOR PaneLs to aCcEss thE wIrING nECessArY. once THE tEchniCIan Has aCcESS TO The WiriNG OF tHe VeHicLE, grEAt cARE mUst be TaKEN to proPERLy TAp InTo ThE NECessaRy InPUTS WithOuT DOINg peRManEnT DaMAGE to THE VehicLE. This pRocess can TAke AnYwHERe from A feW hoUrs TO a feW DaYS PEr vEHIcLe. AdDITionAlly, mistAkeS MADe DurING tHis INSTalLaTiON cAn cOsT THoUsaNds OF DOLlaRs TO repaIr. OnCE thE vEHicLeS ARe no lONgEr to bE uSEd iN the Fleet, UNinstAlLiNg tHEm tO be insTaLleD IN OtHeR fLEeT VEhIcLES (or tO prOVIde FoR ThE SaLe of tHe deCoMMIssiOned vEhIClE) iS an eQUALLY LaBoR INtENSiVE pRocESs.
tHE ALternatiVE To sUch laBOrIOuS iNStallaTIoN PRoCedURes is An oBd-Ii pORT cOnnECtEd deviCE. ThesE dEviCEs haVE The ADvANtAgE OF TAKiNg oNLy minUTeS oR houRS tO InStALL ANd seCUre iN The DaSH ARea of the vehICLe. siMilaRly, ThEy ARE eASiLy UNinStAlLED AT THE End oF a veHICLE'S SERvicE tiME.
BECauSE theY ARe SO EaSily INStAlLEd AND uninSTAlLEd, thEIr DOwnSIde Is tHAt ThEY aRe ofteN DiSConnECted Before IT is deSIreD BY tHE fLEet OWNER. ThiS cOUld Be frOm vIBRAtIoNS GRaDUaLlY LooSenING THE COnNEctIoN, AN OPerAtoR AcCIdeNTaLly kNOCKINg The PLuG oUT, OR A DRiver inTEntIONaLly unpLUGgINg A dEviCe. THE STaNDArD FOR Obd-Ii rEQuires thAT tHE PoRt be lOcaTEd wiTHin rEaCh OF ThE SteeRinG WheEL, WhIcH tyPICAllY resuLts In tHe poRt beInG LocATEd IN oR ArounD tHe foOt wELl Of a pasSEnGeR veHicle. as sUch, A driveR mAY aCCidENTAlLY coNtacT THe Plug, LOoseNInG OR diScOnNecTiNg the Device fRom The vehiCLE. FURtHeRmOrE, pOTeNtIAl OPERatORs mAy sEEK TO inTEntionalLY REMoVe ThE DEVICeS, EItHER TO preveNt tHe cOLlECtiOn OF VEhIcLe DATa, oR To stEal THe devIce.
WHAT IS NeEDed, THEREfORe, iS an oBD-ii compliANt connectOR tHAt IS EASY FOR A tEChNicIAn tO iNsTAlL anD UninStALl, But difFICuLt FOR AN OPeRaTOR to knOCk LoOSe or reMove WIthOUt PERMISSioN. IT iS TO SUch sYstEMs anD meTHOds tHat embodIMEnTs OF tHE prESEnT iNVEnTIoN Are PRImarIlY dirECTed.
|
1. Technical Field Embodimentsof the present invention relate generally to providing an on-board diagnosticport connector inan automobile with alockable connection, and specifically to alockableconnectionthat is discreet andeasy to operate. 2. Background of Related Art On-board diagnosticregulations require passenger cars and trucks to beequipped with a standardized connector to provide access to the vehicles diagnostic information.Since 1996, the standard required has been one published in Society ofAutomotive Engineers paper SAE J1962, knownas OBD-II (or OBD2). Thisstandard specifies the signal and message protocols, the pinout of the connector, and the details of the connectoritself. This standard connector is the access point for the diagnostic and operational information about the vehicle. The OBD-II port is crucial in such tasks as checking andclearing diagnostictroublecodes, allowing for governmental vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental instrumentationand telematics. Theseapplications generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to the car'sOBD-II port, commonly referred to as plug and remove. In the car rental and fleet vehicle industries,there is oftena desire to have a device connected to the vehicle's diagnostics. These devices can be hard-wired intothe vehicle's electronics, orthey can beplugged into the vehicle's OBD-II port.Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. Devices that are hard-wired into the vehicle's electronics provide the most secureand least intrusive option. Such devices connect directly to the vehiclecontrol unit or are spliced intothe wiring harness ofthevehicle. If done properly,these connections will be semi-permanent andvery reliable. These devices also allow the OBD-II port to be unobstructed andbeavailable for other devices to connect.Furthermore, since they are made in the vehicles wiring, they arerarelyvisible or otherwise evident without removing dashboard panels orlooking inthe engine bay. In a rental or fleet situation, the user not being awareof the devicecanbehelpful to prevent tampering or removal.Thoughthese hard-wired devices offer several advantages, theirmain drawbackis the cost of time andlabor associated with their proper installation. Properinstallation of ahard-wired device requires atrained technician to firstremoveinterior panels to access thewiring necessary. Once the technician has access to the wiring of the vehicle, great care must be taken to properlytap into thenecessary inputs without doing permanent damage to thevehicle. This process can takeanywhere from afew hours toa few days per vehicle. Additionally, mistakes madeduringthis installationcan cost thousands of dollars to repair. Once the vehicles areno longer to be used in the fleet, uninstalling them to be installed in otherfleet vehicles (orto provide for the sale ofthe decommissioned vehicle) isan equally labor intensive process. Thealternative to such laborious installation procedures is an OBD-II port connected device.These devices have the advantage oftaking onlyminutes or hours to install and securein the dash area ofthe vehicle. Similarly, they areeasily uninstalled at the endof a vehicle's service time. Because they are so easily installed and uninstalled, their downside is that they are oftendisconnected beforeit is desired by the fleet owner. This could be from vibrations gradually loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, ora driver intentionally unplugging a device. The standard for OBD-II requires that the port be located withinreachof the steeringwheel, which typically resultsin theport being located in or around the foot well of a passengervehicle. As such,a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting the device from the vehicle. Furthermore,potentialoperators may seek to intentionally remove the devices, either to prevent thecollection of vehicle data, or to steal the device. What is needed, therefore, is an OBD-II compliant connector thatis easy for a technician to install and uninstall, but difficult foran operatorto knock loose or remove without permission. It is to such systems and methods thatembodiments ofthe present inventionare primarily directed.
|
1. Technical Field _Embodiments_ of _the_ present invention relate generally to _providing_ an on-board diagnostic port connector in _an_ automobile _with_ a lockable connection, and specifically _to_ a lockable connection that is _discreet_ and easy to _operate._ 2. Background _of_ Related _Art_ On-board diagnostic regulations require passenger cars _and_ _trucks_ _to_ be equipped with a _standardized_ connector to provide access to the _vehicles_ diagnostic information. Since 1996, the standard _required_ has been one published _in_ Society _of_ Automotive _Engineers_ paper SAE J1962, known as OBD-II (or OBD2). This standard specifies the signal _and_ message protocols, _the_ pinout _of_ the _connector,_ _and_ the details of the _connector_ itself. This standard connector _is_ the access point for the diagnostic and _operational_ information about the vehicle. _The_ OBD-II port is _crucial_ in such tasks as checking and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, allowing for governmental vehicle inspection, and driver provided supplemental _instrumentation_ _and_ _telematics._ _These_ _applications_ generally involve temporary, and voluntary, connections to the car's _OBD-II_ port, commonly referred _to_ as plug and remove. In the car rental and fleet vehicle _industries,_ _there_ is often _a_ desire to have a device connected to the vehicle's diagnostics. _These_ devices can _be_ hard-wired into the vehicle's electronics, or they can be plugged _into_ the vehicle's OBD-II port. Each of these _options_ has its own advantages and disadvantages. _Devices_ that are hard-wired _into_ the vehicle's electronics _provide_ _the_ most secure and least intrusive option. _Such_ devices connect _directly_ to the vehicle control _unit_ or _are_ spliced into the wiring harness _of_ the vehicle. If _done_ properly, these _connections_ will be _semi-permanent_ _and_ very reliable. These devices also _allow_ _the_ OBD-II port to be unobstructed and be _available_ _for_ other devices to connect. Furthermore, since they are made in _the_ vehicles _wiring,_ _they_ are _rarely_ visible or otherwise evident without removing dashboard panels _or_ looking in _the_ engine bay. In a rental or fleet situation, the user not _being_ aware _of_ the device can be helpful to prevent tampering or removal. _Though_ _these_ hard-wired devices offer _several_ advantages, their main _drawback_ _is_ the cost of time _and_ labor associated with their _proper_ installation. Proper installation of a hard-wired device requires a trained technician to first remove interior panels to access _the_ wiring necessary. _Once_ the technician _has_ access _to_ the wiring of the vehicle, _great_ _care_ must be taken to _properly_ tap into the necessary _inputs_ without doing permanent damage to the vehicle. This _process_ _can_ take _anywhere_ from _a_ few hours to a few days per vehicle. Additionally, mistakes made during this _installation_ can _cost_ _thousands_ of dollars _to_ repair. _Once_ the vehicles are no longer to _be_ used in the _fleet,_ uninstalling them _to_ _be_ installed in _other_ fleet vehicles (or _to_ provide _for_ the sale of _the_ decommissioned _vehicle)_ _is_ an equally labor _intensive_ process. The alternative _to_ such laborious _installation_ procedures is an OBD-II port _connected_ device. These devices have the advantage of taking _only_ minutes or hours to install and secure _in_ _the_ dash area of the vehicle. Similarly, they are easily _uninstalled_ at the _end_ of a _vehicle's_ service time. Because they are so easily installed and uninstalled, their downside is _that_ _they_ are _often_ disconnected before it is desired by the _fleet_ owner. _This_ _could_ be from _vibrations_ _gradually_ loosening the connection, an operator accidentally knocking the plug out, _or_ a driver intentionally unplugging a _device._ _The_ standard _for_ OBD-II requires that the _port_ _be_ located within _reach_ of the steering wheel, which _typically_ results in the port being located in _or_ around the foot well of a _passenger_ vehicle. As such, a driver may accidentally contact the plug, loosening or disconnecting _the_ device from _the_ vehicle. Furthermore, _potential_ operators _may_ seek _to_ intentionally remove the _devices,_ _either_ to prevent the collection of vehicle data, or to _steal_ the device. What is needed, therefore, is an _OBD-II_ compliant _connector_ that _is_ _easy_ for a technician _to_ _install_ and uninstall, but difficult _for_ an operator to _knock_ loose or remove without permission. It is _to_ _such_ systems and methods that embodiments of the present invention _are_ primarily directed.
|
There are over 223,000 railroad grade crossings in the United States alone. Most of these crossings, especially those in rural areas, have only warning signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train. Typical of railroad grade crossing warning signs is the familiar X-shaped "RAILROAD CROSSING" sign or "crossbuck." Warning signs, however, only alert motorists to the presence of a railroad crossing and do not alert them to the presence of an oncoming train. Often, a motorist may fail to see an approaching train because he was distracted or because his view of the train was obstructed by environmental conditions or darkness. Consequently, collisions between trains and automobiles at railroad crossings account for thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in extensive property damage and serious injury or death to motorists.
Known to the art are active railroad crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approaching train and activate warning signal apparatus such as flashing lights and bells. These systems warn motorists when a train is detected at a predetermined distance from the crossing. However, present active warning systems do no take into account the speed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will take the train to reach the crossing. For example, a fast moving train may reach the crossing in only a few seconds after it is detected, while a slow moving train may fail to reach the crossing until several minutes have passed. Motorists may become impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing. Consequently, some motorists may begin to ignore the warnings and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should a fast moving train be encountered. Further, installation of current active warning systems may require the insulation and resetting of great lengths of track. Additionally, these systems may require the installation of expensive high voltage transformers, relays, and batteries for backup systems. Unfortunately, many rural crossings are not conducive to the installation of active warning systems that requires AC electrical power and extensive grade preparation. Consequently, these crossings usually remain inadequately protected. High speed rail corridors being proposed across the United States will only exacerbate this problem. These corridors will require improved crossing warning systems to properly secure the safety of both passengers and motorists.
|
there are over 223, 000 railroad grade crossings in the united states alone. most for these crossings, especially those in rural areas, have only warning signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train. typical of railroad grade crossing warning signs is the familiar x - rated " railroad crossing " sign or " crossbuck. " warn signs, however, only alert motorists to the presence of a railroad crossing and do not alert them to the presence of an oncoming train. often, a motorist may fail to see an approaching train because he was distracted or because his view of the train was obstructed by environmental conditions or pollution. consequently, collisions between trains and automobiles at railroad crossings account for thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in extensive property damage and serious injury or death to motorists. known to the art are active railway crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approaching train and activate warning signal apparatus such as flashing lights and bells. these systems warn motorists when a train is detected at a predetermined distance from the crossing. however, present active warning systems do often take into account the speed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will take the train to reach the crossing. for example, a fast moving train may reach the crossing in only a few seconds after it is detected, while a slow moving train may fail to reach the crossing until several minutes have passed. motorists may become impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing. consequently, some motorists may begin to ignore the warnings and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should a fast moving train be encountered. further, installation under current active warning systems may require the insulation and resetting of great lengths of track. additionally, these systems may facilitate the installation of expensive high voltage transformers, relays, and batteries for backup systems. unfortunately, many rural crossings are not conducive to the installation of active warning systems that requires ac electrical power and extensive grade preparation. consequently, these crossings usually remain inadequately protected. high speed rail corridors being proposed across the united states will only exacerbate this problem. these corridors will require improved crossing warning systems to significantly secure the safety of both passengers plus motorists.
|
There are over 223, 000 railroad grade crossings in the United States alone. Most of these crossings, especially thoew in rural areas, have only warning signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train. Typical of railroad graFW crossing warning signs is the familiar X - shaped " RAILROAD CROSSING " sign or " crossVIck. " Warning signs, however, only alert motorists to the presence of a railroad crossing and do not alert them to the presence of an oncoming train. Often, a motorist may fail to see an approaching train because he was distracted or because his view of the train was obstructed by environmental conditions or darkness. Consequently, collisions between trains and automobiles at railroad crossings account for thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in extensive property damage and serious injury or death to motorists. Known to the art are active railroad crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approaching train and activate warning signal apparatus such as flashing lights and bells. These systems warn motorists when a train is detected at a predetermined distance from the crossing. However, present active warning systems do no take into account the speed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will take the train to reach the crossing. For example, a fast moving train may reaDT the crossUnh in only a few seconds after it is detected, while a slow moving train may fail to reach the crossing until several minutes have passed. Motorists may become impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing. Consequently, some moForistz may begin to ignore the warnings and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should a fast moving train be encountered. Further, installation of current active warning systems may require the insulation and resetting of great lengths of track. Additionally, these systems may require the installation of expensive high voltage transformers, relays, and batteries for backup c6stems. Unfortunately, many rIrWl crossings are not conducive to the installation of active warning systems that requires AC electrical power and extensive grade preparation. Consequently, these crossings usIAlly remain inadequately protected. High speed rail corridors being proposed across the United States will only exacerbate this problem. These corridors will require improved crossing warning systems to properly secure the safety of bKtj passengers and motorists.
|
There are 223,000 railroad grade crossings in the United States alone. Most of these crossings, especially in areas, have only warning signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train. Typical of railroad grade crossing signs is the familiar X-shaped "RAILROAD CROSSING" sign or "crossbuck." Warning signs, however, only alert to presence of a railroad crossing and do alert them to the presence of an oncoming train. Often, a motorist may fail to see an approaching train because he was distracted or because his view the train was obstructed by environmental conditions or darkness. Consequently, collisions trains and automobiles at railroad crossings account thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in property damage and serious injury or death to motorists. Known to the art are active railroad crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approaching train and activate signal apparatus such as flashing lights and bells. These systems warn motorists when a train is detected at a predetermined distance from the crossing. However, present active systems do no into the speed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will take the train to reach the crossing. For example, a moving train may reach the crossing in only a few seconds after it is detected, while a slow train may fail to reach the crossing several minutes have Motorists may become impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing. Consequently, some motorists may begin to ignore the and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should a fast moving be encountered. Further, installation of current warning may require the insulation and resetting of great lengths of Additionally, these systems require the installation of expensive high transformers, relays, batteries for backup systems. many rural crossings not conducive to the installation of active warning systems that requires electrical power and extensive grade preparation. Consequently, crossings remain protected. High speed rail being proposed across the United will exacerbate this problem. These require improved crossing warning systems to properly secure the safety of both passengers and motorists.
|
therE aRe OVER 223,000 rAiLROAd graDE CRoSsiNGS In the uniTEd STATes aLoNe. Most of These CrOssINgS, eSPeCiaLLy THOse in rUraL areAs, Have oNlY WaRNIng siGns tO AlERT mOTorisTS To thE daNGER POseD By AN approAchiNg TRAIN. tyPIcAl OF rAIlRoAd gRaDE CrOsSInG WArNing siGNS is ThE FAMILiar x-SHAPed "RAiLroaD CrOSSINg" siGn OR "crOsSBuCK." Warning siGns, howeVEr, onLY AleRt moTorisTS TO The PrEsEnCe oF A RAiLrOaD CRoSSING AND do nOT aLerT them To thE pReSEnce of An oNcOmiNg tRaIN. oFTEN, A mOtOriSt maY FaIl To SEe aN ApProAcHIng tRaiN BecaUSe HE wAs DiStraCted Or BEcaUSE his ViEW oF THe TRAiN wAs obsTruCTeD BY ENviroNMeNTal cOnditioNS oR dARkNESs. ConseqUenTly, COlLISIoNS BetwEEN trAins aND AUtOmObiLes at railRoAd CROSSingS AccOUNt FOR thoUSANDs OF AcCIdENTS eAcH yeaR, MaNY OF wHicH REsulT in ExteNSiVE pROpErty damAge anD sERIous INJurY Or DeaTh TO mOToRiStS.
KnOWn to The ART are AcTIVe RaILROaD croSSiNG waRnIng sYsTEMs UtiLIzInG THE RAIlROad tRacKS TheMSeLVes tO DEtecT aN apPROAChinG TRAiN anD acTiVatE waRNINg SIGnAL appaRaTuS SuCh aS flashiNg lightS aNd bELLs. thESe sYSTeMS Warn motoRISTs wHEN a traIN Is DETECTeD At A pReDETeRMiNed DISTANCE frOM The CrOSsINg. hoWever, pResEnt ACTive waRniNg SySTemS DO no TAKe inTO aCcouNt THe SpeED of thE TRain aND thus MAke no AlLOWANCE FoR The TIME It WIlL tAKe thE trAiN To ReaCh THe cRoSSinG. FoR exampLe, a FaSt mOVing TraIN MAy rEACh tHe CRossiNg IN onLY A fEw SecondS afteR IT IS DeteCtED, wHILE a SlOw MOviNg Train MaY FAiL To reaCH tHE CRoSSiNG UNTIl sEveRAl MiNUtES hAvE PaSsED. MOtorISts MAy beCoMe IMpatienT WAitInG For sLow MOVINg TRAiNS tO reaCh tHe crosSiNg. cOnseqUently, soME MOtORIsTS maY Begin tO iGnoRe The waRnInGS aNd atteMpT to CrosS THe tracKS POSsiBlY CAusiNG aN AccIdeNT sHoULD a fAst MoVINg TrAin bE eNCOUNTERED. FurtHER, iNStalLAtION of cURREnt aCTIVE wARNINg SYSteMS MaY ReqUIre ThE iNsulatION aND reseTtiNG oF gReAT LEnGThs OF TRAck. adDItionaLlY, ThEse SYsTEmS MaY rEquirE The INSTaLLatIOn OF ExPensIVe HIGH VOLTaGe TRANsfORmERS, RelayS, AnD bAtTerIES FoR BackUp sysTEmS. UnFOrtuNATelY, ManY ruRAl cRossInGS aRe NOT coNDucIVe to thE insTALlATION Of ActIVE WarNIng SysTeMS thAT rEqUiReS ac eLECTRiCal POWeR aNd eXtEnsIVe GrAdE PREparaTiON. cOnseQueNtlY, THESe CRosSIngs USUALlY REMaIN inadEqUATELY PROTECtED. HIgH SpEeD RAil cORRIDors BEiNG prOPosed across The unitED StaTEs WILL OnLy EXacErbAte THiS PrObLem. tHESE cORridoRs wILL requirE IMProVeD CroSsING wARninG SYsTeMs to PrOPerlY sECure thE sAFety OF bOth PasseNgERS AnD motoRisTs.
|
There are over 223,000 railroad grade crossings in the United States alone.Most of these crossings, especially those in rural areas, have only warning signs to alert motoriststo the danger posed by an approaching train. Typical of railroad grade crossing warningsignsis the familiar X-shaped "RAILROAD CROSSING" sign or "crossbuck."Warning signs, however, only alert motorists to the presence of a railroad crossing and do not alert them to the presence ofan oncomingtrain. Often, a motorist may fail to seeanapproachingtrainbecause he was distracted or becausehisview ofthe train was obstructedby environmental conditions ordarkness. Consequently,collisions between trainsand automobiles atrailroadcrossings accountfor thousands of accidents each year, many of which result in extensive propertydamageand serious injury or deathto motorists. Knowntothe art are active railroad crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approachingtrain and activate warning signal apparatus suchas flashing lights and bells. These systems warn motoristswhen atrain is detected at a predetermineddistance from the crossing. However, present active warning systems do no takeinto account thespeed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will takethe train to reach the crossing. For example, a fast moving train may reach the crossing in only a few secondsafter it is detected,while a slow moving train mayfail to reach the crossing until several minutes have passed. Motoristsmaybecome impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing. Consequently,some motoristsmay begin to ignore thewarnings and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should afast moving train beencountered. Further, installationofcurrent active warning systems may require the insulation andresetting of great lengths of track. Additionally, these systems may require the installation of expensive high voltagetransformers, relays, and batteries for backupsystems. Unfortunately, many rural crossings are not conducivetothe installation ofactive warning systems that requires AC electrical power andextensive grade preparation. Consequently, these crossings usually remain inadequatelyprotected.High speed railcorridors being proposed across the United States will only exacerbate this problem. These corridors will require improved crossing warning systems to properly securethesafety of both passengers and motorists.
|
There are over 223,000 railroad grade _crossings_ _in_ the United States alone. Most _of_ these crossings, especially those in rural areas, have only _warning_ signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train. Typical _of_ railroad grade crossing warning signs is the familiar X-shaped _"RAILROAD_ CROSSING" sign or "crossbuck." Warning signs, _however,_ only alert _motorists_ to _the_ presence of _a_ railroad crossing and do not _alert_ them to the presence of an oncoming train. _Often,_ _a_ motorist may _fail_ to _see_ _an_ approaching _train_ because _he_ was distracted or because his view of the _train_ was obstructed by environmental conditions or darkness. _Consequently,_ collisions between trains _and_ automobiles _at_ _railroad_ crossings _account_ for _thousands_ of accidents each year, many of which result in extensive property _damage_ and _serious_ injury or death to motorists. Known to the art are active _railroad_ _crossing_ warning systems _utilizing_ the railroad tracks themselves to _detect_ an approaching train and _activate_ warning signal apparatus _such_ _as_ flashing lights and bells. These systems warn motorists when a train is _detected_ at _a_ predetermined _distance_ from _the_ _crossing._ _However,_ present active _warning_ _systems_ do no take into account the _speed_ of the train and thus make no allowance for _the_ time it will take the train _to_ reach the crossing. _For_ example, _a_ fast moving _train_ may reach the crossing in only a few seconds after it is _detected,_ _while_ a slow moving _train_ may fail to reach the crossing until _several_ minutes _have_ passed. _Motorists_ may become impatient waiting _for_ slow moving trains _to_ reach the crossing. Consequently, some motorists may begin to ignore the warnings and attempt to cross the _tracks_ possibly causing _an_ accident _should_ a fast moving train be encountered. _Further,_ _installation_ _of_ current active warning _systems_ may require _the_ insulation and resetting of great _lengths_ _of_ track. _Additionally,_ these systems may require the installation of expensive high voltage transformers, relays, and batteries for backup _systems._ Unfortunately, many rural crossings are _not_ conducive to the installation _of_ active warning systems that requires AC _electrical_ power and extensive grade preparation. _Consequently,_ these crossings usually remain inadequately protected. _High_ speed rail corridors _being_ proposed across the United States will only exacerbate this problem. These corridors _will_ require improved _crossing_ warning _systems_ to properly secure _the_ safety of both passengers and motorists.
|
The present invention relates to the field of information technology, including, more particularly, to systems and techniques for simplifying access to different applications.
Organizations look to their information technology (IT) department to plan, coordinate, and manage the computer-related activities of the organization. An IT department is responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. This may include analyzing the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determining immediate and long-range personnel and resource requirements.
Monitoring the computer-related activities of the organization is an increasingly difficult task because the modern workplace is a complex blend of multiple users and multiple applications which combine into a complex and dynamically evolving environment. For example, at any given time multiple applications may be executing on multiple machines or “in the cloud.” It can be hard to follow what is going on in the cloud, for an application, for a given user. Many organizations do not have systems for tracking how resources are used by applications and users.
Thus, there is a need to provide systems and techniques to manage computing resources.
|
the present invention relates to the field of information technology, including, more particularly, to systems and techniques for simplifying access to different applications. organizations look to it information technology ( it ) department to plan, coordinate, and manage the computer - related activities of the organization. an it department is responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. this may include analyzing the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determining immediate and long - range personnel and resource requirements. monitoring the computer - related activities of the organization is an increasingly important task because the modern infrastructure is a complex blend amongst multiple users and multiple applications which combine into a complex and dynamically evolving environment. for example, at any given time multiple applications may be executing on multiple machines or “ in the cloud. ” it can be hard to assess what is going on outside the cloud, for an application, typically a given user. many organizations do not have systems for predicting how resources are used by applications and users. thus, little is a need to integrate systems and techniques to manage computing resources.
|
The present invention relates to the field of information technology, including, more partJcu<arly, to systems and techniques for simpliv%ing access to different applications. Organizations look to their information technology (IT) department to plan, coordinate, and manage the coHouter - related activities of the organization. An IT department is responsible for upjrep, maintenance, and security of networks. This may include analyzing the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and st%ateg8c perspective and determining immediate and long - range personnel and resource requirements. Monitoring the computer - related activities of the organization is an increasingly difficult task because the modern workplace is a complex blend of multiple us@rW and multiO>e applications which combine into a complex and dynamically ev(lvijg environment. For example, at any given time multiple applications may be executing on multiple machines or “ in the cloud. ” It can be hard to follow what is going on in the cloud, for an application, for a given user. Many organizations do not have systems for tracking how resources are 7sev by applications and usW4s. Thus, there is a need to provide systems and techniques to manage computing resources.
|
The present invention relates the field of information technology, including, more particularly, to systems and techniques for simplifying access to applications. Organizations to their information technology (IT) to plan, coordinate, manage the computer-related activities the organization. An IT department is responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and security networks. This may include analyzing the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determining immediate and long-range personnel and resource Monitoring the computer-related activities of the organization is an increasingly difficult task the workplace is a complex blend of multiple users and multiple applications which combine into a complex and dynamically evolving environment. For example, at any given multiple applications may executing on machines or “in the cloud.” It can be hard follow what is going on in the cloud, for an application, for given Many organizations do not have systems for tracking resources used by applications and users. Thus, there is a need to provide systems and techniques to manage computing resources.
|
THE pREsEnT iNvenTIon ReLaTes TO The FieLd of INforMaTioN TECHnOloGY, inCLuDINg, more pArtiCulaRly, TO SysTEMs AND teChnIquES FOR SImPLifying ACCESS TO dIFFeRENt APpliCatIOns.
ORgANIzaTIONs looK tO THeiR inFOrMation TECHnoLogy (It) deparTMenT tO pLaN, cOOrDINAtE, And MAnAgE THE cOmPUteR-RELaTed AcTiViTieS of the oRgAniZatIoN. An iT DEpaRTMEnt IS respONsibLE FOr uPkeep, MAINtenANcE, aND seCurItY oF nEtWorKS. THiS mAY incLuDe AnAlyziNg THE COMputer aND iNFORmAtIoN Needs OF thEir OrGAnizaTIOnS FRoM AN opErAtioNaL aNd stRaTEGic PerSpECtIVE AND deTermINiNg iMmEdiAtE and loNg-rangE PerSonneL ANd resOuRCE rEQUIREmeNTs.
MonItORING THE CompuTEr-reLatEd aCtIviTIes OF the orgANIzatioN iS an increAsiNGLy DiFfiCUlt TaSK BEcaUSe The moderN WoRkPLAcE IS A COmplEX blENd oF MuLTIPLE USERS aND mUltIpLE aPplIcAtIoNs wHICH cOmbiNE iNTO A comPlEX And dYNaMicalLY eVOlVING EnvironmenT. fOR exAmPle, aT any givEn tIme multiPlE applIcatIONS mAy bE exEcUting on mUltiple MacHinES OR “IN tHe ClOUD.” iT can Be hard TO FolLOW what is gOinG ON IN The ClOud, FOr aN appLiCAtion, foR A given UsEr. many orGANizATioNS do nOT have SysteMs For TraCkIng How REsoUrCES are USEd by applicATiONS AND usERs.
tHus, tHeRe IS A NEeD TO proVIde SySTemS And tECHnIqUeS TO maNagE cOmputing REsOuRceS.
|
The present invention relates to the field of informationtechnology, including, more particularly, tosystems and techniques for simplifyingaccess to different applications. Organizations look totheir information technology (IT) department to plan, coordinate, and manage the computer-related activities of the organization. An IT department is responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. This may include analyzing thecomputer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determining immediate and long-range personnel and resource requirements. Monitoring the computer-related activities of the organization is an increasingly difficult task becausethe modern workplace is a complex blend of multiple usersand multiple applications which combine into a complex and dynamically evolving environment.For example, atany given time multipleapplications may be executing on multiple machinesor “in the cloud.” Itcan behard to follow what is going on in the cloud, for an application, for a given user.Many organizations do not have systems for tracking how resources are used byapplications andusers. Thus, there is a needto provide systems and techniques tomanage computing resources.
|
The present invention relates to the field _of_ information technology, including, _more_ _particularly,_ to _systems_ and _techniques_ for simplifying _access_ to _different_ applications. _Organizations_ look to their information technology (IT) _department_ to plan, coordinate, and manage the computer-related activities of the organization. An IT department is responsible for upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. This may include _analyzing_ _the_ computer and information needs of their _organizations_ from an operational and strategic _perspective_ and _determining_ immediate and long-range personnel _and_ resource requirements. _Monitoring_ the _computer-related_ _activities_ of _the_ organization _is_ an increasingly difficult task because the modern workplace is a _complex_ _blend_ of multiple users and multiple applications which combine into a complex and dynamically evolving environment. _For_ example, _at_ any given time _multiple_ applications may be executing on _multiple_ machines or “in the cloud.” It can be hard to _follow_ what is _going_ _on_ in the _cloud,_ for an _application,_ for a given user. _Many_ organizations do not have systems for tracking _how_ resources are used by _applications_ and _users._ Thus, there _is_ a need to provide systems and techniques to manage computing resources.
|
HotKnot is a near-field communication technology (which is mainly used in a capacitive touch screen) used in some smart terminal devices. This near-field communication includes two processes: proximity detection process and data transmission process. The proximity detection process of the near-field communication is: a touch screen terminal of one party sends a proximity detection sequence (for example, the proximity detection sequence includes six frequencies), and after receiving the proximity detection sequence, a touch screen terminal of the other party successively scans the multiple frequencies included in the proximity detection sequence. If signal strength at each frequency is greater than a preset signal strength threshold, it is considered that a signal source exists at the frequency. After the scan is completed, if signal sources exist at all frequencies, it is determined that the sequence is valid; otherwise, it is determined that the sequence is invalid. After it is determined that the sequence is valid, the receiving party feeds back a proximity response sequence to the sending party. After receiving the proximity response sequence, the sending party successively performs scan similarly, and determines whether the response sequence is valid. The determining manner is described above. When the two parties both consider that the sequence is valid, it is considered that sequence identification succeeds once. After the sequence identification succeeds for multiple times according to an interaction rule, it is determined that a touch screen terminal approaches. After the proximity detection succeeds, an interference source is turned off, and the data transmission process is started to send or receive data. During the proximity detection, the interference source such as an LCD is not turned off, there is a relatively big difficulty to correctly determine a frequency of the sequence, and setting of a signal strength threshold plays a particularly important role in determining of a signal. Therefore, it appears to be particularly important to be capable of setting a proper signal strength threshold according to a noise situation.
During proximity detection of two HotKnot (which is a type of near-field communication and is mainly used in the capacitive touch screen) devices, a drive signal of LCD scan, or common-mode interference when a charger is connected interferes with signal detection of the capacitive touch screen, which may cause an error when the proximity detection is performed by using the touch screen, and a case in which the two parties cannot enter or one party enters by a mistake. Currently, to enable the capacitive touch screen to adapt to different LCD interference intensities, noise reduction processing is usually performed on detected data. After the noise reduction processing, a signal strength threshold determining policy is used. If signal strength is greater than the threshold, it is considered that a signal is valid; otherwise, it is considered that the signal is an invalid signal. In addition, for the foregoing interference cases, an interference frequency is detected by using an instrument, and then the interference frequency is not used as a determining basis, thereby avoiding an interference sources.
However, in a current processing manner, there are at least two problems: 1) Although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength threshold, when interference occurs at some frequencies, signal strength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of a signal, and the frequencies are very difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification; and in addition, interference intensity often changes, detection reliability and sensitivity are difficult to be ensured if only one fixed signal strength threshold is used. 2) Interference in an actual environment often changes; if some fixed frequencies are not identified, although a situation of interference at the fixed frequencies can be improved, when the interference at the frequencies changes, the changed interference frequencies cannot be shielded, that is, a compatibility problem exists. Therefore, in the case of weak signal or strong interference, reliability and sensitivity of proximity detection are not high.
|
hotknot uses a near - field communication technology ( which is mainly embedded in a capacitive touch screen ) used in some smart terminal devices. this near - field communication includes two processes : proximity detection process and data transmission process. the proximity detection process of the near - field communication is : a touch screen terminal of one party sends a proximity detection sequence ( for example, the proximity detection sequence includes six frequencies ), and after receiving the proximity detection sequence, a touch screen terminal of the other party successively scans the multiple frequencies included in the proximity detection sequence. if signal strength at each frequency is greater than a preset signal strength threshold, it is considered that a signal source exists at the frequency. after the scan is completed, if signal sources exist at all frequencies, it is determined that the sequence is valid ; otherwise, it is determined that the sequence is invalid. after it is determined that the sequence is valid, the receiving party feeds down a proximity response sequence to the sending party. after receiving the proximity response sequence, the sending party successively performs quite similarly, and examines whether the response sequence is valid. the determining manner is described above. when the two parties both consider that the system is valid, it is evident that sequence identification succeeds once. after the sequence identification succeeds for multiple times according to an interaction rule, it is determined that a touch screen terminal approaches. after the proximity detection succeeds, an interference source is turned off, then the data transmission process is started to send or receive data. during the proximity detection, the interference source such as an lcd is not turned off, there is a relatively big difficulty to correctly determine a frequency of the sequence, and setting of a signal strength threshold plays a particularly important role in determining of a signal. therefore, it appears to be particularly important to be capable of setting a proper signal strength threshold according to a noise situation. during proximity detection of all hotknot ( which is a type of near - field communication and is mainly used in the capacitive touch screen ) devices, a drive signal of lcd scan, or common - mode interference when a charger is connected interferes with signal detection of the corresponding touch screen, which may cause an error when the proximity detection is performed by using the touch screen, and a case in which the two parties cannot enter or one party enters by a mistake. currently, to enable the capacitive touch screen to adapt to different lcd interference intensities, noise reduction processing is usually performed on detected data. after the noise reduction processing, a signal strength threshold determining policy is used. if signal strength is greater than the threshold, it is considered that a signal is valid ; otherwise, it is considered that the signal is an invalid signal. in addition, for the foregoing interference cases, an interference frequency is detected by using an instrument, and then the interference frequency is not used as a determining basis, thereby avoiding an interference sources. however, in a current processing manner, there are at least two problems : 1 ) although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength threshold, when interference occurs at some frequencies, signal strength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of a signal, and the frequencies are very difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification ; and in addition, interference intensity often changes, detection reliability and sensitivity are difficult to be ensured if only one fixed signal strength threshold is used. 2 ) interference in an actual environment often changes ; if some fixed frequencies are not identified, although a situation of interference at the fixed frequencies can be improved, when the interference at the frequencies changes, the changed interference frequencies cannot be shielded, that is, a compatibility problem exists. therefore, in the case of weak signal or strong interference, reliability and sensitivity of proximity detection are not high.
|
HotKnot is a near - field communication technology (which is mainly used in a capacitive touch screen) used in some smart terminal devices. This near - field communication includes two processes: proximity detection process and VXta transmission process. The proximity detection process of the near - field communication is: a touch screen terminal of one party sends a proximity detection sequence (for example, the proximity detection sequence iMcl*des six frequencies ), and after receiving the proximity detection sequeJde, a touch screen terminal of the other party successively scans the multiple frequencies included in the proximity detection sequence. If signal strength at each frequency is greater than a preset signal strength threshold, it is considered that a signal source exists at the frequency. After the scan is completed, if signal sources exist at all frequencies, it is determined that the sequence is valid; otherwise, it is determined that the sequence is invalid. After it is determined that the sequence is vwlis, the receiving party feeds back a proximity response sequence to the sending party. After receiving the proximity response sequence, the sending party successively performs scan similarly, and determines whether the response sequence is valid. The determining manner is described above. When the two parties both consider that the sequence is valid, it is considered that sequence identification succeeds once. After the sequence identification succeeds for multiple times according to an interaction rule, it is determined that a touch screen terminal approaches. After the proximity detection succeeds, an interference source is turned off, and the data transmission process is started to send or receive data. During the proximity detection, the interference source such as an LCD is not turned off, there is a relatively big difficulty to S0rrectly determine a frequency of the sequence, and setting of a signal strength threshold plays a particularly important role in determining of a signal. Therefore, it appears to be particularly important to be capZblR of setting a proper signal strength threshold according to a noise situation. During proximity detection of two HotKnot (which is a type of near - field communication and is mainly used in the capacitive touch screen) devices, a drive signal of LCD scan, or common - mode interference when a charger is connected interferes with signal detection of the capacitive touch screen, which may cause an error when the proximity detection is performed by using the touch screen, and a case in 3hicY the two parties cannot enter or one party enters by a mistake. Currently, to enable the capacitive touch screen to adapt to different LCD interference intensities, noise reduction processing is usually performed on detected data. After the noise reduction processing, a signal strength threshold determining policy is used. If signal strength is greater than the threshold, it is considered that a signal is valid; otherwise, it is considered that the signal is an invalid signal. In addition, for the foregoing interference cases, an interference frequency is detected by using an instrument, and then the interference frequency is not used as a determining basis, thereby avoiding an interference sources. However, in a current processing manner, there are at least two problems: 1) Although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength threshold, when interference occurs at some frequencies, signal strength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of a signal, and the frequencies are very difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification; and in addition, interference intensity often changes, detection re<iabipity and sensitivity are difficult to be ensured if only one fixed signal strength threshold is used. 2) Interference in an actual environment often changes; if some fixed frequencies are not identified, although a situation of interference at the fixed frequencies can be improved, when the interference at the frequencies changes, the changed interference frequencies cannot be shielded, that is, a compatibility problem exists. Therefore, in the case of weak signal or strong interference, reliability and sehsitivitT of prLxinity detection are not high.
|
HotKnot is a communication technology (which is mainly used in a capacitive touch screen) used in some smart devices. This near-field communication includes two processes: proximity detection and data process. The detection process of the near-field communication is: touch screen of one party proximity detection sequence (for example, the proximity detection sequence includes six frequencies), and after the detection sequence, a touch screen terminal of other party successively scans the multiple frequencies included in the proximity detection If strength at each frequency is greater a preset signal strength threshold, it is considered that a signal source exists at the frequency. the scan is completed, if signal at all frequencies, it is determined that the sequence is valid; otherwise, it is determined that the sequence invalid. After it is determined that the sequence is valid, the receiving party feeds back a proximity sequence to the sending party. After receiving the proximity response sequence, the sending successively performs scan similarly, and determines whether the response is valid. The determining manner is described When the two parties both consider that the is valid, it is considered that sequence identification succeeds once. After the sequence succeeds for multiple times according to an rule, it is determined that a touch screen terminal approaches. After the proximity detection succeeds, interference source is turned off, the data transmission process is started to send or receive During the proximity detection, the interference source such as an LCD is not turned off, there is a relatively difficulty to correctly determine a frequency the sequence, and setting of a signal strength threshold plays a particularly important role in determining of a Therefore, it to particularly important to be capable of setting proper signal strength threshold according to a noise situation. During proximity detection of two HotKnot (which is a type near-field communication and is mainly used in the capacitive touch devices, a drive signal of LCD scan, or common-mode interference when a charger is interferes with signal detection of the capacitive touch screen, which may cause an error when proximity detection is performed by using the touch screen, and a case in which two parties cannot enter or one party enters by a mistake. to enable the capacitive screen to to different LCD interference noise reduction processing is usually performed on detected data. After the noise reduction processing, a signal strength threshold determining policy is used. If signal strength is greater than the threshold, it is considered that a signal is it is considered that the signal is an invalid signal. addition, foregoing interference cases, interference frequency is detected by using an instrument, and then the interference frequency not used a determining basis, avoiding an interference sources. However, in a current processing manner, there are at least two problems: 1) Although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength threshold, when interference occurs at some frequencies, signal strength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of signal, and frequencies are difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification; and in addition, intensity often changes, detection reliability and sensitivity are difficult to be ensured if only one fixed signal strength threshold used. 2) Interference in an actual environment often changes; if some fixed frequencies are not identified, although a of at the fixed frequencies be improved, when the interference at the frequencies changes, the changed interference frequencies cannot be shielded, that is, compatibility problem exists. Therefore, in the case of weak or strong interference, reliability and sensitivity proximity detection are not
|
hotKnot IS A Near-fIeLd cOmMUniCaTiOn teCHNOLoGY (wHIcH IS mAinlY USED IN a CapaCitIVE tOUCh Screen) used In soME sMaRT terMinaL deviceS. THIS nEAr-fIelD coMmuNICatIon inCludES TwO PrOCEssEs: PRoXiMiTy deTecTion PRoCesS anD datA tRAnSMIssiON ProCeSS. the pRoXImiTY detectiON PrOCEss oF thE NeAR-fIELD comMUnIcaTion iS: A touCH scREen TerMInal Of One PartY SenDs a PRoximItY DetecTiOn SeqUEncE (FOR EXaMple, The pRoximITY dEtecTiOn seQUeNcE IncludeS siX FREQuENCIEs), AnD AFtER receiviNg THE pRoXImItY DetEcTion sEqUENce, A TOuCH sCREeN tErminAl OF The otHEr paRTy SUccessivEly SCANS THE mulTIpLE FrequencIES iNCLuDeD in ThE proXiMitY deTeCtIOn SEqUenCe. IF SIGnAl StRenGtH AT each FrequENcy is gREATer THaN a PREset SIgnAL StreNgTh tHrEShOlD, iT Is ConSidEreD tHaT A SiGNAL soUrce EXIsTs AT thE FREqUENcy. aFTER the SCan IS ComplEtEd, IF siGNAl SOUrces Exist At aLl freQUeNcIeS, It Is DEtermInEd thaT tHE sequenCe is VaLId; otheRWISE, It iS deTermiNED that tHE seQueNce IS invALiD. afTeR IT is DEteRmIneD That tHE sEQueNCe is VaLiD, the rEceiving PARTy feEDS BAcK A PROXiMitY ResPonsE SEqUeNce tO tHe sEndING PaRtY. AfTeR REcEIVInG ThE PRoxImitY REspONse SeQUENce, tHE SEnDiNG PArTy sUCcEssiVEly PeRForMs ScAN simiLaRlY, And deTERMINes wHEthEr tHE rEsPonsE sEQUENcE iS vALiD. THE DEtErmInInG mANNer iS descRibEd abovE. WhEn tHe twO PARTiEs both coNSIDeR ThAT The SeqUEnCe is vAlID, iT Is CoNSIDeREd ThAT sEquENcE idEntiFIcatIoN sUcceEds oNce. aFTEr THe SEqUencE IdEntiFICaTIoN SUcCeEDS for mUlTiPLE TimES aCcORding To AN iNtERAcTION RUle, iT Is dETerMINEd ThaT a TOUcH scReEn tERmInal aPpROAcheS. AfTEr ThE pRoxIMity DETeCTiOn SUcCeeds, an InTERfeReNCE SoURce iS turneD OfF, ANd thE DATa transmIssIon pRoCEss Is StarTED To SEnd OR rEceIvE data. DURiNg the PROXIMitY DEtEctiON, tHe InTERFeReNcE SoURCE such As an lCd Is NoT TUrNeD Off, ThERe IS a ReLaTiVelY BIG dIfFICultY to CorrectLY dEterMiNe A fRequeNcy of ThE SEQUENce, and SettinG OF a siGNaL STreNGTh THrESHold pLAYS a parTIcUlArlY impORtanT rOlE In DEtErMinIng of a sIgnaL. THeReFoRe, IT APpeARS To BE pArtiCuLArLy imPorTAnT To BE capAble oF seTtInG A PRopER SIgNAL streNGTh tHReSHOld AccOrding TO a noISE SItuAtION.
dUrING ProXImiTY DeTeCTioN Of TWO hOTKnot (WhIch iS A Type of neAR-FIELD CoMmuniCAtiOn ANd Is mAINly uSeD IN THE CAPacitiVE TouCh scREeN) dEVIcES, A DriVe SIgNaL oF lCd scan, OR CoMmon-MoDE INTERfEREnce wHen a CHArgeR is connEcTED IntErFeRes with sIGnaL dEtecTIOn Of THe CApACitIve toucH ScreeN, Which MAY CaUSE aN ErroR WhEn THe prOXiMiTY detECtION Is peRfORMeD bY uSinG THE Touch ScReeN, And a cASe iN WHICh THE Two PARtIes cannot EnTEr oR ONE PArTY ENTeRS by a mIsTaKE. CUrrenTLy, tO enaBle ThE CaPacITIvE TouCh scReen to ADApt to DIfferENT lCD INTeRFeReNce InTeNSitiES, noise RedUCtiOn pROcEssIng is Usually pERFoRmed ON DETecteD DATA. aftER thE noISe ReDuCtion pRocEsSiNG, a SIGnAl StrEnGtH tHrEshOld dETeRmiNinG PoLiCY iS USed. if SIgnAl StrEnGtH IS GreATeR THAn ThE THReShOLD, it iS CoNSIDered ThAT a SIgnaL iS VaLID; otHeRwISE, It iS CoNSIDERED tHat The sIgNAL iS An INvalId sIgnaL. iN ADdITion, for tHE FOrEgOIng iNteRfeREncE cAsEs, AN iNTeRfEREnCe frEquEnCY Is dETEcTED bY usinG AN iNStRUMeNt, and THEN the InTerfEReNCE FREQueNcY Is nOT usED as A dEtErMINiNG BaSIs, tHereby aVoIDiNg an INTERfEReNce SoUrCEs.
hOwEvEr, iN a CUrreNT ProCESSING maNNeR, tHere ARE aT leAST TWO PRoblems: 1) AltHouGH SOme ProbLEmS Can Be SoLveD BY usInG a pRopEr SIGNAl sTRENGth tHReSHOLd, wheN InTERfERENCe ocCuRs At sOmE FREQuenCiEs, sIGNaL STREnGTH Of NOIsE Is SOMetimeS GReatER tHan streNgTH oF a SIGNaL, anD THE fRequencIEs ARe veRy difFIcULt tO bE IdenTifIED, whiCh fINalLY ResulTs iN fAILuRe Of eNTiRE SEQUENcE IDEntIFiCATIOn; aNd iN AdDITiON, intERfeREnCE INtensity OfTEn CHaNgeS, DEtecTION rELIabILiTY And SEnSiTIvIty ArE diFfiCUlt tO be EnsurEd IF oNLY ONe fIxED sIgNaL strENgtH ThREshOLD is useD. 2) inteRFeRENcE in AN aCtUAl EnvIrONmeNT OftEN ChANGEs; if sOMe Fixed fReQuEncies are NOt identIfIeD, AltHOUgH a SItuatiOn OF inteRFERence aT THe FIXed FrEQueNCiES Can be iMprOved, when the INTerFErence aT the freqUENCies chAnGeS, ThE cHanged INteRferENce freQUeNciES CaNnot be SHIeLDed, THAT IS, A cOmpatIBIliTY PROBLEm ExISTS. TherefoRe, In tHe case oF wEak signaL or stRoNg InTerfEREncE, reLiaBiliTY ANd seNsITiviTY of PROXImIty DeTectION ArE not HigH.
|
HotKnotis anear-field communication technology (which is mainly used in a capacitive touch screen) used in some smart terminal devices. This near-field communicationincludestwoprocesses: proximitydetection process anddata transmissionprocess. The proximity detection process of the near-field communication is: atouch screen terminal of one partysends a proximity detection sequence (for example, the proximity detection sequence includes six frequencies), and after receiving the proximitydetectionsequence, a touch screen terminalofthe other party successively scans the multiple frequencies included inthe proximitydetection sequence. If signal strength at each frequency is greater than apreset signal strength threshold, itis considered that a signal source existsat the frequency. After the scan is completed, ifsignal sources exist at all frequencies, it is determined that the sequence isvalid; otherwise, it is determined that the sequence is invalid. Afterit is determined that the sequence is valid, thereceiving party feeds back a proximity responsesequence to the sending party.After receiving theproximityresponse sequence,thesending party successively performs scansimilarly, and determines whether the response sequence is valid. The determiningmanner is describedabove. When the two parties both consider that the sequence is valid, it is considered that sequence identification succeeds once. Afterthe sequence identification succeeds for multiple times according to an interaction rule,it is determined that a touch screenterminal approaches. After the proximity detection succeeds, an interference source is turned off,andthedata transmission process is startedto send or receive data.During the proximity detection, the interference source such as an LCD is not turned off, there is a relatively big difficulty tocorrectlydetermine a frequency ofthe sequence, and setting of a signal strength threshold plays a particularly important role in determining of a signal. Therefore, it appearsto be particularly importantto becapable of setting a proper signal strength threshold according to a noise situation. During proximity detection of two HotKnot (whichisatype of near-field communication and is mainly used in the capacitive touch screen)devices, a drive signal of LCD scan, or common-mode interference whena charger is connected interferes with signal detection of the capacitive touch screen, which may cause an error when the proximity detection is performed by using the touchscreen, and a case in which the two parties cannot enter or one party enters by a mistake. Currently, to enablethe capacitive touch screen to adapt to different LCD interference intensities, noise reduction processingis usually performed on detected data. After the noise reduction processing, a signal strength threshold determining policy isused. If signalstrength isgreater than the threshold, it is considered that a signal isvalid; otherwise, it is considered that the signal is an invalidsignal. In addition, for the foregoing interference cases, an interference frequency is detected by using an instrument, andthen the interference frequency is not used as a determining basis, thereby avoiding an interference sources. However, in a current processing manner, there areat leasttwo problems: 1) Although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength threshold, when interference occurs at somefrequencies, signalstrength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of a signal, and the frequenciesare very difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification; and in addition, interferenceintensity often changes, detection reliability and sensitivity aredifficult to be ensured if onlyone fixed signal strengththreshold is used. 2) Interference in an actual environment often changes; ifsome fixed frequencies are not identified, although a situation of interferenceatthe fixed frequencies can be improved, when the interference at the frequencies changes, the changed interference frequencies cannot be shielded, that is, acompatibility problem exists. Therefore, in the case of weak signal or strong interference, reliability and sensitivity of proximitydetection are not high.
|
HotKnot is a near-field communication technology _(which_ _is_ _mainly_ _used_ in _a_ capacitive touch screen) _used_ _in_ some smart _terminal_ devices. This near-field _communication_ includes two processes: proximity detection process and data transmission process. _The_ proximity detection process of the near-field _communication_ _is:_ a touch screen terminal of one party sends a proximity _detection_ _sequence_ (for _example,_ the proximity _detection_ sequence includes six _frequencies),_ _and_ _after_ _receiving_ _the_ proximity detection sequence, a _touch_ _screen_ terminal of the _other_ _party_ successively scans the multiple frequencies included in the _proximity_ detection sequence. If _signal_ strength _at_ _each_ frequency is greater than a preset signal strength _threshold,_ it is considered that a signal source _exists_ at _the_ frequency. After the scan _is_ completed, if signal sources exist at _all_ frequencies, it _is_ determined that _the_ sequence is valid; otherwise, it is determined that the _sequence_ is invalid. _After_ _it_ is determined that _the_ sequence is valid, the receiving party feeds back a _proximity_ response _sequence_ to the _sending_ party. After _receiving_ the proximity response sequence, the sending party _successively_ performs scan _similarly,_ and _determines_ whether the response sequence is _valid._ _The_ determining _manner_ is described above. When _the_ two parties both consider that the _sequence_ is valid, it is _considered_ _that_ sequence identification succeeds once. After the sequence identification succeeds for multiple times _according_ to an interaction rule, it is determined that a touch screen terminal approaches. _After_ the _proximity_ detection succeeds, _an_ interference source _is_ turned off, and the _data_ transmission process is started to send or receive data. During the proximity _detection,_ _the_ interference source such as an LCD is not turned off, _there_ is a relatively big difficulty to correctly determine a _frequency_ of the sequence, and _setting_ _of_ a _signal_ _strength_ _threshold_ plays a particularly important role in determining of _a_ signal. _Therefore,_ it appears to be particularly important to _be_ capable of setting a _proper_ signal strength threshold according to a noise situation. During _proximity_ _detection_ of two HotKnot (which is a type of near-field communication and is mainly used _in_ the capacitive touch _screen)_ devices, a drive _signal_ of LCD _scan,_ _or_ _common-mode_ interference when a charger is connected _interferes_ _with_ signal _detection_ of the capacitive touch _screen,_ _which_ may _cause_ _an_ error when the proximity detection is performed by using _the_ touch _screen,_ and a case in which the _two_ parties cannot enter or one _party_ enters by a mistake. Currently, to enable the _capacitive_ _touch_ screen _to_ adapt _to_ _different_ LCD interference intensities, noise reduction processing is usually performed on detected data. After _the_ _noise_ reduction processing, a _signal_ strength threshold determining policy _is_ _used._ If signal strength _is_ greater than the threshold, it is _considered_ that a signal is _valid;_ otherwise, it is considered _that_ the _signal_ is an invalid signal. In addition, for the foregoing interference cases, _an_ _interference_ frequency is detected by using _an_ instrument, and then the interference frequency is not used as a determining _basis,_ thereby avoiding an _interference_ sources. However, in a _current_ processing manner, there are at least _two_ problems: 1) Although some problems can be solved by using a proper signal strength _threshold,_ when interference occurs _at_ _some_ frequencies, signal strength of noise is sometimes greater than strength of a signal, _and_ the frequencies are very difficult to be identified, which finally results in failure of entire sequence identification; and in addition, interference intensity often changes, detection reliability and sensitivity _are_ difficult to _be_ ensured if _only_ one _fixed_ signal strength threshold is _used._ 2) _Interference_ in _an_ actual environment _often_ changes; if _some_ fixed frequencies _are_ not identified, although a _situation_ _of_ interference _at_ the fixed frequencies can be improved, _when_ the _interference_ at the frequencies _changes,_ the changed interference frequencies cannot be _shielded,_ that is, a compatibility problem exists. Therefore, in the _case_ of weak signal or strong interference, reliability and sensitivity of _proximity_ detection are _not_ high.
|
Power over Ethernet systems are seeing increasing use in today's society. Power over Ethernet, sometimes abbreviated PoE, refers to providing power to Ethernet devices over an Ethernet line that is also used to communicate data. Thus, power over Ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. In some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supply contained within an Ethernet switch. Because the power supply does not generally have the power capability to supply maximum power to every port, there is a limit on the number of power over Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A port may be denied power, if it will result in oversubscription of the power supply. Example power over Ethernet devices that can benefit from receiving power over the Ethernet communication lines include an internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, a video camera, and others.
Traditionally, when a power over Ethernet device is connected to a power supply, the power over Ethernet device is allocated a maximum power class according to IEEE standard 802.3af denoted as class 0 thru 4. These maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of power that will be supplied by the power supply to the power over Ethernet device. IEEE standard 802.3af provides for three levels of 15.4 watts, 7.5 watts, and 4.0 watts for these power over Ethernet devices. In certain circumstances, such allocation prevents the power supply from being utilized to its full capability due to the coarse granularity in class.
A software program referred to as Cisco Discovery Protocol allows for more granular specification of the limit for the power over Ethernet powered devices other than the above-described IEEE levels. However, the power supply still may have unutilized capacity.
|
power under ethernet systems are seeing increasing use in society ' s society. power over ethernet, sometimes abbreviated poe, refers to providing power to ethernet devices over an ethernet line that is also used to communicate data. thus, power over ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. in some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supply contained under an ethernet switch. because the power supply does not generally have the power capability to supply maximum power to every port, there is a limit on the number of power over ethernet devices that can become connected to a given power supply. a port may be denied power, if it will result in oversubscription of the cpu supply. example power over ethernet connections that can benefit from receiving power over the ethernet communication lines include an internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, a video camera, and others. traditionally, when a power over ethernet device is connected to a power supply, the power over ethernet device is allocated a maximum power class according to ieee standard 802. 3af denoted as class 0 – 4. 5 maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of power that will be supplied by the power supply to the power over ethernet device. ieee standard 802. 3af provides for three levels of 15. 4 watts, 7. 5 watts, and 21. 0 watts for these power over fiber devices. in certain circumstances, such allocation prevents the power supply from being utilized to its full capability due to the coarse granularity in class. a software program referred to as cisco discovery protocol allows for more granular specification of the limit for the power over ethernet powered devices other than the above - described ieee levels. however, the power supply still may have unutilized capacity.
|
Power over Ethernet systems are seeing increasing use in today ' s society. Power over Ethernet, sometimes abbreviated PoE, refers to providing power to Ethernet devices over an Ethernet line that is also used to communicate data. Thus, power over Ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. In some insranc#s, the power may be supplied by a power supply contained within an Ethernet switch. Because the power supply does not generally have the power capability to supply maximum power to eF$ry port, there is a liHi$ on the number of power over Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A port may be denied power, if it will result in oversubscription of the power supply. Example power over Ethernet devices that can benefit from receiving power over the Ethernet communication lines include an internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, a video camera, and others. Traditionally, when a power over Ethernet device is connected to a power supply, the power over Ethernet device is allocated a maximum power class according to IEEE standard 802. 3af denotFv as class 0 thru 4. These maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of power that will be supplied by the power supply to the power over Ethernet device. IEEE standard 802. 3af provides for three levels of 15. 4 watts, 7. 5 watts, and 4. 0 watts for these power over Ethernet devices. In certain circumstances, such allocation prevents the power supply f#on beigF utilized to its full capability due to the coarse granularity in class. A software program referred to as Cisco Discovery Protocol al?owz for more granular specification of the limit for the power over Wtjernet powered devices other than the above - described lEE2 levels. However, the power supply s^il; may have unutilized capacity.
|
Power over Ethernet systems are seeing increasing in today's society. Power over Ethernet, sometimes abbreviated PoE, refers to providing power to Ethernet devices over an Ethernet line that is also to communicate power over Ethernet devices do require separate power supply lines. In some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supply contained within an Ethernet switch. Because power supply does not generally have the power capability supply maximum power to every there is limit on the number of power over Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A port may be denied if it result in oversubscription of the power supply. Example power over Ethernet devices that can benefit from receiving power over the Ethernet lines include an internet protocol telephone, badge reader, wireless access point, a video camera, and others. Traditionally, when a power over Ethernet device connected to a power supply, power over device is allocated a maximum power class according to IEEE standard 802.3af denoted as class 0 thru 4. These maximum values correspond the maximum of power that will be supplied by power supply to the power over Ethernet device. IEEE standard 802.3af provides for levels of 15.4 watts, 7.5 watts, and 4.0 watts these devices. In certain circumstances, such allocation prevents the power supply from utilized to its full capability due to the coarse granularity in class. software program referred to Cisco Discovery Protocol allows for more granular specification of the for the power over Ethernet powered devices other than the above-described IEEE levels. However, the power supply still may have unutilized capacity.
|
POWEr oVer ethERNet sYsTeMs Are Seeing iNCrEaSiNg USE iN ToDaY'S SOcIETY. POWER ovEr ETherNEt, someTimes ABBREViaTeD POE, REfers to prOVIDINg power TO ethErNet dEvICes oVeR AN ETherNEt LIne that IS alSO uSed to ComMUNIcATe dATA. thus, POWER ovER etHeRnet DevICEs dO NOT REQuire SePaRAtE PowER SupPlY lInEs. iN sOmE instAnCES, the POwER MaY bE sUpPliEd by A poWER sUppLy ConTaInED withIn An eThErNEt swItcH. BEcAuSE the PoWeR SupplY DOES NOT GENeRALlY hAVe thE PoWEr CapabILITy tO SUpPLY MaXimum poWeR to EVErY PORt, tHeRE is A lImiT on tHE NuMBeR Of PoweR Over etherNeT DEviCES ThaT cAn Be cONnEcTed to a gIven POweR SuPPly. a PoRT May be DeniEd poWeR, IF iT will ReSuLT IN oVeRsubscRiptiON oF tHe poweR SupPly. ExaMple pOWEr ovEr etHERNeT DEviCEs thAt CAN bEnEfit FROm recEIvIng pOWer OVeR tHE EthErnEt COMMUNicatION LinES iNClude AN INTERNet ProToCOL TelephoNE, a BaDGE REaDeR, A WIReless aCceSS pOINt, a vIDEO CamerA, and oTHERS.
TRAdItiONALLy, WhEn a pOwER OveR EthErNeT dEVICe Is CoNNECTED to A POWeR Supply, thE pOWer oveR EtHERnet DEVIce IS aLLoCATEd A MAXIMuM poWER cLass ACcOrDinG To IeEe STAndARD 802.3Af DEnOTEd as cLaSs 0 thRu 4. These maximUm VAlUEs corReSpONd TO ThE mAxImUm AMOuNt Of pOWEr ThaT wilL bE SUpplIEd by THe POweR Supply to THe POWeR OveR EThErnet DEviCE. iEEe stanDARD 802.3af pROvIDES FOR ThReE LEvels OF 15.4 WAtTS, 7.5 Watts, And 4.0 wattS foR ThESe POWer OVeR ETHERnet DeviCES. in CeRTAiN ciRCumstAnces, such Allocation prEvEnts THe PowEr SUPply froM bEing uTilized To itS fuLL cAPABiliTY dUE to tHe cOArSE gRANuLAritY iN ClaSs.
A SOftWaRe PRoGrAm reFeRreD To AS cIScO dISCoVerY pRotOcoL alloWS for mORe GRanuLaR SpECiFicaTiOn of ThE LimIT FOR the pOweR oVeR ETHErNET pOWEReD deViceS othER ThaN tHE aBoVE-dEscRIbeD IEEe leVeLs. HoweVeR, tHe powEr SuPply still MAy havE uNUtIlIZEd CApaCIty.
|
Powerover Ethernet systemsare seeing increasing use in today's society. Power over Ethernet, sometimes abbreviatedPoE, refers to providingpower to Ethernet devices over an Ethernet line that is alsousedto communicate data. Thus, power over Ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. In some instances, the power may be supplied by a power supply containedwithin an Ethernet switch. Because the powersupply does not generally have the power capability tosupply maximum power to every port, there is a limit on the number of power overEthernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A port may be denied power,if it will resultin oversubscription ofthe power supply. Example power over Ethernetdevices that can benefit from receiving powerover the Ethernet communication lines include an internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a wireless access point, avideo camera, andothers. Traditionally, when a powerover Ethernet device is connected to a power supply, the poweroverEthernet device is allocatedamaximum power class according to IEEE standard802.3af denoted as class 0 thru 4.These maximum values correspond to the maximum amount ofpower that will be supplied by the powersupply to the poweroverEthernet device. IEEE standard 802.3af provides forthree levels of 15.4 watts, 7.5 watts, and 4.0 watts for these power over Ethernetdevices. In certain circumstances, suchallocation preventsthe power supply from being utilized to its full capability due to the coarse granularity in class. A software program referred to as Cisco Discovery Protocol allows for more granular specification of thelimit forthe power over Ethernet powered devices other than the above-describedIEEE levels. However, the power supplystill may have unutilized capacity.
|
_Power_ over Ethernet systems _are_ seeing increasing use in today's society. Power _over_ Ethernet, sometimes abbreviated _PoE,_ refers _to_ _providing_ _power_ to Ethernet devices over an Ethernet _line_ _that_ is also used to communicate data. Thus, power _over_ Ethernet devices do not require separate power supply lines. In _some_ instances, _the_ power may be supplied _by_ a power supply contained within an Ethernet switch. Because the _power_ supply does not _generally_ have the power capability to supply maximum power to every port, there is a limit on the _number_ of power over Ethernet devices that can be connected to a given power supply. A _port_ may be denied power, if _it_ _will_ result in oversubscription of the power supply. Example power over Ethernet _devices_ that can benefit from receiving _power_ over the Ethernet communication lines include _an_ internet protocol telephone, a badge reader, a _wireless_ access _point,_ a video camera, and others. Traditionally, _when_ a power over _Ethernet_ device is _connected_ to a _power_ _supply,_ the _power_ over Ethernet device is allocated a maximum power class _according_ to IEEE standard 802.3af denoted as class _0_ thru 4. _These_ maximum values correspond to the maximum amount of power that will be _supplied_ by the power supply to _the_ power _over_ Ethernet _device._ IEEE _standard_ _802.3af_ provides _for_ three levels of 15.4 _watts,_ 7.5 watts, and 4.0 watts for these power over _Ethernet_ devices. _In_ certain circumstances, such allocation prevents the _power_ supply from being utilized to its _full_ capability due to the coarse granularity in class. _A_ software program referred to as Cisco _Discovery_ Protocol allows for _more_ granular specification of the limit _for_ the power _over_ Ethernet _powered_ devices other than the above-described IEEE levels. _However,_ the power supply still may have unutilized _capacity._
|
This invention pertains to speed regulators for direct current DC motors and, more particularly, is concerned with open loop speed regulators for DC motors.
DC motors find numerous applications because of their intrinsic variable speed characteristics and capabilities which offer very high speeds and small size.
The rotating member of a DC motor is named the armature and the stationary member is named the field. The armature has windings and the field can have either windings or permanent magnets.
Some applications have a need for constant speed regardless of torque. A general statement about DC motors is that with an increase in torque, speed will drop and current will increase, assuming a constant input voltage. The amount each parameter varies depends on the type of motor. For a motor with the armature and field winding connected in series the drop in speed will be more pronounced than the increase in current. For motors with shunt connected windings or permanent magnet fields the opposite is true, the speed will be more nearly constant while there is a marked increase in current. There will be some drop in speed however, and this amount may be undesirable in critical applications. For this reason, a number of constant speed controls have been devised over the years.
Speed regulating systems may be classified as either closed loop or open loop. Closed loop systems derive a signal from the actual speed of the motor with a tachometer, for example, and use the signal in a feedback loop.
An open loop system does not measure speed directly but measures some other parameter. In some open loop systems the measured parameter is current.
A well known example of an open loop motor regulating system includes a resistor in series with the input of the motor. The voltage across the resistor corresponds to motor current and is directed to a control circuit. The resistor voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. A change in resistor voltage indicates a change in torque and indirectly indicates a change in speed. In response to the resistor voltage the control circuit adjusts the voltage to the motor thereby supplying the right amount of power required to maintain a constant speed over variations in torque.
The series resistor causes I.sup.2 R power losses particularly when during high torque conditions because current is high. These losses cause heat build-up and a need for a larger power supply capability.
It will be seen that a speed regulator according to the present invention does not require a resistor in series with the motor and is thereby more efficient.
|
this invention pertains to speed regulators for direct current dc motors and, more particularly, is concerned with open loop speed regulators for dc motors. dc motors find numerous applications because of their intrinsic variable speed characteristics and capabilities which offer very high speeds and small size. the rotating member of a dc motor is named the armature and the stationary member is named the field. the armature has windings and the field can have either windings or permanent magnets. some applications have a need for constant speed regardless of torque. a general statement about dc motors is that with an increase in torque, speed will drop and current will increase, assuming a constant input voltage. the amount each parameter varies depends on the type of motor. for conventional motor with the armature and field winding connected in series the drop in speed will be more pronounced than the increase in current. for motors with shunt connected windings or permanent magnet fields the opposite is true, the speed should be more nearly constant while there is a marked increase in current. there will be some increase in speed however, and this fact may be undesirable in future applications. to this reason, a number of constant speed controls have been devised over the years. speed regulating systems may be classified as either closed loop or open loop. closed loop systems derive a signal from the desired speed of the motor with a tachometer, for example, and use the signal in a feedback loop. an open loop system does not measure speed directly but measures some other parameter. in some open loop systems a measured parameter is current. a well known application of an open loop motor operating system includes a resistor in series with the input of the motor. the voltage across the resistor corresponds to motor current and is directed to a control circuit. the resistor voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. a change in resistor voltage indicates a change in torque and indirectly indicates a change in speed. in response to the resistor voltage the control circuit adjusts the voltage to the motor thereby supplying the right amount of power required to maintain a constant speed over variations in torque. the series resistor causes i. sup. 2 r power losses particularly when during high torque conditions because current is high. these losses cause heat build - up and a need for a larger power supply capability. it will be seen that a speed regulator according to the present invention does not require a resistor in series with the motor and is thereby more efficient.
|
This invention pertains to speed regulators for direct current DC motors and, <o$e particularly, is concerned with open loop speed regulators for DC motors. DC motors find numerous applications because of their intrinsic variable speed characteristics and capabilities which ifBer very high WpeeCs and small size. The rotating member of a DC motor is named the armature and the stationary member is named the field. The armature has windings and the field can have either windings or permanent magnets. Some applications have a need for constant speed regardless of torque. A general stztem#nt about DC motors is that with an increase in torque, speed will drop and current will increase, assuming a constant input voltage. The amount each parameter varies depends on the type of motor. For a motor with the armature and field winding connected in series the drop in speed will be more pronounc2v than the increase in current. For motors with shunt connected windings or permanent magnet fields the opposite is true, the speed will be more nearly constant while gher$ is a marked increase in current. There will be some drop in speed however, and this amount may be undesirable in critical applications. For this reason, a number of constant speed controls have been devised over the years. SLees regulating systems may be classified as either closed loop or open loop. Closed loop systems derive a signal from the actual speed of the motor with a tachometer, for example, and use the signal in a feedback loop. An open loop system does not measure qpSed directly but measures some other parameter. In some open loop systems the measured parameter is current. A well known example of an open loop motor regulating system inS>udes a resistor in series with the input of the motor. The voltage across the resistor corresponds to motor current and is directed to a control circuit. The resistor voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. A change in resistor voltage indicates a change in torque and indirectly indicates a change in speed. In response to the resistor voltage the control circuit adjusts the voltage to the motor thereby supplying the right amount of power required to maintain a constant speed over variations in torque. The series resistor causes I. sup. 2 R power losses partidular:y when during high torque conditions because current is high. These losses cause heat build - up and a need for a larger power supply capability. It will be seen that a speed regulator according to the present invention does not require a resistor in series with the motor and is thereby more efficient.
|
This invention pertains to speed regulators for direct current DC motors more particularly, is concerned with open loop speed regulators for DC motors. DC motors find numerous applications because of their intrinsic variable characteristics and capabilities which offer very high speeds and small size. The rotating member of a DC motor is named the armature and the stationary member is named the field. The armature has windings the field can have either windings or permanent applications have a need for constant regardless torque. A statement about DC motors is that with an increase in torque, speed will drop and current will increase, a constant input voltage. The amount each parameter varies depends on type of motor. For a motor with the armature and field winding connected in series the drop in speed be pronounced than the in current. For motors with shunt connected or permanent magnet fields the opposite is true, the speed will be more nearly constant while there is a marked increase in current. There will be some drop in speed however, and this may be undesirable in critical applications. this reason, number of constant speed controls devised over the Speed regulating may be classified as either closed loop or open loop. Closed loop systems derive a signal from actual speed the motor with a tachometer, for example, and use the signal a loop. loop system does not measure speed directly but measures some other parameter. In some loop systems the measured parameter is current. A well known example of an open loop motor regulating includes resistor series with the input of the motor. The voltage across the resistor corresponds motor current and is directed to a control circuit. The resistor voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. A change in resistor voltage indicates a change in torque and indirectly indicates change in speed. In response to the resistor voltage the control circuit adjusts the voltage the motor thereby supplying right amount of power required to maintain a constant over variations torque. The series resistor I.sup.2 R power losses particularly when during high torque conditions because is high. These losses cause heat build-up and need for a larger power supply capability. It seen that a speed regulator according to the present invention does not require a resistor in series the motor and is thereby more efficient.
|
ThIS INVeNTIoN PERTains tO SPEEd REgulAToRS fOr DIrECT cuRReNt DC MoTors ANd, moRe PartICUlaRly, Is ConCeRneD With opEN looP SPeed reguLAToRs For DC MOtorS.
dc MOtOrS FIND NUmERous AppLICatIons BeCaUsE OF ThEIr InTrInsIc VarIaBlE SpEed cHaraCteRisTiCS ANd CaPABiLItIes WhICH offEr Very hIGH sPEedS anD SMAll SiZE.
THE roTatInG member of a dc mOToR IS NAmEd ThE armAtUrE aNd the STAtioNARy MeMBEr IS nameD THE field. tHE arMaTurE hAS wIndINgs and tHE FieLD CaN hAVe eIThEr WIndinGS OR PeRmaNEnT magNEtS.
SOMe APPLICatIonS haVe a NEEd FOR cOnStAnT SPEED REGARdLess of TOrquE. a GEneraL STatEMenT aBout dc mOToRs iS THAT witH aN INcrEAsE in tOrQUE, spEed WiLL drOP and cURREnt wILL IncrEaSe, aSsumIng a constAnt InPuT VOLtAGE. tHE amouNT eacH PArAMetER varIes DEPENDS ON The Type OF MOtor. fOr a MOTOr WiTH ThE aRMatURe aND fIelD WInDiNG coNNecTEd iN seriEs ThE droP iN spEeD WilL bE MOrE pROnounCED tHAn tHE INCreaSE IN cuRREnT. FOR MotorS wITh SHUNt conNECTed WiNDINGs Or PeRMaNENt mAgnET FIELds tHE OPPOSITE IS TRUe, THe speEd wILL bE mORe NEARlY cONStant WHiLe TheRe IS A mArkEd iNcrEASE IN CuRREnT. THerE WIlL BE sOmE DRop iN SPEed HoWevEr, aND tHIs aMOUNT mAy BE uNdeSirABlE in crItiCAL APpLIcaTIONs. FoR ThiS ReaSON, A nuMber Of cOnStANt SpEEd COntrols HAVE bEEN deVised OVeR THe YEaRs.
sPeed REGuLatIng sYStemS MAy BE clAssIFiEd as either cLoseD loop OR OpEN Loop. CloSED LOOP SystEms deRIVE a sIGNAl FRoM tHE AcTUAl sPEeD OF The mOTOr witH a TaCHomeTER, fOR ExAMple, AnD uSE tHE SIGNaL In a fEeDBACK LoOP.
aN oPEn LoOp sYStem dOES nOt MEASuRE speEd dIrECTly buT meASuREs sOME oTHeR ParamETer. iN SOME OPEN lOOp sYsTeMs THE MEAsUred PARAmeTEr is CURrENt.
a wELL KNOWN ExamPlE oF An oPeN LOoP mOTOR REguLATINg SySteM iNclUDES A REsIstOR IN SErIES wIth ThE inpuT OF thE MOtoR. the VOLTage acROss thE rESiStor CoRrESPOndS tO MoToR curRent aND is DirEcTeD TO A cONTROL CIrCuiT. THE RESIsTOr VOlTAGe iNflueNCEs a CoNTROL CiRCuIT whICh SUpPlIes tHE INpUt voltage TO the MotOR. a change in rEsiStoR vOlTAGe iNdICAteS a chanGE In ToRQue AND INdIReCTlY indicATES a ChAnGe In speeD. In RESPonSe To thE ResISToR volTAgE THE cOntrOL CIrCUIt adjUsts the vOltage to The moTor ThErebY supPLYIng THe rIGht AMoUNT of pOWER rEqUiREd TO MAINtAiN a COnsTaNT SPEEd OVeR vAriAtiOns IN TORQUe.
tHe sEriES RESIStOr CausEs i.sUp.2 R POwer loSses partICuLaRLy WHEN DuRING higH TorquE coNdITionS bEcause curREnT IS hIgH. THese LoSSeS CausE HEaT bUiLd-Up and a nEEd for a LarGER powEr sUpPly cAPaBILiTy.
IT wiLL BE Seen that a speEd rEGuLatOR ACcORdIng TO The PReSEnt InveNTioN doEs Not reQUIre A resIsTOR In sEriES wITh tHe MoTOR AnD iS tHeREbY moRE EfFiCIeNT.
|
This invention pertainsto speed regulators for direct current DC motors and, more particularly, isconcerned with open loop speed regulatorsfor DC motors.DC motorsfindnumerous applications because of their intrinsic variable speed characteristics and capabilities which offer very highspeeds and small size. Therotating member of a DC motor is named the armature and thestationary member is named the field.The armature haswindings and the field can have either windings or permanent magnets. Some applications have a need for constant speed regardless of torque.A general statement about DC motors is that with an increasein torque, speed will drop and current willincrease,assuming aconstant input voltage. The amount eachparametervaries depends on the type of motor. Fora motor with the armature andfield windingconnected in series the drop in speed will bemore pronounced than the increase in current. For motors with shunt connected windings or permanentmagnet fields the opposite is true, the speed will be morenearly constant while there is a markedincreaseincurrent. There will be some drop in speed however, andthis amount may be undesirable in critical applications. For this reason,a number of constant speed controls have been devised over the years. Speed regulating systems may beclassified as either closed loop or open loop. Closed loop systems derive a signal from the actual speed ofthe motor with a tachometer,for example, and use the signal in a feedback loop. An open loop systemdoesnot measure speed directly but measures some other parameter. Insome openloop systems the measured parameter is current. A wellknown example of an open loop motor regulating system includes a resistor in series with theinput of themotor. The voltage across theresistor corresponds to motor current and is directed to a control circuit. The resistor voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. A change in resistor voltageindicates a change in torqueand indirectly indicates a change in speed. In response to the resistor voltagethecontrol circuit adjusts the voltage to the motor thereby supplying the right amountof powerrequired to maintain a constant speed over variations in torque. The series resistor causes I.sup.2 R powerlosses particularly when during high torque conditions because currentis high. These losses cause heat build-up and a need for a larger power supply capability. It will beseen that aspeedregulator according to the present invention does not require a resistor in series with the motor and is thereby moreefficient.
|
This invention pertains to speed _regulators_ for direct current DC motors _and,_ more particularly, is concerned with open loop speed regulators _for_ DC motors. DC motors find numerous applications because of _their_ intrinsic _variable_ speed characteristics _and_ capabilities which offer very _high_ speeds and small size. _The_ rotating member of a DC _motor_ _is_ named the armature _and_ the _stationary_ member is named the field. The armature has windings and the field can _have_ _either_ windings or _permanent_ magnets. Some applications have a need _for_ constant _speed_ _regardless_ of torque. A general statement about _DC_ motors is that _with_ an increase in _torque,_ speed will drop and _current_ will increase, _assuming_ a _constant_ input voltage. The amount _each_ parameter varies depends on the type of motor. For a _motor_ _with_ the armature and _field_ winding connected in series the drop in speed will be more pronounced _than_ the increase _in_ current. For motors with shunt connected windings or _permanent_ _magnet_ fields the opposite is true, _the_ speed will be _more_ nearly constant _while_ there is a marked increase in current. There will be some drop _in_ speed however, _and_ this amount may be _undesirable_ _in_ critical applications. For this reason, a number of constant speed controls have been devised over the years. Speed regulating systems may be classified as either closed loop or open loop. Closed loop systems derive a signal from the actual _speed_ _of_ the motor _with_ a _tachometer,_ for example, _and_ use _the_ signal in a _feedback_ loop. An open loop system does not measure _speed_ directly but measures some _other_ parameter. _In_ some open loop _systems_ _the_ measured parameter is current. A _well_ known _example_ of an open loop motor _regulating_ system _includes_ _a_ _resistor_ in series with _the_ input of the motor. The voltage across the resistor corresponds _to_ motor current and is directed to _a_ control circuit. The _resistor_ voltage influences a control circuit which supplies the input voltage to the motor. A change in resistor voltage indicates a change in torque and indirectly indicates _a_ change in speed. In response to the resistor voltage the control _circuit_ _adjusts_ the voltage to the _motor_ _thereby_ supplying the right amount of power required to maintain a constant speed _over_ variations _in_ torque. The _series_ resistor causes I.sup.2 R power losses _particularly_ when during high torque conditions because current is high. _These_ _losses_ _cause_ heat build-up and a _need_ for a _larger_ power supply capability. It will be seen that a speed regulator according _to_ the present invention _does_ not require a resistor in series with the motor _and_ is thereby more _efficient._
|
Cardiac ischemia is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to heart muscle and may pose an inherent risk in addition to potentially being a precursor to a life threatening event, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Detecting ischemia may be carried out by a variety of methods, some of which are amendable to implantable monitoring devices. Ischemia, and particularly, unstable ischemia, in a patient may be treated in a clinical setting by a variety of modalities.
A patient with severe unstable ischemia may be a candidate for immediate intervention, such as coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. However, less severe cases may be treated by pharmaceutical methods as well as others. Even with such treatment modalities available, most ischemic events occur initially outside the clinical environment or at a place or time when such clinical assessment and treatment is not immediately available.
For ICD patients experiencing transient ischemia, standard ventricular pacing therapy in order to increase cardiac output is contraindicated as the increased heart rate induced as a result of the pacing will typically increase the oxygen demand on the heart tissue, and particularly the ischemic heart tissue, which may further exacerbate any damage caused by the ischemia. In addition, generally speaking, a paced rhythm is not as mechanically efficient as a normal sinus rhythm, and, as such, the blood flow output may even be further reduced. Thus, typical single chamber ventricle pacing therapy for an ischemic patient may increase oxygen demand of the heart tissue undergoing ischemic trauma and decrease the pumping efficiency of the heart overall or both.
As such, what has been needed are methods and devices for treating a patient with transient ischemia immediately after onset of the ischemia that do not generate a substantial increase in oxygen consumption by the heart.
|
cardiac ischemia is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to heart muscle and may pose an inherent risk in addition to potentially being a precursor to a life threatening event, such as myocardial infarction ( mi ). detecting ischemia may be carried out by the variety of methods, some of which are amendable to implantable monitoring devices. ischemia, and particularly, unstable ischemia, in a patient may be treated in a clinical settings by a variety of modalities. a patient with severe unstable ischemia may be a candidate for immediate intervention, such as coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. however, less extreme cases may be treated by pharmaceutical methods as well as others. even with such treatment modalities available, most ischemic events occur initially outside the clinical environment or at a place or time when such clinical assessment and treatment were not immediately available. for icd patients experiencing transient ischemia, standard ventricular pacing therapy in order to increase cardiac output is contraindicated as the increased heart rate induced as a result of the pacing will typically increase the oxygen supply underlying the heart tissue, and particularly the ischemic heart tissue, which may further exacerbate any damage sustained by the ischemia. in addition, generally speaking, a paced rhythm is not as mechanically efficient as a normal sinus rhythm, and, as such, the blood flow output may even be progressively reduced. thus, typical single chamber ventricle pacing therapy for an ischemic patient may increase oxygen demand of the heart tissue undergoing ischemic trauma and decrease the pumping efficiency of the heart overall or both. as such, what has been needed are methods and devices for treating a patient with transient ischemia immediately after onset of the ischemia that do not produce a substantial increase in oxygen consumption affecting the heart.
|
Cardiac ischemia is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to heart muscle and may pose an inherent risk in addition to potentially b3ijg a precursor to a life threatening event, such as myocardial infarction (MI ). Detecting ischemia may be carried out by a variety of methods, some of which are amendable to implantable monitoring devices. Ischemia, and particularly, unstable ischemia, in a patient may be treated in a vlinicaI setting by a variety of modalities. A patient with severe unstable ischemia may be a candidate for immediate interCentikn, such as coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. However, less severe cases may be treated by pharmaceutical methods as well as others. Even with such treatment modalities available, most ischemic events occur initially outside the clinical environment or at a place or time when s TSh clinical assessment and treatment is not immediately available. For ICD patients experiencing transient ischemia, standard ventridulad pacing therapy in order to inVreass cardiac output is contraindicated as the increased heart rate induced as a result of the pacing will typica:lh increase the oxygen demand on the heart tissue, and particularly the ischemic heart tissue, which may further exacerbate any damage caused by the ischemia. In addition, generally speaking, a pXDed rhythm is not as mechanically efficient as a normal sinus rhythm, and, as such, the blood flow output may even be further reduced. Thus, typical single chamber ventricle pacing therapy for an ischemic patient may increase oxygen demand of the heart tissue undergoing ischemic trauma and decrease the pumping efficiency of the heart overall or both. As such, what has been nRexed are methods and devices for treating a patient with transi@Gt ischemia immediately after onset of the ischemia that do not generate a substantial increase in oxygen consumption by the heart.
|
Cardiac is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to heart muscle and an inherent risk in addition to potentially being a precursor to a life threatening event, as myocardial infarction (MI). ischemia may be carried out by a variety of methods, some of which amendable to implantable monitoring devices. particularly, unstable ischemia, in a patient may be treated in a clinical setting by a of modalities. A patient with severe unstable ischemia be a candidate for immediate intervention, such as coronary angioplasty bypass surgery. However, less severe cases may be treated by pharmaceutical methods as well others. Even with such treatment modalities available, most ischemic events occur initially outside the environment or at a place or time when such clinical treatment is not immediately available. For ICD patients experiencing transient standard ventricular pacing therapy in order to increase cardiac output is contraindicated as the increased heart rate induced as a result of the pacing typically increase the oxygen demand the heart tissue, and particularly the ischemic heart tissue, which may further any damage caused by the ischemia. In addition, generally speaking, a paced rhythm is not as efficient as a normal sinus rhythm, and, as such, the flow output may even be further reduced. Thus, typical chamber ventricle pacing therapy for an patient may oxygen demand of the heart tissue ischemic trauma and decrease the pumping efficiency of the heart overall or both. As such, what has been needed are methods and devices treating a patient with ischemia immediately after of the ischemia that do not generate a substantial increase in oxygen consumption by heart.
|
carDIac iSchemia is a condITioN THat rEsuLTS froM iNSUfFIcienT OxygEnaTion TO heArT MusCle AND MAy POse an inHERENt RIsk IN additIoN To POTenTially BEING a precuRsOR tO A LiFE THrEatENIng event, SUCH AS MyoCARDiAl InFArCtIoN (Mi). deTecTing ischEMiA MAY BE carried out by A vArIETY of metHods, somE oF WhICh aRE ameNDablE to iMplanTablE moNitoRiNg DEvices. isChEMiA, ANd pArtiCULarlY, unstABle IScHEMIA, in a patIenT May bE TreAteD iN A CLIniCAL seTTIng bY a VAriETY oF MODALITies.
A pAtIENT WITh sEVERE UnSTabLE iSChEmiA MaY bE A CANdIdate fOr imMediATE iNTERVeNTiOn, sUcH As CoRONARY ANgioPLASTy or bYpASs surGeRY. HoWeVER, lESs SEvErE cASes MaY bE treaTED bY pHarmacEUTical mETHODs AS wEll As OtHerS. evEN wItH SUch tREATmEnt moDAlITieS aVaILabLe, mOST iSCHeMic EVENts oCcUR iNitIALly oUTsiDe The CLiNICAl EnVironmenT oR at A plACe oR TiMe WHEN SUCh cLIniCal aSSeSsmeNt AnD treatMenT is nOt immedIAteLY AVAilABLe.
For ICD pATIenTs EXpeRiENcINg TrANSIent isChEMiA, STANdard VEnTrICULar PACinG THErAPY In ORDer to INcreAse CaRdiac OutPUT is CoNtRAINdiCAted As THe iNcREAsEd heaRt RaTE InducEd AS a reSuLt oF tHE PacINg wiLL TyPiCAlLY InCReASe THe OXYgEn DeMaNd on thE Heart tiSSue, anD PArticulARLY The iSCheMIC HEaRT tiSsUe, WHIcH MAY fUrTher EXaCERBATE Any dAMaGe CAUSed bY thE IScHeMIA. In adDitION, GENeRaLLy SPeaKinG, A pAcEd RHyThm iS nOT As MECHaNiCALlY EffICIent AS a NOrmaL SInus rHYthM, And, AS SuCh, tHe blood Flow ouTPuT May Even BE fURThER reduCEd. Thus, tYPicaL sINGLe cHAmBER vENTrIclE PACINg tHERaPY fOR AN ischeMiC PaTIent MaY inCreASE OxYgen deMAnD OF The HeArT tISSue UnDERgoING IsCHEmIc tRAUma and dECREasE THE PumPiNG EFficiENCy Of the HEArT OveRALL OR Both.
AS sUCh, what HAS BEEN nEEDeD ArE mEThoDs and dEVIceS fOR TrEAtInG A PATiEnT WITH TranSIENT iSCHEmIA imMEDiAtely aFTER oNSeT of THe isCHEmia ThAT do noT GeNERatE a SubStaNTIAl incREASE In oXYGEn COnsUmPTIoN BY THE HEArt.
|
Cardiac ischemia is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to heart muscle and may pose an inherent risk in addition topotentially being a precursor to a life threatening event, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Detecting ischemia may be carried out by a variety of methods,some of which areamendable to implantablemonitoring devices. Ischemia, and particularly,unstable ischemia, in a patientmay be treated in a clinical setting by a varietyof modalities.A patient withsevereunstable ischemia may be a candidatefor immediate intervention, such ascoronaryangioplasty orbypass surgery. However,less severe cases may be treated by pharmaceutical methods as well as others. Even with suchtreatment modalities available, most ischemic events occur initially outside the clinical environment orat a place or time when suchclinical assessment and treatment is not immediately available. For ICD patients experiencing transientischemia, standard ventricular pacing therapy in orderto increase cardiac output is contraindicatedas the increased heart rateinduced as a result of the pacing willtypically increasethe oxygen demand on the heart tissue, and particularly the ischemic heart tissue, which may further exacerbate anydamage caused by the ischemia. In addition, generally speaking, a paced rhythmis not as mechanically efficientas a normal sinus rhythm, and, as such, the blood flow outputmay even befurther reduced.Thus,typicalsingle chamber ventricle pacing therapy for an ischemic patient may increase oxygen demand of theheart tissueundergoingischemic trauma and decreasethe pumping efficiency ofthe heart overall or both.As such, what has been neededare methods and devicesfortreating a patient with transient ischemia immediately after onset of the ischemia that do not generate a substantial increasein oxygen consumption by the heart.
|
Cardiac ischemia is a condition that results from insufficient oxygenation to _heart_ muscle and may pose an inherent _risk_ in addition to potentially being a precursor to a life threatening event, _such_ as myocardial infarction (MI). Detecting ischemia may be carried out _by_ a variety of methods, _some_ of which _are_ amendable _to_ implantable monitoring devices. Ischemia, and particularly, unstable ischemia, in _a_ _patient_ _may_ be _treated_ in a clinical _setting_ by _a_ _variety_ of modalities. A patient with severe _unstable_ ischemia may be a candidate for _immediate_ intervention, _such_ as coronary angioplasty or _bypass_ _surgery._ However, less severe cases may _be_ treated _by_ pharmaceutical methods as well as _others._ Even with such treatment modalities available, most _ischemic_ _events_ occur _initially_ outside _the_ clinical environment or at _a_ _place_ or time when such clinical assessment and treatment is _not_ immediately _available._ For ICD patients experiencing transient ischemia, standard ventricular pacing _therapy_ in order _to_ increase cardiac output is contraindicated _as_ the _increased_ _heart_ rate induced as a result of the pacing will typically increase the oxygen demand on the _heart_ _tissue,_ and particularly the ischemic heart _tissue,_ which _may_ further exacerbate _any_ _damage_ caused by the ischemia. In addition, generally speaking, a paced _rhythm_ is not as mechanically _efficient_ as a normal _sinus_ _rhythm,_ and, as such, _the_ blood flow _output_ may _even_ be further reduced. Thus, typical _single_ chamber _ventricle_ pacing _therapy_ for an _ischemic_ patient may increase oxygen _demand_ of _the_ heart _tissue_ _undergoing_ _ischemic_ trauma and decrease the _pumping_ efficiency of the heart overall or both. _As_ such, what _has_ been needed are methods and devices for treating a patient with _transient_ ischemia immediately after _onset_ of the ischemia that do not generate _a_ substantial increase _in_ oxygen consumption _by_ the heart.
|
In general, customers using an online order processing system may order products using a local computer (e.g., a client) over a connection to a vendor, such as by dialing in over a modem to a computer network, such as the Internet, to the vendor's computer (e.g., server). Typically, the customer can enter in ordering information into a user interface provided by the vendor's order processing software over the connection which is displayed on a visual display of the customer's computer. For example, the customer can begin by entering in the customer's name and address if the customer is interested in a particular product, and the customer can enter in the name and/or model number of the product that the customer is considering ordering. The customer can then receive product information including pricing information, configuration information, and so on.
After receiving this product information over the network connection, the customer can decide whether to place the order or to hold off submitting the order until a later time. If placing the order, the customer can indicate that the customer wishes to submit the order by further manipulating the computer display provided by the vendor's computer. The vendor's order processing software may require the customer to submit additional information, such as a purchase order number and shipping address. After entering this information, the order processing software processes this information and accepts (or rejects) the order. If the order is accepted, the vendor's computer indicates the acceptance and typically provides the customer with verification information, such as a confirmation number or order number, that the customer writes down on a piece of paper or prints out on a printer connected to the customers' local client computer.
If the customer is not sure of the product to be ordered, the customer can request information from the vendor's order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer's client computer as one or more screens of information provided over the network connection by the order processing software. The customer can then read through the displayed screens, or print them out to read the hard copies of the information for comparison with the customer's requirements and needs. If the customer is a business (e.g., wholesaler, distributor, value added reseller or VAR, original equipment manufacturer or OEM, or other business), then the customer can check or compare its own inventory, requests from its customers (e.g., its retail customers) and other information against the information provided by the vendor's computer to determine what products and configurations of those products to order from the vendor. In addition, the customer can use the ordering information (from a display screen or printout) and then enter (e.g., type in at a keyboard or copy and paste using a mouse) this information into an ordering application or other application (e.g., customer's inventory application) that the customer maintains at its own local computer.
In another conventional approach, a customer can log onto a vendor's web site over the Internet, and view information about products for sale at the web site provided by the vendor's order processing software from the vendor's web server. The customer can select products from displays on the web site for an order and can then submit the order through the web site. The web site then displays a confirmation number to the customer, who can print it out if desired.
|
in general, customers using an online order processing system receive order products using a local computer ( e. g., a client ) over a connection to a vendor, such as by dialing in over a modem to a computer network, such as the internet, to the vendor ' s computer ( e. e., server ). typically, the customer can enter in ordering information into a user interface provided by the vendor ' s order processing software over the connection which is displayed on a visual display of the customer ' s computer. for example, the customer can begin by entering in the customer ' s name and address if the customer is interested in a particular product, and the customer can enter in the name and / or model number of the product that the customer is considering ordering. the customer can then receive product information including customer information, configuration information, and sign on. after receiving this product information over the network connection, the customer can decide whether to place the order or to hold off submitting the order until a later time. if placing an order, the customer can indicate that the customer wishes to submit the order whilst further manipulating the computer display provided by the vendor ' s computer. the vendor ' s order processing software may allow the customer to submit additional information, such as a purchase order number and shipping address. after entering this information, the order processing software processes this information and accepts ( or rejects ) the order. if the order is accepted, the vendor ' s computer indicates the acceptance and typically provides the customer with verification information, such as a confirmation number or order number, that the customer writes down on a piece of paper or prints out on a printer connected to the customers ' local client computer. if the customer is not sure of the product to be ordered, the customer can request information from the vendor ' s order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer ' s client computer as one or more screens of information provided over the network connection by the order processing software. the customer can then read through the displayed screens, or print them out to read the hard copies of the information for comparison with the customer ' s requirements and needs. if the customer is a business ( o. g., wholesaler, distributor, value added reseller in var, original equipment manufacturer or oem, maybe other business ), then the customer can check or compare its own inventory, requests from its customers ( e. g., its retail customers ) and other information against the information provided by the vendor ' s computer to determine what products and configurations of those products to order from the vendor. in addition, the customer can use the ordering information ( from a display screen or printout ) and then enter ( e. g., type in at a keyboard or copy and paste using a mouse ) this information into an ordering application or other application ( e. g., customer ' s inventory application ) that the customer maintains at its own local computer. in another conventional approach, a customer can log onto a vendor ' s web site over the internet, and view information about products for sale at the web site provided by the vendor ' s order processing software from the vendor ' s web server. the customer can select products from displays on the web site for an order and can then submit the order through the web site. the web site then displays a confirmation number to the customer, who can print it out if desired.
|
In general, customers using an onljns order processing system may order products usLnY a local computer (e. g. , a client) over a connection to a vendor, such as by dialing in over a modem to a computer network, such as the Internet, to the vendor ' s computer (e. g. , server ). Typically, the customer can enter in ordering information into a user interface provided by the vendor ' s order processing software over the connection which is displayed on a visual display of the customer ' s computer. For example, the customer can begin by entering in the customer ' s name and address if the customer is interested in a particular product, and the customer can enter in the name and / or model number of the product that the customer is considering ordering. The customer can then receive product information including pricing information, configuration information, and so on. After receiving this product information over the network connection, the customer can decide whether to place the order or to hold off submitting the order until a later time. If placing the order, the customer can indicate that the customer wishes to submit the order by further manipulating the computer display provided by the vendor ' s comp^Fer. The vendor ' s order processing software may require the customer to submit additional information, such as a purchase order number and shipping address. After entering this information, the order processing software processes this information and accepts (or rejects) the order. If the order is adcelted, the vendor ' s computer indicates the acceptance and typically provides the cus$om2r with verification information, such as a confirmation number or order number, that the customer writes down on a piece of paper or prints out on a printer connected to the customers ' local xliemt computer. If the customer is not sure of the product to be ordered, the customer can request information from the vendor ' s order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer ' s client computer as one or more screens of information provided over the network connection by the order processing software. The customer can then read through the displayed screens, or print them out to read the hard copies of the information for comparison with the customer ' s requirements and needs. If the customer is a business (e. g. , wholesaler, distributor, value added reseller or VAR, original equipment manufacturer or OEM, or other business ), then the customer can check or compaT3 its own inventory, requests from its customers (e. g. , its retail customers) and other information against the information provided by the vendor ' s computer to determine what products and configurations of those products to order from the vendor. In addition, the customer can use the ordering information (from a display screen or printout) and then enter (e. g. , type in at a keyboard or copy and paste using a mouse) this information into an ordering application or other application (e. g. , cuxtom@r ' s inventory application) that the customer maingaind at its own local computer. In another conventional approach, a customer can log onto a vendor ' s web site over the Internet, and view information about products for sale at the web site provided by the vendor ' s order processing software from the vendor ' s web server. The customer can select products from displa5z on the web site for an order and can then submit the order through the web site. The web site then displays a confirmation number to the customer, who can print it out if desired.
|
In general, customers using an online order processing system may order products using a local computer (e.g., a client) over a connection to vendor, such as by dialing over a modem to a computer network, such as the Internet, to the vendor's computer server). Typically, customer can enter in ordering information into a user interface provided the vendor's order processing software over connection which is displayed on a visual display of the customer's computer. example, the customer can begin by entering in the customer's name and address if the customer is interested in a particular product, and the customer can enter the name and/or number of product that the customer is considering ordering. The customer can then receive product information including pricing information, information, and so on. After receiving this product information over the network connection, customer can decide to place the order or to hold off submitting the order until a later time. If placing order, the customer can that the customer wishes to submit the order by further manipulating the provided the vendor's computer. The vendor's order processing software may require the customer to submit additional information, such as a purchase order number and shipping address. entering this information, the order processing software processes this information and accepts (or rejects) the order. If the order is accepted, vendor's computer indicates the and typically provides the customer with verification information, such as confirmation or order that the customer writes down a piece of paper or out on a printer connected to customers' local client computer. If the customer is not sure of the product to be ordered, the customer can request information from vendor's order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer's client computer as one or more screens of information provided over the network connection by the processing software. The customer can then read through displayed screens, or print them out to read the hard copies of the information for comparison with the customer's requirements and If customer is a business (e.g., wholesaler, distributor, reseller or original manufacturer OEM, or other business), then the customer can check or compare its own inventory, requests its customers (e.g., its retail customers) other information against the provided by the vendor's computer to determine what products and of those products to order from the vendor. addition, the customer use the ordering information (from a display screen or printout) and then enter (e.g., type in at a keyboard or copy and paste using a mouse) this information into an ordering application or application (e.g., customer's application) that customer maintains at its own local computer. In another approach, a customer can log onto a vendor's web site over the Internet, and view information about for sale at the web site provided by vendor's order software from the vendor's web server. The customer can select products from displays on the site for an order and can then submit through the site. The web site then displays a number to the customer, who can print it out if
|
in general, CuStOmERS UsiNg An ONline ORdER pRoCessIng sysTEm May ORder prOdUCTs usiNG A locAl CoMpUTer (e.g., a cLIeNT) OvEr a ConnECtion tO a VENdOR, SUch aS BY DialiNg In oVEr A moDEM tO a COmputEr neTWORk, sUcH aS tHE inTernET, TO ThE vENdoR'S CoMpuTeR (e.G., sERVer). TYpiCALly, The custOmER cAN ENter In ORDerING INforMatIoN InTO A USER InterFAce ProvIDED By THE VEnDoR'S ORDeR procesSInG SoFTwAre OvER thE cONNeCTIon WhICh Is DIsPlAYED ON a VIsuaL DIsPLay Of THE cUsTOMER's cOMPuTEr. foR EXamplE, tHe CuSTomEr CAn beGin By enTEriNG In tHE CUStomER'S NaME ANd ADdrEsS iF thE CusToMEr IS iNterestEd In A PARtIcuLar PRodUcT, AnD THE cUSToMEr can ENtER In tHE NAme aNd/OR ModEL NuMbeR oF ThE prODuct THaT tHE CUStoMeR IS COnsidEriNG orDERing. The CusToMer CaN Then ReCeIvE pRODUcT InFOrMAtIoN INcLUDIng PRicING inFoRMaTioN, COnfIGURATioN INFORMaTIoN, AND So On.
AFter RecEiViNg tHIs PRoDuCT INFoRmaTION oVeR The neTWoRK conNECtIOn, tHE CUstomer CAN DeCIde wheTHEr TO pLaCe tHE oRdER oR TO hoLD Off suBmiTTing the ORDER UntIl a Later TImE. If PLacing thE ORDEr, tHe cUsTOMer cAn INDicAtE tHAT thE CustOmeR wiSHeS TO submiT ThE oRder bY FurtheR maNipulATiNG ThE Computer dispLAy prOVidED By THE venDor's COmPUTer. the vEnDOR's oRder PROCesSinG sOFtwaRE may REQuIRE ThE cusToMER to SUbmiT aDdiTIonal InFORmaTioN, SUch AS A puRcHAsE OrDeR nUMbEr AND ShipPInG AddrESs. aFTEr entErinG ThiS InFORmAtiON, THE oRDEr PrOcEssING SoftwARE ProCesSEs thIS InfOrMATioN AnD AcCeptS (Or REjeCtS) thE oRDer. If thE ORder IS accEPTed, The vendOr'S comPuteR IndIcatES tHE acCepTANCe AND TyPiCALLY prOvIdes tHE Customer WiTh VERiFICATiON InForMatIoN, SUCH As A cONFIrMAtIon NUMbER or ORdeR NUmber, tHAt thE CUsTOMER wrITEs doWn ON a PieCE OF PaPER OR PRINTS OUt oN a PriNtER coNnecTED tO THe CUstoMeRs' LocAL CliENT CoMpUtEr.
iF ThE cUstomer Is NOT suRE of the PROducT tO be ordereD, ThE CUstomeR CaN REQUEST iNFOrMATion FrOm tHe vENdOR'S ORDer prOCESSING sofTwARE, WhicH iS THEn diSplayEd on tHe cuSTomeR'S CliEnt computER as OnE or moRE SCReens Of InForMATioN ProVIDEd OvEr The NeTwoRK CoNNecTiON By THe OrDEr PROcesSiNg SoFtWaRe. tHE custOMER cAn ThEn read THrOUgh THe DISplaYEd SCReeNs, or PrINt tHeM oUT To rEAD THe HArd COPiEs of the iNFOrmAtiON foR COMPARisoN wiTH the cUStOmER'S ReqUIReMEnts And nEedS. iF ThE cuStomer Is A buSinESS (E.g., whOlesAlEr, distrIBUtoR, valUe AddEd REsELlER OR VAR, OrIgiNAl eQuiPmENt ManufactuRer or OeM, or OThEr BUSInEsS), ThEN tHe cUSToMeR can cHECK OR COMpAre iTs own iNventoRY, rEQueSTS fRom iTs cusTomErs (E.g., Its retaIL CUStoMeRS) aNd oTHEr inFORMaTIoN AGAiNsT tHE INFoRMATiOn PROViDeD bY tHe VeNdOr'S COmPuteR to DEteRMinE WhAT PrODUCTS anD configUratioNS of tHOsE pRODuCtS to OrdER fRoM THE venDOr. iN aDdItIoN, tHe cUsTOMEr caN UsE tHe oRDeRiNG InforMATiON (fRom A diSplAy SCREen or printOuT) anD ThEN enTEr (e.g., tYpE IN at A keyBoarD OR cOpY ANd pASTE Using a mouSE) thIS iNFOrMAtIOn iNtO an OrdERiNG applIcATioN or OTheR applIcATIoN (e.g., cuStoMEr's INventOrY aPPlICatIon) tHAt the cusToMER mainTaIns At ITs OWN LocAL comPuteR.
iN AnotHeR CoNVENtioNAL ApproACH, A cUsToMer CAN LOG ONto A vENdoR'S WEB site ovER THe INteRneT, AND VIEW INfOrmatIOn about ProDuctS FOr SALE At THe Web SiTe pRoviDed By THe VeNdor'S ordeR PrOcEsSinG soFTWArE FRom The vEndoR'S WeB seRVER. The CusToMeR cAn sELecT proDuctS frOM DISPLayS on THe wEB sIte fOR aN Order and Can tHeN suBmit ThE OrDEr tHrOUgh THe WEb SitE. thE WeB SIte then DisPlAyS a COnfirMAtiOn numBeR TO THe cUStOmER, WHO CAn Print It OUt iF desiREd.
|
In general, customers usingan online order processing system may order products using a local computer (e.g., a client) over a connection to a vendor, such as by dialing in over a modem to a computer network, such as the Internet, to the vendor's computer (e.g., server). Typically, the customercanenter in ordering information into a user interface provided by the vendor's order processing software overthe connection which is displayed on a visual display of the customer'scomputer. For example, the customer canbegin by entering inthecustomer'sname and address if the customer is interested ina particular product, and thecustomer can enter in the name and/or model number of the product that the customer is considering ordering. The customer can then receive productinformation including pricing information, configuration information, and so on. After receiving this product information over the network connection, the customer candecide whether toplace theorder or to hold off submitting the orderuntil a later time. If placingtheorder, thecustomer can indicate that thecustomer wishes to submit the order by further manipulatingthecomputer display provided by the vendor's computer. The vendor's order processingsoftware may require thecustomer to submit additional information, such as apurchase ordernumberand shipping address. Afterentering thisinformation, the order processing software processes this information and accepts (or rejects) the order. If theorder is accepted, the vendor's computer indicates the acceptance and typically provides thecustomer with verification information, such as aconfirmation number or order number, thatthe customer writes down on a piece of paper or printsout on a printer connected to the customers' localclient computer. If the customer is not sure of the product to beordered, the customer can request information from the vendor's order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer's client computer as one ormore screens of information provided over the network connection by the order processing software. Thecustomercanthen read through the displayed screens, or print them outto read the hard copies of the information for comparison with the customer's requirements and needs. If the customeris a business (e.g., wholesaler, distributor, value added reseller or VAR, original equipment manufacturer or OEM, or other business),then the customer can check or compareits own inventory, requests from its customers (e.g., its retail customers) and other information against the information provided bythe vendor's computer to determine what products andconfigurations of those products to order fromthe vendor. In addition, the customer can use theordering information (from a display screen or printout) and then enter (e.g., type in at a keyboard or copy and pasteusing a mouse) this information into an ordering application or otherapplication (e.g., customer's inventory application) thatthe customer maintains at its own localcomputer.In another conventional approach, acustomer can log onto a vendor's web site over theInternet, and view informationabout products for sale atthe web site provided by the vendor's order processing software from the vendor'swebserver. Thecustomer can select products from displays on theweb site for an order and can then submitthe order through the web site.The web site thendisplays a confirmation number to the customer, who can printit out ifdesired.
|
In general, customers using an online order processing system may order products using a local computer (e.g., a client) over a connection to _a_ _vendor,_ such as by dialing in over a modem to _a_ computer network, _such_ as the Internet, to the vendor's computer (e.g., _server)._ Typically, the _customer_ can enter in ordering information _into_ _a_ _user_ interface _provided_ by the vendor's order processing software over the connection which _is_ displayed on a visual display of the customer's _computer._ For _example,_ _the_ customer can _begin_ by entering in the customer's name and address if the customer is interested in _a_ particular _product,_ and the customer can enter in the _name_ _and/or_ model number of the product _that_ the customer is considering ordering. The _customer_ _can_ then receive product information including pricing information, _configuration_ information, and so on. After _receiving_ _this_ product _information_ over the network connection, the _customer_ can decide whether to _place_ the order _or_ _to_ _hold_ off submitting _the_ order until a later time. If placing _the_ order, the _customer_ can indicate _that_ _the_ customer wishes to submit _the_ order by further manipulating the computer display _provided_ by _the_ _vendor's_ _computer._ The vendor's order processing software may _require_ _the_ customer to _submit_ additional information, such as a purchase _order_ number and shipping address. After entering this information, the order processing software processes this information _and_ accepts _(or_ rejects) the _order._ If _the_ order is accepted, the vendor's computer indicates the acceptance and typically provides _the_ customer with verification information, _such_ as a _confirmation_ number _or_ _order_ number, that _the_ customer writes down _on_ a piece of paper or _prints_ out on _a_ printer connected to the customers' local client computer. If _the_ customer is _not_ sure of the product to be ordered, the _customer_ can request _information_ _from_ the vendor's order processing software, which is then displayed on the customer's client _computer_ _as_ _one_ _or_ more screens of _information_ provided over the _network_ connection by the order processing software. The customer can then read through the displayed screens, or _print_ them _out_ _to_ read _the_ hard copies _of_ the information for comparison with the _customer's_ requirements and needs. _If_ _the_ customer is _a_ business _(e.g.,_ _wholesaler,_ distributor, value added reseller or VAR, original equipment manufacturer or _OEM,_ _or_ other business), then the customer can check _or_ compare its _own_ _inventory,_ requests from its customers (e.g., its _retail_ customers) _and_ other information against _the_ information provided by the vendor's computer to _determine_ what products _and_ configurations of _those_ products to order from the vendor. In addition, the customer _can_ use the _ordering_ information _(from_ _a_ display screen _or_ printout) _and_ then enter (e.g., type in at a keyboard or copy and _paste_ using a mouse) _this_ information into an _ordering_ application or other application (e.g., customer's inventory application) that the customer maintains at _its_ _own_ local computer. In another conventional _approach,_ a customer can log _onto_ a vendor's _web_ site over the Internet, and _view_ information about products _for_ _sale_ at the _web_ _site_ provided by the vendor's order processing software from the _vendor's_ web server. The customer _can_ select products from displays on the _web_ _site_ for an _order_ and can then _submit_ the order through the web _site._ _The_ web site _then_ displays a confirmation _number_ to the customer, who can print it out if desired.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an intake device of an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to create a swirl motion in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load and to obtain a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a high speed, it is well known, to equip each cylinder in an engine with a pair of intake valves, and to arrange a fuel injection in an intake passage. The intake passage is divided into two branch intake passages at a position downstream of the fuel injector, and these branch intake passages are connected to the combustion chamber via the corresponding intake valves. A control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the branch intake passages (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57-70914). In the above arrangement, when the engine is operating under a light load, and since the control valve is closed, air is fed into the combustion chamber from only one of the branch intake passages, thus creating a swirl motion in the combustion chamber. Conversely, when the engine is operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both branch intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. However, since the fuel injector is arranged upstream of the control valve, some of the fuel injected from the fuel injector when the control valve is closed adheres to the control valve. Therefore, since all of the fuel injected from the fuel injector is not instantaneously fed into the combustion chamber, a good accelerating operation cannot be obtained.
Also, since a swirl motion is created in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load, the burning velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber can be improved. However, in the above arrangement, ignitability is neglected.
Also, well known is an engine in which each cylinder is equipped with a pair of intake valves and a pair of independently arranged intake passages. A control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the intake passages. The intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole at a position downstream of the control valve, and the fuel injector is arranged in the connecting hole (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57-105534). In this engine, when the engine is operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. In addition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstream of the control valve, there is no danger that fuel injected from the fuel injector will adhere to the control valve.
However, in this engine, since the intake passages are interconnected at a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages even if the control valve is closed when the engine is operating under a light load. As a result, the velocity of the air flowing into the combustion chamber is inevitably reduced, and, since it is difficult to create a strong swirl motion in the combustion chamber, it is impossible to sufficiently increase the burning velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In this engine, also ignitability is neglected.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates towards an intake device of an internal combustion engine. 2. description of the related art in order to create a swirl motion in the ignition chamber when the engine is operating under a light load and to obtain a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a suitable speed, as is well known, to equip each cylinder in an engine with a pair of intake valves, and to arrange a fuel injection in an intake passage. the intake passage is divided into two branch intake passages at a position downstream of the fuel injector, and these branch intake passages are connected to the combustion chamber via the corresponding intake valves. a control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the branch intake passages ( see japanese unexamined patent publication ( kokai ) no. 57 - 70914 ). in the above arrangement, when the engine is operating under a light load, and since the intake valve is operated, air is fed into the combustion chamber from only one of the branch intake passages, thus creating a swirl motion above the combustion chamber. conversely, when the diesel is operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to lower combustion chamber from both branch intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. however, since the fuel injector is arranged upstream of the control valve, some of the fuel injected from the fuel injector when the control valve is closed adheres to the control valve. therefore, since all of the fuel injected from the fuel injector is not instantaneously fed into the combustion chamber, a good accelerating operation cannot be obtained. also, since a swirl motion is created in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load, the burning velocity of the air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber can be improved. however, in the above arrangement, ignitability is neglected. also, well known is an equation in which each cylinder is equipped with a pair of intake valves and a pair of independently arranged intake passages. a control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the intake passages. the intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole at a position downstream of the control valve, and the fuel injector is arranged in the connecting hole ( see japanese unexamined patent publication no. 57 - 105534 ). in this engine, when the engine is operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. in addition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstream of the control valve, there is no danger that fuel injected from the fuel injector will adhere to the control valve. however, in this engine, since the intake passages are interconnected at a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages even if the control valve is closed when the engine is operating under a light load. as a result, the velocity of the air flowing into the combustion chamber is inevitably reduced, and, since it is difficult to create a strong swirl motion in the combustion chamber, it is impossible to sufficiently increase the burning velocity of the air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. in this engine, also ignitability is neglected.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present inveBt(on relates to an intake device of an internal combustion engine. 2. Description of the Related Art In order to create a swirl motion in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load and to obtain a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a high speed, it is well known, to equip each cylinder in an engine with a pair of intake valves, and to arrange a fuel injection in an intake passage. The intake passage is divided into two branch intake passages at a position downstream of the fuel injector, and these branch intake passages are connected to the combustion chamber via the corresponding intake valves. A control valve which is closed ajen the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the branch intake passages (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57 - 70914 ). In the above arrangement, when the engine is operating under a light load, and since the control valve is closed, air is fed into the combustion chamber from only one of the branch intake passages, thus Xreatimg a swirl motion in the combhstiin chamber. Conversely, when the eBg7ne is operating under a heavy load, and since the control vW;ve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both branch intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. However, since the fuel injector is arranged upstream of the control valve, some of the fuel injected from the fuel injector when the control valve is closed adheres to the control valve. Therefore, since all of the fuel injected from the fuel injector is not instantaneously fed into the combustion chamber, a good accelerating operation cannot be obtained. Also, since a swirl motion is created in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load, the burning velocity of the air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber can be improved. However, in the above arrangement, ignitability is neglected. Also, well known is an engine in ehicn each cylinder is equipped with a pair of intake valves and a pair of independently arranged intake passages. A control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one of the intake passages. The intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole at a position downstream of the control valve, and the fuel injector is arranged in the connecting hole (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57 - 105534 ). In this engine, when the engine is operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages, and a high volumetric efgjciency can be obtained. In addition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstream of the control valve, there is no danger that fuel injected from the fuel injector will adhere to the control valve. However, in this engine, since the intake passages are interconnected at a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both intake passages even if the control valve is closed when the engine is operating under a light load. As a result, the velocity of the air flowing iny9 the combustion chamber is inevitably reduced, and, since it is difficult to create a strong swirl motion in the combustion chamber, it is impossible to sufficiently inxreaDe the burning velocity of the air - fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In this engine, also ignitability is neglected.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intake device of an internal engine. 2. Description of the Related Art In order to create a swirl motion in the combustion chamber when the engine is operating under a light load and to obtain a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a high speed, is well known, to equip each cylinder in an engine with a pair valves, and to a fuel injection in an intake passage. The intake passage is into two branch passages at a downstream of the fuel injector, and these branch intake passages are connected to the combustion via the corresponding intake valves. A control valve which is closed when the engine is operating a light load is arranged in one of the branch intake passages (See Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57-70914). In the above arrangement, when the engine is operating a light load, and since the control valve is closed, air fed into the combustion chamber from only one of the intake passages, thus a swirl motion the combustion chamber. Conversely, when the engine operating under a heavy and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion chamber from both branch passages, and a volumetric efficiency can be obtained. since the fuel injector is arranged upstream of the control valve, some of the fuel injected from the fuel injector when the control valve is closed the control valve. Therefore, since all of injected from the fuel is not instantaneously fed the combustion chamber, a good accelerating operation cannot be obtained. Also, since a swirl motion is created in the chamber when the engine is operating a load, the burning velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion can improved. However, in the above arrangement, is neglected. Also, well an engine in which each cylinder equipped with a pair of intake valves and a pair of independently arranged intake passages. A control valve is closed when the engine is operating under a light load is arranged in one the intake passages. The intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole a position downstream of control valve, and the fuel injector is in the connecting hole (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57-105534). In engine, when the operating under a heavy load, and since the control valve is open, air is fed to the combustion from both intake passages, and a high volumetric can be obtained. In addition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstream of the control valve, there is no danger that fuel injected from the fuel injector adhere to the control valve. However, in this engine, since intake passages are interconnected at a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from intake even if the control valve is closed when engine is operating under a light load. As a result, the velocity the flowing into the combustion chamber is inevitably reduced, and, since is difficult to create a strong swirl motion in the combustion chamber, it is impossible to sufficiently the burning velocity of the air-fuel the combustion chamber. In this engine, also ignitability is
|
1. Field of THE INvenTioN
THe presENT iNvEnTIoN rElATes to An iNTakE DevICe OF an intErNaL coMBUSTiOn ENgiNe.
2. deSCRiptION of The RElAtEd arT
iN orDER tO cReaTE A SwIrL MotIoN In ThE COmbusTiON ChAmBer WhEN tHe enGINE IS OPeratinG uNDEr a lIGht LOad AND tO oBTAIn A high VolUMeTRic eFfIcIeNcY wHEn tHe ENginE iS OperatINg undER A heaVY loAd At A hiGH sPEeD, it IS well knOWn, TO EquIp EAcH CyLiNdER In an enGIne With a paIR oF iNTAKe ValVes, And to ArrANge a FuEL InjECtIoN In AN inTAKe PAssAge. the IntaKe PAssage iS dIVIDeD INTo TWO bRANCh iNTakE pasSaGes At A PosItIon DoWnstream of ThE FUEL InjECTOR, anD THeSE bRAnCh iNtaKe PAsSAGEs Are coNNeCTED to ThE COMbUstioN ChAMbEr VIA The CorReSPonDINg intaKe valvES. A conTROL VaLvE wHich iS CLOseD WHen thE ENGINE is oPErAtInG uNDeR a LIGht LOad IS aRRaNGed In ONe Of tHE BrAncH INTAKE pAssAGes (See japANeSE uNexaMINed PATent PubLIcaTiOn (koKAi) No. 57-70914). in thE ABove ARrangEmENt, wHEN tHe EnGIne IS oPERAtIng undEr a LIGhT lOad, ANd sInce tHe CoNtRol vALvE iS CLOsed, AIr Is Fed inTo The ComBuStIoN chAmbeR FRoM OnlY oNe oF tHE bRANCH INTaKe PASSaGeS, THuS CREATIng A Swirl MotiOn iN thE comBUstION CHAmBEr. CoNversELy, wHeN The EngIne iS OPeRatIng unDeR A heAvy loAd, aNd SinCE the cONTRol ValVe Is OpeN, Air IS FEd tO tHe combuStiON chAmbeR from BoTH braNch INTAke PaSSaGEs, and A higH VOlUmeTRiC EffICIENCY CaN be OBtaiNeD. hOWEVEr, SincE tHe fuEl iNjecTOR Is aRRANgeD uPsTreAm OF THE cOntrol valVe, soME Of THE FUEl iNjeCTed froM tHE fueL INjEcTOr WHEn THE cOntROL ValvE iS cloSeD AdhereS TO ThE cOntRoL VaLve. THERefORE, SInCe aLL Of tHE FUEL inJECteD FRoM tHe fUeL inJEctOR Is NoT INstANtAnEOUsLy fed INTo tHe combusTIoN CHAMBeR, A Good ACCeLeRATING opERaTiON cANNoT bE oBTaIneD.
Also, SiNcE a SwiRl motION Is CReaTED in ThE coMbUStion CHAMbER WhEN The ENGIne is oPeRaTing uNdER a liGHt lOaD, ThE BuRNIng vElOCity OF THE AIR-FUEl MIxTuRe IN THe cOMbUSTIon CHAmBeR can bE IMProVED. hOWeVER, in the AbovE ArRaNGemeNT, ignItabiLITy IS NEGlECteD.
aLso, wELl kNOWN is An eNGine in wHicH Each CylinDeR Is EquIPpED WIth A PAiR of inTAkE ValvEs aNd A pAiR OF inDEPendeNtlY ARRANGed iNtaKe passAges. a conTRol valvE wHICh IS CLoSeD wHEn tHE eNgiNE iS opeRATING UNDeR a lIgHT loAD IS ARrAnGED In one of tHe INtakE PaSSages. ThE INTAke PAsSagES Are iNTerConNeCtEd viA A CONnEctinG HolE aT A poSITION dOwnstrEaM Of The CoNTrOL valVE, AnD tHE fueL INjectOR iS ARRaNGed in THE cONNectINg hoLe (sEE JaPaNEsE UneXamInED PaTENt puBlIcatIoN no. 57-105534). iN tHis eNgiNe, wHen tHE enGINE iS opeRATiNG UnDER a HEAvY lOAd, AnD Since thE cOntrol valve Is OPeN, aIr Is FeD tO tHE coMBUsTIOn CHAmbER fROM both intaKe PAsSAges, And a hiGh VOlumetRiC eFFIcIeNcY cAN be Obtained. IN AdDITIoN, SInce THE fueL InJecTOr iS arRAnged doWnStREam oF tHE cONTrOl ValVE, tHErE is No dAnGer THat fueL injECtED FrOM tHE fUel InjECTOR wilL ADHerE To ThE cOnTROl VALVe.
HoWEVER, in ThIs eNgiNe, SInCe tHE intAKE PAssaGes aRE inTERCOnneCTEd AT a posItIOn dOwNStrEaM oF ThE coNTROL VALVE, air iS FEd To THE comBuSTION cHAMBEr FrOm bOth inTAKe pASSAGes EVen IF tHE conTROL vALvE Is cloSEd when thE ENgIne is OPEraTing undEr a liGHT LoAd. As A rEsULT, THE VElocITY of ThE air FloWInG iNtO The COmbUsTion CHaMbER Is iNEvITABlY reDuCed, AND, Since iT IS DIffICUlT tO CREAtE A STRoNg sWIRl MOTION iN THE coMbUSTiON cHAmber, It Is iMPOsSiBlE To sufficiEntLy inCrEAse The bURnING VELocITY Of THE aiR-fuel mixturE in tHe ComBUsTIOn cHaMBer. iN thIs EnGIne, ALso ignItabiliTY iS nEGlEcted.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to anintake device of an internal combustion engine. 2. Descriptionof the Related Art In order to create a swirl motion in the combustion chamber when the engineis operating undera light loadand to obtain a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a high speed, it iswell known, to equip each cylinder in anengine with a pairofintake valves, and to arrange a fuel injection in an intake passage. The intake passage is divided intotwobranch intake passages at a position downstream of the fuel injector, and these branchintake passages areconnected tothe combustion chamber via the corresponding intake valves. A control valve which is closed when the engine is operating under a light loadis arrangedin oneof the branch intake passages(See JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57-70914). In the above arrangement, when theengine is operating under a lightload, and since thecontrol valve is closed, airis fed into the combustion chamber from only one of the branch intake passages, thus creating a swirl motionin the combustionchamber. Conversely, when the engine isoperating under a heavyload, and since the control valve is open,air isfed to thecombustion chamber from both branch intake passages, anda high volumetric efficiency canbe obtained. However, since the fuel injector is arranged upstream ofthe control valve, some of the fuelinjectedfrom the fuel injector when the control valve is closed adheres to the control valve. Therefore, since all of the fuel injected fromthe fuel injector isnot instantaneouslyfed into the combustion chamber, a good accelerating operation cannot beobtained. Also,sinceaswirlmotion is created in the combustionchamber when the engine is operating under a light load, the burning velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber can be improved. However, in the above arrangement, ignitability is neglected. Also, well known isan engine in which each cylinder is equipped with a pair of intakevalves and a pair of independently arranged intake passages. Acontrol valve which is closed when theengine is operatingundera light load is arranged in one of the intake passages. The intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole at a position downstream of the controlvalve, andthe fuel injector is arranged intheconnecting hole (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57-105534). In this engine, when theengine is operating under a heavyload, and since the control valve is open, air is fedto the combustion chamber from both intake passages, and a high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. Inaddition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstreamof the control valve, there is nodanger that fuel injected from the fuel injector will adhere to the control valve. However, in this engine, sincethe intake passages are interconnected at a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from bothintake passages even if the control valve is closed when the engine is operating under a light load. As a result, the velocity of the airflowing into the combustion chamber is inevitably reduced, and, since it is difficult to create a strong swirl motion in thecombustionchamber, it is impossibletosufficiently increase the burning velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In this engine, also ignitabilityis neglected.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention _relates_ to an intake _device_ _of_ an internal _combustion_ engine. 2. Description of the Related Art _In_ order to create a swirl _motion_ in the combustion chamber when the engine is _operating_ _under_ a light load and _to_ _obtain_ a high volumetric efficiency when the engine is operating under a heavy load at a high speed, it is _well_ known, to equip each cylinder in an engine with a pair of intake valves, and to arrange a fuel injection in an intake passage. _The_ intake passage is divided into two branch intake passages at a position _downstream_ of the fuel injector, and these _branch_ intake passages are _connected_ to the combustion _chamber_ via the corresponding intake valves. _A_ control valve which _is_ closed when the engine is operating under a _light_ load is arranged in one of the branch _intake_ passages _(See_ _Japanese_ Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) _No._ 57-70914). In the _above_ arrangement, when the engine is operating under _a_ light load, and since _the_ control valve is closed, air is fed into the combustion chamber from _only_ one of the branch intake passages, thus creating _a_ swirl motion in the combustion _chamber._ Conversely, when the engine _is_ _operating_ under a _heavy_ load, _and_ _since_ the control valve is open, _air_ is fed to the combustion chamber from both branch intake passages, and _a_ high volumetric efficiency can be obtained. However, _since_ _the_ _fuel_ _injector_ is arranged upstream _of_ the control valve, _some_ of the fuel _injected_ _from_ the fuel injector when the _control_ valve is closed adheres to the control valve. Therefore, since all of _the_ fuel _injected_ from the _fuel_ _injector_ is not _instantaneously_ fed into _the_ combustion _chamber,_ a _good_ _accelerating_ _operation_ cannot be obtained. Also, since a swirl motion is _created_ in _the_ combustion _chamber_ _when_ the engine is operating _under_ a _light_ load, _the_ _burning_ velocity _of_ the air-fuel mixture _in_ the combustion chamber can _be_ improved. However, in _the_ _above_ _arrangement,_ ignitability is neglected. _Also,_ _well_ known is an engine in which each cylinder _is_ equipped with a _pair_ of _intake_ _valves_ and a _pair_ of independently _arranged_ intake passages. A control _valve_ which is closed when the _engine_ is operating under a light _load_ is arranged in one of the intake passages. The intake passages are interconnected via a connecting hole _at_ _a_ position downstream of the control valve, and the fuel injector _is_ _arranged_ in the connecting hole (See Japanese Unexamined Patent _Publication_ No. 57-105534). In this engine, when the engine is _operating_ _under_ _a_ heavy load, and since the control valve _is_ _open,_ air is fed to the combustion chamber _from_ _both_ intake passages, _and_ a high _volumetric_ efficiency can _be_ obtained. In addition, since the fuel injector is arranged downstream _of_ _the_ control valve, there is no danger _that_ _fuel_ injected from the fuel injector _will_ adhere to the control valve. However, in this engine, since the intake passages _are_ interconnected _at_ a position downstream of the control valve, air is fed to the combustion chamber from _both_ intake passages even if _the_ _control_ valve is closed when the _engine_ is operating under _a_ light load. As a result, the velocity _of_ the _air_ flowing into _the_ combustion chamber _is_ inevitably reduced, and, since _it_ is difficult to create a strong swirl _motion_ in _the_ combustion chamber, it is _impossible_ _to_ _sufficiently_ increase the _burning_ velocity of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. _In_ this engine, also ignitability is neglected.
|
1. Field
The disclosed and claimed concept pertains generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to handheld electronic devices including a first input component and a separate second touch sensitive input component. The disclosed and claimed concept also pertains to methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devices that are functional without communication with other devices. Wireless handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable, and thus are of a relatively compact configuration in which keys and other input structures often perform multiple functions under certain circumstances or may otherwise have multiple aspects or features assigned thereto.
As a practical matter, the keys of a keypad can only be reduced to a certain small size before the keys become relatively unusable. In order to enable text input, however, a keypad must be capable of entering all twenty-six letters of the Roman alphabet, for instance, as well as appropriate punctuation and other symbols.
One way of providing numerous letters in a small space has been to provide a “reduced keyboard” in which multiple letters, symbols, and/or digits, and the like, are assigned to any given key. In order to enable a user to make use of the multiple letters, symbols, digits, and the like on any given key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. For instance, a “multi-tap” system allows a user to substantially unambiguously specify a particular character on a key by pressing the same key a number of times equivalent to the position of the desired character on the key. For example, a telephone key includes the letters “ABC”. If the user desires to specify the letter “C”, then the user will press the key three times. While such multi-tap systems have been generally effective for their intended purposes, they nevertheless can require a relatively large number of key inputs compared with the number of characters that ultimately are output. Another example keystroke interpretation system is key chording, of which various types exist. For instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing two keys in succession or by pressing and holding a first key while pressing a second key. Still another keystroke interpretation system is a “press-and-hold/press-and-release” interpretation function in which a given key provides a first result if the key is pressed and immediately released, and provides a second result if the key is pressed and held for a short period of time.
Another keystroke interpretation system that has been employed is a software-based text disambiguation function. In such a system, a user typically presses keys to which one or more characters have been assigned, generally pressing each key one time for each desired letter, and the disambiguation software attempts to predict the intended input. Numerous different systems have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0007120 and 2006/0007121 assigned to the same assignee as the instant application; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,541. For example, as a user enters keystrokes, the device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants from which a user can choose. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device.
When the key and keypad sizes shrink because of the form factor on the handheld electronic device, typing error rate increases. Hence, as the size of keypads becomes smaller and smaller, the issue of multiple key presses becomes more and more important to keypad design. One of the reasons is that the user's thumb and fingers are simply too big for the relatively small sized keys. Therefore, it becomes more likely that the user accidentally hits a nearby key, or even several keys at the same time.
On some handheld electronic devices, a key adjacent to an activated key does not respond to stimuli until a set time lag has passed. This prevents unintended sequential pressing of adjacent keys on the keypad. This time lag is one method to reduce the error rate of rapid keying; however, this relatively short delay may impede on users who are intentionally typing adjacent keys in relatively quick succession.
There is room for improvement in handheld electronic devices.
There is also room for improvement in methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
|
1. field the disclosed and claimed concept pertains generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to handheld electronic devices including a first input controller and a separate second touch sensitive input component. the disclosed and claimed concept definition pertains to methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. 2. description of the related art numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants ( pdas ), handheld computers, two - way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic instruments are stand - alone devices that are functional without communication with other devices. wireless handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable, and thus are of a relatively compact configuration in which keys and other input structures often perform multiple functions under certain circumstances or may otherwise have multiple aspects or features assigned thereto. as a practical matter, the keys of this keypad can only be reduced to a certain small size before the keys become relatively unusable. in order to enable text input, however, a keypad must be capable upon entering all twenty - six characters of the roman alphabet, for instance, as well as appropriate punctuation and other symbols. one way of providing numerous letters in a small space has been to provide a “ reduced keyboard ” in which multiple letters, symbols, and / or digits, and the like, are assigned to any given key. in order to enable a user to make use of the multiple letters, symbols, digits, and the like on any given key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. for instance, a “ multi - tap ” system allows a user to substantially unambiguously specify a particular character on a key by pressing the same key a number of times equivalent to the position of the desired character on the key. for example, a telephone key includes the letters “ abc ”. if the user desires to specify the letter “ c ”, then the user will press the key three times. while such multi - tap systems have been generally effective for their intended purposes, they nevertheless can require a relatively large number of key inputs compared with the number of characters that exactly are output. another example keystroke interpretation system is key chording, of which various types exist. for instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing four keys in succession simultaneously alternately pressing and holding a first key while pressing a second key. still another keystroke interpretation system is a “ press - and - hold / press - and - release ” interpretation function in which a given key provides a first result if the key is pressed and immediately released, and provides a second result if the key is pressed and held for a short period of time. another keystroke interpretation system that has been employed is a software - based text disambiguation function. in such a system, a user typically presses keys to which one or more characters have been assigned, generally pressing each key one time for each desired letter, and the disambiguation software attempts to predict the intended input. numerous different systems have been proposed. see, for example, u. s. patent application publication nos. 2006 / 0007120 and 2006 / 0007121 assigned to the same assignee as the instant application ; and u. s. pat. no. 5, 953, 541. for example, as a user enters keystrokes, the device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants from which a user can choose. the output is based largely upon the frequency, i. e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. when the key and keypad sizes shrink because of the form factor on the handheld electronic device, typing error rate increases. hence, as the size of keypads becomes smaller and smaller, the issue of multiple key presses becomes more and more important to keypad design. one of the reasons is that the user ' s thumb and fingers are simply too big for the relatively small sized keys. therefore, it becomes more likely that the user accidentally hits a nearby key, or even several keys at the same time. on some handheld electronic devices, a key adjacent to an activated key does not respond to stimuli until a set time lag has passed. this prevents unintended sequential pressing of adjacent keys on the keypad. this time lag is one method to reduce the error rate of rapid keying ; however, this relatively short delay may impede on users who are intentionally typing adjacent keys in relatively quick succession. there is room for improvement in handheld electronic devices. there is also room for improvement in methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
|
1. Field The disclosed and claimed concept pertains generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to handheld electronic devices including a first input component and a separate second touch sensitive input component. The disclosed and claimed concept also pertains to methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. 2. Description of the Related Art Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs ), handheld computers, two - way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, although many such habdh@ld electronic devices are stand - alone devices that are functional without communication with other devices. Wireless handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable, and thus are of a relatively compact configuration in which keys and other input structures often perform multiple functions under certain circumstances or may otherwise have multiple aspects or features assigned thereto. As a practical matter, the keys of a keypad can only be reduced to a certain small size before the keys become relatively unusable. In order to enable text input, however, a keypad ,uCt be capable of entering all twenty - six letters of the Roman alphabet, for instance, as well as appropriate punctuation and other symbols. One way of providing numerous letters in a small space has been to provide a “ reduced keyboard ” in which multiple let$Frs, symbols, and / or digits, and the like, are assigned to any given key. In order to enable a user to make use of the multiple letters, symbols, digits, and the like on any given key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. For instance, a “ multi - tap ” system allows a user to substantially unambiguously specify a particular character on a key by pressing the same key a number of times equivalent to the position of the desired character on the key. For example, a telephone key includes the letters “ ABC ”. If the user desires to specify the letter “ C ”, then the user will press the key three times. While such multi - tap systems have been generally effective for their intended purposes, they nevertheless can require a relatively large number of key inputs compared with the number of characters that ultimately are output. Another example keystroke interpretation system is key chording, of which various types exist. For instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing two keys in succession or by pressing and holding a first key while pressing a second key. Still another keystroke interpretation system is a “ press - and - hPlR / press - and - release ” interpretation function in which a given key provides a first requlf if the key is pressed and immediately released, and provides a second result if the key is pressed and held for a short period of time. Another keystroke interpretation system that has been employed is a software - based text disambiguation function. In such a system, a user typically presses keys to which one or more characters have been assigned, generally pressing each key one time for each deairdd letter, and the disambiguation software attempts to predict the intended input. Numerous different systems have been proposed. See, for example, U. S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0007120 and 2006 / 0007121 assigned to the same assignee as the inwhant application; and U. S. Pat. No. 5, 953, 541. For example, as a user enters keystrokes, the device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants from which a user can choose. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i. e. , the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. When the key and keypad sizes shrink because of the form factor on the handheld electronic device, typing error rate increases. Hence, as the size of keypads becomes smaller and smaller, the issue of multiple key presses becomes more and more important to keypad design. One of the reasons is that the user ' s thumb and fingers are simply too big for the relatively small sKzex keys. Therefore, it becomes more likely that the user accidentally hits a nearby key, or even several keys at the same toNe. On some handheld electronic devices, a key adjacent to an activated key does not respond to stimuli until a set time lag has passed. This prevents unintended sequential pressing of adjacent kwJs on the keypad. This time lag is one method to reduce the error rate of rapid keying; however, this relatively short delay may impede on users who are intentionally typing adjacent keys in relatively quick succession. There is room for improvement in handheld electronic devices. There is also room for improvement in methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
|
1. Field The disclosed and claimed concept pertains generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to handheld electronic devices including a first input component and separate second touch sensitive input component. The disclosed claimed also pertains to methods of the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. 2. of the Related Art Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, the Many handheld electronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, many such handheld electronic devices stand-alone devices that are functional communication with other devices. Wireless electronic devices generally intended to be portable, and thus are of a relatively configuration in which keys and other input structures often perform functions under certain circumstances or may otherwise have multiple or features assigned thereto. As a practical matter, the keys of a keypad can only be reduced to a certain small size before the keys become relatively unusable. In order to enable text input, a keypad must capable all twenty-six letters of the alphabet, for instance, as well as appropriate punctuation and other symbols. One way providing numerous in a small space has been to provide “reduced keyboard” which multiple symbols, and/or digits, and the like, are to any given key. In order to enable user to make use multiple letters, digits, and the like on any given key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. instance, a “multi-tap” system allows a to substantially unambiguously specify a particular character on a key by the key a times equivalent to the position of the desired character on the key. For example, telephone key the letters “ABC”. If the desires to specify the letter “C”, then the user will press key three times. While such multi-tap systems have been generally effective for their intended purposes, they nevertheless can require a relatively large number key inputs compared with the number of characters that ultimately are output. Another example keystroke interpretation system is key chording, which various types exist. For instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing two keys in succession or pressing and holding a first key while pressing a second key. Still another keystroke system is a “press-and-hold/press-and-release” interpretation function in a key first result if the key is pressed and immediately released, provides a second result if the key is pressed and held for a short period time. Another keystroke interpretation system that has been employed is a software-based text disambiguation function. such a system, a user typically presses keys which one or more characters have been assigned, generally pressing each key one time for each desired letter, and the disambiguation software attempts to predict the intended input. Numerous different systems been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0007120 and 2006/0007121 assigned to the same assignee as the instant application; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,541. For example, as a user enters keystrokes, the device provides output in the form of a default output and a number variants from which a user can The based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended particular output, but various features of the device provide variants that are not based on and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. When the key and keypad sizes shrink because the form on the handheld electronic device, typing error rate increases. Hence, as the size of keypads becomes smaller and smaller, issue of multiple key becomes and more important to keypad design. One of the reasons that the user's thumb and fingers are too big for relatively small sized Therefore, it becomes more likely that the user accidentally hits a key, or even several keys at the time. On some handheld electronic devices, a key adjacent to an activated key does not to stimuli until a set time lag has passed. This prevents unintended sequential pressing of adjacent keys on the keypad. This time lag is one method to reduce the error of rapid keying; however, this relatively short delay may impede on users who are intentionally typing adjacent keys in relatively succession. There room for improvement in electronic devices. There is also room for improvement in methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. Similar numerals refer to parts throughout the specification.
|
1. FiEld
the DiscLoSED And cLaImed coNcepT perTAiNS geNeRaLly to HANDhelD ELECtronic devICes and, moRE parTiCulArlY, tO hAndhElD eLectrOnIc DEViceS inclUDIng a FiRSt InPUt comPONent and a SeParaTE SECond tOuCh SenSiTIVe inpUt ComPonEnT. tHe DiSclOsed AND CLAIMed ConcEPt alSO pertaiNS TO meThoDS Of OuTpUttINg ThE sELectION oF inPut mEmberS oF a HANDhELD ElectRoNiC DEvIcE.
2. deSCRiPTiON oF tHe RElAtED arT
NUMeroUs TyPes OF hanDHelD EleCTrONiC deVIceS Are knoWn. eXampLEs Of SUCH hanDheld electRoNIC devIceS InclUde, foR InStance, PeRSonAL dATA ASSiSTAntS (pdAs), handhElD CompUTeRs, TwO-way PageRs, cELlULAR TelEpHoNES, aND tHe LIKe. MAny HandHeLD ElectrONIC DeVIceS alSO FeatURe WiRELeSs ComMuNiCATIon capaBiLiTy, alThough MANy sUCh handheLd eleCtRoNIc dEVIcEs ArE sTANd-aLone dEviCes ThAT arE FuNcTioNal WiThout CoMMUNicATiON wItH OTHER devIcEs. WireleSS hAndHEld eLeCtRONIC DEvIcEs ARe GEnERAlly iNTeNDeD To be PoRtABLe, and tHUS ArE Of a RelAtiVely cOmpAct CONfIGUraTIoN in wHIch keYs AND OThER INPUt sTrucTURES OFtEn peRFoRM mUlTIPlE FUnCTioNS undER cErtAIn CircUmStanCes or MaY OThErwiSE haVE mULtIpLe asPeCts OR fEATurEs asSiGnEd ThEReto.
as a pRACtical MattEr, The kEYs of A keYpaD Can Only Be REdUceD to a CeRTAIn SMaLL SIze BeforE thE Keys BECoME ReLATIvELy UnUSAblE. in oRDEr to enable teXt Input, hOWeVEr, a kEYPAD muST Be cApAblE of ENterINg all TWENtY-sIx LetteRs oF THE RoMaN alpHAbet, foR INstANce, As WELL as aPProPriaTE PUnCtUATion aNd otHER SymBoLS.
one WAY OF ProVIDIng nuMeROUs LETtErs IN A SMaLL SpaCe hAS BEen to provIDe A “redUced keyboarD” iN WHiCh mulTIPLe leTters, sYmBoLS, aNd/OR diGITs, And the lIKe, ARE AsSIGNED tO AnY gIVEN kEy. In ORdER TO EnaBLe A UseR To mAkE uSE Of the MUltIpLe lETTeRS, syMboLS, DIgits, aNd the lIke On ANy GiVEn Key, nUmeRouS kEYsTroKE InTerpretATiON SYsteMS hAve BeeN PRovIDed. foR inSTanCE, a “muLti-TAp” sYsTEm ALlOWS a USEr tO SuBsTaNtIaLly UnaMbigUousLy specify a PARTIcUlAr CHARACteR ON a kEY bY PresSiNg the sAME KeY a NumBer of TiMeS EQuivAlENt TO THe pOSItiON of thE deSIRed ChARacTER ON the keY. foR EXAMpLE, A TeLePHOne key IncLudeS ThE LETtERS “Abc”. if THE USER dEsiREs To sPECIFY thE LETTEr “C”, theN tHe USeR WIll PreSS The key ThrEe tImeS. WhIlE SUCh MULTI-tap sYstems havE bEeN GEnERallY effEcTive for THEir INTEnDEd pURPOses, tHeY NeVERThELeSs Can ReqUIRE a rELAtIVEly larGe NUmber of KEY inPUTs cOMParEd WiTh THE nuMbeR Of cHaRacTeRS ThAt uLTiMaTeLY ArE OUtpUt. ANOtHEr ExAmPLe keyStroKe INtERPREtATion SySTeM IS keY CHoRdinG, of which VARIOuS tYPes EXISt. fOR iNSTaNCe, A paRticULAR cHARacTeR cAN bE ENterED bY PrESSIng TWO keYS in sUCCeSSIOn OR bY pressING AND HOLDing a first Key wHiLe pressing A seCoND kEY. stIlL anOTHer KEYstroKe inTErpRetaTIOn SYSTem iS A “PResS-AnD-hoLD/prESs-And-ReLeAsE” intERprETAtIOn fUNcTIoN IN WHiCh A GIVen KEY proviDES A FIRSt RESuLT If The keY iS PressEd anD IMmedIAtelY rElEAsEd, AND pROVIDes A seCOnd rESult if THE keY iS PRessed AnD Held fOr A SHOrT PErioD Of TiME.
aNOTher kEystROkE InTErpreTaTIoN syStEM That haS BEeN EmPlOYED IS A SoftwarE-BAseD tExT dISAMbiGuatIoN FUNctiOn. iN SUCH A system, a UsER TYpIcAlLy pReSSEs keyS tO whIcH oNe or MORE cHaRactERs HAve BeeN AsSIgNED, GenERaLLy PrEsSInG EACH KEy ONE TIme FOr eaCh dESIreD lETTeR, AnD the DiSaMBIguatION SoFtWaRe AttEmPts To PrEDIct tHe iNtEnDED INPuT. NUmERouS diFfERENT sYSteMS hAVe BeEn PrOPOSEd. SeE, fOR ExAmpLE, U.S. PAtENt aPpLicatIOn PuBLIcaTioN nOS. 2006/0007120 AnD 2006/0007121 AsSIGNeD to the SaMe aSsIgNEe AS tHe instAnT aPPlicatION; ANd U.S. Pat. NO. 5,953,541. for ExAmPle, as a UseR eNTErS KEYSTrokES, thE DEvIcE PrOvidEs OuTPuT iN THe FoRM of a DEFaUlt outpUT AND A NUMber OF VaRiaNTs FroM WHIch a USer cAN cHOose. The oUTpUt iS BasED LArgeLy upon thE FreqUenCY, I.e., tHe liKElihOoD THAT A User iNTENdeD A PartiCUlAR OUTpUT, bUt VaRIouS feaTURES OF THE dEVice proVide ADDItIonal VArIanTs that are NoT bASed SOlelY On FRequEncy AnD Rather are PROvidED bY vARIOuS lOgic sTRUctUrEs rEsidENT oN tHE DEViCE.
WHEN tHE key And KEyPAd sIzES SHrINk BecAuSE of the fOrm faCTOr oN the hANDhEld elecTroNic DevIce, TYPiNG ERrOr RatE INCrEAsEs. HENce, As ThE sIZE Of kEYpAds BecOMeS SmalleR AnD sMallER, tHE IssUE Of mUltipLe keY prESSEs BeCOmes MOrE aND mORe ImPORtANt tO KEyPad desigN. One of thE REASONS is ThAt ThE uSer's thumB AND fiNGErS aRe SIMPLy tOo Big foR THE ReLatIvELY SMaLl sIZeD keyS. ThEREfoRE, it bEcoMes more likely tHaT THe USer aCCIdeNTaLLY hiTS A NeArBY key, Or EVen SEVeRAL KEys AT the sAme tIMe.
on some HAndhEld ELecTroNIc DEvicES, a Key AdJacEnT TO AN ACTIvated KEY doES NOt ReSPOnd TO StIMULi UntiL a sET tImE Lag HaS PaSseD. thIs PrEVenTs UNintENdEd SEquENtiaL PResSInG OF aDJacEnt Keys oN the kEYPAd. THiS tiME Lag is oNe MethOd To ReduCE tHE erroR rATe of rapID kEying; hOweVEr, This relatIvELY SHoRt DELAy May IMpEDe ON uSErS Who Are IntEntioNaLLy TYpinG AdJaCENt keYS In relaTiVeLy QUiCK SUccESsION.
ThErE iS ROom fOr improVEmeNT In HANDheLD ELeCTROnIc devicES.
THere IS AlSo roOM FOr IMPRoveMENT IN meThOdS oF OuTputtiNg ThE SeLEctiOn OF inpUt meMBeRS Of A HAnDhelD ElEctrOnIc DEvIcE.
siMILar NUMErAls rEFEr TO siMIlaR pArtS THRouGHOuT ThE SPEcIfiCaTiON.
|
1. Field Thedisclosed and claimedconcept pertains generallyto handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to handheld electronic devices including a first input component and a separate secondtouch sensitive input component. The disclosedand claimedconcept also pertains to methods of outputting the selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. 2. Description of the Related Art Numerous typesof handheld electronic devices are known. Examples ofsuch handheld electronic devices include, forinstance, personal dataassistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-waypagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Many handheldelectronic devices also feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devicesthat are functional without communication with otherdevices. Wireless handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable, and thus are of a relatively compact configuration in which keys and otherinputstructures often perform multiple functions under certain circumstances or may otherwisehave multiple aspects or features assignedthereto. As a practical matter, the keys of akeypad canonlybe reduced to a certainsmall size before the keys become relatively unusable. In order to enabletext input, however, akeypad must be capable of entering all twenty-six lettersof the Romanalphabet, for instance, aswell as appropriatepunctuation andothersymbols. One wayof providing numerous lettersin a small space has been to provide a “reduced keyboard” in which multiple letters, symbols,and/or digits, and the like, are assigned to any given key. Inorder to enable a user to makeuse of the multiple letters, symbols,digits, and thelike on any given key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. For instance, a “multi-tap”system allows a usertosubstantially unambiguously specify aparticular characteron a keyby pressing the samekey a number of times equivalent to the positionof the desired character on the key. For example,a telephone key includes the letters “ABC”. If the user desiresto specify the letter “C”, then theuserwill press the keythree times. Whilesuch multi-tap systems have beengenerally effective for their intended purposes, they nevertheless can require arelatively large numberof key inputscompared with the number of characters that ultimately are output. Another example keystroke interpretationsystem is key chording, of which varioustypes exist. For instance, a particular character can be entered by pressing two keys in successionor by pressing and holding a first key while pressing a second key.Still another keystroke interpretation system is a “press-and-hold/press-and-release” interpretation function in which a given key provides afirst result ifthekey is pressed and immediately released, and provides a second result if the key is pressed and held for a short period of time. Another keystroke interpretation system that has been employed is a software-based text disambiguation function. Insuch a system, a user typically presses keysto which one or morecharacters have beenassigned, generally pressing eachkey one time for each desired letter, and the disambiguation softwareattempts to predictthe intended input. Numerous different systems have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication Nos.2006/0007120 and 2006/0007121 assigned to the same assignee as the instant application; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,541. For example, as a user enters keystrokes, the device providesoutput in the form of a default output and anumber of variants from which a usercan choose. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various featuresof the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequencyand rather are provided by various logic structuresresident on thedevice. When the key and keypad sizes shrink because of the form factor on the handheld electronic device, typing error rate increases.Hence, as the size of keypads becomessmaller and smaller, the issue of multiple key presses becomes moreand more importantto keypad design. One ofthe reasons is that the user'sthumb and fingers are simply toobig for therelatively small sized keys.Therefore, it becomes more likely that the user accidentally hits a nearby key, or even several keys at the same time. On some handheld electronic devices, a key adjacent to anactivated keydoes notrespond to stimuli until a set time lag haspassed. This prevents unintended sequential pressing of adjacent keys onthe keypad. Thistime lag is one method to reducethe error rate of rapid keying; however, this relatively shortdelay may impede on users who are intentionallytyping adjacent keys in relatively quick succession.Thereis roomfor improvement in handheld electronic devices. There is also room forimprovement inmethods of outputtingthe selection of input members of a handheld electronic device. Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
|
1. Field The disclosed and claimed concept pertains generally to handheld electronic devices _and,_ _more_ particularly, _to_ handheld electronic _devices_ including a _first_ input component and a separate _second_ _touch_ sensitive input _component._ The _disclosed_ and claimed concept also pertains to methods of outputting the _selection_ of _input_ _members_ of a handheld electronic device. 2. Description _of_ the Related _Art_ Numerous types of handheld _electronic_ _devices_ are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices _include,_ _for_ instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Many handheld electronic devices also feature _wireless_ communication capability, although many such handheld _electronic_ devices are stand-alone devices that _are_ functional _without_ communication _with_ other devices. _Wireless_ handheld electronic devices are generally intended to _be_ portable, and thus are of a _relatively_ compact configuration in which keys and _other_ input structures often perform _multiple_ functions under _certain_ circumstances or may otherwise _have_ _multiple_ aspects or features assigned thereto. As a practical matter, the keys of a keypad can only be reduced to _a_ certain small _size_ before the _keys_ become relatively unusable. In order to enable text input, however, a _keypad_ must _be_ capable of entering all twenty-six _letters_ of the _Roman_ alphabet, for instance, as well as appropriate punctuation and _other_ symbols. One way of _providing_ _numerous_ letters in a small space has been to provide a “reduced keyboard” in which multiple letters, symbols, and/or digits, and the _like,_ are assigned to any _given_ key. _In_ order to enable a user to _make_ use of _the_ _multiple_ letters, symbols, digits, and the like _on_ any _given_ key, numerous keystroke interpretation systems have been provided. For instance, _a_ “multi-tap” system allows a _user_ _to_ substantially unambiguously specify _a_ _particular_ character on a key by pressing the _same_ key a number of times equivalent _to_ the position of the _desired_ character on the key. For _example,_ a telephone key includes _the_ letters “ABC”. If the user desires to specify _the_ letter “C”, then _the_ user will press the key three _times._ While such multi-tap systems have _been_ generally _effective_ for their intended _purposes,_ they nevertheless _can_ require a relatively large number of key _inputs_ _compared_ with the _number_ of characters that _ultimately_ are output. _Another_ example _keystroke_ interpretation system is _key_ chording, of which various types exist. For instance, a particular character can be entered _by_ pressing _two_ _keys_ _in_ succession _or_ by pressing and holding _a_ first key while pressing a second _key._ Still another _keystroke_ interpretation system _is_ _a_ “press-and-hold/press-and-release” _interpretation_ function in which _a_ given key provides a first _result_ if the key is pressed and immediately released, _and_ provides a second result if the _key_ is pressed and held for a short period of time. Another keystroke interpretation system that has _been_ employed is _a_ software-based text disambiguation function. In such a system, a user typically _presses_ keys to _which_ one or more characters have been _assigned,_ generally pressing each key one time for each _desired_ _letter,_ and _the_ _disambiguation_ software attempts to predict the _intended_ _input._ _Numerous_ different systems have _been_ proposed. See, for example, _U.S._ Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0007120 and 2006/0007121 assigned _to_ the same assignee as the instant application; _and_ _U.S._ _Pat._ No. 5,953,541. For example, _as_ a user enters keystrokes, _the_ device provides output in the form of a _default_ output _and_ a number of variants from which a user can choose. The output _is_ based largely upon the frequency, _i.e.,_ the likelihood that _a_ user _intended_ _a_ particular output, _but_ various features of the device _provide_ additional _variants_ that are not based _solely_ on frequency and rather are provided by various logic _structures_ resident on the device. When the key and keypad sizes shrink _because_ _of_ the form factor on the handheld electronic device, _typing_ _error_ _rate_ increases. Hence, as the size of keypads _becomes_ _smaller_ and smaller, the issue of multiple key _presses_ becomes more and more important to keypad design. _One_ of the reasons is that the user's thumb and fingers are _simply_ too big for the relatively small _sized_ _keys._ Therefore, it _becomes_ more likely that _the_ user accidentally hits a nearby key, or even several keys at the same time. On some handheld electronic _devices,_ _a_ _key_ adjacent to an activated key does not respond to stimuli until _a_ set time _lag_ has passed. _This_ prevents _unintended_ sequential pressing of adjacent keys on _the_ keypad. This time lag is one method to reduce the error rate of _rapid_ keying; however, this _relatively_ short delay _may_ impede _on_ users who are intentionally typing adjacent keys in _relatively_ quick succession. There is room for improvement in handheld electronic devices. There is also room _for_ improvement in _methods_ of outputting the selection _of_ input members of a _handheld_ _electronic_ device. Similar numerals refer to _similar_ parts _throughout_ the specification.
|
The present invention relates in general to teleservice messages within a telecommunications network. More particularly, the present invention relates to reporting the capabilities and features of a mobile station within such a network.
There are many features defined in the mobile stations specifications, such as the ANSI-136 standard. Some of these features are optional while most of them are required per the standard. Each mobile station within a telecommunications network, such as the ANSI-136 network, supports a protocol version (PV) that defines the capability of the mobile station. The different PVs cover the different revisions and capability sets of the standard.
Different PVs support different items, with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some items being xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. Typical features for PV0 and PV1 are shown in Table 1.
Typically, PVs are backward compatible, meaning that if a telephone is PV1, then it has all of the PV1 features as well as the PV0 features.
In order that the mobile network will know what revision of the standard that a mobile station supports, the mobile station provides its PV to the mobile network via an (air) interface message such as a registration message or the capability report. Typically, when a mobile station, such as a telephone, registers on a system, it provides its PV in a message to the system.
Wireless operators and infrastructure vendors need to know what capabilities are supported by the customer premises equipment (CPE), including the mobile station, in order to know what messages, physical channel capabilities, and features can be assigned and sent to the CPE. It is contemplated that each mobile station that is registered as a certain PV supports all of the mandatory features. However, many CPE vendors do not support all xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d capabilities of the standard, and the conventional, standardized capability report does not account for mandatory features, only optional features. Thus, the wireless operator and infrastructure vendor cannot be sure of what features and capabilities a mobile station may or may not support.
In order for a mobile station to indicate that it supports a particular PV, all mandatory items for that particular PV must be supported by the mobile station. However, in commercial practicality there are situations where a infrastructure vendor and a wireless operator may choose to provide support for one or more features in a PV prior to the ability to support all of the other mandatory features of the PV.
Conventionally, the base station sends a message to the mobile station requesting its capability. The mobile station responds with a list of the optional features that it supports. It is assumed that the mobile station supports all the required features. However, oftentimes not all the PV features, even the mandatory ones, are in the telephone. The conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of support for features defined in the standard as optional. They do not allow any indication from the mobile station to the infrastructure of support for standardized feature sets which are mandatory in a particular protocol version.
Also, in the ANSI-136 standard, the conventional capability report is a layer 3 message. The wireless operator is dependent on the infrastructure vendor to provide a conduit from the CPE to the wireless operator""s information database. This leads to development costs to the infrastructure vendor and the wireless operator.
The standard does support many optional capabilities. These optional capabilities are not subject to the requirement of the PVs but rather may be optionally implemented in any revision of the standard later than the revision of the optional capability. In order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the standard supports a reporting mechanism called a Capability Report and the Capability Update on the digital control channel (DCCH) and the digital traffic channel (DTC), respectively.
The Capability Report may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by a Capability Request flag on the DCCH. The Capability Update may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by sending a Capability Update Request on the forward DTC. Both of these services indicate the protocol and service capability of the mobile station.
There is a need to allow support for select mandatory features without the mobile station having to indicate complete support for a particular PV level. Therefore, there is a need to determine which features, both mandatory and optional, are implemented in a telephone, and which features are not.
The present invention is directed to a mobile station capability message and a system and method for generating a mobile station capability message. The mobile station capability message comprises data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station. The capability storage message also can comprise data indicative of at least one optional feature supported by the mobile station. The features are each associated with a protocol version that is either the latest protocol version supported by the mobile station or an earlier protocol version. According to one aspect of the present invention, the features are part of the ANSI-136 standard.
An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system and method for generating a capability request message at a remote site, transmitting the capability request message to the mobile station, and generating a mobile station capability message responsive to the capability request message, the capability message comprising data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station, the at least one mandatory feature being associated with a protocol version. The remote site is one of a base station, a mobile switching center, and a non-base station entity.
According to further aspects of the invention, the capability message is transmitted to the remote site from the mobile station, via an interface comprising, for example, point to point or broadcast mechanisms. The capability request message and the capability message can be part of respective ANSI-136 R-data messages.
According to other aspects of the invention, the capability message is stored in a storage device that can be accessed by the remote site, and receipt of the capability request message at the mobile station is acknowledged.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
|
the present invention relates in general to teleservice messages within a telecommunications network. more particularly, the present invention relates to reporting the capabilities and features of a mobile station within such a network. there are many features defined in the mobile stations specifications, such as the ansi - 136 standard. some of these features are optional while most of them are required within the standard. each mobile station within a telecommunications network, such as the ansi - 136 network, supports single protocol version ( pv ) that defines the capability of the mobile station. the different pvs cover the different revisions and capability sets of the standard. different pvs support different items, with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some items being xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. typical features for pv0 and pv1 are shown in table 1. however, pvs are backward compatible, meaning that if a telephone provides pv1, then it has all of the pv1 features as well as the pv0 features. in order that the mobile network will know what revision of the standard that a mobile station supports, the mobile station provides its pv to the mobile network via an ( air ) interface message such as a registration message or the capability report. typically, when a mobile station, such as a telephone, registers on a system, it provides its pv in a message to the system. wireless operators and infrastructure vendors need to know what capabilities are supported by the customer premises equipment ( cpe ), including the mobile station, in order to know what messages, physical channel capabilities, and features can be assigned and sent to the cpe. it is contemplated that each mobile station that is registered as a certain pv supports all of the mandatory features. however, many cpe vendors do not recognise all xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d capabilities beyond the standard, and the conventional, standardized capability report does not account for mandatory capabilities, only optional features. technically, the wireless operator and infrastructure vendor cannot be sure of what features and capabilities a mobile station may or may not support. in order for a mobile station to indicate that it supports a particular pv, all mandatory items for that particular pv must be supported by the mobile station. however, in commercial practicality there occur situations where a infrastructure manufacturer and a wireless operator may choose to provide support for one or more features in a pv prior to the ability to support all of the other mandatory features of the pv. conventionally, the base station sends a message to the mobile station requesting its capability. the mobile station responds with a list of the optional features that it supports. it is assumed that the mobile station supports all the required features. however, oftentimes not all the pv features, even the mandatory ones, are in the telephone. the conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of support for features defined in the standard as optional. they do not allow any indication from the mobile station to the infrastructure of support for standardized feature sets which are mandatory in a particular protocol version. also, in the ansi - 136 standard, the conventional capability report is a layer 3 message. the wireless operator is dependent on the infrastructure vendor to provide a conduit from the cpe to the wireless operator " " s information database. this leads to development costs to the infrastructure vendor and the wireless operator. the standard does support many optional capabilities. these optional capabilities are not subject to the requirement of the pvs but rather may be optionally implemented in any revision of the standard later than the revision of the optional capability. in order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the standard supports a reporting mechanism called a capability report and the capability update on the digital control channel ( dcch ) and the digital traffic channel ( dtc ), respectively. the capability report may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by a capability request flag on the dcch. the capability update may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by sending a capability update request on the forward dtc. both of these services indicate the protocol and service capability of the mobile station. there is a need to allow support for select mandatory features without the mobile station having to indicate complete support for a particular pv level. therefore, there is a need to determine which features, both mandatory and optional, are implemented in a telephone, and which features are not. the present invention is directed to a mobile station capability message and a system and method for generating a mobile station capability message. the mobile station capability message comprises data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station. the capability storage message also can comprise data indicative of at least one optional feature supported by the mobile station. the features are each associated with a protocol version that is either the latest protocol version supported by the mobile station or an earlier protocol version. according to one aspect of the present invention, the features are part of the ansi - 136 standard. an embodiment of the present invention comprises a system and method for generating a capability request message at a remote site, transmitting the capability request message to the mobile station, and generating a mobile station capability message responsive to the capability request message, the capability message comprising data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station, the at least one mandatory feature being associated with a protocol version. the remote site is one of a base station, a mobile switching center, and a non - base station entity. according to further aspects of the invention, the capability message is transmitted to the remote site from the mobile station, via an interface comprising, for example, point to point or broadcast mechanisms. the capability request message and the capability message can be part of respective ansi - 136 r - data messages. according to other aspects of the invention, the capability message is stored in a storage device that can be accessed by the remote site, and receipt of the capability request message at the mobile station is acknowledged. the foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
|
The present invention relates in general to teleservice messages within a telecommunications network. More particularly, the present invention relates to reporting the capabilities and features of a mobile station within such a network. There are many features defined in the mobile statkoGs specifications, such as the ANSI - 136 standard. Some of these features are optional while most of them are required per the standard. Each mobile station within a telecommunications network, such as the ANSI - 136 network, supports a protocol version (PV) that defines the capability of the mobile station. The different PVs cover the different revisions and capability sets of the standard. Different PVs support different items, with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some items being xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. Typical features for PV0 and PV1 are shown in Table 1. Typically, PVs are backward compatible, meaning that if a telephone is PV1, then it has all of the PV1 features as well as the PV0 features. In order that the mobile network will know what revision of the standard that a mobile stARion supports, the mobile station provides its PV to the mobile network via an (air) interface message such as a registration message or the capability report. Typically, when a mobile station, such as a telephone, registers on a system, it provides its PV in a message to the system. Wireless operators and infrastructure vendors need to know what capabilities are supported by the customer premises equipment (CPE ), including the mobile station, in order to know what messages, physical channel capabilities, and features can be assigned and sent to the CPE. It is contemplated that each mobile station that is registered as a certain PV supports all of the mandatory features. However, many CPE vendors do not support all xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d capabilitifE of the standard, and the conventional, standardized capability report does not account for mandatory features, only optional features. YhuE, the wireless operator and infrastructure vendor cannot be sure of what features and capabilities a mobile station may or may not support. In order for a mobile station to indicate that it supports a particular PV, all mandatory items for that particular PV must be supported by the mobile station. However, in commercial practicality there are situations where a infrastructure vendor and a wireless operator may choose to provide support for one or more features in a PV prior to the ability to support all of the other mandatory features of the PV. Conventionally, the base station sends a message to the mobile station requesting its capability. The mobile station responds with a lkCt of the optional features that it supports. It is assumed that the mobile station supports all the required features. However, oftentimes not all the PV features, even the mandatory ones, are in the telephone. The conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of support for features defined in the standard as optional. They do not allow any indication from the mobile station to the infrastructure of support for standardized feature sets which are mandatory in a particular protocol version. Also, in the ANSI - 136 standard, the conventional capability report is a layer 3 message. The wireless operator is dependent on the infrastructure vendor to provide a conduit from the CPE to the wireless operator " " s information database. This leads to development costs to the infrastructure vendor and the wireless operator. The standard does support many optional capabilities. These optional capabilities are not subject to the requirement of the PVs but rather may be optionally implemented in any revision of the standard later than the revision of the optional capability. In order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the qtandatd supports a reporting mechanism called a Capability Report and the Capability Update on the digital control channel (DCCH) and the digital traffic channel (DTC ), respectively. The Capability Report may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by a Capability Request flag on the DCCH. The Capability Update may be requested from the mobile station by the base station by sending a Capability Update Request on the forwaFx DTC. Both of these services indicate the protocol and service capability of the mobile station. There is a need to allow support for select mandatory features without the mobile station having to indicate complete support for a particular PV level. ThWref0re, there is a need to determine which features, both mandatory and optional, are implemented in a telephone, and which features are not. The present invention is directed to a mobile station capability message and a system and method for generating a mobile station capability message. The mobile station capability message comprises data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station. The capability storage message also can comprise data indicative of at least one optional feature supported by the mobile station. The features are each associated with a protocol version that is either the latest protocol version supported by the mobile station or an earlier protocol version. According to one aspect of the present invention, the features are part of the ANSI - 136 standard. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system and method for generating a capability request message at a remote site, transmitting the capability request message to the mobile station, and generating a mobile station capability message responsive to the capability request message, the capability message comprising data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station, the at least one mandatory feature being associated with a protocol version. The Dem)te site is one of a base station, a mobile switching center, and a non - base station entity. According to further aspects of the invention, the capability message is transmitted to the remote site from the mobile station, via an interface comprising, for example, point to point or broadcast mechanisms. The capability request message and the capability message can be part of respective ANSI - 136 R - data messages. According to 9theE aspects of the invention, the capability message is stored in a storage device that can be accessed by the remote site, and receipt of the capability request message at the mobile station is acknowledged. The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
|
The present invention relates general to teleservice messages within a telecommunications network. More particularly, the present invention relates to reporting the capabilities and features of a mobile station within such a network. There are many features defined the mobile stations such as the ANSI-136 standard. Some of these are optional while most of them are required per the standard. Each mobile station within a telecommunications as the network, supports a protocol version (PV) that defines the capability the station. The different PVs the different revisions and capability sets of the Different support different items, with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some being xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. features for PV0 and PV1 are shown in 1. PVs are backward compatible, meaning that if a telephone is PV1, then it has all of the PV1 features as well as the PV0 In order that the network will know what revision of the that a mobile station supports, the mobile station provides its PV to the mobile network via an (air) interface message such as a registration message or the capability report. a station, such as telephone, registers on a system, it provides its PV a message to the system. operators and infrastructure vendors need to know what capabilities are supported by the customer premises equipment (CPE), the mobile station, in order to know what messages, channel capabilities, and features be assigned and to the It is contemplated each mobile station that is registered as a PV supports all of the mandatory features. However, many CPE vendors not all xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d capabilities of standard, the conventional, standardized capability report does not for mandatory features, only optional Thus, the operator and infrastructure vendor cannot be sure what features and capabilities a mobile may or may not support. In order for a mobile station to indicate that it supports a particular PV, all mandatory items for that particular PV must be supported by the mobile station. However, in commercial practicality there situations where a infrastructure vendor and a wireless operator choose to provide support for or more features a PV prior to the ability to support all of the mandatory features the Conventionally, the base station sends a message to the mobile station requesting its capability. The mobile station with a list of the optional features it supports. It is assumed that mobile station all the required features. However, oftentimes not all the PV the mandatory ones, are in the telephone. The conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of support features defined in the standard as optional. They do not allow any indication from the mobile station to the infrastructure of support for standardized feature sets which are mandatory in a version. Also, in the ANSI-136 standard, the conventional capability report is a layer 3 message. The operator is dependent on infrastructure vendor to provide a conduit from the CPE to the wireless information database. This leads to development costs to the infrastructure vendor and the wireless operator. The standard many optional capabilities. These optional capabilities subject to the requirement of the PVs but rather may be optionally implemented in any revision of the standard later than revision of the optional capability. In order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the standard supports a reporting mechanism called a Capability Report and Capability on the digital control (DCCH) and the digital traffic channel (DTC), respectively. Capability Report may be requested from the station by the by a Capability on the DCCH. The Capability Update be requested from the mobile station by the base station by sending a Capability Update Request on DTC. Both of these indicate the protocol and service of the mobile station. There is a need to allow support for select mandatory features without the mobile having to indicate complete support for a particular PV level. there is a need to determine features, both mandatory and are implemented in a and which features are not. The present invention is directed a mobile station capability message and a system and method for generating a station capability message. The mobile station capability message comprises data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station. The capability storage message also can comprise data indicative of at least one optional feature supported by the mobile station. The are each associated with a protocol version that is the latest protocol version supported the mobile station or an earlier protocol version. According to one aspect of the present invention, the features are part of ANSI-136 standard. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system and for generating a capability request message at a remote site, transmitting the capability request message to the mobile station, and generating a mobile station capability message responsive to the capability request message, the capability message comprising data indicative at least one mandatory feature supported by mobile station, the at least one mandatory feature associated with a protocol version. The remote site is one of a base station, a mobile switching center, and a non-base entity. According further aspects of the invention, the capability message transmitted to the remote site from the mobile station, via an interface comprising, for example, point to point or broadcast mechanisms. The capability request message and the capability message can be part respective ANSI-136 R-data messages. According to other aspects of the invention, the capability is stored in a that can be accessed by the remote site, and receipt of the capability request at the mobile station is acknowledged. The foregoing other aspects of the present invention will become from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
|
ThE PrESENT inVENTION reLaTes IN generaL To tElESERVicE MEssageS WITHIN a TeLecOmMuNIcATIoNs NetWORK. mOre pArTICULARLy, tHe PReSent INveNTIon RelaTeS to ReporTIng thE CapabILiTIes ANd featUrES Of a MOBiLe sTATIOn wItHIN SuCH a NeTwoRk.
ThEre ARe maNy featUReS DEFInEd iN The MObile StAtIONs specIFIcatIoNS, sucH aS THE ANSI-136 STAnDard. sOmE OF thesE fEaTUReS Are OptIonaL whILE MOst of THEM aRE rEQuIreD pER thE sTANDaRD. EACh mObILE staTION wiThIN a tElEcoMMUNIcaTiOnS nETWORK, sUcH As ThE aNSI-136 netWoRk, SUpPorTs a PROtOCol VErSIOn (pv) THaT DEFiNeS the CaPaBILITy OF thE MoBile STaTIoN. The DiFFereNT Pvs cOVER tHe DIffErEnT rEVisIoNs aND cAPABIlIty SeTS of The standard.
DIFfereNT pVS SUPPORt dIFFERENT IteMs, wItH somE ItEMs bEIng XE2X80x9CMandATorYxE2x80x9D and sOme ItEms being XE2X80x9CopTIONALxe2x80x9d. tYPICaL FEaTUreS FOR pV0 ANd PV1 ARE shoWN iN tabLe 1.
TyPiCalLy, PVs ARE BAckWaRD COMpAtibLe, mEaniNG THat If a teLEphONe Is PV1, tHEN IT HAs ALl Of The PV1 fEAtUReS AS WeLL AS The Pv0 FeAtUreS.
IN ORDeR THAT ThE MOBILe neTwork wilL kNow WhAt ReVISioN of the sTANdARd THAT a mObiLE StaTiON SUPPORts, thE mobilE StaTIoN pROVIdES itS PV To THE MObIle nETWoRK viA An (Air) INtERfACe mEssAGE suCH AS a rEgistrATioN mESsaGE Or thE cApAbilITy RePoRt. TYPICAlly, wHen A MOBiLe StATiOn, suCH aS A teLePhoNE, RegiSTErs On a sYSTeM, it PrOviDes itS pv In A mEssAge To thE SYSTeM.
wireless opeRAtoRs ANd inFRASTRUctuRE vENDOrS NEed tO KnOw wHaT cAPABILITIEs Are SUPPoRteD by tHE CUStOmER PrEmISeS eqUiPMENT (Cpe), IncLUdINg the mobIlE sTatiON, iN ORDer tO kNOw WHAT meSsAGeS, PHysICAL ChANNeL cAPabiLItIEs, AND feaTUrEs caN bE aSSIgNED aND SenT tO thE cpe. IT Is coNtempLaTEd ThaT EaCh MobILe StAtiOn tHaT is ReGISTeRED As A cerTAiN pv SUPPoRTS ALl OF THE mAndaTORY FEaTures. HOwevER, MAnY cPe VENdOrS Do noT sUPPoRT AlL xe2X80x9CmANDAToryxE2X80X9D cAPAbILITIes OF thE StAndARD, and ThE cOnveNTIonAl, staNdArdIzed CAPaBilITy rePORt doEs NOT aCcouNt For MAnDatorY FEAturEs, oNLy optioNal FEATurES. tHUS, thE wIreLEss OpERatOr aND iNfrasTRucturE vEnDor cannot bE Sure of WHAT FEatureS aND cApAbIlItIes a MOBIlE sTATiOn May oR may nOT SUpPort.
iN ORDeR fOr A mOBILe STATiON to INDicATe THat It SUPPorts A parTIcULar PV, aLL manDatorY iTEmS for That parTIculaR Pv mUsT BE SUPpoRTED bY tHe moBile sTATiON. HOwEver, In COmMErCIAl PRaCtiCAlIty THEre ARE SITuAtIons whERE A iNFraStruCTURe VEndOr aNd A WIrELESS opeRAtOr mAY cHOosE to PrOVide suPPOrt for OnE or morE FEATUrEs In A PV prIOr TO the ability to suPPorT AlL of THE OThEr manDAToRy FeatURES of tHe pv.
COnVEnTIoNALly, The BasE statIon sENDS A MesSAge To THE Mobile sTAtiON RequEStiNg ItS CAPaBiLItY. THe mObIlE stATiOn REspOndS WITh A list oF ThE oPTIOnAl FeaTuREs thaT IT SUPPOrTS. IT iS ASsUMEd THAT the MObIlE STATiOn SUpPOrtS aLL tHe reQUIReD FeATurES. hOWEVER, oftEnTImES nOt all ThE pV feAtures, EVen thE mANdatOry OneS, are IN The TELEpHOnE. tHE coNVenTIonaL CapAbIliTY repOrTing SerVICEs OnLY allOw IndIcaTIoN oF sUpport FOr FEatUres DEfiNEd In THE sTanDArd As OptionaL. They do not AllOW aNy inDicAtIon FroM tHe mOBILE STation To thE infrASTRUCtURe oF SUPpoRT for StANdarDiZEd fEaTURE SeTS WhIch ARe mAnDAtOry in A PArTicuLar ProtOCOl verSiOn.
AlsO, in ThE ANsI-136 StANDarD, tHE cOnVENTIoNAL CAPabiLity rEporT Is A lAyEr 3 messAGe. ThE WIReLESs OpeRaTor Is dEPenDenT ON THE iNfraStruCTUrE vEnDOR To proVIDE a cOnDUIT from THe cpe tO THe WiRelEss oPErATOr""S iNFORmAtIOn daTaBase. ThIS leAdS tO dEvElOpmeNT CosTS To the INfRastRUcTure VeNDOR aND thE wirELEss OPEraToR.
the stANDARd DOEs SuppoRt mANY OptIonaL cAPAbILITiES. tHEsE OptIONAL CApaBILiTIEs aRE nOt sUbjeCt to tHe reqUirEMEnT Of tHE pvS buT RAtHEr May Be OPTIoNALLY IMPLEmEnTed In ANy RevISION of thE sTAnDArd LATER tHaN tHE reVisIOn of tHe OpTIOnAL CaPabILitY. iN OrDer TO KNOw thAt tHesE featURes ARe SUPpORtED BY THe MObile StATIOn, The StAnDarD sUPPORts a REpoRTinG MEcHaNiSM cALLed a cAPabIlITY rEporT And the CaPAbIlIty UpdaTE ON THe dIgITaL cOntROL cHANNEL (dCcH) AnD tHE DIGITAl traFfIC chANNEL (dTc), REspeCtiVeLY.
THE CapAbiLiTy repORt MAY BE REQUeSTED FroM ThE moBILE sTaTIOn by the BAse STatioN by A capabiliTy reqUEST FlAG On tHE Dcch. THe CaPABILIty updaTE MAy BE rEQUESteD froM THE MOBIle stATion By tHe BaSE STatIoN by sEnDinG A CapAbIliTY upDaTe reQueSt oN tHE fORwArD DTc. BOTh oF ThESe seRViCeS InDICaTe The pRoToCOL AND SerVIcE CaPABilItY of THe MOBiLE sTAtiON.
thErE iS a NEeD to alLow sUppORt for SeLeCt MANDaToRy FEaTuRES wiThout the MoBiLe stAtION HaVIng TO INDicatE COmplete sUpPorT fOR A PaRticUlAr pV LevEl. THerEFORe, thERe is A nEed To deTeRMine wHICH FEatURES, both maNDAtorY And OPTiOnAL, are IMPLEMEnTEd in a TElePHONe, aND WhiCh FEaTUrES ARE NOt.
tHe preSENT INveNTiON Is DIReCTEd tO a mOBile STatiOn cApaBIliTY mESsaGE aND a SYstEm and METhod For GEnERATInG A mOBiLe statIOn cApabILity MessaGE. ThE mOBILE STAtioN CaPabilItY MesSAgE COMPRISES DATa IndicaTIvE OF At LeAst OnE MaNDatorY FeatURE sUPpORTEd By The MobIle StaTiON. tHE caPaBILiTy sToRagE messagE ALSO CAN CompRise DaTa InDiCATive of AT lEasT OnE OPtiOnAL fEATure SuppOrTED bY the MObilE STaTIoN. tHE FeaTures arE eacH asSocIated wiTH a PRotOcol VErsION tHat is eiTHeR The latEsT pRoTocOl VErSIon sUpPoRtED BY THE mObiLe STAtiOn Or aN eArliEr pRoTOCoL vERsioN. accoRdING TO ONe aSpect Of tHe PReSENt invEnTIOn, ThE FeaTUReS ARe pART of THe AnSI-136 stanDarD.
AN eMBODImENt oF tHe PRESeNt iNVENtioN coMPrIsEs a SyStEm ANd MEthOD FoR GEnERating A caPabILity requeSt MeSSAGe AT a rEmOTe SitE, tRANsMitTiNg THE CaPaBiliTy REQUEsT meSSaGe tO thE mOBILE sTaTIon, aND GeNERatInG A MObile STaTioN cAPabiLITy MESSAGE REsPonsIvE to THe CaPAbilITY requeST messagE, tHe cApAbilITy MesSAge ComprISIng DatA IndicATIVE OF At LEaST onE mandaTORY fEaTUre SuPPOrted bY THe MobilE STatioN, the At leasT onE mAndATorY FEAtUrE bEIng ASsOcIATED witH A ProToCol VeRSioN. ThE RemotE siTE iS One of A BASE STatIon, A MoBiLe sWItchInG cENTer, anD A nOn-base sTAtiON EnTitY.
accordINg tO FurtHeR AsPecTs of the invEntiOn, thE CapAbILITy MEsSAge Is traNSmiTTEd tO THE rEmOTe sITE fRoM The MObilE STatiOn, ViA An InterFAcE COmPrISiNg, FoR ExAmple, POiNt to poInt Or broaDCaST mECHaNismS. ThE CAPaBIlIty rEQUesT MessaGE AnD the capabILIty MEssAge cAN bE PaRT Of ResPECTiVE aNSi-136 r-datA MEssAGES.
accorDInG To oThEr ASpeCTS OF the iNveNtion, The caPaBilITy mESsAGe IS stOreD In A storAgE DEvICe THAt caN bE ACCEsSED BY The REmoTe sITE, aND REcEiPT of tHE CApaBILITY REQUeST mESsAGe aT THe MobILe stATIOn Is AcKnOWLEdGED.
tHE FOregoing AnD OthER aspECTS of ThE pREsENt INVENtiON WilL becoME APParENT From THe foLLowinG DETaiLEd dEScriptiOn oF The iNventION WhEn ConsIDereD IN cOnjuncTIOn with THE acCoMpaNYIng DRAWInGS.
|
The present inventionrelates in generalto teleservicemessageswithin atelecommunications network. More particularly, the present invention relates to reporting the capabilities and featuresof a mobile station within suchanetwork. Thereare many features defined in the mobile stations specifications, such as theANSI-136 standard. Some of thesefeatures are optional while most of them are required per the standard. Eachmobile stationwithina telecommunicationsnetwork, such as theANSI-136 network, supports aprotocolversion (PV) thatdefines the capabilityof the mobilestation.ThedifferentPVs cover the different revisions and capability sets of thestandard. DifferentPVs supportdifferentitems,with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some items being xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. Typical features for PV0 and PV1 are showninTable 1. Typically, PVs are backward compatible, meaning that if a telephone is PV1, then it has allofthe PV1 features aswellas the PV0 features. In order that the mobile networkwill know what revision of the standard that a mobile station supports, the mobile station provides its PV to the mobile network via an (air) interface message suchas a registration message or the capability report. Typically, when a mobilestation, such as a telephone, registers on a system, it provides itsPV in a message tothe system. Wireless operators and infrastructure vendors need to know what capabilities are supported by the customer premises equipment (CPE),including the mobile station, in order toknow whatmessages, physical channel capabilities, andfeatures can be assigned and sent to the CPE. It is contemplatedthat eachmobile station that is registered as a certain PVsupports all of the mandatory features. However, many CPE vendorsdo not support all xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d capabilities of the standard, and the conventional, standardized capability report does not account for mandatory features, only optional features. Thus, the wireless operator and infrastructure vendor cannot be sure of whatfeatures and capabilities amobile station may or maynot support. In order foramobile station to indicate that it supports a particular PV, all mandatory items for that particular PV must be supported by the mobile station.However, in commercial practicalitythere are situations where a infrastructure vendor and a wireless operator may choose toprovide supportfor one or more features in a PV priorto the ability to support all of the other mandatory features ofthe PV. Conventionally, the base station sends a message to themobile station requesting itscapability. The mobile station responds with a list of the optional features that it supports. It is assumed that the mobilestation supports all the required features. However,oftentimes not all the PV features, even the mandatoryones,are in the telephone. The conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of support for features defined in the standard as optional. They do notallow any indication from the mobile station tothe infrastructure of support for standardized feature sets which aremandatory in a particularprotocol version. Also, in the ANSI-136 standard, the conventional capability report is a layer 3message. Thewireless operator is dependent on the infrastructure vendor to provide a conduit from the CPE to the wireless operator""s information database.This leads to development costs to the infrastructurevendor and the wireless operator. The standard does support many optional capabilities.These optional capabilities arenot subject to the requirement of the PVs but rather may be optionally implemented in any revision of the standard later than the revision of theoptional capability. In order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the standard supports areportingmechanism called a Capability Report and the Capability Updateon thedigital control channel (DCCH) and the digital traffic channel (DTC), respectively. The CapabilityReport may be requested fromthe mobile station by the base station by a Capability Request flag on the DCCH. The Capability Update may berequested from the mobile stationby the base station bysending a Capability Update Requeston theforward DTC. Both of theseservices indicate theprotocol and service capability of the mobile station. Thereisa need toallow support for select mandatory features withoutthe mobile station having to indicate complete support for a particular PV level. Therefore,there is a need to determine whichfeatures, bothmandatory and optional, are implementedin a telephone, and which features are not. The present invention is directed to amobile station capability message and a system and method for generating a mobile station capabilitymessage. The mobile station capability message comprises data indicative of at least onemandatory feature supported bythemobile station. The capability storage message also can comprise dataindicative of at least one optional feature supported by the mobile station. The featuresare each associated with a protocol version that is eitherthe latestprotocol version supported by the mobilestation or an earlier protocol version. According to one aspect of the present invention, the features arepart of the ANSI-136 standard. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a systemandmethod for generating acapability request message at aremote site, transmitting the capability request message to the mobile station,and generating a mobilestation capability messageresponsive to the capability requestmessage, the capability message comprising data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station, the at least onemandatory feature being associated with a protocol version.Theremote site is one of abase station, a mobile switching center, anda non-base station entity. According to further aspects of the invention, the capability message is transmittedto the remotesite from the mobile station, viaaninterface comprising, for example, point topoint or broadcast mechanisms. The capability request message and the capability message canbe part ofrespective ANSI-136 R-data messages.According to other aspects of theinvention, the capability message is storedin a storage device that can be accessedby the remote site, and receipt of the capability request message at the mobile station is acknowledged. The foregoing and other aspects ofthe present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
|
The present invention relates in general _to_ teleservice messages within a telecommunications network. More particularly, the present invention _relates_ to reporting the capabilities and features _of_ a _mobile_ station _within_ such a network. There are many features defined in the mobile stations specifications, such as the ANSI-136 standard. _Some_ of _these_ features are _optional_ while most of them are required per the standard. Each mobile station within a telecommunications network, such as the ANSI-136 network, supports a protocol _version_ (PV) that defines the capability of the mobile station. The _different_ _PVs_ cover _the_ different _revisions_ and capability sets of the _standard._ _Different_ PVs _support_ _different_ _items,_ with some items being xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d and some _items_ _being_ xe2x80x9coptionalxe2x80x9d. Typical _features_ for PV0 and _PV1_ are _shown_ in Table 1. Typically, _PVs_ _are_ backward compatible, meaning that if _a_ telephone is PV1, then _it_ has all of the PV1 features as _well_ _as_ the PV0 features. _In_ order that the mobile network will know what _revision_ of the standard that a mobile station _supports,_ the mobile station provides its PV to the mobile network via an (air) interface message such as a registration message _or_ _the_ capability _report._ Typically, when a mobile _station,_ such as a telephone, registers on a system, it provides its PV in a message _to_ the system. Wireless operators and infrastructure vendors need _to_ know what capabilities are supported _by_ the customer premises equipment (CPE), including the _mobile_ station, _in_ order to know what messages, physical channel capabilities, and features can _be_ assigned and _sent_ to the CPE. It _is_ contemplated that _each_ mobile station _that_ is registered as a _certain_ PV supports all of the mandatory features. However, _many_ CPE vendors _do_ not support all _xe2x80x9cmandatoryxe2x80x9d_ _capabilities_ of the standard, and the _conventional,_ standardized _capability_ report does not account for mandatory features, only _optional_ features. _Thus,_ the wireless operator and _infrastructure_ vendor cannot be _sure_ of what _features_ and capabilities a mobile _station_ may _or_ may not support. In order for a mobile station to indicate that it supports a particular _PV,_ all _mandatory_ items for that _particular_ PV must be supported by the mobile station. _However,_ in _commercial_ practicality there _are_ situations where a _infrastructure_ vendor _and_ a _wireless_ operator may choose to _provide_ support for one or more features in a _PV_ prior to the _ability_ _to_ support all of the other mandatory features of the PV. Conventionally, the base station _sends_ a message to the _mobile_ station requesting its _capability._ The mobile station _responds_ with a list of the optional _features_ that it _supports._ It _is_ assumed _that_ the mobile station supports all the required _features._ However, _oftentimes_ _not_ all the PV _features,_ even the mandatory ones, are in the _telephone._ The conventional capability reporting services only allow indication of _support_ for features defined in the standard as optional. They _do_ not allow any indication from the mobile station to the infrastructure of support _for_ standardized feature sets which _are_ _mandatory_ in a particular protocol version. Also, in the ANSI-136 _standard,_ the conventional capability report is a _layer_ _3_ message. The wireless operator is dependent _on_ the infrastructure vendor _to_ provide a _conduit_ from the CPE to the _wireless_ operator""s information database. This leads to development costs to the infrastructure vendor and the _wireless_ operator. The standard does _support_ many optional capabilities. These optional capabilities are _not_ subject to the requirement of the PVs but rather may _be_ _optionally_ implemented in any revision of _the_ _standard_ later _than_ the revision _of_ the optional capability. In order to know that these features are supported by the mobile station, the standard supports a reporting mechanism called _a_ _Capability_ Report and the _Capability_ Update _on_ the digital control channel (DCCH) _and_ the digital traffic channel _(DTC),_ respectively. The Capability Report may be _requested_ _from_ the mobile _station_ by _the_ base station by a Capability Request flag on the DCCH. The Capability Update may be requested _from_ the mobile _station_ _by_ the base _station_ by sending _a_ _Capability_ _Update_ Request on _the_ forward DTC. _Both_ of these services indicate the protocol _and_ service capability of the mobile station. There is a need _to_ allow support for select mandatory _features_ without the _mobile_ station _having_ to indicate _complete_ support _for_ a particular _PV_ level. Therefore, there is a need to determine which _features,_ both mandatory and optional, are implemented in a telephone, and which features are _not._ The present invention is directed to a _mobile_ station capability message and a system and _method_ for generating a _mobile_ station _capability_ message. The mobile station _capability_ message comprises data indicative of at least one mandatory feature supported by the mobile station. _The_ capability storage message also can comprise _data_ indicative of at least one _optional_ _feature_ supported by the mobile station. _The_ _features_ are each _associated_ with _a_ protocol version that is either the _latest_ protocol version supported _by_ the mobile station or an earlier protocol version. According to _one_ _aspect_ _of_ the _present_ invention, the features are part of the ANSI-136 standard. An embodiment of the _present_ invention comprises a system _and_ method for generating a capability request message _at_ a remote site, _transmitting_ _the_ capability request message to the mobile station, and generating a _mobile_ station capability _message_ _responsive_ to the capability request message, the capability message comprising _data_ indicative of at _least_ one mandatory feature _supported_ by the mobile station, _the_ at least one mandatory _feature_ being associated with a protocol version. The remote site is one _of_ a base station, a mobile switching center, and _a_ non-base _station_ entity. _According_ _to_ further _aspects_ of the invention, the capability message _is_ transmitted to _the_ remote site from the mobile station, via an interface _comprising,_ for example, _point_ to point or broadcast mechanisms. The _capability_ _request_ message and the capability message _can_ be part _of_ respective ANSI-136 _R-data_ messages. According to _other_ aspects _of_ the invention, _the_ _capability_ message is stored in _a_ storage device that can be accessed by the remote site, and receipt _of_ _the_ capability request message at the mobile station _is_ _acknowledged._ _The_ foregoing and _other_ aspects of the _present_ invention will _become_ apparent _from_ _the_ following detailed description _of_ the invention when considered _in_ _conjunction_ with the accompanying drawings.
|
Work machines, such as backhoes, are used in many industries, including the agricultural, construction, and forestry related industries. Typical work machines are employed for performing various heavy tasks, such as moving soil, and lifting and moving bales of hay, pallets, and other heavy items with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as a bucket. In order to perform work using the attachment, hydraulic cylinders are employed, which are controlled by an operator using control devices, such as joystick levers. Generally, the hydraulic pump employed by work machines is driven by the work machine's engine, and thus, the amount of hydraulic flow deliverable by the hydraulic pump varies with the speed of the engine. In situations where the output of the pump falls below the amount of flow requested by the operator of the work machine, e.g., because engine speed selected by the operator is insufficient for the pump to generate the requested flow, operational difficulties may be encountered. For example instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely affect hydraulic system load handling, and engine recovery and stability.
Hence, it is desirable to be able to control the hydraulic system of a work machine in a manner that promotes stable operation.
|
work machines, such as dams, are used in many industries, including the agricultural, construction, and forestry related industries. typical work machines are employed for performing various heavy tasks, such as moving soil, and lifting and moving bales of hay, grains, and other heavy items with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as a bucket. in order to perform work using the attachment, hydraulic cylinders are employed, and are controlled by an operator using control devices, such as joystick levers. generally, the hydraulic pump required by work machines is driven by the work machine ' s engine, and thus, the amount of hydraulic flow deliverable by the hydraulic pump varies with the speed of the engine. in situations where the output of the pump falls below the amount of flow requested than the operator of the work machine, e. g., because engine speed selected by the operator is insufficient for the pump to accelerate the actual flow, several difficulties may be noted. one example instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely affect hydraulic system load handling, and engine recovery and stability. hence, it is desirable to be able to control the hydraulic system of a work machine in a manner that promotes stable operation.
|
Work machines, such as backhoes, are used in msGy industries, including the agricultural, construction, and forestry r$lat$d industries. Typical work machines are employed for performing various heavy tasks, such as moving soil, and lifting and moving bales of hay, pallets, and other heavy items with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as a bucket. In order to perform wo5L using the attachment, hydraulic cylinders are employed, which are controlled by an operator uClng control devices, such as joystick levers. Generally, the hydraulic Lum) employed by Dogk machines is driven by the work machine ' s engine, and thus, the amount of hydraulic flow deliverable by the hydraulic pump varies with the W0eed of the engine. In situations where the output of the pump falls below the amount of flow requested by the operator of the work machine, e. g. , because engine speed selected by the operator is insufficient for the pump to generate the requested flow, operational difficulties may be encountered. For example instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely SffeDt hydra*<ic system load handling, and engine recovery and stability. Hence, it is desirable to be able to control the hydraulic system of a work machon4 in a manner that promotes stable operation.
|
Work machines, such backhoes, are used in many industries, including the agricultural, and forestry related industries. Typical work machines are employed for various heavy tasks, such as moving and lifting moving of hay, pallets, other heavy items with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as a bucket. In order to perform work attachment, hydraulic cylinders employed, which are by operator control devices, such as joystick levers. Generally, the hydraulic pump employed by work machines is the machine's engine, and thus, the amount of hydraulic flow deliverable by the hydraulic with speed of the engine. In situations where the output of the pump falls below the amount of flow requested by the operator of the work machine, e.g., because engine speed selected by the operator is insufficient for the pump to generate the requested flow, operational difficulties may be encountered. For example instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely affect hydraulic system load handling, and engine recovery and stability. Hence, it is desirable to be able to control the hydraulic system of work machine in a manner that promotes stable operation.
|
wOrK maChInEs, SucH AS BAcKhOes, aRe uSeD iN mAnY inDUstRIes, iNclUDinG tHE agRiCUltuRAl, ConSTRUcTIoN, ANd ForESTRY ReLateD INduStRiEs. tyPIcaL wORk macHIneS arE EMPlOYEd FoR PErfORMING VARious hEavy TasKS, sUch aS MovIng SOIl, anD lIfTiNG anD moVing BALEs oF haY, paLLeTS, AND oTHEr hEAVY ITeMs WitH A hYdraUliCaLlY acTUatEd ATTachMEnT, SucH AS a BuckeT. IN ordER tO PERfoRM WoRk usING tHe aTTacHMEnT, hydRAulIC CylInDeRS Are emplOYed, WHiCH aRe CONtRolled By AN OPeRATOR UsinG ContrOL deVIceS, sUCh As JOyStIcK leVeRS. gENeralLy, THE hYDrauLiC pUmP EMPlOYEd by work MAcHiNes is dRiVEn By ThE wORK mAchINE'S enGiNe, and thUs, THe AMouNT OF HydRaUliC FLow dElivERabLe bY tHE HYDrAULiC PUMP vARies wItH tHE SPEED oF The ENGinE. iN SITuAtIons WHERe tHe OutpuT Of tHe PUmP FALlS BELoW the AMount oF FLoW REQUesTEd BY THE OPeraTOr of ThE WorK MAchinE, E.g., BEcAUse engIne speEd SELecTED bY THE OPErATor IS InSuffIciEnT FoR the pUmP tO GENeRaTE THE rEQUeSteD flOw, OpeRAtIONaL dIFfIcuLtiEs mAY bE eNCouNTereD. fOR ExAmpLE iNSTabILity Of thE HYDrauLic systEm mAy rESuLt, WhICH mAy AdVErselY aFFeCt hYDRAuliC sYsTem load hANDlIng, anD ENGiNe rEcoVery aNd STABILItY.
HEnCE, It Is dEsiraBle tO bE abLe To ConTrOL The HYdrAuLic SySTEm of a wORK MACHINe in a MANNer ThAt prOmOtes sTabLe OpeRatIOn.
|
Work machines, such as backhoes,are usedin many industries, including the agricultural, construction,and forestry related industries. Typical work machines areemployed for performing various heavy tasks, such as moving soil, and lifting and movingbales of hay, pallets, and other heavyitems with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as a bucket. In order to perform work using the attachment, hydrauliccylinders are employed, which are controlled by an operator using control devices, such as joystick levers. Generally, the hydraulic pump employed by work machines is driven by the work machine's engine,and thus, the amount of hydraulic flow deliverable bythe hydraulic pump varies with the speed of the engine. In situations where the output of the pump falls below the amount of flow requested by the operator of thework machine, e.g., because engine speed selected bythe operator is insufficient forthe pump to generate the requested flow,operational difficulties may be encountered. Forexample instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely affect hydraulic system load handling, and engine recovery and stability. Hence, it is desirable to beabletocontrol the hydraulic system of a work machine in amanner that promotes stable operation.
|
Work machines, _such_ _as_ backhoes, are used in many industries, including the agricultural, construction, and forestry _related_ industries. Typical work machines are employed for performing various _heavy_ tasks, such as moving soil, _and_ _lifting_ _and_ moving bales _of_ hay, pallets, and _other_ heavy items with a hydraulically actuated attachment, such as _a_ _bucket._ _In_ _order_ to perform _work_ _using_ _the_ attachment, hydraulic _cylinders_ are employed, which are controlled _by_ _an_ _operator_ using control devices, such as joystick levers. Generally, the hydraulic pump employed by work machines is _driven_ by the work machine's engine, and thus, _the_ amount of hydraulic _flow_ deliverable by the _hydraulic_ pump varies _with_ the speed of _the_ engine. In situations where _the_ _output_ of _the_ _pump_ _falls_ below the _amount_ of _flow_ _requested_ _by_ the _operator_ of the work _machine,_ e.g., because engine speed selected by the operator _is_ insufficient _for_ _the_ pump to generate _the_ requested _flow,_ operational difficulties may be encountered. _For_ example instability of the hydraulic system may result, which may adversely affect hydraulic system load handling, and engine _recovery_ and stability. Hence, it is desirable to be _able_ to control the hydraulic system of _a_ work _machine_ in a manner that promotes stable operation.
|
This invention relates to a grease for constant velocity joints, in particular, a grease for constant velocity joints which has a good extreme pressure property, good durability and vibration inhibiting effect by adding organic molybdenum compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate (hereinunder referred as Sb-DTC), a zinc dithio phosphate and organic sulfur compound.
The conventionally used greases include greases containing sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure agent and an extreme pressure grease containing molybdenum disulfide and these greases are in general used in lubricating parts where wears and fretting corrosions are easily caused by extreme pressure, such as constant velocity joints used in motorcars (C.V.J), universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, coupling in industrial machine, gear motor and transmission gear.
Greases for wear-inhibiting and extreme pressure composed of sulfur-phosphorus compound were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,466,895 and 3,322,802 and Japanese Patent Publication Soh 66-47099. In these greases, by using sulfur-phosphorus compound independently or in complex, the friction coefficient and extreme pressure were improved. But in order to increase the extreme pressure and decrease the friction coefficient high temperature, a comparatively large amount of additives are required to be used. Some problems remained unsolved such as thermal decomposition of grease by active sulfide derived from the decomposition of sulfur-phosphorus compound in causing high temperature, corrosion and aging by acidic compound.
Greases using organic molybdenum, were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,840,463, 4,466,901, 4,428,861, 3,400,140 and 4,208,292 which describes greases using organic molybdenum compound (Mo-DTP) independently of other extreme pressure additives. Further U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,051 disclosed a grease which is characterized in using polyurea thickener, organic molybdenum compound, especially molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (Mo-DTC) and organic zinc compound in mixed condition to the basic oil. However, with respect to the use of organic molybdenum independently, wear-resistance is increased owing to a decrease in the friction coefficient, and there is no synergistic effect between the organic molybdenum and other extreme pressure additives. And as there are limits in extreme pressure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS.sub.2) compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, in friction condition where extreme pressure property is greatly required, great heat radiation due to lubrication in friction area and great deal of wears like scoring caused.
And in case that a mixture of an organic molybdenum compound and an organic zinc compound (Zn-DTP) is used as with a lithium grease there is an increase in both, friction coefficient and wear-resistance. Though the critical temperature of lithium grease is 120.degree. C., particularly in flanging type constant velocity joints wherein the rolling friction and sliding friction simultaneously occur, the temperature the of surrounding area increases to over the maximum 120.degree. C. because the of impulse load and frictional heat caused by sliding friction. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature of Mo-DTP and Zn-DTP is low therefore are readily decomposed at 120.degree. C. into molybdenum disulfide compound and some cause some detrimental side-effects such as corrosion, sludge and slight-corrosions remain unsolved.
Further Japanese Patent Publication Pyung 5-62639 disclosed a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a compound and sulfur compound, which improved oxidation stability, wear resistance and corrosion-inhibiting effects but failed to reduce the beating noise and vibrations.
Conventionally used greases do not infiltrate into the lubricating area well in bad lubrication conditions which can result in wear and wear vibrations. And in the parts where slight vibrations do occur, the oxide produced by initial corrosion accelerates the wear, and abnormal beating noise, and vibrations occur.
Therefore, the inventors have made efforts to solve the aforementioned problems and at last have succeeded invent a grease which is characterized in that the extreme pressure and the wear-resistance properties are greatly improved, using organic molybdenum, antimony dialkyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiophosphate and organic sulfide compound in mixed condition; sludge occurrence possibility is reduced by improving thermal stability of additives; infiltration into the lubricating area is made easy by low viscosity; and good durability is aquired when it applied to constant velocity joints.
|
this invention relates to a grease for constant velocity joints, in particular, a grease for constant velocity joints which has a good extreme pressure property, good durability and vibration inhibiting effect by adding organic molybdenum compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate ( commonly referred as sb - dtc ), a zinc dithio phosphate and organic ionic compound. the conventionally used greases include greases containing sulfur - phosphorus extreme pressure agent and an extreme pressure grease containing molybdenum disulfide and these greases are in general used in lubricating parts where wears of fretting behavior are easily caused by extreme pressure, such as constant velocity joints used in motorcars ( c. v. j ), universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, coupling in industrial machine, gear motor and transmission gear. greases for wear - inhibiting and extreme pressure composed of sulfur - phosphorus compound were disclosed in u. s. pat. nos. 4, 466, 895 and 3, 322, 802 and japanese patent publication soh 66 - 47099. in these greases, by using sulfur - phosphorus compound independently or in complex, the friction coefficient and extreme friction were improved. but in order to increase the extreme pressure and decrease the friction coefficient high temperature, a comparatively large amount of additives are required to be manufactured. some problems remained unsolved such as thermal decomposition of grease by active sulfide derived from catalytic decomposition of sulfur - phosphorus compound in causing high temperature, corrosion and aging by acidic compound. greases using organic molybdenum, were disclosed in u. s. pat. nos. 3, 840, 463, 4, 466, 901, 4, 428, 861, 3, 400, 140 and 4, 208, 292 which describes greases using organic molybdenum compounds ( mo - dtp ) independently of producing extreme pressure additives. further u. s. pat. no. 3, 84, 051 disclosed a grease which is characterized in using polyurea thickener, organic molybdenum compound, especially molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate ( mo - dtc ) and organic zinc compound in mixed condition to the basic oil. however, with respect to the use of organic molybdenum independently, wear - resistance is increased owing to a decrease in the friction coefficient, and there is no synergistic effect between the organic molybdenum and other extreme pressure additives. and as there are limits in extreme pressure of molybdenum disulfide ( mos. sub. 2 ) compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, in friction condition where extreme pressure property is greatly required, great heat radiation due to lubrication in friction area and great deal of wears like scoring caused. and in case that a mixture of an organic molybdenum compound and an organic zinc compound ( zn - dtp ) is used as with a lithium grease there is an increase in both, friction coefficient and wear - resistance. though the critical temperature of lithium grease is 120. degree. c., particularly in flanging type constant velocity joints wherein the rolling friction and sliding friction simultaneously occur, the temperature the of surrounding area increases to over the maximum 120. degree. c. because the of impulse load and frictional heat caused by sliding friction. furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature of mo - dtp and zn - dtp is low therefore are readily decomposed at 120. degree. c. into molybdenum disulfide compound and some cause some detrimental side - effects such as corrosion, sludge and slight - corrosions remain unsolved. further japanese patent publication pyung 5 - 62639 disclosed a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a compound and sulfur compound, which improved oxidation stability, wear resistance and corrosion - inhibiting effects but failed to reduce the beating noise and vibrations. conventionally used greases do not infiltrate into the lubricating area well in bad lubrication conditions which can result in wear and wear vibrations. and in the parts where slight vibrations do occur, the oxide produced by initial corrosion accelerates the wear, and abnormal beating noise, and vibrations occur. therefore, the inventors have made efforts to solve the aforementioned problems and at last have succeeded invent a grease which is characterized in that the extreme pressure and the wear - resistance properties are greatly improved, using organic molybdenum, antimony dialkyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiophosphate and organic sulfide compound in mixed condition ; sludge occurrence possibility is reduced by improving thermal stability of additives ; infiltration into the lubricating area is made easy by low viscosity ; and good durability is aquired when it applied to constant velocity joints.
|
This invention relates to a grease for constant velocity joints, in particular, a grease for constant velocity joints which has a good extreme pressure property, good duTabiiity and vibration inhibiting effect by adding organic mokybdDnum compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate (hereinunder referred as Sb - DTC ), a zinc dithio phosphate and organic sulfur compound. The conventionally used greases include greases containing sulfur - phosphorus extreme pressure agent and an extreme pressure grease containing molybdenum disulfide and these greases are in general used in lubricating parts wuerR wears and fretting corrosions are easily cauXWd by extreme pressure, such as constant velocity joints used in motorcars (C. V. J ), universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, coupling in industrial machine, gear motor and HranXmission gear. Greases for wear - inhibiting and extreme pressure composed of sulfur - phosphorus compound were disclosed in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4, 466, 895 and 3, 322, 802 and Japanese Patent Publication Soh 66 - 47099. In these greases, by using sulfur - phosphorus compound independently or in complex, the friction coefficient and extreme pressure were improved. But in order to increase the extreme pressure and decrease the friction coefficient high temperature, a comparatively large amount of additives are required to be used. Some problems remained unsolved such as thermal decomposition of grease by active sulfide derived from the decomposition of sulfur - phosphorus compound in causing high temperature, corrosion and aging by acidic compound. Greases using organic molybdenum, were disclosed in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 840, 463, 4, 466, 901, 4, 428, 861, 3, 400, 140 and 4, 208, 292 which describes greases using organic molybdenum compound (Mo - DTP) independently of other extreme pressure additives. Further U. S. Pat. No. 3, 509, 051 disclosed a grease which is characterized in using polyurea thickener, organic molybdenum compound, especially molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (Mo - DTC) and organic zinc compound in mixed condition to the basic oil. However, with respect to the use of oTganiD molybdenum independently, wear - resistance is increased owing to a decrease in the friction coefficient, and there is no synergistic effect between the organic molynCenum and other extreme pressure additives. And as there are limits in extreme pressure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS. sub. 2) compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, in friction condition where extreme pressure property is greatly required, great heat radiation due to lubrication in friction area and great deal of wears like scoring caused. And in case that a mixture of an organic molybdenum compound and an organic zinc compound (Zn - DTP) is used as with a lithium vreaze there is an increase in both, friction coefficient and wear - resistance. Though the critical temperature of lithium grease is 120. degree. C. , particularly in flanging type constant velocity joints wherein the rolling friction and sliding friction simultaneously occur, the temperature the of surrounding area increases to over the maximum 120. degree. C. because the of impulse load and frictional heat caused by sliding friction. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature of Mo - DTP and Zn - DTP is low therefore are readily decomposed at 120. degree. C. into molybdenum disulfide compound and some cause some detrimental side - effects such as corrosion, sludge and slight - corrosions remain unsolved. Further Japanese Patent Publication Pyung 5 - 62639 disclosed a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a compound and sulfur compound, which improved oxidation stability, wear resistance and corrosion - inhibiting effects but failed to reduce the beating noise and vibrations. Conventionally used greases do not infiltrate into the lubricating area well in bad lubrication conditions which can result in wear and wear vibrations. And in the parts where slight vibrations do occur, the oxide produced by initial corrosion accelerates the wear, and xbnirmal beating noise, and vibrations occur. Therefore, the inventors have made efforts to solve the aforementioned problems and at last have succeeded invent a grease which is characterized in that the extreme pressure and the wear - resistance properties are greatly improved, using organic molybdenum, antimony dialkyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiophosphate and organic Dulf(de compound in mixed condition; sludge occurrence possibility is reduced by improving thermal stability of additives; infiltration into the lubricating area is made easy by low viscosity; and good durability is aquired when it applied to constant velocity joints.
|
This invention relates to grease for constant velocity joints, particular, a grease constant velocity joints which has a good extreme pressure property, good durability vibration inhibiting effect by adding organic molybdenum compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate (hereinunder referred as Sb-DTC), a zinc dithio phosphate and organic sulfur conventionally used greases include greases containing sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure agent and an extreme pressure grease molybdenum disulfide these greases are in general used in lubricating parts where wears and fretting corrosions are caused extreme pressure, as constant joints used motorcars (C.V.J), universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, in industrial machine, gear and transmission gear. Greases for wear-inhibiting and extreme pressure composed of sulfur-phosphorus compound were disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,466,895 and 3,322,802 and Patent Publication Soh 66-47099. In these greases, by using sulfur-phosphorus compound independently or in complex, the coefficient and extreme pressure were improved. But in order to increase the extreme pressure and decrease the friction coefficient high temperature, a comparatively large amount of additives are required to be used. Some problems remained unsolved such as thermal of grease by sulfide derived from the of sulfur-phosphorus compound in causing high corrosion and aging by acidic compound. Greases organic molybdenum, were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,840,463, 4,466,901, 4,428,861, 3,400,140 and 4,208,292 which describes using organic molybdenum compound (Mo-DTP) independently of other extreme pressure Further Pat. 3,509,051 disclosed a grease which is characterized in using organic molybdenum compound, molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (Mo-DTC) and zinc in mixed condition to the basic oil. However, with respect to use of organic molybdenum independently, wear-resistance is increased owing a decrease in the friction coefficient, and there is no synergistic effect between the organic molybdenum and other extreme additives. And as there limits in extreme pressure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS.sub.2) compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, in friction condition extreme pressure property is greatly required, great heat radiation due to in friction area and great deal of wears like scoring caused. And in case that a mixture of an molybdenum compound and an zinc compound (Zn-DTP) is used with a lithium grease there is an increase in both, friction coefficient and Though the critical temperature of lithium grease is 120.degree. C., particularly in flanging type constant velocity joints wherein the rolling friction and sliding simultaneously occur, the temperature the of surrounding area increases to over the maximum 120.degree. C. the of impulse load and frictional heat caused by friction. Furthermore, the thermal temperature of Mo-DTP Zn-DTP is low therefore are readily decomposed at 120.degree. C. into molybdenum disulfide compound and some cause detrimental side-effects such as corrosion, sludge and slight-corrosions remain unsolved. Further Japanese Patent Publication 5-62639 disclosed a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a compound sulfur compound, improved oxidation stability, resistance and corrosion-inhibiting effects but failed to reduce the beating noise and vibrations. Conventionally used do not infiltrate into the lubricating area well in bad lubrication conditions which can result wear wear vibrations. And in the parts where slight vibrations do occur, the produced by initial corrosion the wear, and beating noise, and vibrations occur. Therefore, the inventors have made efforts to solve aforementioned problems and at last have succeeded invent a grease which is characterized in that the extreme pressure and the wear-resistance properties are greatly improved, using organic molybdenum, antimony dialkyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiophosphate and organic sulfide compound in mixed sludge occurrence possibility reduced by improving stability of additives; infiltration into the area is made easy by low and good durability is when it applied to constant velocity joints.
|
ThIS iNVEnTION rELATeS To a GrEASE FOR cOnStAnt VElOciTy JOiNts, IN PArtICuLaR, A GreAsE for ConStANT vELOCIty JoINTs whICh haS A gooD exTrEme prESsuRe propErTY, Good dURabIlity aNd vIBRATiOn iNHIbItING eFFect by aDdINg orGANIc MOlyBdenuM ComPounD, AntIMONyDiAlkyL DIthIoCaRbamate (HEREiNuNder refErREd aS Sb-Dtc), A ziNc DItHIO PhOspHate and orgAnIc SUlFUR CoMpOUnd.
tHe cOnVEntiONaLLY UsED gREAses IncluDE GReAsES CONtAiNING SULFur-phosphOrUs EXtRemE prESSUre AGeNT and An EXtReME PREsSurE GReAsE COntainiNG MolybdeNUM diSUlfide AnD tHeSE GreaSes Are in GeNERal USeD in LUbriCaTiNg PARTS wHErE WEARs AnD fReTtING COrRoSIOnS Are eASILy caUsEd by ExTreME pResSuRe, sUCh as ConstAnT VELOCitY JOIntS UseD iN MOTOrcARS (C.V.J), UNIveRSal jOiNt, sTEEr lInKaGE, SPlInE sHAfT GEar, coUPLInG iN iNDustRIAl mAChiNE, geAr moToR aNd TraNsMissIon gEAR.
greASes FoR weaR-INhiBitiNG aNd extrEME PrEsSuRe cOmposEd oF sulFur-phoSPHORUS CompOUND WERe dIscLOsEd iN u.s. Pat. nos. 4,466,895 anD 3,322,802 ANd JAPanEse paTeNt pubLicaTIon SOh 66-47099. In THese greAses, By using sULFuR-phospHOrUs cOmPOuNd inDePEndeNtly or in compLEX, tHE FRICtiON COEFficIENT ANd eXtrEmE PreSsUrE wEre IMpRoVed. but iN OrDeR to iNcreASE tHE eXtRemE PressURe anD DecreAse ThE FRicTIoN CoEfFicIEnT hIgh TEMPeRATURE, a cOmparATivElY lARge amOunT OF ADdItIvES aRE REquireD TO be USed. soMe PrOBLEms REmAINED unSOlved suCh As THerMal dEcOMpoSItION Of GReaSE by acTIVe SUlFIDE dERIVED fRoM ThE dECOmpOsitIoN of SUlfur-phosphoRUS cOMpOUnD IN caUSINg hIGh teMPErATuRe, CoRRoSiOn AnD AGInG bY ACiDIC CoMPoUnd.
gReASeS UsINg orGAnIC MolYBdEnuM, WerE DisClOseD In U.s. pAt. noS. 3,840,463, 4,466,901, 4,428,861, 3,400,140 ANd 4,208,292 wHIch DeScrIbeS GrEases usING ORGAnic moLyBdeNUM coMpoUNd (Mo-DTp) INDePEnDently oF otheR ExtrEmE pREssurE AdDitiVeS. fUrTher u.s. Pat. no. 3,509,051 diSclOseD a gREase WhICh is CHaRacTeRizeD in UsInG poLyUrEa tHickENER, orGanIc MolYbDEnum CompOuND, ESpecialLY MoLYbdeNUm DIAlKYl dITHIOCarbAmaTe (MO-DtC) anD oRgaNIc ZiNc COMpounD iN MIxED cOndItIon to THe BAsiC OIl. HOweVER, wIth reSPEcT to thE use of oRGAnIc MolYbDenuM indePeNdentLY, wear-ResIstAnCE Is IncreasEd oWiNG to a DecrEASE in the FriCtION coEFfiCIent, ANd tHERE IS NO SYnergIStiC EfFect BETwEeN The oRGaNIC molyBDenUM aNd other EXTrEMe PRESsuRE addItIveS. ANd aS thERE ARe lIMiTS in EXTRemE pREsSUre oF MOlYbDEnUM DISUlfIde (mOs.sUB.2) cOMpOunD PRoDUced bY ThE DeCoMPosITIon OF orgAniC MolyBdeNUM, In frICtION CondiTion wHeRE ExtREmE PrEsSUrE PRopERTY Is GREATlY REqUirED, GREaT hEAt RADIATIon duE TO Lubrication iN fRiCtIon area aNd grEaT dEAL OF weArS liKE SCorIng cauSED.
And in case tHAt A MixtURE oF An orgaNiC MOLyBdEnuM CoMPouND And An ORGanIc ZINC comPOUnd (Zn-DTP) IS USED AS WiTH A liTHIuM gReAse TherE iS an iNCREasE In boTh, FriCtIOn CoeFfiCiENt ANd WEAr-rEsisTaNcE. THOUGh THE cRItical tEmPeratUrE OF LithiUm GReAsE IS 120.DeGrEe. c., pArtiCulaRly IN FlANgING tYPE cONSTaNt veLocity jointS WHeReIn ThE rOLlING FriCtION aND SLiDING FRiCTiOn siMUltANeoUSlY OCcUR, ThE temPErAture The of sUrROuNDINg AREa iNcReases To ovEr ThE mAXiMuM 120.degRee. C. bECause tHe Of IMpULsE LoAd And frIctIonaL heaT caUSed By sliDInG FrIcTiOn. FUrtherMoRe, tHe THerMaL decOmPOSiTIon TEMpeRAtUre oF Mo-dtp aNd zn-Dtp is low tHeREfORe arE REaDIly dEcomPOSEd AT 120.DEgReE. c. iNTO moLYBDEnUM DisUlfIDE cOMPoUND aND Some cAuse SOME DetRiMentaL sIdE-eFfEcTs such AS coRRoSion, sluDGe anD slIghT-cOrROSIoNS remaIN unsoLvED.
furTHER japanESE paTeNt PUBLICatioN PYunG 5-62639 DIsCLosed A gREasE cOmposition COmprISeD of MolyBDENUM A cOMPOUNd aNd sUlfUR CompOUnD, whiCH improVeD OXIDAtIon sTaBiLIty, weaR ReSiSTANCE And cOrrosIon-iNHiBITiNG EfFEctS BUt FAilED To reduCe THe BEaTiNG nOiSE AND vIBRATIoNS.
CoNvEntiONaLlY UseD grEASES Do noT inFiLtRate INTo the lUBrIcATING AREA WElL IN BAd LUbRICATIOn CondItioNS wHICh CaN ReSult IN wEar ANd WEar ViBRatiOnS. AnD iN THE paRts WHERE sLIGht VIBrAtIOnS DO OcCUr, ThE OxiDE ProduCeD By inITIAl CORROSion aCceleRaTEs the wEaR, AND ABnORMaL beAtiNg NOiSE, And vIBrATIONs ocCur.
THeRefORE, The INVeNTors Have MADE EffoRTs tO sOLVe tHe AforeMenTiOnED PROBleMs ANd AT laSt HaVE SuCCEEdeD InVENt A gReASE WHiCh IS charactErIZed iN thaT THE ExTREMe preSSuRe aNd THE WEar-ResisTance pROPerTiES arE greaTly improvEd, uSiNG oRgaNIc MoLYBdEnuM, aNtIMONy dIALKYL dIThIoCarbamAte, zInC ditHiophoSPhaTE AND organiC SuLFide CoMPoUNd iN mIxed ConDiTIon; SludGe oCCURrencE PossIBiliTY is rEduCEd By ImPROvinG ThERMAl STABilITY of ADdiTiVEs; InFiLTRATiON inTO tHe LuBRicATInG aREa Is mADe eASY by low viSCosIty; AnD GOoD DuRABIliTY is aquired WHEn It aPPLIED To CoNSTAnt vEloCIty jOINTS.
|
This invention relates to a grease for constant velocity joints, in particular,a grease for constant velocityjoints which has a good extreme pressure property, good durabilityand vibrationinhibiting effect by adding organic molybdenum compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate (hereinunder referred as Sb-DTC), azinc dithio phosphate andorganic sulfur compound. The conventionally used greases include greases containing sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure agent andan extreme pressure grease containing molybdenum disulfide andthesegreases are in general used in lubricating partswhere wearsandfretting corrosions are easily caused by extreme pressure,such as constant velocity joints used in motorcars (C.V.J), universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, couplinginindustrial machine, gear motor and transmission gear. Greases for wear-inhibitingand extreme pressure composed ofsulfur-phosphorus compound were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,466,895 and 3,322,802 and Japanese PatentPublication Soh 66-47099. In these greases, by using sulfur-phosphorus compound independently or in complex, the frictioncoefficient and extreme pressure wereimproved.But in order to increase the extreme pressureand decrease the friction coefficienthigh temperature, a comparatively largeamount of additives are required to be used. Some problems remainedunsolved such as thermaldecomposition of grease byactive sulfide derived from the decomposition of sulfur-phosphorus compound in causing high temperature, corrosion and aging by acidic compound. Greases using organic molybdenum, were disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos.3,840,463, 4,466,901, 4,428,861, 3,400,140 and 4,208,292 which describes greasesusingorganic molybdenum compound (Mo-DTP) independently ofother extremepressure additives. Further U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,051 discloseda grease which is characterizedinusing polyurea thickener, organic molybdenum compound, especiallymolybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (Mo-DTC) and organic zinc compound in mixed condition to the basic oil. However, with respect to the use of organicmolybdenum independently, wear-resistance is increased owing to a decreasein the friction coefficient, and there is no synergistic effect betweenthe organic molybdenum and other extreme pressure additives. And as there arelimits inextreme pressure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS.sub.2) compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, infriction condition where extreme pressure property isgreatly required, great heat radiation due to lubrication in friction areaandgreat deal of wears like scoring caused. And in case that a mixture of anorganic molybdenum compound and an organic zinc compound(Zn-DTP) is used as with alithium grease there is an increase in both, friction coefficient and wear-resistance. Though the criticaltemperature oflithium greaseis 120.degree. C., particularly in flanging typeconstant velocity joints wherein the rolling friction and sliding friction simultaneously occur, thetemperature the of surrounding areaincreases to over the maximum 120.degree. C.becausethe of impulse load and frictional heat caused by slidingfriction. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature of Mo-DTP and Zn-DTP is low therefore are readily decomposed at 120.degree. C. intomolybdenum disulfide compound and somecause some detrimental side-effects such as corrosion, sludge and slight-corrosions remain unsolved. Further Japanese Patent PublicationPyung 5-62639 disclosed a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a compound and sulfur compound, which improved oxidation stability, wear resistance andcorrosion-inhibiting effectsbut failed to reduce the beating noise and vibrations. Conventionally used greases do not infiltrate into the lubricatingarea well in bad lubrication conditions which can result in wear and wear vibrations. Andin the parts where slight vibrations do occur, the oxide produced by initialcorrosionaccelerates the wear, and abnormal beating noise, and vibrations occur.Therefore,the inventors have made efforts to solvethe aforementioned problems and at last havesucceededinvent a grease which is characterizedin thatthe extreme pressureand the wear-resistance properties are greatly improved, using organic molybdenum, antimony dialkyl dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiophosphate and organic sulfide compound in mixed condition; sludge occurrence possibility is reduced by improving thermalstability of additives; infiltration into the lubricatingareais made easy by low viscosity; and good durability is aquired when itapplied to constant velocity joints.
|
This invention relates _to_ a grease for constant velocity _joints,_ _in_ _particular,_ _a_ grease for _constant_ velocity _joints_ which has a good extreme pressure _property,_ good durability and vibration inhibiting effect by adding organic _molybdenum_ compound, antimonydialkyl dithiocarbamate _(hereinunder_ referred as _Sb-DTC),_ a zinc dithio phosphate and organic sulfur _compound._ _The_ conventionally used _greases_ include greases containing sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure agent _and_ _an_ extreme pressure grease _containing_ _molybdenum_ disulfide and these _greases_ are in _general_ used _in_ _lubricating_ parts where _wears_ _and_ _fretting_ corrosions are easily caused _by_ _extreme_ pressure, _such_ _as_ constant velocity joints used in motorcars _(C.V.J),_ universal joint, steer linkage, spline shaft gear, _coupling_ _in_ industrial machine, gear motor and transmission gear. Greases for wear-inhibiting and extreme _pressure_ composed of sulfur-phosphorus compound _were_ disclosed in _U.S._ Pat. _Nos._ _4,466,895_ and 3,322,802 and Japanese Patent Publication Soh 66-47099. In these greases, by using _sulfur-phosphorus_ compound _independently_ or _in_ complex, the friction coefficient and extreme _pressure_ were improved. _But_ in order to increase the extreme _pressure_ and decrease the friction coefficient _high_ temperature, a comparatively large amount of additives are _required_ _to_ _be_ used. Some problems remained unsolved such as thermal decomposition of grease by active sulfide derived _from_ the decomposition _of_ _sulfur-phosphorus_ compound in causing high temperature, corrosion and aging by acidic compound. Greases _using_ _organic_ molybdenum, were disclosed in U.S. _Pat._ Nos. 3,840,463, 4,466,901, 4,428,861, 3,400,140 and 4,208,292 which describes greases using organic molybdenum compound (Mo-DTP) independently of other extreme pressure additives. Further _U.S._ Pat. _No._ 3,509,051 disclosed a grease which _is_ characterized in using polyurea _thickener,_ organic molybdenum compound, especially molybdenum _dialkyl_ dithiocarbamate (Mo-DTC) _and_ organic zinc compound in _mixed_ condition to the basic oil. However, with _respect_ to the use of _organic_ molybdenum _independently,_ wear-resistance is increased _owing_ to a decrease in the _friction_ coefficient, and there is _no_ _synergistic_ effect between the organic molybdenum and other _extreme_ pressure additives. And as there are limits _in_ extreme pressure of molybdenum _disulfide_ _(MoS.sub.2)_ compound produced by the decomposition of organic molybdenum, in friction condition where extreme pressure property is greatly _required,_ great heat radiation due to lubrication in friction area and great deal of _wears_ like scoring caused. And in case that a mixture of an organic molybdenum compound _and_ an organic zinc compound (Zn-DTP) is used as _with_ a lithium grease there _is_ an _increase_ in both, friction coefficient and wear-resistance. Though the _critical_ temperature of lithium _grease_ _is_ 120.degree. C., _particularly_ in flanging type constant _velocity_ joints wherein _the_ rolling _friction_ _and_ sliding _friction_ simultaneously occur, the temperature _the_ _of_ _surrounding_ area increases to over _the_ maximum 120.degree. C. because the of impulse _load_ and frictional heat caused by sliding friction. Furthermore, _the_ _thermal_ decomposition _temperature_ of Mo-DTP and Zn-DTP is low therefore are _readily_ decomposed at 120.degree. C. _into_ molybdenum disulfide _compound_ and some cause some detrimental side-effects such _as_ corrosion, _sludge_ and slight-corrosions _remain_ unsolved. Further Japanese Patent Publication Pyung _5-62639_ _disclosed_ a grease composition comprised of molybdenum a _compound_ and sulfur compound, _which_ _improved_ oxidation stability, wear resistance and corrosion-inhibiting effects but failed _to_ _reduce_ _the_ _beating_ noise and vibrations. Conventionally used greases do not infiltrate into the lubricating area well in bad _lubrication_ _conditions_ which can result _in_ wear and wear vibrations. And in the parts where _slight_ vibrations do _occur,_ the oxide _produced_ by initial corrosion accelerates the _wear,_ and abnormal beating _noise,_ and _vibrations_ occur. Therefore, the inventors have made efforts to solve the aforementioned problems and at last have succeeded invent a grease which is characterized in that the _extreme_ pressure and the wear-resistance _properties_ are greatly _improved,_ _using_ _organic_ _molybdenum,_ antimony dialkyl _dithiocarbamate,_ zinc dithiophosphate _and_ organic sulfide compound in _mixed_ condition; sludge _occurrence_ possibility is reduced by _improving_ thermal stability of additives; infiltration into the lubricating area _is_ made _easy_ by _low_ viscosity; and good durability is _aquired_ when it applied to constant _velocity_ joints.
|
A self-organized network (SON) may provide mechanisms for self-configuration, self-discovery, and self-organization. Self-configuration and self-discovery enable network devices (e.g., managed nodes) of the SON to be transparent to ordinary users. Self-organization ensures robustness of the SON during dynamic network topology changes and link breakages. It also ensures optimal and efficient bandwidth utilization.
The SON operational and maintenance (OAM) architecture includes a domain manager and its managed nodes, an enterprise management system (EMS), etc. A managed node represents a radio base station (e.g., of a wireless network), home devices (e.g., Internet routers, television set-top boxes (STBs), etc.), etc.
Current SON OAM architectures have several disadvantages. For example, the EMS needs to track the addresses of all its managed nodes. The tracking may include registering Internet protocol (IP) addresses and/or port numbers associated with the managed nodes in a directory within or without the EMS. The tracking may also include registering managed node name and IP address/port number pairs associated with the managed nodes in a database within or without the EMS. Such tracking becomes a major task when the number of managed nodes increases and when the managed nodes become mobile (e.g., acquire new addresses). Furthermore, when the EMS wishes to provide a command and/or information to all its managed nodes, the EMS sends the command and/or information, via the domain manager, individually to each managed node (e.g., one method invocation per each managed node).
|
distributed self - organized network ( son ) may provide mechanisms for self - configuration, self - discovery, and self - organization. self - configuration and self - discovery enable network devices ( e. g., managed nodes ) of the son to be transparent to ordinary users. self - organization ensures robustness of the son during dynamic network resource changes and link breakages. it also ensures optimal and efficient bandwidth utilization. the son operational and maintenance ( oam ) architecture includes a domain manager and its managed nodes, an area management system ( ems ), etc. a managed node represents a radio base address ( e. g., of a wireless network ), home devices ( e. g., satellite cafes, television set - top boxes ( stbs ), etc. ), etc. current son oam applications have several disadvantages. for example, the ems needs to track the addresses of all its managed nodes. the tracking may include registering internet protocol ( ip ) addresses and / or port numbers associated with the managed nodes in a directory within database without the ems. the tracking may also include registering managed node name and ip address / port number pairs associated with the managed nodes in a database within or without the ems. such tracking becomes a major task after the number of managed nodes increases and when the managed nodes become mobile ( e. g., acquire new addresses ). furthermore, when the ems wishes to provide a command and / or information to all its managed nodes, the ems sends the command and / or information, via the domain manager, individually to each managed node ( e. g., one method allocated per each managed node ).
|
A self - organized MetwoFk (SON) may provide mechanisms for self - configuration, self - discovery, and self - organization. Self - conRiguratioh and self - discovery enable network devices (e. g. , managed nodes) of the SON to be transparent to ordinary users. Self - organization ensures robustness of the SON during dynahiS network topology changes and link breakages. It also ensures optimal and efficient bandwidth utilization. The SON operationXP and maintenance (OAM) architecture includes a domain manager and its managed nodes, an enterprise management system (EMS ), etc. A managed node represents a 3adiL base station (e. g. , of a wireless network ), home dDvives (e. g. , Internet routers, television set - top boxes (STBs ), etc. ), etc. Current SON OAM architectures have several disadvantages. For example, the EMS needs to track the addresses of all its managed nodes. The tracking may include registering Internet protocol (IP) addresses and / or port numbers associated with the managed nodes in a directory within or without the EMS. The tracking may also include registering mAJaged node name and IP address / port number pairs associated with the hanag#d nodes in a database witmih or without the EMS. Such tracking becomes a major task when the number of managed nodes increases and when the managed nodes become mobile (e. g. , acquire new addresses ). Furthermore, when the EMS wishes to provide a command and / or information to all its managed nodes, the EMS sends the command and / or information, via the S0main manager, individually to each managed node (e. g. , one method invocation per each managed node ).
|
A self-organized network (SON) may mechanisms for self-configuration, self-discovery, self-organization. Self-configuration and self-discovery enable network devices (e.g., managed of SON be transparent to ordinary users. Self-organization ensures robustness of the SON during dynamic network topology changes and link breakages. It also ensures optimal efficient bandwidth utilization. The operational and maintenance (OAM) architecture includes a domain manager and its managed an management system (EMS), etc. A managed node represents a radio base station (e.g., of a wireless network), home devices (e.g., routers, television set-top boxes (STBs), etc.), etc. Current SON OAM architectures have several disadvantages. For example, the EMS track the addresses of all its managed nodes. The tracking may include registering Internet protocol (IP) addresses and/or port numbers associated with the nodes a directory within or without the EMS. The tracking may also include registering managed and IP address/port number pairs associated with the managed nodes a database within without the EMS. Such tracking becomes a major task when the number managed nodes increases and when the managed nodes become (e.g., acquire new addresses). Furthermore, when the EMS wishes to provide command and/or information to all its managed nodes, the EMS command and/or information, via the domain manager, individually to each managed node (e.g., one method invocation per each managed node).
|
a Self-orGAnIZED nETwoRk (sON) May PROvide mechaNismS FOR Self-configURatIoN, sELF-diSCOvEry, anD sElf-ORGaniZaTIOn. seLf-ConFIguRation AND SeLF-DIscoveRy ENAble nEtWORk deViCeS (e.g., MANagEd NOdES) Of the Son to bE TrAnSPAreNt to OrDINary uSErS. seLf-oRGaNIzATioN ensUrES rOBuStness oF tHe son dURInG dyNaMIc NeTWOrk ToPOlOgy chAnGeS AND liNk BrEaKagEs. it ALSo EnSUrEs OpTiMAl And EFfICiEnt bandwiDTH UTilIZAtioN.
ThE SoN OpEraTionaL and MaINTENAnCE (OAm) aRChITECTuRe INcludES A DOMAin ManagEr AND ITs manaGED NODEs, AN enTerPRiSE mAnaGEmEnT sYStEm (eMs), ETC. A manAgED NodE rePrEsenTs a RADIO bASE STatION (e.g., of a WirELESS NeTwOrK), HOME dEvIces (e.g., INtERNeT rOuTERS, TElEVisIoN SET-TOp BoXes (sTBS), Etc.), eTC.
CuRrEnt SON oam aRchItEctuRes HavE sEvEral DISaDvAnTaGeS. For ExAmpLe, ThE ems Needs TO TrAcK THE aDdreSsES OF AlL iTs mANagED NoDeS. The tRACking mAy InCLUde ReGiStERINg iNTeRNet prOtocoL (Ip) AddrEsSeS and/Or pORT NumbeRS AsSoCiatED With tHe maNAGEd NOdEs In a DIrectORy WitHiN OR WItHOut thE Ems. thE TRAcKINg mAy AlSo inclUDE regIsTEriNG mAnAGed NOdE nAMe and IP ADdREsS/pOrt nuMBeR paIrS ASsOcIaTeD WiTh The MaNaGeD NodES IN a DaTabase wiThiN OR witHoUt the EmS. SUch TraCKInG becomES a maJOR Task wHeN the NUMBER OF manAGed nodeS iNcreASES ANd whEn The mAnageD nOdEs beCome mOBile (e.G., ACQUIre NEW aDdreSsEs). FURTHeRMORE, when The Ems WiShES TO prOvIde A ComMAnD anD/OR infOrMatIon to aLL its mAnAgED nOdEs, ThE EMS SENdS thE COmmand aND/or INFORMATiON, VIa THe DomAIn maNagER, iNdIvIduallY TO eACH ManaGed NODE (E.g., One METhoD INvocaTIOn per Each MAnagED nODE).
|
A self-organized network (SON) mayprovide mechanisms for self-configuration,self-discovery, and self-organization.Self-configuration and self-discovery enable network devices (e.g., managed nodes) of the SON to betransparent to ordinary users. Self-organization ensures robustness ofthe SON duringdynamic network topology changes and link breakages. It also ensures optimal andefficientbandwidth utilization. The SON operational and maintenance (OAM) architecture includes a domain manager and its managed nodes,an enterprise management system (EMS), etc. A managednode represents aradio base station (e.g., of awireless network), homedevices (e.g., Internet routers, television set-top boxes (STBs),etc.), etc. Current SON OAM architectures have several disadvantages.For example, the EMS needsto track the addresses of all itsmanaged nodes.The tracking may include registering Internetprotocol (IP) addresses and/or port numbers associatedwith the managednodesin a directory within or without the EMS. The tracking mayalso includeregistering managed node name and IP address/port number pairs associated with the managednodes in adatabase within or without the EMS. Such tracking becomes a major task when the number of managed nodes increases and when the managed nodesbecome mobile (e.g., acquirenew addresses). Furthermore, when the EMS wishesto provide a command and/or information toall its managed nodes, the EMS sends the command and/or information, via the domain manager, individually to each managed node (e.g., one method invocation per each managed node).
|
_A_ self-organized _network_ (SON) may provide mechanisms for _self-configuration,_ self-discovery, and self-organization. _Self-configuration_ and self-discovery enable network devices (e.g., managed nodes) of _the_ SON _to_ be transparent to _ordinary_ users. Self-organization ensures robustness _of_ _the_ _SON_ during dynamic network _topology_ changes and link breakages. It also ensures optimal and efficient bandwidth utilization. The SON operational and maintenance (OAM) architecture includes a domain manager and _its_ managed nodes, an enterprise management _system_ (EMS), etc. _A_ managed node represents a radio base station (e.g., of a wireless _network),_ _home_ devices _(e.g.,_ Internet _routers,_ _television_ set-top boxes (STBs), _etc.),_ _etc._ Current _SON_ OAM _architectures_ have _several_ disadvantages. For _example,_ the EMS needs to track the _addresses_ of all its managed _nodes._ The tracking may include _registering_ _Internet_ protocol (IP) addresses and/or port numbers _associated_ with the managed nodes in a directory within _or_ _without_ _the_ _EMS._ The tracking may also include _registering_ managed node name and IP address/port number pairs associated with the managed nodes in a database within or without _the_ EMS. Such tracking becomes a major task when the number of managed nodes increases and _when_ the managed nodes become mobile _(e.g.,_ acquire new addresses). Furthermore, when the EMS _wishes_ to provide a command and/or information to all its managed _nodes,_ the EMS sends the command and/or _information,_ via the domain manager, individually to each managed _node_ (e.g., one _method_ invocation per each managed node).
|
The present invention relates generally to reclining chairs and, more particularly, to an improved "wall proximity" reclining chair.
Traditionally, reclining chairs are equipped with an actuation mechanism which is operatively interconnected between a prefabricated chair frame and a stationary base assembly. The actuation mechanism is typically a combination of various mechanical linkages operable for providing various comfort features such as independent reclining movement of a seat assembly as well as actuation of an extensible leg rest assembly and associated tilting of the chair frame. In "wall proximity" reclining chairs, the actuation mechanism must also be operable to maintain a generally constant clearance between the reclinable seat assembly and an adjacent stationary structure (i.e., wall surface, table, etc.) during the entire range of reclining movement. Generally, the actuation mechanism includes a track arrangement for causing longitudinal movement of the entire chair frame relative to the stationary base assembly during "wall proximity" reclining movement to accommodate for rearward angular movement of the seat back relative to the chair frame.
Due to the relative complexity of conventional actuation mechanisms, it is common practice in the furniture industry to assemble the various mechanical linkages into a "stand-alone" mechanism frame assembly. A prefabricated U-shaped chair frame is frequently bolted around the mechanism frame with the open portion of the "U" corresponding to the front of the chair. Accordingly, such reclining chairs having a mechanism frame assembly located within a prefabricated chair frame are commonly referred to as having a "frame within a frame" construction. As such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior surfaces of the prefabricated chair frame until after the mechanism frame assembly has been installed. Unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very inefficient and expensive in that the frequently heavy and cumbersome prefabricated chair frame must be manually manipulated in an extremely labor-intensive manner.
Another disadvantage associated with reclining chairs equipped with conventional actuation mechanisms is that a relatively large amount of frictional drag is typically generated between the upholstered components which must be overcome for smooth movement of the seat assembly between the "upright" and "reclined" positions. As such, lighter weight seat occupants must normally exert a deliberate leveraged thrust or force, in addition to pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg rest assembly and/or moving the seat assembly to its "reclined" position. Moreover, it is often difficult for the seat occupant to return the seat assembly to the "upright" position from the fully "reclined" position due to the relatively large included angle between the seat member and the reclined seat back. Therefore, the seat occupant must exert a relatively large and deliberate leveraged force to return the reclined seat assembly to its full "upright" position. Furthermore, in many conventional recliners, the leg rest assembly cannot be retracted to its "stowed" position from an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupant has completely returned the seat assembly to its fully "upright" position. Likewise, some reclining chairs do not permit independent actuation of the leg rest assembly during the entire range of reclining motion.
While many conventional reclining chairs operate satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers are continually striving to develop improved frames and actuation mechanisms for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness of operation as well as occupant comfort. Such advanced development is particularly important for "wall proximity" reclining chairs since their actuation mechanisms are inherently more complex due to the requirement of accommodating rearward reclining movement of the seat back relative to a stationary structure. Furthermore, there is a continuing desire to develop improved fabrication and assembly techniques which will result in reduced costs while promoting increased efficiency and improved product quality.
|
the present invention relates generally to reclining chairs and, quite particularly, to an improved " wall proximity " reclining chair. additionally, reclining chairs are equipped with an actuation mechanism which is operatively interconnected between a prefabricated chair frame and a stationary base assembly. the actuation mechanism is typically a combination of adjustable mechanical linkages operable for providing various comfort features such as independent sideways movement of a seat assembly as well as actuation of an extensible leg rest assembly and associated tilting of the chair frame. in " wall proximity " reclining devices, the actuation mechanism must also be operable to maintain a generally constant clearance between the reclinable seat assembly and an adjacent stationary structure ( i. e., wall surface, table, etc. ) during the entire range of reclining movement. generally, the actuation mechanism includes a track arrangement for causing sideways movement of the entire chair frame relative to the stationary base assembly during " wall proximity " reclining movement to accommodate for rearward angular movement of the seat back relative to the chair frame. due to the relative complexity of conventional actuation mechanisms, it is common practice in the furniture industry to assemble the various mechanical linkages into a " stand - alone " mechanism frame assembly. a prefabricated u - shaped chair frame is frequently bolted around the mechanism frame with the open portion of the " u " corresponding to the front of the chair. accordingly, such reclining chairs having a mechanism frame assembly located within a prefabricated chair frame are commonly referred to as having a " frame within mechanisms frame " construction. as such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior surfaces of the prefabricated chair frame until after the mechanism framework assembly has been installed. unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very inefficient and expensive in that the frequently heavy and cumbersome prefabricated chair frame must be manually manipulated in an extremely labor - intensive manner. another disadvantage associated with reclining chairs equipped with conventional actuation machines is that a relatively large amount of frictional drag is typically generated between the upholstered components which must be overcome for smooth movement of the seat assembly between the " upright " and " reclined " positions. as such, lighter weight seat occupants must normally exert a deliberate leveraged thrust or force, in addition to pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg support assembly and / or moving the seat assembly to its " reclined " position. moreover, it is often difficult for the seat occupant to return the seat assembly to the " upright " position from the fully " reclined " position due to the relatively large included angle between the seat member and the reclined seat back. therefore, the seat occupant must exert a relatively large and deliberate leveraged force to return the reclined seat assembly to its full " upright " position. furthermore, in many conventional recliners, the leg rest assembly cannot be retracted to its " stowed " position from an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupant has completely returned the seat assembly to its fully " upright " position. likewise, some reclining chairs do not permit independent actuation of the leg rest assembly during the entire range of reclining motion. while many conventional reclining chairs operate satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers are continually striving to develop improved frames and actuation mechanisms for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness of operation as well as occupant comfort. such advanced development is particularly important for " wall proximity " reclining chairs since their actuation mechanisms are inherently more complex due to the requirement of accommodating rearward reclining movement of the seat back relative to a stationary structure. furthermore, there is a continuing desire to develop improved fabrication and assembly techniques which will result in reduced costs while promoting increased efficiency and improved product quality.
|
The present invention relates generally to reclining chairs and, more particularly, to an improved " wall proximity " reclining chair. Traditionally, reclining chairs are equipped with an actuation mechanism which is operatively interconnected between a prefabricated chair frame and a stationary base assembly. The actuation mechanism is typically a combination of various mechanical linkages operable for providing various comfort features such as independent reclining movement of a seat assembly as well as actuation of an extensible leg rest assembly and associated tilting of the chair frame. In " wall proximity " reclining chairs, the actuation mechanism must also be operable to maintain a generally constant clearance between the reclinable seat assembly and an adjacent stationary structure (i. e. , wall surface, table, etc.) during the entire range of reclining movement. Generally, the actuation mechanism includes a track arrangement for causing longitudinal movement of the entire chair frame relative to the stationary base assembly during " wall proximity " reclining movement to accommodate for rearward angular movement of the seat back relative to the chair frame. Due to the relative complexity of conventional actuation mechanisms, it is common practice in the furniture industry to assemble the various mechanical linkages into a " stand - alone " mechanism frame assembly. A prefabricated U - shaped chair frame is frequently bolted around the mechanism frame with the open portion of the " U " corresponding to the front of the chair. Accordingly, such reclining chairs having a mechanism frame assekbl^ located within a prefabricated chair frame are commonly referred to as having a " frame within a frame " construction. As such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior surfac#X of the prefabricated chair frame until after the mechanism frame assembly has been installed. Unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very inefficient and expensive in that the frequently heavy and cumbersome prefabricated chair frame must be manually manipulated in an extremely labor - intensive manner. Another disadvantage associated with reclining chairs equipped with conventional actuation mechanisms is that a relatively large amount of frictional drag is typically generated between the upholstered components which must be overcome for smooth movement of the seat assembly between the " upright " and " reclined " positions. As such, lighter weight seat occHpWnts must normally exert a deliberate leveraged thrust or force, in acdJtion to pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg rest assembly and / or moving the seat assembly to its " reclined " position. Moreover, it is often difficult for the seat occupant to return the seat assembly to the " upright " position from the fully " reclined " position due to the relatively large included angle between the seat member and the reclined seat back. Therefore, the seat occupant must exert a relatively large and deliberate leveraged force to return the reclined seat assembly to its full " upright " position. Furthermore, in many conventional recliners, the leg rest assembly cannot be retracted to its " stowed " position from an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupant has completely returned the seat assembly to its fully " upright " position. Likewise, some reclining chairs do not pe#mUt independent actuation of the leg rest assembly during the entire range of reclining motion. While many conventional reclining chairs operate satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers are continually striving to develop improved frames and actuation mechanisms for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness of operation as well as occupant comfort. Such advanced development is particularly important for " wall proximity " reclining chairs since their actuation mechanisms are inherently more complex due to the requirem#ht of accommodating rearward reclining movement of the seat back relWFive to a stationary structure. Furthermore, ^herS is a continuing desire to develop improved fabrication and assembly techniques which #Kll result in reduced costs while promoting increased efficiency and improved prod^cR quality.
|
The present invention relates generally to reclining chairs and, more particularly, to an improved "wall proximity" reclining chair. Traditionally, reclining chairs are equipped with an actuation mechanism which is operatively interconnected between a prefabricated chair frame a stationary base assembly. The actuation mechanism is typically a combination of various mechanical linkages operable for providing various comfort such as independent reclining movement of a seat assembly as well as actuation of an extensible leg rest assembly and associated tilting chair In "wall proximity" reclining chairs, the actuation mechanism must also be to maintain a generally clearance between the seat and an adjacent stationary structure (i.e., table, etc.) during the entire range of reclining movement. Generally, the actuation mechanism includes a track arrangement causing longitudinal of the entire chair frame relative to the stationary base assembly during "wall proximity" reclining movement to accommodate for rearward movement of the seat back relative to chair frame. the relative of conventional actuation mechanisms, it is common practice in the furniture industry to assemble the various mechanical linkages into a "stand-alone" mechanism frame assembly. A prefabricated U-shaped chair frame is frequently bolted around the mechanism frame with the open portion of "U" to the front of the chair. Accordingly, such reclining chairs having a mechanism frame located within a prefabricated chair frame are commonly referred to as having a "frame within a frame" construction. such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior of the prefabricated frame until after the frame assembly has been installed. Unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very and expensive the frequently heavy and cumbersome prefabricated chair frame must be manipulated in an extremely labor-intensive Another disadvantage associated with reclining chairs equipped with conventional actuation mechanisms is that a relatively large of frictional drag typically generated between the upholstered components which must be overcome smooth movement of the assembly between the "upright" "reclined" positions. As such, lighter weight seat occupants must exert a deliberate leveraged thrust or force, in addition pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg rest assembly moving the seat assembly to its "reclined" position. Moreover, it is often difficult for the seat occupant to return the seat assembly to "upright" position from the fully "reclined" due the relatively large included angle between the seat member and the reclined seat back. Therefore, the seat must exert a relatively large and deliberate leveraged force to return the reclined seat assembly to its full "upright" position. Furthermore, in many conventional recliners, the rest assembly cannot be retracted to its "stowed" position from an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupant has returned the seat assembly to its "upright" position. Likewise, some chairs not permit independent actuation of the rest assembly during the entire range of reclining motion. While many conventional reclining chairs satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers are striving to develop frames and actuation for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness of operation as well as occupant comfort. Such development is particularly important for "wall proximity" chairs since their actuation mechanisms are inherently more complex due to the requirement of accommodating reclining movement of the seat back relative a stationary structure. Furthermore, there is a continuing desire to fabrication and assembly techniques which will result in reduced costs while increased and improved product quality.
|
THE PREsEnt invEnTIon relates genERALly tO recLiNiNG chAIrs AND, mOrE PArTIcULArLy, to an impRovED "WaLl pROXIMiTY" recliniNG CHair.
tRADItIonAlLY, REclINING ChAiRs are EQuIpPED wiTh aN acTuatIOn MeChANiSM whICh IS OPerATiVElY iNteRconnecTeD beTWEEN a pREfAbrICATed cHair fraMe and a statIonarY bAse asSeMBlY. thE aCtUAtiON MEcHANISM Is typICAlly A COMbiNaTiON oF VAriouS MEchaNicAl LINkAGEs OPerabLE For pRoVIding vaRIOUS COmfort FEATURes sUCh aS INdEpENdeNT rEclIninG MovEMEnT OF A sEaT aSseMBlY aS WelL aS aCTUATIoN OF An eXTenSIbLe leG REsT aSsemblY AnD AssOciAteD TILtinG of the chAIr frAMe. in "WalL pROXimity" REcLiNiNG ChaIRs, THE aCtUATioN MEcHAnISm mUst AlSO Be oPERable To mAiNTaIN a gEnerAllY constAnt clEaRAnCE BetweEN tHe REclInABle SeAt aSSEMbly AND aN adJacEnt sTAtIOnArY stRuCture (I.e., WalL SurFACe, tabLe, ETC.) DuriNg thE EntirE RAngE oF REclInINg mOVEMENT. gEneraLly, THe acTuaTiON MEChAnIsM iNcLuDES a TRack arrANgemEnt FOR caUSinG LongITudinal mOvEMEnt of thE eNtiRe ChAIR fRAME rELATIVE to The sTatIOnARY Base aSsEMBly DUriNg "WaLL PRoXimitY" RecLINING MoVEmeNT To AcCoMmODAtE foR rearwaRd anguLAR moVEMenT of tHe Seat bacK reLAtIvE tO thE Chair FRAMe.
DUe TO tHE rElATiVE cOmPlExity OF ConVEntionAL acTUatioN MecHanISMS, IT Is cOMmON pRActICe IN thE FUrnIturE iNdusTRY to AssembLe tHe VariOUS MECHaNICal LiNKageS into a "STAND-alonE" meCHaniSM FrAmE aSSEMBLy. a PrEFABriCAtEd U-sHAped ChaIR fRAme IS FReQUENtLY bOLTEd Around the mEChANISM fraME With THE open poRtioN Of the "u" coRReSpONdiNg tO THe FrONT oF tHe ChAIr. acCORDInglY, SUCH reCLININg ChaIrs HaViNG A mECHaNism FRamE ASsEmbLy LOcAted wiTHIN A prEFaBRICAted ChAir FrAmE ArE cOmmOnLY reFeRrED tO As hAvInG a "frAMe wiThiN A fRaME" COnstrUCtIoN. AS sUch, mOsT fuRnituRe MANufACtURERs dO NOT upHoLster tHE extERioR sUrfACEs of the pREfABRICaTeD CHAir FRaME unTIL AFtEr tHe MEchAnISm FrAme AsSeMBLY hAS beEN iNStAllED. UNfOrtUNATely, THE UPholSTeRInG opERATIoN iS VERy ineFfIcIEnT aND EXPenSiVe in ThAt THe frequeNtLy hEAVy and CUMBeRSoME prefABriCatEd chAIR fRAmE Must be MAnUALLy ManiPUlatEd in aN extrEmElY lABoR-IntenSIVe MaNner.
anothER DiSadVAntagE asSoCIATed WITh REcLiNIng CHAirs EquIPped with CONVenTIONAl aCtUatiOn MeCHAnismS is ThaT A reLAtIVely LARGE AmOUNt OF FrIctIONAl dRAG iS TYpIcALlY GenErAted BeTwEEn tHE UpHoLsTErEd COmPOnEntS WhiCH mUSt BE OveRCome foR SMooTh mOVemEnT oF tHe SeaT aSseMblY betwEen THE "UPRIGHT" anD "REclINeD" poSItIOns. AS suCh, liGhTer WeigHT sEAt occupants MUST normALLy eXert a deliBEraTe leVERagED thrUST oR FORce, iN aDDiTiON to puLLINg The ACTUAtOR leveR, fOr ComplETeLy ExTenDinG a lEG resT ASsEmbLY aND/Or MOVinG The sEAT assEMBLY TO itS "REcLineD" PositIon. mOREOvER, it Is ofteN DiFFiCuLt FoR ThE sEaT oCCupant to retuRN THE SeaT asSEMblY to THe "uPRight" pOSItiON From thE fulLy "rEclINED" pOSITioN DUE To tHe relatIVElY lArGE iNClUdeD aNGLE bEtween The sEAt mEmbEr AND THE rEcLined SeAT BACK. THeReFORE, the SEAT occuPAnt muSt exERt a RELAtivELy lArGE ANd dElIBERATE LEverAged fOrcE to retuRn The RecLiNED SeaT asseMBLy To ITS Full "UpRIgHt" PoSItION. FURtHErmorE, IN MaNy cONvEnTIONAL RecLINeRS, THE LeG resT assEMBLY cAnNoT Be REtraCTEd TO Its "STOWEd" poSItIOn FroM AN EXtendED Or eLevated PoSition uNtiL afteR The seAT OcCUpaNT HAs coMplEtELY rEtuRNEd tHE SeAt asSEmbLy tO ITs FuLLY "UpriGhT" pOsitioN. LIkewISE, sOME REclininG CHAiRs Do nOT PeRMIT InDePENdEnT AcTuAtIOn Of ThE leg rEST AssEmbLY duRinG tHe EnTIre rANgE oF reCLINIng MotioN.
wHILE MANY conVeNTiOnal rEcliniNG cHaIrs oPeRATE sATisfactoRily, fuRnITURe mANufACTurers ARE CoNTinuALly StRiVInG to dEvELOp iMprOveD fraMEs anD AcTuATIOn MEcHanIsMs fOR REdUcInG sysTeM ComplExITy anD IncReasING sTrUCTural sOUNDneSs ANd SMOOthnEsS OF OPeratiOn As WEll aS OcCUpant coMFORT. suCH aDVaNced DeVeLoPmeNt is PARtiCuLArly iMPoRtANT fOr "WALL PRoxiMiTY" RecLINinG cHAIRS siNcE ThEiR aCtUatioN MechanISms are iNhErEnTly MorE CompLex due to the reQuiReMent Of AcCOmmOdATIng reArwARd RECliNinG mOvEMENt oF tHe SEAt baCk reLaTIvE to A stATionAry StruCTUrE. FuRtHeRmORe, THEre IS a CoNTInUIng DeSirE To DEVELOp iMproved FaBRIcatIOn And asseMblY teCHNiQuEs wHICh WIlL rESULt in rEDUcED cOSts wHILE prOmOtINg iNcreAsed EfFiciency AnD ImpROved PRodUCT quality.
|
Thepresent invention relates generally to reclining chairs and, moreparticularly, to an improved "wall proximity" reclining chair. Traditionally, reclining chairs are equipped with an actuationmechanism which is operativelyinterconnected between a prefabricated chair frame and a stationarybase assembly. The actuation mechanism is typically a combination of various mechanical linkages operable for providing various comfort features such as independent reclining movement of a seat assembly as well asactuation of anextensibleleg rest assembly and associated tilting of the chair frame. In "wall proximity" reclining chairs, the actuation mechanism must also be operable to maintain a generally constant clearancebetween the reclinable seatassembly and an adjacent stationary structure (i.e., wall surface,table, etc.) during the entire range ofreclining movement. Generally, the actuation mechanism includes a trackarrangement forcausing longitudinal movement of theentirechair frame relative to the stationary base assembly during "wallproximity" reclining movement toaccommodatefor rearward angular movement of the seat back relative to the chair frame. Due to the relative complexity of conventional actuation mechanisms, itis common practice in the furniture industry toassemblethe various mechanical linkages into a "stand-alone" mechanism frame assembly. A prefabricated U-shapedchair frame is frequently bolted around themechanism frame with the open portionof the "U" correspondingto the frontof the chair.Accordingly, such recliningchairshaving a mechanism frame assembly located within a prefabricated chair frame arecommonly referredtoas having a "frame withina frame" construction. As such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior surfaces of the prefabricated chairframeuntil after the mechanism frame assembly has been installed. Unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very inefficient and expensive in that the frequentlyheavy andcumbersome prefabricated chair framemust be manually manipulated in an extremely labor-intensive manner. Another disadvantage associated with reclining chairs equipped with conventional actuation mechanisms isthat arelatively large amount of frictional dragis typically generated between theupholstered componentswhich must be overcome for smooth movement of the seat assemblybetweenthe "upright"and"reclined" positions. As such, lighter weight seat occupants must normally exert adeliberate leveraged thrust or force, in addition to pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg rest assembly and/or moving the seat assemblyto its "reclined" position. Moreover, it isoften difficult for the seat occupant to return the seat assemblyto the "upright" position from the fully "reclined" position due to the relatively large included angle between the seat member and the reclined seat back. Therefore, the seat occupant must exert a relatively large and deliberate leveragedforce to return the reclined seat assembly to itsfull "upright"position. Furthermore, in many conventionalrecliners, the leg rest assemblycannotbe retracted to its"stowed" positionfrom an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupanthas completely returned the seat assembly toits fully "upright"position. Likewise, some reclining chairs do not permit independent actuation of the legrest assembly during theentirerange of reclining motion. While many conventional reclining chairs operate satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers arecontinually striving to develop improved frames and actuation mechanisms for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness ofoperationas well as occupant comfort. Suchadvanced developmentis particularly important for"wall proximity" reclining chairssince their actuationmechanisms are inherently more complex due to the requirement of accommodating rearward reclining movementof theseat back relativeto a stationary structure. Furthermore, there is a continuing desire to developimproved fabrication and assembly techniques which will result in reduced costs while promoting increased efficiency and improved product quality.
|
The present invention relates _generally_ _to_ reclining chairs _and,_ more _particularly,_ to an improved "wall proximity" reclining chair. _Traditionally,_ reclining _chairs_ are equipped with an actuation mechanism which is operatively interconnected between a prefabricated chair frame and a stationary base assembly. The actuation mechanism is typically a _combination_ of various mechanical linkages _operable_ for providing _various_ comfort features such as independent reclining movement _of_ _a_ seat assembly as well as _actuation_ of an extensible leg _rest_ assembly and associated tilting of the chair frame. _In_ "wall _proximity"_ _reclining_ chairs, _the_ actuation _mechanism_ _must_ also be operable _to_ maintain a generally constant clearance between _the_ reclinable seat assembly and an adjacent stationary _structure_ (i.e., wall surface, _table,_ _etc.)_ during the entire range of _reclining_ movement. Generally, the actuation mechanism _includes_ a track _arrangement_ for _causing_ _longitudinal_ movement of the entire chair _frame_ relative _to_ the stationary base assembly during "wall proximity" reclining movement to accommodate for rearward angular movement of the seat back relative to the chair _frame._ Due to the relative complexity _of_ conventional actuation mechanisms, _it_ is common practice _in_ the furniture industry to _assemble_ the various mechanical linkages _into_ a _"stand-alone"_ mechanism _frame_ assembly. A prefabricated U-shaped _chair_ frame is frequently bolted around the _mechanism_ frame _with_ the _open_ portion _of_ the "U" corresponding to the front of the chair. Accordingly, such reclining chairs having a mechanism frame assembly located within a prefabricated chair frame _are_ commonly referred to as having a _"frame_ within a frame" construction. As such, most furniture manufacturers do not upholster the exterior surfaces _of_ the prefabricated chair frame until _after_ the mechanism frame assembly has _been_ installed. Unfortunately, the upholstering operation is very inefficient and expensive in that _the_ frequently _heavy_ and cumbersome _prefabricated_ _chair_ frame must be manually manipulated _in_ an extremely labor-intensive manner. Another disadvantage associated with _reclining_ chairs equipped with conventional actuation mechanisms _is_ _that_ _a_ relatively large amount of _frictional_ drag is typically generated between the upholstered components which must be _overcome_ for smooth movement of the seat assembly between _the_ "upright" and "reclined" positions. As such, lighter weight _seat_ occupants must normally exert a deliberate leveraged thrust or force, in addition _to_ pulling the actuator lever, for completely extending a leg rest _assembly_ and/or moving the seat assembly to its "reclined" _position._ _Moreover,_ it is _often_ difficult _for_ the seat occupant to return _the_ seat assembly to the "upright" position from the fully "reclined" position due to the relatively large included angle between the seat member _and_ _the_ reclined seat back. Therefore, the _seat_ occupant must exert _a_ _relatively_ large and _deliberate_ leveraged _force_ to return the _reclined_ seat assembly to its full "upright" position. _Furthermore,_ _in_ many conventional recliners, _the_ _leg_ rest assembly cannot be retracted to its "stowed" position _from_ an extended or elevated position until after the seat occupant _has_ completely returned the _seat_ _assembly_ to its fully "upright" position. Likewise, some reclining chairs do _not_ permit independent actuation _of_ the leg _rest_ assembly during the entire range of _reclining_ motion. While _many_ conventional reclining chairs operate satisfactorily, furniture manufacturers are continually striving _to_ develop improved frames _and_ actuation mechanisms for reducing system complexity and increasing structural soundness and smoothness of operation as _well_ as occupant comfort. Such advanced development is particularly important for "wall proximity" reclining chairs since their _actuation_ mechanisms are _inherently_ more complex due to the requirement of accommodating rearward reclining movement of the seat back relative to a stationary structure. Furthermore, there _is_ a _continuing_ desire to develop improved fabrication and assembly _techniques_ _which_ will result in reduced _costs_ while promoting _increased_ efficiency _and_ improved product quality.
|
The invention is related to an electromagnetically actuatable fuel injection valve of the type used for internal combustion engines. A fuel injection valve, and a method for producing the fuel injection valve, are already known, but this valve is not suitable for use in low-pressure fuel injection systems, because, as a result of heating, when it is used in a motor vehicle there is an undesirable formation of vapor bubbles and insufficient preparation of the fuel to be injected. In this valve, the armature stroke is adjusted by the interposition of spacer discs of various thicknesses. This operating procedure, first, makes it difficult to automate manufacture; also, it is expensive and causes excessively large deviations in the quantities of fuel ejected at the various fuel injection valves.
|
the invention is related via an electromagnetically actuatable fuel injection tool of the type used for internal combustion engines. a fuel injection valve, and a method for producing the fuel injection valve, are already known, yet this valve is not suitable for use in low - pressure fuel injection systems, because, as a result of heating, if it fails used in a specific vehicle there is an undesirable formation of gases bubbles and insufficient preparation of the fuel to be injected. in this device, the armature stroke is adjusted via the interposition of spacer discs of various thicknesses. this operating procedure, first, makes it difficult to automate operation ; also, it is expensive and causes excessively large deviations in the quantities of fuel ejected at the various fuel injection valves.
|
The invention is relat3W to an electromagnetically actuatable fuel injection valve of the type used for internal combustion wnHines. A fuel injection valve, and a method for producing the fuel injection valve, are wlreasy known, but this valve is not suitable for use in low - pressure fuel injection systems, vecaus$, as a result of heating, when it is used in a mot0g vehicle there is an undesirable formation of vapor bubbles and insufficient preparation of the fuel to be injected. In this valve, the armature stroke is adjhated by the interposition of spacer discs of various thicknesses. This operating procedure, first, makes it difficult to automate manufacture; also, it is expeJxive and causes excessively large deviations in the quznti%ies of fuel eKec4ed at the various Vue: injection valves.
|
The invention is related to an electromagnetically fuel injection valve of the type used for internal combustion engines. A fuel injection and a method for producing the fuel injection valve, are already known, but this valve is not suitable for use in low-pressure fuel injection systems, because, as a result of heating, when it is used in a motor vehicle there is an undesirable formation of vapor bubbles and of the to be injected. In this valve, the armature is adjusted the interposition of spacer discs of various This operating procedure, first, makes difficult to automate manufacture; also, it is expensive and causes excessively large deviations in quantities fuel ejected at the various fuel valves.
|
ThE INVenTioN IS relATED tO An ElectROMAGNEtIcALLY acTUatablE FUEL INjeCtiOn VaLVE Of thE TypE UseD fOr interNal COmBUStiOn ENgINeS. a FUEl inJeCTion vaLvE, And a METhOD fOr prodUCiNG THe fUEl injeCtIoN VaLVE, ARE alREADy kNoWn, BUT ThIS valVE is NoT sUitAbLe FOR USe iN LOw-presSurE fUeL InJEctIon syStemS, BecAuse, AS A ReSuLt Of HEaTiNG, WhEN IT iS UsED In a MoToR VEHicLe TheRE is AN UNDesirABlE fORmatIoN of VaPOR BUBbLES ANd INSUFficIeNt prEParATion of ThE fuEl TO be INjECTED. iN thIS vALve, ThE Armature stRoKe is AdjUstED BY ThE InTeRPoSItIoN of SpaCER dISCS oF VARious ThICkneSSes. this oPeRAtINg procEDurE, FiRST, MaKEs it dIFFiCuLt to AutOmatE MaNUfAcTure; ALsO, it Is EXPeNsiVE And caUsES exCesSiVElY lArgE deViations In The quanTiTIES oF fuEL ejEcted AT The VARiOus Fuel iNJeCtION vALveS.
|
The inventionis relatedto an electromagnetically actuatable fuel injection valveof the type used for internal combustion engines.A fuel injection valve,anda methodfor producing the fuel injection valve, are already known,but this valve is not suitable for use inlow-pressure fuel injectionsystems, because, as aresult ofheating, when it is used in a motor vehicle there is an undesirableformation of vapor bubbles and insufficient preparation of the fuel to be injected. In this valve,thearmature stroke is adjustedby the interposition of spacer discs of various thicknesses. This operating procedure, first, makes it difficult to automate manufacture; also, it is expensive and causes excessively largedeviations in the quantities of fuel ejected at the variousfuel injection valves.
|
The invention _is_ related to _an_ electromagnetically _actuatable_ fuel _injection_ _valve_ of the type used for internal combustion _engines._ _A_ fuel injection valve, _and_ a method for _producing_ the fuel _injection_ valve, are _already_ _known,_ but _this_ _valve_ is not suitable for use in low-pressure fuel injection systems, because, as a result of heating, _when_ _it_ _is_ used in a motor vehicle there _is_ an undesirable formation of _vapor_ bubbles and _insufficient_ preparation of the fuel _to_ be _injected._ _In_ this valve, the armature stroke _is_ adjusted by the interposition of spacer discs of various thicknesses. This _operating_ procedure, first, makes it difficult _to_ _automate_ manufacture; also, it is expensive and _causes_ excessively _large_ deviations in _the_ quantities of _fuel_ ejected at the various fuel injection valves.
|
During the lifetime of a patient, it may be necessary to perform a joint replacement procedure on the patient as a result of, for example, disease or trauma. The joint replacement procedure may involve the use of a prosthesis that is implanted into one or more of the patient's bones. In the case of a knee replacement procedure, a tibial tray is implanted into the patient's tibia. A bearing is then secured to the tibial tray. The condyle surfaces of a replacement femoral component bear against the tibial bearing.
One type of knee prosthesis is a fixed-bearing knee prosthesis. As its name suggests, the bearing of a fixed-bearing knee prosthesis does not move relative to the tibial tray. Fixed-bearing designs are commonly used when the condition of the patient's soft tissue (i.e., knee ligaments) does not allow for the use of a knee prosthesis having a mobile bearing.
In contrast, in a mobile-bearing type of knee prosthesis, the bearing can move relative to the tibial tray. Mobile-bearing knee prostheses include so-called “rotating platform” knee prostheses, wherein the bearing can rotate about a longitudinal axis on the tibial tray.
Tibial trays are commonly made of a biocompatible metal, such as a cobalt chrome alloy or a titanium alloy.
For both fixed and mobile-bearing knee prostheses, the tibial trays may be designed to be cemented into place on the patient's tibia or alternatively may be designed for cementless fixation. Cemented fixation relies on mechanical bonds between the tibial tray and the cement as well as between the cement and the bone. Cementless implants generally have surface features that are conducive to bone ingrowth into the implant component and rely to a substantial part on this bony ingrowth for secondary fixation; primary fixation is achieved through the mechanical fit of the implant and the prepared bone.
Tibial components of both fixed and mobile-bearing and cemented and cementless knee arthroplasty systems are commonly modular components, comprising a tibial tray and a polymeric bearing carried by the tibial tray. The tibial trays commonly include features extending distally, such as pegs or stems. These extensions penetrate below the surface of the tibial plateau and stabilize the tibial tray component against movement. In cementless tibial implants, the outer surfaces of these extensions are typically porous to allow for bone ingrowth. For example, in the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibial trays, pegs with flat distal surfaces and hexagonal axial surfaces are formed completely of a porous metal. In such trays, bone ingrowth is likely to occur along all surfaces of the pegs, including the distal surfaces.
Femoral components of such knee prosthesis systems are also designed for either cemented or cementless fixation. For cemented fixation, the femoral component typically includes recesses or cement pockets. For cementless fixation, the femoral component is designed for primary fixation through a press-fit, and includes porous bone-engaging surfaces suitable for bone ingrowth. Both designs may include pegs designed to extend into prepared holes in the femur for stabilization of the implant.
On occasion, the primary knee prosthesis fails. Failure can result from many causes, including wear, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and patellofemoral complications. When the failure is debilitating, revision surgery may be necessary. In a revision, the primary knee prosthesis (or parts of it) is removed and replaced with components of a revision prosthetic system.
When the tibial or femoral implant includes extensions (such as pegs or stems) that extend into the natural bone, a revision surgery usually requires a large resection of the bone in order to dislodge the extensions from the bone. This large resection not only complicates the surgery, it also requires removal of more of the patient's natural bone than is desirable. This removal of additional bone may further compromise the bone, increase the risk of onset of bone pathologies or abnormalities, or reduce the available healthy bone for fixation of the revision implant. Moreover, the large resection usually means that a larger orthopaedic implant is necessary to fill the space and restore the joint component to its expected geometry.
This difficulty in dislodging the primary implant components from the bones is worsened by the fact that bone also grows into the extensions. Severing these connections may be problematic since not all of these areas are easily accessible without resecting large amounts of bone.
In implants such as the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibia tray, some surfaces of the porous metal portion of the tibial tray may remain exposed above the tibial plateau after implantation. These exposed porous metal surfaces may be rough and may irritate the patient's soft tissue as the patient engages in normal day-to-day activities.
Similar issues may be presented in other types of joint prostheses.
|
during the rehabilitation of a patient, it may be necessary to perform a joint replacement procedure on the patient as a result of, for example, disease and trauma. the joint replacement procedure may involve the use of a prosthesis that is implanted into one or more of one patient ' s bones. in the case of a knee replacement procedure, a tibial tray is implanted into the patient ' s tibia. a bearing is then secured to the tibial tray. the condyle surfaces of a replacement femoral component bear against the tibial bearing. one type of joint prosthesis is a fixed - bearing knee prosthesis. as its name suggests, the bearing of a fixed - bearing knee prosthesis does not move relative to the tibial tray. fixed - bearing designs are commonly used when the condition of the patient ' s injured tissue ( i. e., knee ligaments ) does not allow for the use of a knee prosthesis having a mobile bearing. in contrast, in a mobile - bearing type of foot prosthesis, the bearing can move relative to the tibial tray. mobile - bearing knee prostheses include so - called “ rotating platform ” knee prostheses, wherein the bearing can rotate about one longitudinal axis on the tibial tray. tibial trays are commonly made of a biocompatible metal, such as a cobalt chrome alloy or a titanium alloy. for both fixed to mobile - bearing knee prostheses, the tibial trays may be designed to be cemented into place on the patient ' a tibia or alternatively may is designed for cementless fixation. cemented fixation relies on mechanical bonds between the tibial tray and the cement as well as between the cement and the bone. cementless implants generally have surface features that are conducive to bone ingrowth into the implant component and rely to a substantial part on this bony ingrowth for secondary fixation ; primary fixation is achieved through the mechanical fit of the implant and the prepared bone. tibial components of both fixed and mobile - bearing and cemented and cementless knee arthroplasty systems are commonly modular components, comprising a tibial tray and a polymeric bearing carried by the tibial tray. the tibial trays commonly include features extending distally, such as pegs or stems. these extensions penetrate below the surface of the tibial plateau and stabilize the tibial tray component against movement. in cementless tibial implants, the outer surfaces of these extensions are typically porous to allow for bone ingrowth. for example, in the zimmer trabecular metal monoblock tibial trays, pegs with flat distal surfaces and hexagonal axial surfaces are formed completely of a porous metal. in such trays, bone ingrowth is likely to occur along all surfaces of the pegs, including the distal surfaces. femoral components of such knee prosthesis systems are also designed for either cemented or cementless fixation. for cemented fixation, the femoral component typically includes recesses or cement pockets. for cementless fixation, the femoral component is designed for primary fixation through a press - fit, and includes porous bone - engaging surfaces suitable for bone ingrowth. both designs may include pegs designed to extend into prepared holes in the femur for stabilization of the implant. on occasion, the primary knee prosthesis fails. failure can result from many causes, including wear, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and patellofemoral complications. when the failure is debilitating, revision surgery may be necessary. in a revision, the primary knee prosthesis ( or parts of it ) is removed and replaced with components of a revision prosthetic system. when the tibial or femoral implant includes extensions ( such as pegs or stems ) that extend into the natural bone, a revision surgery usually requires a large resection of the bone in order to dislodge the extensions from the bone. this large resection not only complicates the surgery, it also requires removal of more of the patient ' s natural bone than is desirable. this removal of additional bone may further compromise the bone, increase the risk of onset of bone pathologies or abnormalities, or reduce the available healthy bone for fixation of the revision implant. moreover, the large resection usually means that a larger orthopaedic implant is necessary to fill the space and restore the joint component to its expected geometry. this difficulty in dislodging the primary implant components from the bones is worsened by the fact that bone also grows into the extensions. severing these connections may be problematic since not all of these areas are easily accessible without resecting large amounts of bone. in implants such as the zimmer trabecular metal monoblock tibia tray, some surfaces of the porous metal portion of the tibial tray may remain exposed above the tibial plateau after implantation. these exposed porous metal surfaces may be rough and may irritate the patient ' s soft tissue as the patient engages in normal day - to - day activities. similar issues may be presented in other types of joint prostheses.
|
During the lifetime of a patient, it may be necessary to perform a joint replacement procedure on the patient as a result of, for example, disease or trauma. The joint replacement procedure may involve the use of a prosthesis that is implanted into one or more of the patient ' s bones. In the case of a knee replacement procedure, a tibial tray is implanted into the patient ' s tibia. A bearing is then secured to the tibial tray. The condyle surfaces of a replacement femoral component bear against the tibial bearing. One type of knee prosthesis is a fixed - bearing knee prosthesis. As its name suggests, the bearing of a fixed - bearing knee prosthesis does not move relative to the tibial tray. Fixed - bearing designs are commonly used when the condition of the Latienr ' s soft tissue (i. e. , knee ligaments) does not allow for the use of a knee prosthesis having a hobiKe bearing. In contrast, in a mobile - bearing type of knee prosthesis, the bearing can move relative to the tibial tray. Mobile - bearing knee prostheses inc>^de so - called “ rotating platform ” knee prostheses, wherein the bearing can rotate about a longitudinal axis on the tibial tray. Tibial tgags are commonly made of a biocompatible metal, such as a cobalt chrome alloy or a titanium alloy. For both fixed and mobile - bearing knee prostheses, the tibial trays may be designed to be cemented into place on the patient ' s tibia or alternatively may be designed for cementless fixation. Cemented fixation relies on mechanical bonds between the tibial tray and the cement as well as between the cement and the bone. Cementless implants generally have surface features that are conducive to bone ingrowth into the implant component and rsl6 to a substantial part on this bony ingrowth for secondary fixation; primary fixation is achieved through the mechanical fit of the implant and the prepared bone. Tibial components of both fixed and mobile - bearing and cemented and cementless knee arthroplasty systems are commonly modular components, comprising a tibial tray and a polymeric bearing carried by the tibial tray. The tibial trays commonly include features extending distally, such as pegs or stems. These extensions penetrate below the surface of the tibial plateau and stabilize the tibial tray compojrnt against movement. In cementless tibial implants, the outer surfaces of these extensions are typically porous to allow for bone ingrowth. For example, in the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibial trays, pegs with flat distal surfaces and hexagonal axial surfaces are formed completely of a porous metal. In such trays, bone ingrowth is likely to occur along all surfaces of the pegs, including the distal surfaces. Femoral components of such knee prosthesis systems are also designed for either cemented or cementless fixation. For ceJ2nted fixation, the femoral component typically includes recesses or cement pockets. For cementless fixation, the femoral component is designed for primary fixation through a press - fit, and includes porous bone - engaging surfaces suitable for bone ingrowth. Both designs may include pegs designed to extend into prepared holes in the femur for stabilization of the implant. On occasion, the primary kJew prosthesis fails. Failure can result from many causes, including wear, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and patellofemoral complications. When the failure is debilitating, revision surgery may be necessary. In a revision, the primary knee prosthesis (or parts of it) is removed and replaced with components of a revision prosthetic system. When the tibial or femoral implant includes extensions (such as pegs or stems) that extend into the natural bone, a revision surgery usually requires a large resection of the bone in order to dislodge the extensions from the bone. This large resection not only complicates the surgery, it also requires removal of more of the patient ' s natural bone than is desirable. This removal of additional bone may further compromise the bone, increase the risk of onset of bone pathologies or abnormalities, or reduce the available h$Slthy bone for fixation of the revision implant. Moreover, the large resection usually means that a larger orthopaedic implant is necessary to fill the space and restore the joint component to its expected geometry. This difficulty in dislodging the primary implant components from the bones is worsened by the fact that bone also grows into the extensions. Severing these connections may be problematic ZiBce not all of these areas are easily accessible without resecting large amounts of bone. In implants such as the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibia tray, some surfaces of the porous metal portion of the tibial tray may remain exposed above the tibial plateau after implantation. These exposed porous metal surfaces may be rough and may irritate the patient ' s soft tissue as the patient engages in normal day - to - day activities. Similar issues may be presented in other types of joint prostheses.
|
During the lifetime of a patient, it may necessary to perform a joint replacement procedure on the patient as a result of, example, disease or trauma. The joint procedure may involve the use of prosthesis that is implanted into one or more of the patient's bones. In the case a knee replacement procedure, a tibial tray is implanted into the patient's tibia. A bearing is then secured to the tibial tray. The surfaces of a replacement femoral component bear against the bearing. One type of knee prosthesis is a fixed-bearing knee prosthesis. As name suggests, the bearing of a fixed-bearing knee prosthesis does not move relative to the tray. designs are used when the condition of the patient's soft tissue (i.e., knee ligaments) does not allow for the use of a knee having a bearing. In contrast, in a mobile-bearing type of knee prosthesis, the bearing move relative to the tibial tray. knee prostheses include “rotating platform” knee prostheses, wherein the bearing can rotate about a longitudinal axis on the tibial tray. Tibial trays are commonly made of a biocompatible metal, such as a chrome alloy or a titanium alloy. For fixed and mobile-bearing knee prostheses, the tibial trays may designed to be cemented into place on the patient's tibia or alternatively be designed for cementless fixation. fixation relies on mechanical bonds between the tibial tray and the cement as well as between the cement and the Cementless implants generally have surface features conducive to bone ingrowth into the implant component and rely to a substantial part on this bony ingrowth for secondary fixation; primary fixation is achieved mechanical fit of the implant and the prepared bone. Tibial components of both fixed and and cemented and cementless knee arthroplasty systems are modular comprising a tibial tray and a polymeric bearing carried by the tibial tray. tibial trays commonly features extending distally, such as pegs or stems. These penetrate below the surface of the plateau and stabilize the tibial tray component against movement. cementless tibial implants, the outer surfaces of these extensions are typically porous to allow for bone ingrowth. For example, in the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibial pegs with flat distal surfaces and hexagonal axial surfaces are formed completely of a porous In such trays, bone ingrowth is likely to occur along all of the pegs, the distal surfaces. Femoral components of such knee are also designed for either cemented or cementless fixation. For cemented fixation, the femoral component typically includes recesses or cement pockets. For cementless fixation, the component is designed for primary through press-fit, and includes porous bone-engaging surfaces suitable for ingrowth. Both designs may include pegs designed to extend into prepared in femur for of the implant. On occasion, the knee prosthesis fails. Failure can result from many causes, including wear, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and complications. failure is debilitating, revision surgery may be In a revision, the primary knee prosthesis (or parts of it) is removed and replaced with components of a revision prosthetic system. the tibial or femoral includes (such as pegs or stems) that extend into the bone, a revision surgery usually requires a large resection of the bone in order to dislodge extensions from bone. This not only complicates surgery, it also requires of more of the patient's natural bone than is desirable. This removal of additional bone may further bone, increase risk of bone pathologies or abnormalities, or reduce the available healthy bone for fixation of the revision implant. the large resection usually means that a orthopaedic implant is necessary to fill space and restore the joint component to its expected geometry. This difficulty in dislodging the implant components from the bones is worsened by the fact that also grows into the extensions. Severing these connections may be problematic not all areas are easily accessible without resecting large amounts of bone. implants such as the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibia tray, some surfaces of the porous metal portion of the tibial tray may remain exposed above the tibial plateau after implantation. These exposed porous metal surfaces may be rough and may irritate the patient's soft tissue as the patient in normal day-to-day activities. Similar issues may be presented in other types joint prostheses.
|
dUrINg THE lifeTImE oF a patiEnt, It MAY Be NECEssARY To PerFoRm A jOInt ReplaceMENt pROceDUrE On The PATIeNt As A result Of, FoR eXAMple, dISeaSE or TraUmA. the joiNT REplACEmeNT prOCedURe May INvOLve ThE uSe oF a PrOsthESIS THAt is iMPLANtED INtO oNE OR MOrE oF THE pAtieNT's bOneS. in ThE CaSE of a knee repLaceMeNT ProCEDuRE, a tIBIAL TRAY IS ImPlAntEd INTO tHE paTiEnt's tIBIA. a beaRiNg Is tHEn seCURED TO The TIbIal tray. tHE condyLe sUrfaCES oF A REpLACeMEnT FeMOrAl COMPOnenT bear AgAinsT the TIbiAL BEArInG.
ONE type Of KneE pRoSTHESis Is A FIXED-BEarinG kneE PRosthEsiS. as Its NaMe SuGGestS, the bEARINg Of A FIxED-BEARINg KnEe PROSTHESIS DoeS Not moVE rELATive to the tiBIAl tRaY. FIXeD-bearinG dEsIgnS are cOmmoNly UseD When THe cONDiTiON of the PatiENT'S soFT tIssuE (i.E., KneE LIgamENtS) DOES nOt alLOw fOR the UsE of A knEE pROstHEsIs hAving A MOBiLE beAring.
IN CONTrasT, In a mObiLE-BEarING typE of Knee proStHeSIS, The BEaRing cAN mOvE relaTIvE TO thE tibiAl TraY. MObILe-bEArIng knEE prOStHESeS IncludE so-CaLLEd “rOTaTiNG pLAtfOrm” kNEE PROstheSEs, wHErein tHE BEaRiNg CAN rOTatE AboUT A lONGiTudiNaL AXIs on THe TIbiAL tRAy.
tIBIal Trays aRe CommonLy MaDe OF a BiocoMpaTIblE METaL, SUcH AS a COBAlt chRomE AllOY or A TitANiUM alLOy.
foR BoTH fIXEd AnD mObILE-BeArInG kNEE PrOstHeSeS, tHe TIbiAL TrAyS MAY Be dEsigned tO Be cEMENteD InTO PlacE On The pAtIenT's tiBIa Or altERnATIvElY MaY BE DESIGnED FOr cEMENtlESS fiXatioN. CEMENTEd FIxaTiON relieS On mechANiCAL BoNdS bETWEEN ThE tIBIAl tRAy ANd the CEmeNt aS Well as beTWEen THE ceMenT AnD The bOnE. CEmENtLess iMPLANtS gENERalLy Have SuRfACE FEAturEs THat aRe cOnDUcIVe To bOne inGROwtH into THe iMpLANT COmpoNENT aNd RElY to a subsTANtIaL pArT oN tHIs boNy InGROWtH FOR SECondARY FiXatiON; pRIMaRy FIxatION iS AchIeVed THrOuGH The MECHaNIcal FIT oF tHE imPlaNT anD THe pRepAreD bOne.
TibIaL coMPOnenTS OF botH fIXeD aND MoBILe-beAring And CeMenteD aNd CEMeNTLESS KneE aRTHropLastY SYstEMs Are COmmOnly MOdulaR ComponENtS, cOmPrISing A TiBiAL traY ANd a polYMErIc beariNg cARrIED by the TiBiAl traY. the tIBIAl TraYs cOMmOnly INCLuDe feAtUReS eXtending diSTallY, SUch AS pegs Or STems. thESE EXTenSIOnS peNEtraTe BELOw The SUrFace of THE tIbIAl pLatEAU aNd sTAbILizE The TIbIAL tRay COmPOneNT agAiNSt moVemeNt. In CeMEntLEss tIbiAL IMpLanTs, the OutER surfACeS OF tHeSE ExTenSIoNs ARE tYPIcALly PorOus To ALLoW for bOne InGroWTh. FOr EXAmPle, In the ZiMmeR tRABecuLar MetaL mOnOBlOcK TibIal tRAys, peGS With fLaT DIsTAL SuRFACeS aND HExaGOnaL AxIaL surfACeS ARE fOrMED cOmplETElY OF a pOrOUS Metal. in suCh TRAYS, boNe InGrOWtH iS LIKEly TO oCcuR aLONG alL SUrfAcEs Of the pEGs, iNclUDing the distal surfACEs.
fEMoRAl coMponENtS oF Such KnEe pROSthESIS SySteMS Are aLso DesIGneD for EIThEr cementEd OR cEmentLeSS fIXATiOn. fOR cEmenteD fIxAtIoN, thE FEMoRal CoMPonENT TyPicalLY iNcluDes REcesSEs Or cEmEnt PocKeTs. foR CeMENtless FixATIOn, thE FeMorAl COMpoNEnt IS dEsIgnED fOr priMaRY fiXAtiON THrOUGH a PRESS-FiT, anD INcLUdES PoRouS BonE-EnGaging sUrfAceS SUiTaBLe fOR BonE IngrOWTh. boTH dEsiGNs MaY inClUDe PEGs DeSIgNEd tO exTend iNtO pREpARED HoLEs iN tHe FEmUR FoR STABILIzatION OF THE iMpLAnt.
ON occasioN, tHe primary knEE prosthESiS FAIls. FaIlURE CAN RESUlT FROm ManY CauseS, IncLudiNg WEAR, asePtic loOsENing, osTeoLYSis, LIgAMEntOUS insTABIlIty, ARtHrofiBrosiS And paTElloFEmoraL cOmpLICationS. wheN tHe faIlUrE is debILItAting, REVISIoN SURGeRY mAy be NeCEsSAry. iN A REviSiON, thE PRimary KnEe prOStHESiS (or PaRts Of It) iS rEmovEd anD rEPlACeD WITh cOmPonEnts OF A RevisioN PROstheTIC SysTEm.
wheN thE TIbIaL oR femoRAL iMpLANt InCLudES eXtENSiOnS (SuCh aS PeGs oR stEmS) tHAT EXTEnd iNTO The natURaL BoNe, A reVisIoN suRgeRy uSUALly RequIRes a Large ResECtiOn OF the bONE iN OrDEr TO DIsloDge the exteNSionS from tHE bONe. ThiS LARgE reSEcTIoN Not onlY COmPliCATeS THE sUrGerY, iT also ReqUires rEmoval oF MorE of the paTIEnT'S natuRAL BOnE ThAN iS DesiRaBle. THis reMoVAL oF ADDITioNAl bone mAy fUrTHER COMPrOMise The BoNE, iNcrease The RiSk oF OnSET Of bONe paTHoLOgIeS Or ABnORmAlItieS, or rEDuce thE AvaILAble HEAltHY BOne FOR fiXaTiON OF ThE rEViSiOn ImpLant. MOrEoVEr, tHe Large ReSEctiOn USuAllY mEANS thAt a LArGer ORTHOpaEdiC iMPLAnt is NEcESsarY to fiLL tHe SpaCE AnD rEStORe tHe jOInT cOmPoNEnt to ItS ExpecTEd gEOMeTRY.
THiS dIFFiCuLtY in DIsLoDginG thE prIMARY ImPlaNT cOmPoNenTs frOM the boNeS IS worsENed by ThE FAct thaT bOnE ALSO gROWs INtO THe EXtEnSioNs. seVeRiNg tHESE cOnNeCtIOns MAY be probleMAtiC SINCE noT All OF TheSe AREAS arE EasilY AccEssIBle wIthoUt ReseCTING LArGe aMounts of bonE.
in ImpLaNTS SUcH aS THE ZimMeR tRAbeculAR MetAl mOnobLOcK tiBIa trAy, soME sUrFACES OF tHE pORoUs MeTAL PortioN Of THe TibiAl tRaY mAy remAIN ExpOSED aBOvE tHe Tibial PLAtEAu AftEr ImPlANTAtIoN. these expoSED pOrOus METAL SUrFacES MAY BE rOuGH AND MAy IRRItaTE THE PaTIENt'S sOFT tIsSUe AS tHE PaTIent ENGAgES iN noRmAL DAy-TO-daY ACTIvItieS.
SImiLar issUeS MAY bE PRESEntED In oTHEr Types OF joiNT PrOSTheSES.
|
Duringthe lifetime of apatient, it may be necessary to perform a joint replacement procedure on the patient as a result of,for example, disease or trauma. Thejoint replacement procedure mayinvolve theuse of a prosthesis that is implanted into one or more ofthe patient's bones. Inthe caseofakneereplacement procedure, a tibial trayis implanted into the patient's tibia. A bearingis then secured to the tibial tray. Thecondyle surfaces of a replacement femoralcomponent bear against the tibial bearing. One type of kneeprosthesis isa fixed-bearing kneeprosthesis. As its name suggests, the bearing ofa fixed-bearing knee prosthesis does not move relative to the tibial tray.Fixed-bearing designs are commonly used when the conditionof the patient's soft tissue(i.e., knee ligaments)does not allow for the use of a knee prosthesishaving a mobile bearing. In contrast,ina mobile-bearing type of knee prosthesis,thebearing can move relative tothe tibial tray. Mobile-bearing knee prostheses include so-called “rotatingplatform” knee prostheses,wherein the bearing can rotate about a longitudinal axis onthe tibial tray. Tibialtrays are commonly made ofa biocompatible metal, such as a cobalt chrome alloy or a titanium alloy. For both fixedand mobile-bearing knee prostheses, the tibial trays may be designed to be cemented into place on the patient's tibiaor alternatively may be designed for cementless fixation. Cemented fixation relies onmechanical bonds between the tibial tray and the cement as well as between the cement and the bone. Cementlessimplants generally have surface features that are conducive to bone ingrowthinto the implantcomponent and rely toa substantial parton this bony ingrowth for secondary fixation; primary fixationis achieved through the mechanical fit of the implantand the prepared bone. Tibial componentsof both fixed and mobile-bearing and cemented and cementless knee arthroplasty systems are commonly modularcomponents,comprisinga tibial tray and a polymericbearing carried by the tibial tray. The tibial trays commonly include features extending distally, such aspegs or stems. These extensions penetrate below the surface of the tibial plateau and stabilizethe tibialtraycomponent against movement. In cementless tibial implants, the outer surfaces of these extensions are typically porous to allow for bone ingrowth. For example, in theZimmerTrabecular Metal Monoblock tibial trays, pegs with flat distal surfacesandhexagonalaxial surfaces areformed completely of a porous metal.In such trays, bone ingrowth islikely tooccur along all surfacesof the pegs, including the distal surfaces. Femoralcomponents ofsuch knee prosthesis systems are also designedfor either cemented or cementless fixation. For cemented fixation, the femoral component typically includes recesses or cement pockets.For cementless fixation, the femoral component is designed for primary fixation through a press-fit, and includes porous bone-engagingsurfacessuitable for bone ingrowth. Both designs may include pegsdesigned to extendinto preparedholes in the femur for stabilizationof theimplant. On occasion, the primary knee prosthesis fails.Failure can resultfrom many causes, including wear, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and patellofemoral complications.When the failure isdebilitating, revision surgery may be necessary. In a revision, the primary knee prosthesis (or parts of it) is removed and replaced with components ofa revision prosthetic system. When the tibial or femoralimplant includes extensions (such as pegs orstems) that extend into the naturalbone, a revision surgery usually requires a large resection of the bone in order to dislodge the extensions from the bone. This large resectionnot only complicates the surgery, it also requires removal ofmore of the patient's natural bone than is desirable. This removal of additional bone mayfurther compromise the bone, increase theriskof onset ofbone pathologies or abnormalities, or reduce the available healthy bone for fixation of the revision implant. Moreover,the large resection usually means that a larger orthopaedic implant isnecessary to fill the space and restore the joint componenttoits expected geometry. This difficulty in dislodgingthe primary implant components fromthe bones is worsened by the fact that bone also grows into the extensions. Severing these connections may be problematic since not all of these areas are easilyaccessible without resecting large amounts of bone. Inimplants such asthe Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibia tray, some surfaces of the porous metalportion of the tibial tray mayremain exposed above the tibial plateauafter implantation. These exposed porous metal surfaces may be rough and mayirritate the patient's soft tissue as the patient engages in normal day-to-day activities. Similar issuesmay be presented in other types of joint prostheses.
|
During the lifetime of a patient, it may _be_ necessary to perform _a_ joint replacement procedure _on_ _the_ patient as a _result_ _of,_ for _example,_ disease or trauma. The joint replacement procedure may involve the use of a prosthesis that is implanted into one or more of the patient's bones. _In_ the case _of_ a knee replacement procedure, a tibial tray _is_ implanted into the patient's tibia. A bearing is then secured to _the_ tibial _tray._ The condyle surfaces of a replacement femoral component bear against the tibial bearing. One _type_ of knee prosthesis is a _fixed-bearing_ knee prosthesis. As its name suggests, the bearing of a fixed-bearing knee _prosthesis_ does not move _relative_ to the _tibial_ tray. Fixed-bearing designs are commonly used _when_ the condition of the patient's soft tissue (i.e., _knee_ ligaments) does not allow for the use of a knee prosthesis _having_ a mobile bearing. In contrast, in a mobile-bearing type of knee prosthesis, the bearing can move relative to the tibial tray. Mobile-bearing _knee_ prostheses _include_ so-called “rotating platform” knee prostheses, wherein the bearing can rotate about _a_ _longitudinal_ axis on _the_ tibial tray. _Tibial_ trays are commonly made _of_ a biocompatible metal, such as a cobalt _chrome_ _alloy_ or a _titanium_ _alloy._ For both fixed and mobile-bearing knee prostheses, the _tibial_ trays may be designed to be cemented into place _on_ the patient's tibia or _alternatively_ may be designed for _cementless_ _fixation._ Cemented fixation relies on mechanical _bonds_ _between_ the _tibial_ _tray_ and the _cement_ as well as between the _cement_ and the bone. _Cementless_ implants generally have surface features that _are_ _conducive_ to bone ingrowth into _the_ implant component and rely to a substantial part on this bony _ingrowth_ _for_ secondary fixation; primary fixation is achieved through the mechanical fit of _the_ implant _and_ the _prepared_ bone. Tibial components of both fixed and mobile-bearing and cemented and cementless knee _arthroplasty_ systems are commonly _modular_ components, comprising a tibial _tray_ and a polymeric bearing carried by the tibial tray. The _tibial_ trays _commonly_ include features extending distally, such _as_ pegs or stems. _These_ extensions penetrate below the surface _of_ the _tibial_ plateau and stabilize the tibial tray component against movement. In _cementless_ tibial implants, _the_ outer surfaces of these extensions _are_ typically porous _to_ allow for bone ingrowth. For example, in the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibial _trays,_ pegs with flat distal surfaces and _hexagonal_ _axial_ _surfaces_ _are_ formed completely of a porous _metal._ In such _trays,_ bone ingrowth is likely _to_ occur along all _surfaces_ of the pegs, including the distal surfaces. Femoral components of such knee prosthesis systems are also designed for either cemented or cementless _fixation._ For cemented _fixation,_ the femoral component typically includes recesses _or_ cement pockets. For cementless fixation, the femoral component is designed for primary fixation _through_ a press-fit, and includes porous bone-engaging surfaces suitable for bone _ingrowth._ Both designs may include pegs designed to extend into _prepared_ holes _in_ the femur for stabilization of the implant. On occasion, the primary knee prosthesis fails. Failure can result from _many_ _causes,_ including wear, aseptic loosening, _osteolysis,_ ligamentous instability, arthrofibrosis and _patellofemoral_ complications. When the failure is debilitating, revision surgery may be necessary. In a revision, the primary knee prosthesis _(or_ _parts_ _of_ it) is removed and replaced with components of a _revision_ prosthetic system. _When_ the tibial or femoral _implant_ includes _extensions_ (such _as_ pegs or stems) that extend _into_ _the_ _natural_ bone, a revision surgery usually _requires_ a large resection _of_ the bone in _order_ _to_ _dislodge_ the extensions from the bone. This large _resection_ not _only_ complicates _the_ _surgery,_ it also requires removal of more of the patient's natural _bone_ than _is_ desirable. This _removal_ of additional bone _may_ _further_ _compromise_ _the_ bone, increase the risk of onset of _bone_ pathologies _or_ abnormalities, or reduce the available _healthy_ _bone_ for fixation of the revision _implant._ _Moreover,_ the _large_ _resection_ _usually_ means that a larger _orthopaedic_ _implant_ is necessary _to_ fill _the_ _space_ and restore _the_ joint component to its expected geometry. This difficulty in dislodging the primary implant components from the _bones_ is worsened by the _fact_ that bone also grows _into_ the extensions. Severing these connections may be problematic since _not_ _all_ _of_ these areas _are_ _easily_ accessible without resecting _large_ amounts _of_ bone. In implants such _as_ the Zimmer Trabecular Metal Monoblock tibia tray, _some_ surfaces of the porous metal portion of _the_ tibial tray may remain exposed above the tibial plateau _after_ implantation. These exposed porous _metal_ surfaces _may_ be _rough_ and _may_ _irritate_ _the_ patient's _soft_ _tissue_ _as_ _the_ patient engages _in_ normal _day-to-day_ activities. Similar issues may be presented in other types of joint prostheses.
|
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides an alternative to bar code reader technology for distinguishing and recording items for purchase. RFID may result in labor savings to retailers, since it may obsolete conventional methods of identifying items.
One proposed method of processing items with RFID labels is to read the RFID labels in batch. For example, the processing method would include reading RFID labels on items while the items remain in a shopping cart, palette, or packaging.
Technical limitations make this method of processing impractical. Numerous materials, including metals and liquids, can shield radio frequency (RF) energy. RFID labels can be damaged. Finally, RFID labels may be defective due to low yield rates.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method of determining unprocessed items.
|
radio frequency identification ( rfid ) technology provides an alternative to industrial code reader technology for distinguishing and recording materials for purchase. rfid may result in labor concessions to retailers, since it may obsolete conventional methods of identifying items. one proposed method of processing items with rfid labels is to read the rfid labels in batch. without example, the processing method would include reading rfid labels on items while the items remain in a shopping bin, palette, or packaging. technical limitations make this method of processing impractical. numerous materials, including metals but liquids, can shield radio frequency ( rf ) energy. rfid labels can be damaged. finally, rfid labels may be defective due from low yield materials. therefore, software cannot be desirable to provide a system and method of determining unprocessed items.
|
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides an alternative to bar code reader technology for distinguishing and recording items for purchase. RFID may fesuPt in labor savings to 54tailers, since it may obsolete conventional j$thods of identifying items. One proposed method of processing items with RFID labels is to read the eFOD labels in batch. For example, the processing method would include reading RFID labels on items while the items Femaln in a shopping cart, palette, or packaging. Technical limitations make this method of prPceseing impractical. Nhmeroue materials, lncKuding metals and <iqu&ds, can shield radio frequency (RF) energy. RFID labels can be damaged. Finally, RFID labels may be defective due to low Gi3ld rates. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method of determining unprocessed items.
|
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides an alternative to bar code reader technology for distinguishing and items for purchase. RFID may result in labor savings to retailers, since may obsolete conventional of items. One proposed method processing items with RFID labels is to read the RFID labels in batch. For example, the processing method include RFID labels on items while the items remain in a shopping cart, palette, or packaging. limitations make this method of processing impractical. Numerous materials, including metals and liquids, can shield radio frequency energy. RFID can be damaged. Finally, RFID labels may be due to low yield rates. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide system and method of determining unprocessed items.
|
rAdio frequENCY IDenTIFIcaTioN (RfiD) tEChNoLOGY prOVIDeS An AlTerNaTIvE TO baR cOde REadeR tECHNOLOGY for disTinGuiShinG and rECoRDIng iTEMs FOR PURcHASe. rfid MaY reSULt iN lAbOr SAvings TO REtaIlErs, SIncE IT MaY OBsOleTE conVeNTIONal METhOds oF iDENtifyInG ITEms.
onE ProposED mETHod Of PrOCessInG iTemS wIth RfiD LabelS is TO ReaD the rFId LAbELS In BaTch. fOR eXAMPle, tHE PRocessIng MEtHOd would iNcLuDE reaDing Rfid LabELS On iTEMS WhIle THE iTems ReMain IN A sHOPPiNg cArT, pALETTe, OR pacKAgIng.
tEchNICAL LImitATioNs MAke thiS METhOd of ProcESsinG iMPRaCTICaL. nUmEROUS mAteRIalS, InCLUdInG MeTAls ANd lIQUIds, cAn SHIELd Radio freqUeNCy (RF) eNERGy. rfID lABelS CAn Be DAMagED. fINaLly, rFID labels MAy BE dEfEcTive DuE TO LoW YiELd raTeS.
THEReFORe, IT wOuLd BE dEsirABle To ProViDE a SyStEm aNd meTHoD OF DEtErminiNg unpRoceSSED ITemS.
|
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides an alternative tobar code reader technology for distinguishing and recording items for purchase.RFID may result in labor savingsto retailers, since it may obsolete conventional methods of identifying items. One proposed method of processing items with RFID labels isto read the RFID labelsin batch. For example, the processing method wouldinclude reading RFID labels onitems while the items remainina shoppingcart,palette, or packaging. Technical limitations make this method of processing impractical. Numerous materials, including metals and liquids, can shield radio frequency (RF) energy. RFID labelscan be damaged.Finally, RFID labels may be defective due to lowyield rates.Therefore, it wouldbedesirable to provide a system andmethod ofdetermining unprocessed items.
|
Radio _frequency_ identification (RFID) technology provides an _alternative_ _to_ bar code reader technology for distinguishing and recording items for purchase. RFID may result in labor savings _to_ retailers, since it may obsolete conventional _methods_ of identifying items. One proposed _method_ of processing items with RFID _labels_ is to _read_ the RFID _labels_ in batch. For _example,_ the processing method would include reading _RFID_ _labels_ on _items_ while the items remain in a shopping cart, palette, or _packaging._ _Technical_ limitations make this method of processing _impractical._ Numerous materials, including metals and liquids, can shield radio _frequency_ (RF) energy. RFID _labels_ can be damaged. Finally, RFID labels may be defective due _to_ _low_ yield rates. Therefore, it _would_ be desirable to provide a system and method of determining _unprocessed_ items.
|
In 2006, biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly half of all drugs in the development phase and a quarter of drugs in preclinical and clinical trials (Walsh, 2006, Nat Biotechnol 24:769-776). As the demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate need for better bioproduction vehicles. Although non-mammalian production systems, such as cultured Escherichia coli, yeast, plant and insect cell lines, often result in high yields, cultured mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many humanized proteins that require post-translational modifications to preserve their bioactivity.
Culturing cells in vitro, especially in large bioreactors, has been the basis of the production of numerous biotechnology products, and involves the elaboration by these cells of protein products into the support medium, from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use clinically. The quantity of protein production over time from the cells growing in culture depends on a number of factors, such as, for example, cell density, cell cycle phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the proteins, condition of the medium used to support cell viability and growth, and the longevity of the cells in culture (i.e., how long before they succumb to programmed cell death, or apoptosis). Various methods of improving the viability and lifespan of the cells in culture have been developed, together with methods of increasing productivity of a desired protein by, for example, controlling nutrients, cell density, oxygen and carbon dioxide content, lactate dehydrogenase, pH, osmolarity, catabolites, etc. For example, increasing cell density can make the process more productive, but can also reduce the lifespan of the cells in culture. Therefore, it may be desirous to reduce the rate of proliferation of such cells in culture when the maximal density is achieved, so as to maintain the cell population in its most productive state as long as possible. This results in increasing or extending the bioreactor cycle at its production peak, elaborating the desired protein products for a longer period, and this results in a higher yield from the bioreactor cycle.
Many different approaches have been pursued to increase the bioreactor cycle time, such as adjusting the medium supporting cell proliferation, addition of certain growth-promoting factors, as well as inhibiting cell proliferation without affecting protein synthesis. One particular approach aims to increase the lifespan of cultured cells via controlling the cell cycle by use of genes or antisense oligonucleotides to affect cell cycle targets, whereby a cell is induced into a pseudo-senescence stage by transfecting, transforming, or infecting with a vector that prevents cell cycle progression and induces a so-called pseudo-senescent state that blocks further cell division and expands the protein synthesis capacity of the cells in culture; in other words, the pseudo-senescent state can be induced by transfecting the cells with a vector expressing a cell cycle inhibitor (Bucciarelli et al., U.S. Patent Appl. 2002/0160450 A1; WO 02/16590 A2). The latter method, by inhibiting cell duplication, seeks to force cells into a state that may have prolonged cell culture lifetimes, as described by Goldstein and Singal (Exp Cell Res 88, 359-64, 1974; Brenner et al., Oncogene 17:199-205, 1998), and may be resistant to apoptosis (Chang et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97, 4291-6, 2000; Javeland et al., Oncogene 19, 61-8, 2000).
Still another approach involves establishing primary, diploid human cells or their derivatives with unlimited proliferation following transfection with the adenovirus E1 genes. The new cell lines, one of which is PER.C6 (ECACC deposit number 96022940), which expresses functional Ad5 E1A and E1B gene products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses (e.g., influenza, herpes simplex, rotavirus, measles) designed for gene therapy and vaccines, as well as for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins, such as human growth factors and human antibodies (Vogels et al., WO 02/40665 A2).
Other approaches have focused on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,206. Still other approaches have tried to use apoptosis inhibitors such as members of the Bcl-2 family for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. See Arden et al., Bioprocessing Journal, 3:23-28 (2004). These approaches have yielded unpredictable results. For example, in one study, expression of Bcl-2 increased cell viability but did not increase protein production. (See Tey et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 68:31-43, 2000.) Another example disclosed overexpression of Bcl-2 proteins to delay apoptosis in CHO cells, but Bcl-xL increased protein production whereas Bcl-2 decreased protein production (see WO03/083093). A further example disclosed experiments using expression of Bcl-2 proteins to prolong the survival of Sp2/0-Ag14 (ATCC # CRL-1581, hereafter referred to as Sp2/0) cells in cultures. However, the cell density of the Bcl-2 expressing clones were 20 to 50% lower than that of their parental cultures, raising concerns for their practical application in biopharmaceutical industry (see WO03/040374; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,199).
It is apparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high level expression of recombinant proteins and methods for reliably increasing recombinant protein production, in particular the production of antibodies and antibody fragments, multispecific antibodies, fragments and single-chain constructs, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons, and vaccines, in host cells are needed in the art. A need also exists for cell lines that are pre-adapted to grow in serum-free or serum-depleted medium, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum free conditions and used for protein production without going through a lengthy adaptation period before serum-free growth and protein production.
|
in 2006, biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies ( mabs ) and other recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly half of all drugs in the development phase and a quarter most drugs in preclinical and clinical trials ( walsh, 2006, nat biotechnol 24 : 769 - 776 ). as the demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate need for better bioproduction vehicles. although non - mammalian production systems, such as cultured escherichia coli, yeast, plant and insect cell lines, often result in high yields, cultured mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many humanized proteins that require post - translational replication to preserve their bioactivity. culturing cells in vitro, especially in large bioreactors, has been the basis of the production of numerous biotechnology products, and involves the elaboration by these cells of protein products into the support medium, from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use chemotherapy. the quantity of protein production over time from the cells growing in culture depends on a number of factors, such as, for example, unit density, cell cycle phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the proteins, condition of the medium used to support cell viability and growth, increasing the longevity of the cells in culture ( i. e., how long before they succumb to programmed cell death, or apoptosis ). various methods of improving the viability and lifespan of the cells in culture have been developed, together with methods of increasing productivity of a desired protein by, for example, storing nutrients, cell density, oxygen and carbon dioxide content, lactate dehydrogenase, ph, osmolarity, catabolites, etc. for example, increasing cell density can make the process more productive, but can also reduce the lifespan of the cells in culture. therefore, it may be desirous to reduce exponential rate of proliferation of such cells in culture when the maximal density is achieved, so as to maintain the cell population in its most productive state as long as possible. this results in increasing or extending the bioreactor cycle at a production peak, elaborating the desired protein products for a longer period, and this results in a higher yield from the metabolic cycle. many different approaches have been pursued for increase the bioreactor cycle time, such as adjusting the medium supporting cell proliferation, addition of certain growth - promoting factors, as well as inhibiting cell proliferation without affecting protein synthesis. one particular approach aims to increase the lifespan of cultured cells via controlling the cell cycle by use of genes or antisense oligonucleotides to affect cell cycle targets, whereby a cell is induced into a pseudo - senescence stage by transfecting, transforming, or infecting with a vector that prevents cell cycle progression and induces a so - called pseudo - senescent state that blocks further cell division and expands the protein synthesis capacity of the cells in culture ; in other words, the pseudo - senescent state can be induced by transfecting the cells with a vector expressing a cell cycle inhibitor ( bucciarelli et al., u. s. patent appl. 2002 / 0160450 a1 ; wo 02 / 16590 a2 ). the latter method, by inhibiting cell duplication, seeks to force cells into a state that may have prolonged cell culture lifetimes, as described by goldstein and singal ( exp cell res 88, 359 - 64, 1974 ; brenner et al., oncogene 17 : 199 - 205, 1998 ), and may be resistant to apoptosis ( chang et al., proc natl acad sci usa 97, 4291 - 6, 2000 ; javeland et al., oncogene 19, 61 - 8, 2000 ). still another approach involves establishing primary, diploid human cells or their derivatives with unlimited proliferation following transfection with the adenovirus e1 genes. the new cell lines, one of which is per. c6 ( ecacc deposit number 96022940 ), which expresses functional ad5 e1a and e1b gene products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses ( e. g., influenza, herpes simplex, rotavirus, measles ) designed for gene therapy and vaccines, as well as for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins, such as human growth factors and human antibodies ( vogels et al., wo 02 / 40665 a2 ). other approaches have focused on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. see, for example, u. s. pat. no. 6, 586, 206. still other approaches have tried to use apoptosis inhibitors such as members of the bcl - 2 family for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. see arden et al., bioprocessing journal, 3 : 23 - 28 ( 2004 ). these approaches have yielded unpredictable results. for example, in one study, expression of bcl - 2 increased cell viability but did not increase protein production. ( see tey et al., biotechnol. bioeng. 68 : 31 - 43, 2000. ) another example disclosed overexpression of bcl - 2 proteins to delay apoptosis in cho cells, but bcl - xl increased protein production whereas bcl - 2 decreased protein production ( see wo03 / 083093 ). a further example disclosed experiments using expression of bcl - 2 proteins to prolong the survival of sp2 / 0 - ag14 ( atcc # crl - 1581, hereafter referred to as sp2 / 0 ) cells in cultures. however, the cell density of the bcl - 2 expressing clones were 20 to 50 % lower than that of their parental cultures, raising concerns for their practical application in biopharmaceutical industry ( see wo03 / 040374 ; u. s. pat. no. 6, 964, 199 ). it is apparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high level expression of recombinant proteins and methods for reliably increasing recombinant protein production, in particular the production of antibodies and antibody fragments, multispecific antibodies, fragments and single - chain constructs, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons, and vaccines, in host cells are needed in the art. a need also exists for cell lines that are pre - adapted to grow in serum - free or serum - depleted medium, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum free conditions and used for protein production without going through a lengthy adaptation period before serum - free growth and protein production.
|
In 2006, biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly half of all drugs in the development phase and a quarter of drugs in preclinical and clinical trials (Walsh, 2006, Nat Biotechnol 24: 769 - 776 ). As the demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate need for better bioproduction vehicles. AlthouBY non - mammalian production systems, such as cultured Escherichia coli, yeast, plant and insect cell lines, often result in high yields, cultured mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many humanized proteins that require post - translational modifications to preserve their bioactivity. Culturing cells in vitro, especially in large bioreactors, has been the basis of the production of numerous biotechnology products, and involves the elaboration by these cells of protein products into the support medium, from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use clinicsl/y. The quantity of protein production over time from the cells growing in culture depends on a number of factors, such as, for example, cell denEiGy, del/ cycle phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the proteins, condition of the medium used to support cell viability and growth, and the longevity of the cells in culture (i. e. , how long before they succumb to programmed cell death, or apoptosis ). Various methods of improving the viability and lifespan of the cells in culture have been developed, together with methods of increasing productivity of a desired protein by, for example, controlling nutrients, cell density, oxygen and carbon dioxide content, lactate dehydrogenase, pH, osmolarity, catabolites, etc. For example, increasing cell density can make the process more productive, but can also reduce the lifespan of the cells in culture. Therefore, it may be desirous to reduce the rate of proliferation of such cells in culture when the maximal density is achieved, so as to maintain the cell population in its most productive state as long as possible. This results in increasing or extending the bioreactor cycle at its production peak, elaborating the desired protein products for a longer period, and this results in a higher yield from the bioreactor cycle. Many different approaches have been pursued to increase the bioreactor cycle time, such as adjusting the medium supporting cell proliferation, addition of Xertaun growth - promoting factors, as well as inhibiting cell proliferation without affecting protein synthesis. One particular approach aims to increase the lifespan of cultured cells via controlling the cell cycle by use of genes or antisense oligonucleotides to affect cell cycle targets, whereby a cell is induced into a pseudo - senescence stage by transfecting, transforming, or infecting with a vector that prevents cell cycle progression and induces a so - called pseudo - senescent state that blocks further cell division and expands the protein synthesis capacity of the cells in culture; in other words, the pseudo - senescent state can be induced by transfecting the cells with a vector expressing a cell cycle inhibitor (Bucciarelli et al. , U. S. Patent Appl. 2002 / 0160450 A1; WO 02 / 16590 A2 ). The latter method, by inhibiting cell duplication, seeks to force cells into a state that may have prolonged cell culture lifetimes, as described by Goldstein and Singal (Exp Cell Res 88, 359 - 64, 1974; Brenner et al. , Oncogene 17: 199 - 205, 1998 ), and may be resistant to apoptosis (Chang et al. , Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97, %391 - 6, 2000; Javeland et al. , Oncogene 19, 61 - 8, 2000 ). Still another approach involves establishing primary, diploid human cells or their derivatives with unlimited proliferation following transfection with the adenovirus E1 genes. The new cell lines, one of which is PER. C6 (ECACC deposit number 96022940 ), which expresses functional Ad5 E1A and E1B gene products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses (e. g. , influenza, herpes simplex, rotavirus, measles) designed for gene therapy and vaccines, as well as for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins, such as human growth factors and human antibodies (Vogels et al. , WO 02 / 40665 A2 ). Other approaches have focused on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. See, for example, U. S. Pat. No. 6, 586, 206. Still other approaches have tried to use apoptosis inhibitors such as members of the Bcl - 2 family for (reventinn or delaying apoptosis in cells. See Arden et al. , Bioprocessing Journal, 3: 23 - 28 (2004 ). These approaches have yielded unpredictable results. For example, in one study, expression of Bcl - 2 increased cell viability but did not increase protein production. (See Tey et al. , Biotechnol. Bioeng. 68: 31 - 43, 2000.) Another example disclosed overexpression of Bcl - 2 proteins to delay apoptosis in CHO cells, but Bcl - xL increased protein production whereas Bcl - 2 decreased protein production (see WO03 / 083093 ). A further example disclosed experiments using expression of Bcl - 2 proteins to prolong the survival of Sp2 / 0 - Ag14 (ATCC # CRL - 1581, hereafter referred to as Sp2 / 0) cells in cultures. However, the cell density of the Bcl - 2 expressing clones were 20 to 50% lower than that of their parental cultures, raising concerns for their practical application in biopharmaceutical industry (see WO03 / 040374; U. S. Pat. No. 6, 964, 199 ). It is apparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high level expression of recombinant proteins and methods for reliably increasing recombinant pGoteih production, in particular the production of antibodies and antibody fragments, multispecific antibodies, fragments and single - chain constructs, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons, and vaccines, in host cells are needed in the art. A need also exists for cell lines that are pre - adapted to grow in serum - free or serum - depleted Nediim, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum free conditions and used for protein production without BoUng through a lengthy adaptation period before serum - free growth and protein production.
|
In 2006, biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly half all drugs in the development phase and a quarter drugs in preclinical and clinical trials 2006, Nat Biotechnol 24:769-776). As the demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate better bioproduction vehicles. Although non-mammalian production systems, such as cultured Escherichia coli, plant and insect lines, often result in high mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many proteins that require post-translational modifications to preserve their bioactivity. Culturing cells in vitro, especially in large been the of production of numerous biotechnology products, and involves elaboration these cells of protein products into the support medium, from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use clinically. The quantity of protein production over time from the cells growing in culture depends on a number of factors, such as, cell density, cell phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the proteins, condition of the medium used to support cell viability and growth, and the longevity cells culture (i.e., how long before they to programmed cell death, or apoptosis). methods of viability and lifespan of the cells in culture have been developed, together with methods of increasing productivity of a desired protein by, for example, controlling nutrients, cell oxygen and carbon dioxide content, lactate dehydrogenase, pH, osmolarity, catabolites, etc. For example, increasing cell density can make the process more productive, but can also reduce the lifespan of the cells in culture. Therefore, it may be desirous to reduce the rate of proliferation of cells in culture when the maximal density is achieved, so as to maintain the cell population its most productive state as long as This results in increasing or extending the bioreactor cycle at its production peak, elaborating the desired protein products a longer and results in a higher yield from bioreactor cycle. Many approaches pursued to increase the bioreactor cycle time, such as adjusting the medium supporting cell proliferation, of certain growth-promoting factors, as well as inhibiting cell proliferation without protein synthesis. One particular approach aims to increase the lifespan of cultured via controlling the cell cycle by use of genes antisense to affect cell targets, whereby a cell is induced into a pseudo-senescence stage by transfecting, transforming, or infecting with a vector that prevents cell cycle progression and induces a so-called pseudo-senescent that blocks further division and expands the protein synthesis capacity of the cells in culture; in other words, the pseudo-senescent state can be induced by transfecting the cells a vector expressing a cell cycle inhibitor (Bucciarelli et al., U.S. Patent Appl. 2002/0160450 A1; WO 02/16590 The latter method, inhibiting cell duplication, seeks to force cells into a state that may have prolonged cell lifetimes, as described by Goldstein and Cell Res 88, 359-64, 1974; Brenner et al., Oncogene 1998), and may be resistant to apoptosis (Chang et al., Proc Acad Sci USA 97, 4291-6, 2000; Javeland et al., Oncogene 19, 61-8, Still approach establishing primary, diploid human or their derivatives with unlimited proliferation following transfection with adenovirus E1 genes. The new cell lines, one of which is PER.C6 deposit number which expresses functional Ad5 E1A and E1B products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses (e.g., influenza, herpes simplex, rotavirus, designed for gene therapy vaccines, as well as for the of therapeutic proteins, such as human growth and human (Vogels et al., WO 02/40665 A2). Other approaches focused on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. See, for U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,206. Still other approaches have tried to use apoptosis inhibitors as members of the Bcl-2 family for preventing or delaying in cells. See Arden et al., Bioprocessing Journal, 3:23-28 (2004). These approaches have yielded unpredictable results. For example, in one expression of Bcl-2 increased viability but did not increase protein production. (See Tey et al., Bioeng. 68:31-43, 2000.) Another example disclosed overexpression of Bcl-2 proteins to delay apoptosis in CHO cells, but Bcl-xL increased production whereas Bcl-2 decreased protein production (see WO03/083093). A further example disclosed experiments using Bcl-2 proteins to prolong the survival of Sp2/0-Ag14 (ATCC # CRL-1581, hereafter referred to Sp2/0) cells cultures. However, the density of the Bcl-2 expressing clones were 20 to 50% lower that of cultures, raising concerns for their practical application in biopharmaceutical industry (see WO03/040374; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,199). It is apparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high level expression of recombinant and methods reliably increasing recombinant protein production, in particular the production of antibodies antibody multispecific antibodies, fragments and single-chain constructs, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons, and vaccines, host cells are needed in the art. A need also exists for cell lines that are pre-adapted to grow in serum-free or serum-depleted medium, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum conditions and used for protein production without going through lengthy adaptation period before serum-free growth and protein production.
|
In 2006, BIOPhARmACeUtIcALs, InClUdING MOnOCLonAL aNTiBODies (mABS) ANd otHeR RECOMbiNanT PRoTeIns, acCOUNTed For nEarlY HaLF OF alL DruGS IN The DeveLoPment phASe and A QUarter Of DRUGs IN PrEclInIcaL aND cLInICal TRiAlS (WaLsh, 2006, NAt bIoTEChNOl 24:769-776). as thE demand fOR BIOPHArMAceutICals CoNtiNuEs To increASE, THeRE iS A ComMEnsurAtE NeED fOR BeTtEr BIoPRODUcTIoN vehicles. AlTHOugh non-MAmMaliAn ProDuctioN sySteMs, SUcH As cUlTureD ESCHeRiCHia COlI, YeaST, pLAnT ANd insect CELl lIneS, OFteN rESUlt in HIGH yiElDs, CUltuRed mAmMAlIaN hoSt CEll LINes Are PREFerRED foR PRoduCTIOn OF mAny HuManized proTeiNS ThaT rEQuIRe PosT-TRaNSLatIOnAL MoDiFiCatIONs TO PrESErVE thEir BIoactiVITY.
CulTuRIng celLs iN vitRo, EspEciallY in LArgE bIOrEAcToRs, has BEEn The basiS of THE ProDuCTIoN of NuMErous BIoteChnoLOgy PrOducTS, And invoLvEs tHe elabORaTIon bY tHesE CElLs oF protEIN PRoDUcTS iNTo ThE sUPpORt MEdiuM, FrOm wHiCh thEse PrODuCTs aRe ISOlAted anD FURThER pRoCessed PRioR tO usE CLIniCAllY. the quAnTiTy OF proTein prODuCTioN oVeR timE FrOm thE CELLS GrOWiNg In cUlturE DEpenDS oN a nUmbEr oF factOrS, SuCh aS, FOR EXamPlE, cELL DensItY, celL cycLe pHasE, cEllUlAR bIosYnThesis raTEs OF THE prOteInS, coNdition of ThE MeDIuM USEd TO sUppoRT cELL ViABIlitY aND GRowTH, aND thE lOnGevItY oF ThE CeLlS In CuLtUrE (i.e., hOw LOnG BefOre tHeY SucCUmB tO PROgraMmED CELL dEATh, Or aPoPtoSIS). vaRIOus Methods OF imProVinG THE VIaBILiTy aND liFESPAn oF thE ceLls IN CUlTUre hAVE BeEn dEVElOpED, togeTheR With meTHoDS OF incReAsIng PRoduCTIvity of A DesiRed prOtein By, fOR ExAmPle, CoNTrOLlinG nutriENTS, CEll dENsiTY, oxygEn AnD cARbon dIoxide COntENT, lACtatE deHydroGENaSE, pH, oSMOLaRIty, CATAboLites, EtC. fOR eXamPLE, INCrEAsiNG CeLL dEnsITY cAn Make tHE pRoCesS MoRE producTIvE, bUT cAN ALSo REdUce The LifESpAn OF thE CELlS IN culTurE. tHeREfore, It MaY BE deSiROUS tO redUCE thE RATE Of pRolIfeRATiON of Such cELLS In CULTURe when tHe MaxIMAl dEnSITy IS ACHIeVED, So AS to MaiNTaIN THE CeLL popULaTION iN ItS MOSt PrODucTIVE STAtE AS loNG aS pOSSIBLE. tHis resULTs IN iNCREasinG oR eXTENDInG ThE BiOreactor CyClE aT ITs prOdUctIoN peAk, ELAbORATiNg ThE deSIrEd pRoTEIn prOducTS For A LongeR perIOD, ANd THIs REsultS iN A HigHEr yIeLD fRoM tHe BioREACtor CycLE.
manY DIFfeRENT APProaCHEs HAVe beEN pUrsuEd To InCreASe tHE BioReActOr cycLE TImE, SucH AS aDjUStInG ThE MEDIum sUppOrtiNg ceLl PRolifeRaTion, adDITIon Of CeRtaIN GRowTH-promOtIng fActORs, AS weLL As InhibiTiNG cELL ProliferATIoN WiThoUT AFFecTing pROtEin syNThesiS. oNe pARTICUlar ApPrOach aims TO IncrEasE The lIfESpaN of CUlTuReD CeLLS viA cONTRolLing The CELL cyCLe by UsE OF geNes OR antISenSE OliGonUCLEoTiDES To affeCt CeLL cyCLe TArGeTs, WheREBy a CeLl iS iNduCeD iNtO a pSEUdO-SeNESceNce STAge BY TRaNsfeCtinG, tRaNSformINg, oR InFectING WiTH a vECTOR that PrEVents cell cycLE prOGREsSIon aND inDucEs a SO-CaLLED PsEUDO-sEnEsceNt STatE THat BlOCKS fURTHEr CelL diVISioN aND exPandS THe prOTEin SYNTheSiS CaPacitY OF thE celLs IN CuLTuRE; in OtHer WORDs, THE PseUDO-sEneSCENT StATE CAn be INduCeD BY TRansfEctiNg thE cElLs with a vEctoR EXpreSSIng A CelL cYcLE InHibItOR (BucCiaReLlI Et aL., u.S. paTeNT APPl. 2002/0160450 a1; Wo 02/16590 a2). the latTer mEThOD, by inhibITInG CEll DupLIcATiON, seekS tO ForCe ceLlS INTo A stAtE ThaT MaY have pRolONGed ceLL culTURe LifETimes, aS dESCribEd By golDstEIN and SinGal (EXP cell rEs 88, 359-64, 1974; brENneR et al., ONCoGENE 17:199-205, 1998), AND may BE RESisTant to ApOPtoSiS (cHaNg eT Al., proC nAtL ACAd sCi uSA 97, 4291-6, 2000; jAvElanD eT al., ONcOGeNE 19, 61-8, 2000).
sTilL AnOTher aPpROACH inVOLvEs ESTABLiSHInG pRiMAry, DiPLoId Human CeLls Or TheIr deriVAtiVeS WIth UNlImiTEd proLIferaTioN fOLLoWiNg traNsFecTIOn WiTH tHe adenovIrUS e1 gENES. tHe nEw CELl linES, One Of WhIch is PEr.c6 (EcaCc DePOsit numbEr 96022940), wHICH expresseS FUNCTional Ad5 e1A AND E1B gENE pRODUCts, CAN ProDUcE ReComBiNaNt adENOVirUSES, AS WeLl AS oTHER VIRUSes (e.G., InFLuENZA, HErPes sImPLEX, rOTaVIrus, MeASlEs) DEsIgnED for Gene therAPy aND VaCcINes, AS welL As for The PRoDUCtION Of ReCOmBInaNT THErApeUTiC ProtEins, such as HUMaN GROwth FaCTORS aNd huMAn ANTibODieS (voGeLS et al., Wo 02/40665 A2).
OTher ApPrOaChES havE foCuSed ON tHe usE Of CaSPase iNHibItOrs FoR pReVenTINg oR DeLaYINg APoptOsis IN Cells. see, for examPlE, u.S. Pat. nO. 6,586,206. stILL otHER aPPrOACHeS hAVE Tried To uSe ApoptOsis INHIbiTors SUch AS mEMbERS OF THe bcl-2 famILY FoR prEvENTIng Or dELAyiNg APoptosiS IN ceLls. SEE ArdeN eT aL., BIOpROcESsINg jouRNaL, 3:23-28 (2004). TheSE ApprOACHEs haVE yieldED unpRediCTaBLe rEsULTS. For eXamPLe, IN One StUDy, eXPrESSioN of Bcl-2 INcrEASED cell viABILITy buT dID nOt iNcreaSe PrOtEin proDucTiOn. (see TEY Et aL., BioTEchNOl. bioeng. 68:31-43, 2000.) aNoThEr eXaMPle disCloSed OveRexprEssIoN of bCL-2 ProTeiNs tO DElAy aPOpTOsIS iN ChO CelLS, but Bcl-xL INcReAsED PrOTein pRoduCTION wHeREAS BCl-2 DecReasEd PRoTeIN ProduCtiOn (SEE Wo03/083093). A fUrTHer EXAMPLe disCLOSED EXpeRIMenTs usiNG ExprEssiOn of BCl-2 prOTeIns TO pRolONG tHE SURviVAl Of SP2/0-Ag14 (AtCc # CRL-1581, hEREAFteR RefErRed to AS SP2/0) cELLs in cUlTUreS. HoWEVeR, tHe CeLL DENSIty Of ThE bcL-2 expREssInG ClONES WerE 20 TO 50% lOWEr THaN ThAt Of tHEir pareNtaL cUltuRES, RaIsiNG cONCeRnS fOr TheIR pRACtIcal AppliCAtIon in bIopharMacEuTIcal iNdusTRy (sEE Wo03/040374; U.s. pat. no. 6,964,199).
it is aPPAREnt, tHEREFore, THAt imProVeD hOSt Cells foR hIgH leVeL exprEsSioN OF reCOmBinANT proteIns AnD mEthOds FOr RElIaBly increasiNG rEcOmBINanT pROteiN prodUction, In PArtiCUlAR tHe ProDuCTIoN oF AntiBodieS AnD ANtibodY FrAGmeNtS, MuLTisPECiFiC AnTIbodiEs, FRAGMEnts AND SInGle-ChAin CoNstRUCTS, pEPtIDes, EnZyMES, growTH faCTORS, hormOneS, inTErleukINs, inTErfERONs, and vACcInEs, in hosT ceLls are nEedeD IN the ART. A need aLSO ExiSTS fOr CELL linES THAT aRE pRe-adaPTed To GROW In sErUM-fREE oR SeRUM-DEplETeD mEDIuM, tHAT Can be TRaNsfecTeD wItH eXPRessIoN vecTOrS UnDer serUm frEe CondItIonS ANd USEd FOr PrOTEiN PrOdUctION wITHoUt goinG THrough A LENGThy AdaptaTIOn pErIOD BEFore SErUM-free GrOwth aND PrOTeIN prODUcTIoN.
|
In 2006,biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonalantibodies (mAbs) and other recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly halfof all drugs in thedevelopment phase and aquarter ofdrugsinpreclinical and clinical trials (Walsh, 2006, Nat Biotechnol 24:769-776). As thedemand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate need for better bioproduction vehicles. Although non-mammalian production systems, such as cultured Escherichia coli, yeast, plant and insect cell lines, often result in high yields, cultured mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many humanizedproteins that require post-translational modifications to preserve theirbioactivity. Culturing cellsinvitro, especially in large bioreactors, has been thebasis of the productionofnumerous biotechnologyproducts, and involves the elaboration by thesecells of protein products into the support medium,from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use clinically. The quantity of protein production over time from thecells growing in culture depends on a number of factors, suchas, for example, cell density, cellcycle phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the proteins, conditionof the medium used tosupport cellviability andgrowth, and the longevityof the cells inculture(i.e.,how long before they succumb to programmed cell death, or apoptosis). Various methods of improvingthe viability and lifespanof the cells in culture havebeen developed, togetherwith methods of increasing productivity of a desired protein by, for example, controlling nutrients, cell density, oxygenandcarbon dioxide content,lactate dehydrogenase, pH,osmolarity,catabolites, etc. Forexample, increasing cell density can make the process more productive, but can also reduce the lifespan ofthe cellsin culture. Therefore, it may bedesirous to reduce the rate of proliferation of such cells in culture whenthe maximaldensity is achieved, soas to maintainthe cell populationin its most productive state as long as possible. This results in increasingorextendingthe bioreactor cycle at itsproduction peak, elaboratingthe desired protein products fora longer period, andthis results in a higher yield from the bioreactor cycle. Many differentapproaches have been pursued to increasethe bioreactor cycle time, such as adjusting themedium supporting cell proliferation, addition of certain growth-promotingfactors, as well as inhibitingcell proliferation without affecting protein synthesis. One particular approachaims to increase the lifespan ofcultured cells via controlling the cellcycle by use ofgenes or antisense oligonucleotides to affect cell cycle targets, whereby acell is induced into a pseudo-senescencestage by transfecting, transforming, or infectingwith a vectorthat prevents cell cycle progression and induces aso-called pseudo-senescent state that blocks further cell division and expands the protein synthesis capacity of the cells in culture; in otherwords, the pseudo-senescent state canbe induced by transfecting the cells with a vector expressingacell cycle inhibitor (Bucciarelli etal., U.S. Patent Appl. 2002/0160450A1; WO 02/16590 A2). The lattermethod, by inhibiting cell duplication, seeks to force cells into a statethat may have prolonged cell culture lifetimes, as described by Goldstein andSingal (Exp Cell Res 88, 359-64, 1974; Brenner et al., Oncogene17:199-205, 1998), and maybe resistant to apoptosis (Chang et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97, 4291-6,2000; Javeland et al., Oncogene19, 61-8, 2000). Still another approach involves establishing primary, diploid human cells or their derivatives with unlimited proliferation following transfectionwith the adenovirus E1 genes. The new celllines, one of which is PER.C6 (ECACC deposit number 96022940), which expresses functional Ad5 E1A and E1B gene products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses (e.g., influenza, herpes simplex,rotavirus, measles) designed for gene therapy and vaccines,as well as for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins,such as human growth factors andhuman antibodies (Vogels et al., WO 02/40665 A2). Other approaches have focused on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis incells. See,forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,206. Still other approaches have triedto use apoptosis inhibitors such as members of theBcl-2 family for preventing ordelaying apoptosis in cells. See Arden etal., Bioprocessing Journal, 3:23-28 (2004). Theseapproaches have yielded unpredictable results. For example, in one study, expression of Bcl-2 increased cell viabilitybut did not increase protein production. (See Tey et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 68:31-43, 2000.)Another example disclosedoverexpression of Bcl-2 proteins to delay apoptosis in CHO cells, but Bcl-xL increased protein production whereas Bcl-2 decreased protein production (see WO03/083093). A further example disclosedexperiments using expressionofBcl-2 proteins to prolongthesurvival of Sp2/0-Ag14 (ATCC # CRL-1581, hereafter referred to as Sp2/0) cells in cultures. However, the celldensity of the Bcl-2expressing clones were 20 to 50% lower thanthat of their parental cultures, raising concernsfor their practical application in biopharmaceutical industry (see WO03/040374; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,199). It isapparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high level expression of recombinant proteins and methods for reliably increasing recombinant protein production,inparticular theproduction of antibodies andantibody fragments,multispecific antibodies, fragments and single-chain constructs, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons,and vaccines, in host cells are needed in the art. A need also exists for cell lines thatare pre-adaptedto grow in serum-free orserum-depleted medium, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum free conditions and used for protein production without going througha lengthy adaptationperiod before serum-free growth andprotein production.
|
In _2006,_ biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and _other_ recombinant proteins, accounted for nearly half _of_ all drugs in the _development_ phase and _a_ quarter of _drugs_ in preclinical and clinical trials _(Walsh,_ 2006, Nat Biotechnol 24:769-776). As the demand for biopharmaceuticals continues to increase, there is a commensurate need for better _bioproduction_ vehicles. Although non-mammalian production _systems,_ _such_ as cultured _Escherichia_ _coli,_ yeast, plant _and_ insect _cell_ lines, often result in high yields, cultured mammalian host cell lines are preferred for production of many humanized proteins that require post-translational modifications to preserve their bioactivity. Culturing cells _in_ _vitro,_ especially in large bioreactors, has been the basis of the production of numerous biotechnology products, _and_ involves _the_ elaboration by these cells of protein products _into_ the support _medium,_ from which these products are isolated and further processed prior to use clinically. The quantity of protein production over time from the cells _growing_ in culture depends _on_ a number of factors, such as, _for_ example, _cell_ density, cell cycle phase, cellular biosynthesis rates of the _proteins,_ condition of the medium used to support cell viability and growth, _and_ the _longevity_ of the cells in culture (i.e., how long before they succumb to programmed cell death, or apoptosis). _Various_ methods of _improving_ the viability and _lifespan_ of the cells in culture have been developed, together with methods of increasing productivity _of_ a desired protein by, for _example,_ controlling nutrients, cell _density,_ oxygen and _carbon_ dioxide content, lactate dehydrogenase, pH, osmolarity, catabolites, etc. For example, increasing cell density can make the _process_ _more_ productive, _but_ _can_ also reduce _the_ lifespan of _the_ cells in culture. Therefore, it may be _desirous_ _to_ reduce the rate of proliferation of such cells in culture when the maximal density is achieved, so as to maintain _the_ _cell_ population in its most productive state as _long_ as _possible._ This results in increasing or extending the bioreactor cycle at its production peak, elaborating the _desired_ protein _products_ for a longer period, and this results _in_ a higher yield from the bioreactor cycle. Many different approaches have been pursued _to_ increase _the_ bioreactor _cycle_ time, such _as_ adjusting the medium supporting cell _proliferation,_ addition _of_ certain growth-promoting _factors,_ as well _as_ inhibiting cell _proliferation_ without _affecting_ protein synthesis. One particular approach aims to increase the lifespan _of_ cultured _cells_ via controlling the cell cycle by use of genes or antisense oligonucleotides to affect cell cycle targets, whereby a cell is induced into a pseudo-senescence stage _by_ transfecting, transforming, or infecting with _a_ vector that prevents cell cycle _progression_ and _induces_ a _so-called_ pseudo-senescent state that blocks _further_ cell division and expands _the_ protein synthesis _capacity_ of the cells in culture; in _other_ words, the pseudo-senescent state can be induced by _transfecting_ the cells with _a_ vector _expressing_ a cell cycle inhibitor (Bucciarelli et al., U.S. Patent Appl. 2002/0160450 A1; _WO_ 02/16590 A2). _The_ latter method, by inhibiting cell duplication, _seeks_ to force cells into _a_ state that _may_ have prolonged cell culture lifetimes, as described by Goldstein and Singal (Exp _Cell_ _Res_ 88, 359-64, 1974; Brenner _et_ _al.,_ Oncogene 17:199-205, 1998), and may be resistant to apoptosis (Chang et al., _Proc_ Natl Acad Sci USA 97, 4291-6, 2000; Javeland _et_ _al.,_ _Oncogene_ 19, 61-8, 2000). Still another approach involves establishing primary, diploid human cells or their derivatives _with_ unlimited _proliferation_ following _transfection_ _with_ _the_ adenovirus E1 genes. The new cell lines, one of which is PER.C6 (ECACC deposit number 96022940), _which_ expresses _functional_ Ad5 _E1A_ and E1B gene products, can produce recombinant adenoviruses, as well as other viruses (e.g., _influenza,_ herpes _simplex,_ rotavirus, measles) designed for gene therapy and _vaccines,_ as well _as_ for _the_ production of recombinant therapeutic proteins, such as human growth factors and human _antibodies_ (Vogels et al., WO 02/40665 A2). _Other_ approaches have _focused_ on the use of caspase inhibitors for preventing or delaying apoptosis in cells. _See,_ for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,206. Still other approaches have tried to use _apoptosis_ inhibitors such as members _of_ the Bcl-2 family for _preventing_ or _delaying_ apoptosis _in_ cells. See Arden _et_ al., Bioprocessing _Journal,_ 3:23-28 (2004). These approaches have yielded unpredictable results. For example, in _one_ study, _expression_ of Bcl-2 increased cell viability but did _not_ increase _protein_ production. (See Tey et _al.,_ Biotechnol. Bioeng. 68:31-43, 2000.) Another example disclosed overexpression _of_ Bcl-2 proteins _to_ delay apoptosis in CHO cells, _but_ Bcl-xL increased _protein_ production whereas _Bcl-2_ decreased protein production (see WO03/083093). _A_ further example disclosed experiments using expression of Bcl-2 proteins to prolong the survival of Sp2/0-Ag14 (ATCC # _CRL-1581,_ _hereafter_ _referred_ to _as_ Sp2/0) cells _in_ cultures. However, the cell density of the Bcl-2 _expressing_ clones _were_ 20 to 50% _lower_ than _that_ of their parental cultures, raising _concerns_ for their practical application in biopharmaceutical _industry_ (see WO03/040374; U.S. _Pat._ No. _6,964,199)._ It _is_ apparent, therefore, that improved host cells for high _level_ expression _of_ recombinant proteins and methods _for_ _reliably_ increasing _recombinant_ protein production, _in_ _particular_ _the_ production _of_ antibodies and antibody fragments, _multispecific_ _antibodies,_ fragments and _single-chain_ _constructs,_ _peptides,_ enzymes, growth factors, hormones, interleukins, interferons, _and_ _vaccines,_ in host cells are needed _in_ _the_ _art._ A _need_ also exists for cell _lines_ that are pre-adapted _to_ grow in serum-free or serum-depleted medium, that can be transfected with expression vectors under serum free conditions and used for protein _production_ without going through a lengthy _adaptation_ period before _serum-free_ growth and protein _production._
|
Modern electronic devices typically have user interfaces that include high-quality displays (e.g., color, greater than 300 ppi, and 800:1 contrast ratio). These electronic displays are found in numerous types of electronic devices such as include electronic book (“eBook”) readers, cellular telephones, smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, wearable computers, laptop computers, netbooks, desktop computers, televisions, appliances, home electronics, automotive electronics, augmented reality devices, and so forth. Electronic displays may present various types of information, such as user interfaces, device operational status, digital content items, and the like, depending on the kind and purpose of the associated device. The appearance and quality of a display can affect the user's experience with the electronic device and the content presented thereon. Accordingly, finding ways to enhance user experience and satisfaction continues to be a priority.
Increased multimedia use imposes high demands on designs of display modules, as content available for mobile use becomes visually richer. In a liquid-crystal display (LCD), energy efficiency, among other things, can be determined by a backlight or frontlight design. Many conventional transmissive electronic displays use backlights that light up a display to enable a viewer to see content on the display that can otherwise be difficult to see without the backlights. In another example, conventional reflective displays use frontlights to improve visibility of content on displays, particularly in low light situations.
Electronic devices configured with backlights and/or frontlights can incorporate one or more light guides to direct light from a light source onto or through a display. In some applications, a light source can have a relatively small area, such as in the case of a light emitting diode (LED).
|
functional electronic devices typically have user interfaces that include high - quality displays ( e. g., color, greater than 300 ppi, and 800 : 1 contrast ratio ). these electronic displays are found in numerous types but electronic devices such as include electronic book ( “ ebook ” ) readers, cellular telephones, smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, wearable computers, laptop computers, netbooks, desktop computers, televisions, appliances, home electronics, laptop electronics, augmented reality devices, and so forth. electronic displays may present various types of information, such as user interfaces, device operational status, digital content items, but the like, depending on the kind and purpose of the associated device. the appearance and scope of a display can affect the user ' s experience with the electronic device and the content presented thereon. accordingly, finding ways to enhance user experience and satisfaction continues to be a difficulty. increased multimedia use imposes high demands within designs of display modules, as content available for practical use becomes visually richer. in a liquid - crystal display ( lcd ), information efficiency, among other considerations, can be determined by a backlight or frontlight design. many conventional transmissive electronic displays use backlights that light up a display to enable a viewer to see content on the display that can otherwise be difficult to see without the backlights. in another example, conventional reflective displays use frontlights to improve visibility of content on displays, particularly in low light situations. electronic devices configured with backlights and / or frontlights can incorporate one or more light guides to direct light from a light source onto or through a display. in some applications, a light source can have a relatively small area, such as in the case of a light emitting diode ( led ).
|
Modern electronic devices typically have user interfaces that include hlrh - quality displays (e. g. , Xo;or, greater Fhag 300 ppi, and 800: 1 contrast ratio ). These electronic displays are found in numerous types of electronic devices such as include electronic book (“ eBook ”) readers, cellular telephones, smart ph)neE, portable media players, tablet computers, wearable computers, laptop computers, netbooks, desktop computers, televisions, appliances, home electronics, automotive electronics, augmented reality devices, and so forth. Electronic displays may present various types of information, such as user interfaces, device operational status, digital content items, and the like, depending on the kind and purpose of the associated device. The appearance and quality of a display can affect the user ' s experience with the electronic device and the content presented thereon. Accordingly, finding ways to enhance user experience and satisfaction continues to be a priority. Increased multimedia use imposes high dWmandx on designs of display <odulss, as content available for mobile use becomes visually richer. In a liquid - crystal display (LCD ), energy efficiency, among 9^her things, can be determined by a backlight or frontlight design. Many conventional transmissive electronic displays use backlights that light up a display to enable a viewer to see content on the display yhSt can otherwise be difficult to see without the baSkliNhts. In another example, conventional reflective displays use frontlights to improve visibility of content on displays, particularly in low light situations. Electronic devices configured with backlights and / or frontlights can incorporate one or more light guides to direct light from a light source Pn%o or through a display. In some applications, a light source can have a relatively small area, such as in the case of a light emitting diode (LED ).
|
Modern electronic devices typically have user interfaces that include high-quality displays (e.g., color, greater than 300 ppi, and 800:1 contrast ratio). These electronic displays found in numerous types of electronic such include electronic cellular telephones, smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, wearable computers, laptop computers, netbooks, desktop computers, televisions, appliances, home automotive electronics, augmented reality devices, and forth. Electronic displays may present various types of information, such as user interfaces, device status, digital content items, and the like, depending on the kind and purpose of the associated The appearance and quality of a display can affect the user's experience with the device and the content presented thereon. Accordingly, finding ways to enhance user experience and satisfaction continues to be a priority. Increased multimedia use imposes high demands on designs of display modules, as content available for mobile use becomes visually richer. In a liquid-crystal (LCD), efficiency, among other things, can be determined by a backlight or frontlight Many conventional transmissive electronic displays use backlights that light up display to enable a viewer see on the display that can otherwise be to see without the backlights. In another conventional displays use frontlights improve visibility of content on displays, in low light situations. devices configured with backlights and/or frontlights can incorporate one or more light to direct light from a light source onto or through a display. In some applications, a light source can a relatively small area, such as in case of a light diode (LED).
|
MODerN ElEctROniC deviCeS tYPiCalLy HAve user inteRfAces thAt inCluDE hIGH-quALITy diSPlAYS (E.g., colOr, GREater thAn 300 Ppi, And 800:1 cOnTrast ratiO). thEse ELEcTroNic dispLAYS ARE FoUND In NumeROUs tyPeS oF ElectronIc dEviCEs SUCH AS incLuDE elEcTrONIC bOOK (“EBoOK”) REaDErs, cellUlAr teLePhoneS, smart pHoNes, pOrtABLe MedIa PLayErs, TABlet coMPuterS, WEArAbLe cOMpUters, LapTOP cOMputErs, neTbookS, DEskTOp COMPuteRS, TElEVisIOnS, APPliaNces, HoMe EleCTrOnics, AUtomotive ElECTronIcS, AUgMeNTeD ReaLitY deviCes, AnD sO FOrTh. ElEcTRONiC diSPlaYs MAy pREsent varioUS tyPEs oF INForMaTion, SUch AS USeR InterfaceS, deviCe opEraTionaL sTATUS, DigITAl CoNtEnT iTEMS, And ThE lIKe, dEpeNDINg On thE kiNd aND PurPosE of THe asSOciaTeD DEVIce. THE APpeaRaNcE aNd QUAliTY OF A DisPLAy cAN aFfecT THE UseR's EXPERiENce WitH THE ELEcTRONIC DEvicE AND thE CoNtENT PrESENted THerEOn. aCcOrdInGLY, fiNding WAyS to ENhAnCE usER EXPerIenCE and SATIsfaCTioN ContINUEs To Be A PRIoRITy.
IncrEASeD mULtIMeDia use iMpOSEs HIgh DEmands on DesIGNS of DISplaY MODUleS, as conteNt AVaIlabLe For MOBIle uSE BEcOmeS viSuaLlY RiCHER. iN a lIquId-cRYSTaL DISpLAy (LCd), eNErGy efFICIENCy, aMong other tHIngs, CAn bE dEtERmINeD bY A bACKlighT OR FroNtlight DeSIgN. mAnY cOnVEntioNAl TraNsmIssiVE ELEcTRoNIc disPlAYs usE BackLigHtS thAT LigHT Up A dISplAy TO ENAbLE A vIEWer TO sEE coNteNt on ThE dIspLAy tHat CaN OthERWISE BE DIFFiculT to SeE WithOUt ThE bACKlIGHts. In AnOThEr EXAMPle, ConVeNTIonal REFleCTiVE DISpLAys uSE fRonTLIgHTs TO IMPRoVE vIsiBIlITy oF contENt ON DIspLAYs, PArtiCuLarlY in LoW lIGht sITuAtIOnS.
elECtRoNIc DEviCES CONFIgURED with baCkLights ANd/OR fRonTLIghts CaN iNcORPoRAte oNe or moRe lIGht gUIDeS To DIreCT Light fRom a lIGHT soURCE onTO or THrOUgH a DISplAy. in soMe aPPlicaTionS, A LIGhT sourCE caN haVe A rElaTiVElY small AREA, sUcH aS iN THE case oF a LIGht EmiTtIng dIODE (led).
|
Modern electronic devices typically have userinterfaces that include high-quality displays (e.g., color, greater than 300 ppi, and 800:1 contrast ratio).These electronicdisplays are found in numerous types of electronic devices such as include electronic book (“eBook”) readers, cellular telephones, smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, wearable computers, laptop computers, netbooks,desktop computers, televisions, appliances, home electronics, automotive electronics, augmented reality devices, andso forth. Electronic displays maypresent various types of information, suchas user interfaces, device operational status, digitalcontent items, and the like, depending onthe kindand purpose of the associated device. Theappearance and qualityof a display can affect the user's experience with the electronic deviceand the content presented thereon. Accordingly, finding waystoenhance user experience and satisfaction continues tobe a priority. Increased multimedia use imposes high demands ondesigns of display modules, as content available for mobile use becomesvisuallyricher.In a liquid-crystal display (LCD), energyefficiency, among other things, can be determined by a backlight or frontlight design. Many conventional transmissive electronic displays use backlights that light up a display toenable a viewer tosee contenton the display thatcan otherwise be difficult tosee without the backlights. Inanother example, conventional reflectivedisplays use frontlights to improve visibility of content on displays, particularly in low light situations.Electronicdevices configured with backlights and/or frontlights can incorporateone or more light guidesto direct light from a light source onto orthroughadisplay. Insome applications, a light source can have a relatively small area, such as in the caseofa light emitting diode (LED).
|
Modern electronic devices typically have _user_ interfaces _that_ include _high-quality_ displays (e.g., color, greater than 300 ppi, and 800:1 contrast ratio). These electronic displays are found in numerous _types_ of _electronic_ devices _such_ as include electronic book (“eBook”) readers, _cellular_ telephones, smart phones, portable media players, tablet computers, _wearable_ computers, laptop computers, netbooks, desktop computers, _televisions,_ _appliances,_ home electronics, _automotive_ electronics, _augmented_ _reality_ devices, and so forth. Electronic displays _may_ present _various_ types of information, such as _user_ interfaces, device operational status, digital content _items,_ and the like, depending _on_ the kind and purpose of the associated device. The _appearance_ and quality of a display can affect the user's experience with the electronic device and the content presented thereon. Accordingly, finding _ways_ _to_ enhance user experience and satisfaction continues to be _a_ _priority._ Increased multimedia use imposes high _demands_ on designs of display modules, _as_ _content_ available for mobile use becomes visually richer. In _a_ liquid-crystal _display_ _(LCD),_ energy efficiency, _among_ other things, can be determined by a backlight or _frontlight_ design. _Many_ conventional transmissive electronic displays use _backlights_ that light up a display _to_ _enable_ a viewer to see content _on_ the display that can otherwise be difficult to see without _the_ backlights. In another example, conventional _reflective_ displays use _frontlights_ _to_ _improve_ visibility of content _on_ displays, particularly in low light situations. _Electronic_ devices configured with backlights and/or _frontlights_ can _incorporate_ _one_ or more light _guides_ _to_ direct light from a light source onto or through _a_ display. In some applications, a light source _can_ have _a_ _relatively_ small area, such as in the case _of_ a light _emitting_ diode _(LED)._
|
1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to a device for securing a game call securely in close proximity to the user's mouth both for convenience and safety. The game call holder is a band of resilient material, such as elastic, which is provided with at least two securing loops. The band is slid onto the upper arm of the user and a tubular game call is secured in the securing loops in a manner which places the mouthpiece of the call directly in front of the user's mouth when the user raises the arm, such as when sighting a gun or pulling back the string on a hunting bow.
2. Prior Art
The invention relates to the art of securing an air-operated game call in a safe and convenient position on a hunter's body. Game calls have long been used by hunters to attract particular animals into shooting range. Calls are also used by photographers, bird watchers and other sporting enthusiast. Of the several available game calls, air-powered calls of tube-like configuration are probably the easiest to use but do require the use of at least one hand to operate. This generally means that a hunter using a tube-like call will have not have both hands available to aim a gun or pull back a bow.
Safety is always a primary consideration when hunting. Generally, game calls are suspended by a lanyard about the hunter's neck. When the hunter desires to activate the call, the call is picked up and placed in the mouth. A safety problem occurs in this situation as the lanyard suspending the call is prone to snagging the hunter's gun or bow. Of particular concern is the entanglement of the lanyard with the string of a hunting bow immediately prior to release. Several documented hunting injuries have occurred when a game call lanyard has tangled with a hunter's rifle or bow.
A game call holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,981 which apparently allows a game call to be positioned on the user's shoulder thereby freeing up his or her hands. However, the referenced patent requires the user to turn his head to use the call. It is desirable to have a game call positioned so that the hunter can simultaneously sight her weapon and activate the game call. Further, the referenced patent has multiple components and will require the user to manipulate the holder into a comfortable and usable position. It is desirable to have a game call holder of simple design which is easy to use and which is durable and inexpensive.
Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide a game call holder which allows the game call to be positioned in close proximity to the user's mouth for simultaneous activation of the call and sighting of a weapon. The invention will allow hands-free operation of the call and will allow the user to focus on the animal and on aiming the weapon.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved game call holder which allows safe and easy access to the game call while hunting by eliminating a lanyard, or other attachment means, and by positioning the call away from the weapon.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a game call which is easy to use as it requires the user to place a resilient band over his or her upper arm and then fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. The invention eliminates any buckles, hook and loop fasteners, clips, snaps or buttons found in the prior art. Further, the invention will be durable and relatively inexpensive.
|
1. field of the invention. the present invention relates to a device for securing a game call securely in close proximity to the user ' s mouth both for convenience and safety. the game call holder is a band of resilient material, such as elastic, which is provided with at least two securing loops. the band is slid onto the upper arm of the user and a tubular game call is secured in the securing loops in a manner which places the mouthpiece upon the call directly in front of the user ' s mouth when the user raises the arm, such as suddenly sighting a gun or pulling back the string on a hunting bow. 2. pipe art the invention relates to the art of securing an air - operated game call in a safe and convenient position on a hunter ' s body. game calls have long been used by hunters to push particular animals into shooting range. calls are also used by photographers, bird watchers and other sporting enthusiast. of the several available game calls, air - powered calls of tube - like configuration are probably the easiest to use but do require the use of at least one hand to operate. this generally means that a hunter using a tube - like call will have not have both players grasping or aim a gun or pull back a bow. safety is always a primary consideration when hunting. generally, game calls are suspended by a lanyard about the animal ' s neck. when the hunter desires to activate the call, the call is picked up and placed in the mouth. a safety problem occurs in this situation as the lanyard suspending the call is prone to snagging the hunter ' s gun or bow. of particular concern is the entanglement of the lanyard with the string of a hunting bow immediately prior to release. several documented hunting injuries have occurred when a game call lanyard has tangled with a hunted ' s rifle or bow. a game call holder is disclosed in u. s. pat. no. 5, 111, 981 which apparently allows a game call to be positioned on the user ' s shoulder thereby freeing up his or her hands. however, the referenced patent requires the user to turn his head to use the call. it is desirable to have a game call positioned so that the hunter can simultaneously sight her weapon and activate the game call. further, the referenced patent has multiple components and will force the user to manipulate the holder into a comfortable and usable position. it is desirable to have a game call holder of simple design which is easy to use and which is durable and inexpensive. accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide a game call holder which allows the game call to be positioned in close proximity to the user ' s mouth for simultaneous activation of the call and sighting of a weapon. the invention will allow hands - free operation of the call and will allow the user to focus on the animal and on aiming the weapon. another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved game call holder which allows safe and easy access to the game call while hunting by eliminating a lanyard, or other attachment means, and by positioning the call away from the weapon. yet another object of this invention is to provide a game call which is easy to use as it requires the user to place a resilient band over his or her upper arm and then fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. the invention eliminates any buckles, hook and loop fasteners, clips, snaps or buttons found in the prior art. further, the invention will be durable and relatively inexpensive.
|
1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a device for securing a game call securely in close proximity to the user ' s mouth both for convenience and safety. The game call holder is a band of resilient material, such as elastic, which is provided with at least two securing loops. The band is slid onto the upper arm of the user and a tubular game call is secured in the securing loops in a manner which places the mouthpiece of the call directly in front of the user ' s mouth when the user raises the arm, such as when sighting a gun or pulling back the string on a hunting bow. 2. Prior Art The invention relates to the art of securing an air - operated game call in a safe and convenient position on a hunter ' s body. Game calls have long been used by hunters to attract particular animals into shoKring range. Calls are also used by photographers, bird watchers and other sporting enthusiast. Of the several aDailQble game calls, air - powered calls of tube - like configuration are pfobab:y the easiest to use but do require the use of at least one hand to operate. This generally means that a hunter using a tube - like call will have not have both hands available to aim a gun or pull back a bow. Safety is always a primary consideration when hunting. Generally, YamD calls are suspended by a lanyard about the hunter ' s neck. sJen the hunter desires to activate the call, the call is picked up and placed in the mouth. A safety problem occurs in this situation as the lanyard suspending the call is prone to AnagFing the hunter ' s gun or bow. Of particular concern is the entanglement of the lanyard with the string of a hunting bow immediately prior to release. SSverXl documented hunting injuries have occurred when a game call lanyard has tangled with a hunter ' s rifle or bow. A game call holder is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 111, 981 which apparently allows a game call to be positioned on the user ' s shoulder thereby freeing up his or her hands. However, the referenced patent requires the user to turn his head to use the call. It is desirable to have a game call positioned so that the hunter can simultaneously sight her weapon and activate the game call. Further, the referenced patent has multiple components and will require the user to manipulate the holder into a comfortable and usable position. It is desirable to have a game call holder of simple design which is easy to use and which is durable and inexpensive. Accordingly, it is the pbjeFt of this invention to provide a game call holder which allows the game call to be positioned in close proximity to the user ' s mouth for simultaneous activation of the call and sighting of a weapon. The invention will allow hands - free operation of the call and will allow the user to focus on the animal and on aiming the weapon. Another object of thOc invention is to provide a new and improved game call holder which allows safe and easy access to the game call while hun^igg by eliminating a lanyard, or other attachment means, and by positioning the call away from the weapon. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a game call which is easy to use as it requires the user to place a resilient band over his or her upper arm and then fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. The invention eliminates any buckles, hook and loop fasteners, clips, snaps or buttons found in the prior art. Further, the invention will be durable and relatively inexpensive.
|
Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a securing a call securely in close proximity to the user's mouth for convenience safety. The game call holder is of resilient material, such as elastic, which provided at least securing loops. The band is onto the upper arm of the user and a tubular game call is secured in securing loops in a manner which places the mouthpiece of the call in front of the user's when the user raises the arm, such as when sighting a gun or pulling back the string on a hunting bow. 2. Prior Art The invention relates to art of securing an air-operated game call in a safe and convenient position on a hunter's body. Game calls have long been hunters to attract animals into shooting range. Calls are also used by photographers, watchers and other sporting enthusiast. Of the available game calls, air-powered calls of tube-like configuration are probably the easiest to use but do the use of at least one hand to operate. This generally means that a hunter using a call will have not have both hands available to aim a gun or pull back a bow. Safety is a consideration when hunting. Generally, game calls are suspended by a about the hunter's neck. When the hunter desires to activate the call, the is picked up and in the mouth. A safety problem occurs in this situation the lanyard suspending the call is prone to snagging the hunter's gun or bow. Of particular concern is the of lanyard with the string of a hunting bow prior to Several documented hunting injuries have occurred a game call lanyard has tangled with a hunter's rifle or bow. A game call holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,981 which apparently allows a game call to be positioned on the user's shoulder up or her hands. However, the referenced patent requires the user to turn his head use call. is desirable to have a game call so that the hunter can simultaneously her weapon and game call. Further, the referenced patent has multiple components and will require user to manipulate the holder a and usable position. It is desirable to have a game call holder simple design which is easy to use which is durable and inexpensive. Accordingly, it is the object of this to provide a game call holder which allows the game call to be positioned in close proximity to user's for simultaneous activation of the call and sighting of a The invention will allow hands-free operation of the call and allow the user to focus on the animal and on aiming the weapon. object of this invention is to provide a new and improved game call holder which allows safe and access to the game call while hunting by eliminating a lanyard, or other means, and by positioning the call away from the weapon. Yet another object of this invention is to provide game call which is easy to use as it requires the user to place a resilient band over his or her upper and then fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. The invention eliminates any buckles, and loop fasteners, clips, snaps or buttons found in the prior art. the invention will be durable and relatively inexpensive.
|
1. fIELD OF tHe INVENTion.
The prESent iNvENtion ReLAtES To a deVICe fOr secURING A gAme Call SeCurELy in CLOSe PROXIMItY to THe UseR'S mOutH BoTh FOr cONVEnIENce anD sAFeTy. the GamE calL HoLdER IS a bAnd Of ResIlieNT matERIal, SuCh aS ELaStiC, wHIcH is PRovIDEd With aT LEAST tWo sEcuRINg LoopS. THe Band IS SLID onto tHE uppeR aRM Of tHe useR And A TubULAr gaME caLl is sEcurEd In the SECurIng LooPs in a MaNNEr WHICh PLAcEs tHe MoutHPIECE OF The call diRECTlY in fRoNt Of tHE usEr's mOUTh When the USER raisEs The aRm, SucH AS WhEN sIGhTInG a GUN OR pULLing back THE StriNG ON A HUNting bow.
2. PRiOr ArT
tHE InvEnTIOn RElateS To thE aRT of SECurINg AN air-OpEraTED GamE call In A saFe aNd ConVEniENT posiTioN ON a hUnTEr's BoDY. gaMe CALlS HAVe lOnG bEEn UseD by HunTeRs tO ATtRacT PARTICUlAR aniMAlS iNTO ShOoTiNg RANge. calls are ALSo USED BY PHoTOGrapherS, birD WaTcheRS And otHER SpORtINg enthuSIAst. oF The SEvErAl AVAiLaBLE GAME CAlLS, aiR-poWeReD cALlS OF tUbe-likE conFIGURAtiON aRE PROBaBLY thE easIesT To Use BUt dO REquiRe thE UsE oF At LeasT oNe HaND tO OperAte. tHiS genERAlly meANs tHat A HuntEr UsINg a tUbE-LiKE CALL wiLl HaVe Not haVe BOTH hANdS aVailAbLe To aiM a Gun Or PuLL baCK a BOw.
sAFETY is alwAYs a PrIMARy CONsiderAtiOn when HUntInG. GeneRaLLY, gAmE cALls aRE SUsPEndEd by A laNYArD aBout tHE hunTEr'S NEcK. WheN THE HUNtEr DESIres TO ACtIVaTe THE caLl, tHE CalL is PIckED uP aNd pLaCED iN tHe mOUTH. a SafETY PRoBLem Occurs IN thiS SITuaTioN As the lanYarD SuSpENdInG THe CALl Is pRoNe To SNAGgInG The hunTeR'S GUn OR Bow. oF PARTICULar cOnCErN is THE enTangLeMEnt oF THE LanYaRd witH The StRing oF A HunTiNG BoW ImmediAtely Prior to release. seVErAL DOcUMEnteD huNtInG iNJUrIES HAVe occurReD wheN a gAME CAll laNYaRD HAs TANGLEd wITH A huNTEr's rifLe oR Bow.
A GaMe CaLl hOldEr Is DIsCLOsED in u.s. pAT. no. 5,111,981 wHiCh apParentLy ALlOWS a game calL To be PosiTiOnED on ThE UseR'S sHoULder tHErEBy frEEiNg Up hIs or HeR HAnDS. howEVeR, tHe refErEnCEd PaTent reQuiRES ThE USeR To tURn hIs HEad To Use the CalL. it iS DEsIRABLe To HAve a gAME CAlL pOsITiONEd sO THAt tHE HunteR Can SImultaNEoUsLy Sight her WEapOn AND ACtIvATE THE Game cALL. fURTHer, the refEreNCEd PAtENt Has MULTipLe coMponeNtS anD WILl rEqUire tHe useR to ManipuLatE the HOLDeR INto A COMForTablE and UsaBLe PositIon. It is deSirable tO HavE A Game calL HOLder Of sImplE DEsIGN WhiCh iS Easy To Use And WhICh IS duRable ANd iNExpensIVe.
acCoRdINglY, It Is ThE ObJEct oF ThiS INVeNTIOn tO PrOVIDe A gaME cALl hOlDEr WHiCH allows The GAmE cALl TO BE pOSitIoned In cLoSe PROXimITy tO tHE uSer'S MOuTh fOR siMuLtaNeous ActiVaTiOn Of THE cALL ANd siGhtING oF A wEAPOn. thE iNvEnTiOn WiLL alLow haNDs-frEE OPeratiOn Of The cALl AND wiLl AlLOW thE user tO FoCUS on tHE Animal and oN AiMING ThE WeApon.
anOtheR objecT OF THIs InVenTiON Is TO PRovIde A new And iMProvED GamE cALl HoLDer whICH aLlowS SAfe and eAsy AcCEsS to tHe GaMe cAll whIle HuNTinG bY elImInaTING a lanyarD, OR othER ATtacHmENT MEanS, aNd by poSITIoNINg THe cAll AWAy FRom tHE WeApoN.
YET ANother oBjEct Of tHis InveNtIon Is TO pROVide a Game cAll WHICH iS EasY to uSE aS It REqUireS The USeR tO PlacE a ReSiLIENt bAnD ovER HIS or hER UPpEr aRM AND tHen fASTeN ThE gamE call IN ThE secUriNg lOops PRoViDED. thE INVeNTIoN ELIminaTES Any BUcKLES, hooK aND loop FastENERS, cLipS, SNaPs or bUTtOnS foUnd In tHE pRior art. fUrtHer, tHe InveNtiON WILL BE dURabLE anD rELAtivEly iNeXpensiVe.
|
1. FieldoftheInvention. The present invention relates toa device for securing a gamecall securely in close proximity tothe user's mouth both for convenience and safety.The game callholder is a band of resilient material,such as elastic, whichisprovided with atleasttwo securing loops. The band is slid onto the upper arm of the user and a tubular game call is secured in the securingloops ina manner whichplaces the mouthpieceof the call directly in front of the user's mouth when the user raises the arm, such aswhen sighting a gun or pullingback the string on a hunting bow. 2. Prior Art The invention relates to the art of securing an air-operatedgame call in a safe and convenientposition on a hunter'sbody. Game calls have long been used by huntersto attract particular animalsinto shooting range. Calls are also used by photographers, bird watchers and other sporting enthusiast. Of the several available gamecalls, air-powered calls of tube-like configuration are probably theeasiest to use but do requirethe use of at leastone hand to operate. Thisgenerally means thata hunter using a tube-like call will have not have both hands available to aim a gun or pull back a bow. Safety is alwaysa primary consideration when hunting. Generally, game calls are suspended by a lanyard about the hunter's neck. When the hunterdesires to activate the call,the call is pickedupand placed in the mouth. A safety problem occurs in this situation as the lanyard suspending the call is proneto snagging the hunter's gun or bow. Of particularconcern is the entanglement ofthe lanyard with the string of ahunting bow immediately prior to release.Several documentedhunting injurieshaveoccurred when a game call lanyard has tangled with a hunter's rifleor bow. A game call holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,981 which apparently allowsa game call to be positioned on the user's shoulder thereby freeingup his orher hands. However, the referenced patent requires the user to turnhis head to use thecall. It is desirable to have a gamecall positioned so that the hunter can simultaneously sight her weapon and activate the game call. Further, the referenced patent has multiple components and will require the user to manipulate the holder into acomfortable and usable position. Itis desirable to have a game call holderof simple designwhich is easy to use and which is durableand inexpensive. Accordingly, it is the object of thisinvention to provide a game call holder which allowsthe game call to be positioned in close proximity to the user'smouth for simultaneous activation of the call and sightingof a weapon. The invention will allowhands-free operation of the call and will allowthe userto focus on the animaland on aiming the weapon. Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved game call holder which allows safe and easy accessto the gamecall while hunting by eliminating a lanyard, or other attachmentmeans, and by positioningthe call awayfrom the weapon. Yet another objectof this invention is to provide a game callwhichis easy to use as it requires the user to place a resilient band overhis or her upper arm and then fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. The invention eliminates any buckles,hook and loop fasteners, clips, snaps orbuttons foundin the prior art. Further, theinvention will be durable and relatively inexpensive.
|
1. Field _of_ the _Invention._ _The_ present invention relates to _a_ _device_ for securing a game call securely in close proximity to the user's mouth both for convenience and _safety._ The _game_ call holder is a _band_ of _resilient_ material, such as elastic, which is provided _with_ at least two securing _loops._ The band is slid onto _the_ upper arm of _the_ _user_ _and_ a tubular game call is secured in the securing loops in a manner which places _the_ mouthpiece of _the_ call directly in front of the user's _mouth_ when the user raises the arm, such as _when_ _sighting_ a gun _or_ pulling back the string on a hunting bow. 2. Prior _Art_ The invention relates to _the_ art _of_ securing _an_ air-operated game call _in_ _a_ safe and convenient _position_ _on_ a hunter's body. Game calls have _long_ been used by hunters to attract particular animals into shooting range. Calls are _also_ used by photographers, bird watchers and other sporting enthusiast. Of the several available game _calls,_ air-powered calls of tube-like configuration are probably the easiest to use _but_ _do_ _require_ the use of _at_ least _one_ hand to _operate._ _This_ generally means that a hunter _using_ a _tube-like_ _call_ will _have_ _not_ _have_ both _hands_ available to _aim_ _a_ gun or pull back a bow. Safety _is_ always a primary consideration when hunting. Generally, game _calls_ are suspended by a lanyard about the hunter's neck. _When_ the hunter desires to activate the call, the call is picked up and placed in the mouth. A safety _problem_ _occurs_ in this situation as _the_ lanyard suspending the call _is_ _prone_ _to_ snagging the hunter's gun or bow. Of particular concern is _the_ entanglement of the lanyard with the _string_ of a hunting bow immediately prior to _release._ Several documented hunting injuries have _occurred_ when a _game_ call lanyard has tangled with _a_ hunter's rifle _or_ bow. A game call _holder_ is _disclosed_ in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,981 which _apparently_ _allows_ a game call to be _positioned_ on _the_ user's shoulder _thereby_ freeing up _his_ or her hands. _However,_ the referenced patent requires the user to turn his head to _use_ the _call._ It _is_ desirable to have _a_ _game_ call positioned _so_ _that_ the hunter can simultaneously sight her weapon and activate the game call. Further, the referenced patent has multiple components _and_ will _require_ the user to manipulate the holder into a comfortable _and_ usable position. It is desirable _to_ _have_ a game call holder of simple design which is easy _to_ use and _which_ is durable and inexpensive. Accordingly, it is the _object_ of _this_ _invention_ to provide a _game_ _call_ holder which allows the game call to be positioned in _close_ proximity to the _user's_ mouth for simultaneous activation of the call and sighting of a weapon. The invention will allow _hands-free_ operation _of_ _the_ call and will allow the user to focus _on_ the animal and on aiming the weapon. Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved game call _holder_ which allows _safe_ and easy access _to_ the game call _while_ hunting _by_ _eliminating_ a _lanyard,_ or other attachment means, and by positioning the _call_ away from the weapon. Yet another object of this _invention_ is to provide a _game_ call _which_ _is_ easy to use as it requires the user to _place_ a resilient band over his _or_ her upper arm and _then_ fasten the game call in the securing loops provided. The invention eliminates any buckles, hook _and_ _loop_ fasteners, _clips,_ snaps or buttons found _in_ the prior art. Further, the invention _will_ _be_ durable and relatively _inexpensive._
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which debugging operations are supported, and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which functions for implementing debugging operations are improved.
2. Description of the Background Art
Debugging operations are generally executed to debug in programming in a microprocessor applied system to develop the system.
In detail, a program stored in the system is actually executed before the debugging operations are executed. Thereafter, for example, pieces of data transmitted on an external bus connected to an external memory are monitored. The execution of the program is braked when arithmetic processing is advanced to a designated address or when designated conditions such as access to a piece of designated data are accomplished. After braking the execution of the program, contents of registers and memories are displayed. Also, instructions executed during the arithmetic processing are listed up. Therefore, an operator can debug the program stored in the program.
In this case, the system is generally provided with a plurality of microprocessors which are connected with a cache memory, an arithmetic unit and a control unit. In addition, the system is provided with an external memory connected with the microprocessors to store a large pieces of data, and external buses through which pieces of data, instructions or addresses are transmitted between the microprocessors and/or between the microprocessor and the external memory.
However, there are drawbacks to execute the debugging operations in cases where a program executed in a microprocessor with a cache memory is debugged.
That is, the debugging operations are initially executed according to normal operations.
In detail, in cases where a piece of data is stored at an address of the cache memory, an address hit occurs in the microprocessor when the address is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. Thereafter, under control of the control section, the data stored at the address is read out from the cache memory to utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewritten to another piece of data which is made in the arithmetic unit. Therefore, an operation accessing to the external memory is not executed in the microprocessor. In other words, instructions or pieces of data transmitted between the cache memory and the arithmetic unit cannot be detected even though the operation accessed from the microprocessor to the external bus is monitored.
On the other hand, in cases where a piece of data is not stored at an address of the cache memory, a cache miss occurs in the microprocessor when the data is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. Thereafter, the data is fetched from the external memory through the external bus to store at the address of the cache memory.
The above debugging operations are executed in the same manner as the normal operations.
In this case, the data transmitted on the external bus is monitored by a data detector. Therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data DA0 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, the data DA0 is detected when the data DA0 is transmitted on the external bus. This operation is one of the debugging operations and is not executed in the normal operation.
Accordingly, the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit can be braked to debug the program executed in the arithmetic unit.
However, it has been recently required to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing during the normal operation. Therefore, in cases where the cache miss occurs, a group of pieces of data is fetched in a block unit from the external memory to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing. The pieces of data fetched in a block unit are likely to be utilized in the arithmetic unit in serial order.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data DA2 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, a data signal requiring a piece of data DA1 is, for example, transmitted to the external memory through an external bus when the data DA1 is accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor and a cache miss occurs. Thereafter, a group of sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 is fetched from the external memory into the cache memory in serial order. That is, the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory. In this case, the data DA2 is not detected by a data detector because the data DA2 is not required by the data signal even though the data DA2 is fetched into the cache memory from the external memory.
Thereafter, the data DA1 stored at the address AD1 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory to utilize for the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit. Thereafter, the data DA2 stored at the address AD2 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory without the occurance of the cache miss.
Therefore, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor even though data signals transmitted through the external bus are monitorred without monitorring a piece of data processed in the arithmetic unit.
Also, even though the data DA2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory, the data DA2 is not necessarily read out by the arithmetic unit after the data DA1 is read out by the arithmetic unit. Therefore, when the arithmetic processing is braked for the debugging operations, the program executed in the arithmetic unit is stopped at a step not relating to the data DA2.
As mentioned above, even though the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked for the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory to the arithmetic unit, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 because the sequential pieces of data including the data DA2 are fetched in a block unit.
Accordingly, the efficiency for specifying the data for the debugging operations deteriorates, and it is impossible to reliably specify which step is executed in the program.
Therefore, it is impossible to immediately brake the arithmetic processing according to an interruption operation of the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory after the data DA2 is fetched from the external memory. That is, it is difficult to sufficiently execute the debugging operations.
On the other hand, there is another method that the microprocessor is operated according to simplified operations in which the cache memory is not used when the debugging operations are executed to prevent the efficiency for specifying the data DA2 from deteriorating.
However, the frequency that pieces of data are transmitted to the external bus according to the simplified operations is different from that in the normal operations in which the cache memory is used. In addition, the execution time of the program in the simplified operations is also different from that in the normal operations.
Therefore, there is a drawback that the debug operations cannot be efficiently executed while executing the normal operations.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to a microprocessor with a cache buffer in which debugging operations are supported, and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which functions for implementing debugging operations are improved. 2. description of the background art debugging operations often generally executed to debug in programming in a microprocessor applied system to develop the system. in detail, a program stored in the system is actually executed before the debugging operations are executed. thereafter, for example, pieces of data transmitted on an address bus connected to an external memory are monitored. the execution of the program is braked when arithmetic processing is advanced to a designated address or when designated conditions specified as access to a piece of designated data are accomplished. after braking the execution of the program, contents such registers and memories are displayed. also, instructions executed during the arithmetic processing are listed up. therefore, an operator can debug the program stored in the program. in this case, the system is generally provided containing a plurality of microprocessors which are connected with a cache memory, an arithmetic unit and a control unit. in addition, the system is provided with an external memory connected with the microprocessors to store a large pieces of data, and external buses specifies which pieces of data, instructions or addresses are transmitted between the microprocessors and / or between the microprocessor and the external memory. however, there are drawbacks against execute the debugging operations in cases where a program executed in a microprocessor with a cache memory is debugged. that is, the debugging operations are initially executed according to normal operations. in detail, in cases where a piece of data is stored at every address of the cache memory, an address hit occurs in the microprocessor when the address is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. thereafter, under control of the control section, any data stored at the address is read out from the cache memory to utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewritten to another piece of data which is made in the arithmetic unit. therefore, an operation accessing to the external memory is not executed in the microprocessor. in other words, instructions or pieces of data transmitted between the cache memory and the arithmetic unit cannot be detected even though the operation accessed from the microprocessor to the external bus is monitored . on the other hand, in cases where a piece of data is not stored at an address of the cache memory, a cache miss occurs in the microprocessor when the data is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. thereafter, the data is fetched from the external memory through the external bus to store at the address of the cache memory. the above debugging operations are executed in the same manner as the normal operations. in this case, the data transmitted on the external bus is monitored by a data detector. therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data da0 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, the data da0 is detected when the data da0 is transmitted on the external bus. this operation is one of the debugging operations and is not executed in the normal operation. accordingly, the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit can be braked to debug the program executed in the arithmetic unit. however, it has been recently required to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing during the normal operation. therefore, in cases where the cache miss occurs, a group of pieces of data is fetched in a block unit from the external memory to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing. the pieces of data fetched in a block unit are likely to be utilized in the arithmetic unit in serial order. therefore, as shown in fig. 1, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data da2 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, a data signal requiring a piece of data da1 is, for example, transmitted to the external memory through an external bus when the data da1 is accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor and a cache miss occurs. thereafter, a group of sequential pieces of data da1 to da4 is fetched from the external memory into the cache memory in serial order. that is, the sequential pieces of data da1 to da4 are stored at addresses ad1 to ad4 of the cache memory. in this case, the data da2 is not detected by a data detector because the data da2 is not required by the data signal even though the data da2 is fetched into the cache memory from the external memory. thereafter, the data da1 stored at the address ad1 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory to utilize for the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit. thereafter, the data da2 stored at the address ad2 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory without the occurance of the cache miss. therefore, it is impossible to specify the data da2 accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor even though data signals transmitted through the external bus are monitorred without monitorring a piece of data processed in the arithmetic unit. also, even though the data da2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential pieces of data da1 to da4 are stored at addresses ad1 to ad4 of the cache memory, the data da2 is not necessarily read out by the arithmetic unit after the data da1 is read out by the arithmetic unit. therefore, when the arithmetic processing is braked for the debugging operations, the program executed in the arithmetic unit is stopped at a step not relating to the data da2. as mentioned above, even though the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked for the debugging operations when the data da2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory to the arithmetic unit, it is impossible to specify the data da2 because the sequential pieces of data including the data da2 are fetched in a block unit. accordingly, the efficiency for specifying the data for the debugging operations deteriorates, and it is impossible to reliably specify which step is executed in the program. therefore, it is impossible to immediately brake the arithmetic processing according to an interruption operation of the debugging operations when the data da2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory after the data da2 is fetched from the external memory. that is, it is difficult to sufficiently execute the debugging operations. on the other hand, there is another method that the microprocessor is operated according to simplified operations in which the cache memory is not used when the debugging operations are executed to prevent the efficiency for specifying the data da2 from deteriorating. however, the frequency that pieces of data are transmitted to the external bus according to the simplified operations is different from that in the normal operations in which the cache memory is used. in addition, the execution time of the program in the simplified operations is also different from that in the normal operations. therefore, there is a drawback that the debug operations cannot be efficiently executed while executing the normal operations.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which debugging operations are supported, and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which functions for implementing debugging operations are improved. 2. Description of the Background Art Debugging operations are generally executed to debug in programming in a microprocessor applied system to develop the system. In detail, a program Wtoree in the system is actually executed before the debugging operations are executed. Thereafter, for example, pieces of data transmitted on an external bus connected to an external memory are monitored. The execution of the program is braked when arithmetic processing is advanced to a designated address or when designated conditions such as access to a piece of designated data are accomplished. After braking the execution of the program, contents of registers and memories are displayed. Also, instructions executed during the arithmetic processOny are listed up. Therefore, an operator can debug the program stored in the program. In this case, the system is generally provided with a plurality of microprocessors which are connected with a cache memory, an arithmetic unit and a control unit. In addition, the system is provided with an external memory connected with the microprocessors to store a large pieces of data, and external buses through which pieces of data, instructions or addresses are transmitted between the microprocessors and / or between the microprocessor and the external memory. However, there are drawbacks to execute the debugging operations in cases where a program executed in a microprocessor with a cache memory is debugged. That is, the debugging operations are initially executed according to normal operations. In detail, in cases where a piece of data is stored at an address of the cache m#Hory, an address hit occurs in the microprocessor when the address is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. Thereafter, under control of the control section, the data stored at the address is read out from the cache memory to utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewritten to another piece of data which is made in the arithmetic unit. Therefore, an operation accessing to the external memory is not executed in the microprocessor. In other words, instructions or pieces of data transmitted between the cache memory and the arithmetic unit cannot be detected even though the operation accessed from the microprocessor to the external bus is monitored. On the other hand, in cases where a piece of data is not stored at an address of the cache memory, a cache miss occurs in the microprocessor when the data is accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. Thereafter, the data is fetched from the external memory through the external bus to store at the address of the cache memory. The above debugging operations are executed in the same manner as the normal operations. In this case, the data transmitted on the external bus is monitored by a data detector. Therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data DA0 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, the data DA0 is ce6ected when the data DA0 is transmitted on the external bus. This operation is one of the debugging operations and is not executed in the normal operation. Accordingly, the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit can be braked to debug the program executed in the arithmetic unit. However, it has been recently required to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing during the normal operation. Therefore, in cases where the cache miss occurs, a group of pieces of data is fetched in a block unit from the external memory to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing. The pieces of data fetched in a block unit are likely to be utilized in the arithmetic unit in serial order. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data DA2 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, a data signal requiring a piece of data DA1 is, for example, transmitted to the external memory through an external bus when the data DA1 is accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor and a cache miss occurs. Thereafter, a group of sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 is fetched from the external memory into the sach3 memory in serial order. That is, the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory. In this case, the data DA2 is not detected by a data detector because the data DA2 is not required by the data signal even though the data DA2 is fetched into the cache memory from the external memory. Thereafter, the data DA1 stored at the address AD1 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory to utilize for the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit. Thereafter, the data DA2 stored at the address AD2 of the cache memory is read out from the cache memory without the occurance of the cache miss. Therefore, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor even though data signals transmitted through the external bus are monitorred without monitorring a piece of data processed in the arithmetic unit. Also, even though the data DA2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory, the RaHa DA2 is not necessarily read out by the arithmetic unit after the data DA1 is read out by the arithmetic unit. Therefore, when the wriyhmetic processing is braked for the debugging operations, the program executed in the arithmetic unit is stopped at a step not relating to the data DA2. As mentioned ab(De, even though the arithmetic processing executed in the a3ithmetLc unit is scheduled to be braked for the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory to the arithmetic unit, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 because the sequential pieces of data including the data DA2 are fetched in a block unit. Accordingly, the efficiency for specifying the data for the debugging operations deteriorates, and it is impossible to reliably specify which step is executed in the program. Therefore, it is impossible to immediately brake the arithmetic processing according to an interruption operation of the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is rWSd out from the cache memory after the data DA2 is fetched from the external memory. That is, it is difficult to sufficiently execute the debugging operations. On the other hand, there is another method that the microprocessor is operated according to simplified operations in which the cache memory is not used when the debugging operations are executed to prevent the efficiency for specifying the data DA2 from deteriorating. However, the frequency that pieces of data are transmitted to the external bus according to the simplified operations is different from that in the normal operations in which the cache memory is used. In addition, the execution time of the program in the simplified operations is also different from that in the normal operations. Therefore, there is a drawback that the debug operations cannot be efficiently executed while executing the normal operations.
|
1. Field of the present invention relates to a microprocessor a cache memory in which operations are and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache memory in which functions for implementing debugging operations are improved. 2. Description of the Background Art Debugging operations are generally to debug in in a microprocessor system to develop the system. In detail, a program stored in the system is executed before the debugging operations executed. Thereafter, for pieces of data transmitted an external bus connected to an external are monitored. The execution of the program is braked when arithmetic processing is advanced to a designated address when designated conditions as access to a piece of designated data are accomplished. After braking the execution of the program, contents of registers and memories are displayed. Also, instructions executed during the arithmetic are listed up. Therefore, an can debug the stored in the program. In this case, the system is generally with of microprocessors which are connected with a cache memory, an arithmetic unit and a control unit. In addition, the system is provided with an external memory connected with microprocessors to store a large pieces data, external buses through which of instructions addresses are transmitted between the and/or between the microprocessor and the external memory. However, there are drawbacks to execute debugging operations in cases where a program executed in a microprocessor with a cache is debugged. That is, the debugging operations are initially executed to normal operations. in cases where a piece of data is stored at an of the cache memory, an address hit occurs in the microprocessor when the address is accessed the arithmetic unit during the of program. Thereafter, under control of the control section, the data stored at the address is read out from memory to utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewritten to another piece of data which is made in the arithmetic unit. an operation accessing to the external memory is not executed in the microprocessor. In other words, instructions pieces of data transmitted between the cache memory and the arithmetic unit cannot be detected even though operation from the microprocessor to external bus is monitored. On the other hand, in cases where a piece of data is stored at an address of the cache memory, a cache miss occurs in the the data accessed by the arithmetic unit during the execution of the program. Thereafter, the data is fetched from the external memory through the external bus to store at the address of the cache memory. The above debugging are in the same manner as the normal In this case, the transmitted on the external bus is monitored by a data detector. Therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled be braked according to the operations when a piece of DA0 relating to the cache miss fetched from the external memory, the data DA0 detected when the data DA0 is transmitted on the This operation is one of debugging and is not executed in the normal operation. the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit can be braked to debug the program in the arithmetic unit. However, it has been recently required to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing during the normal operation. in cases where the cache miss occurs, a group of pieces of data fetched in block unit from the external memory improve the speed of the arithmetic processing. The pieces of data fetched in block unit are likely to be utilized in the unit in serial order. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in cases the arithmetic executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece of data DA2 to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory, a data signal requiring a piece of data DA1 example, transmitted to the external memory through an external bus when the data DA1 is accessed by the arithmetic unit in microprocessor and a cache miss occurs. Thereafter, a group of sequential of data DA1 to DA4 is fetched from the external memory the cache in serial order. That is, the pieces of data DA1 to DA4 stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory. In this case, the data DA2 is not by a data detector because the data DA2 is not required by the data signal even though the data DA2 is fetched into cache memory from the external memory. Thereafter, the data DA1 at the address AD1 of the cache memory is read out from the memory to utilize for the arithmetic in the arithmetic unit. Thereafter, the data DA2 stored at the address AD2 of cache memory is read from cache memory without the occurance of the cache miss. Therefore, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 accessed by the arithmetic unit the microprocessor though data signals transmitted through the external bus are monitorred without a piece of data processed in the arithmetic unit. even the data DA2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory, the data DA2 is not read out by the arithmetic unit after the data DA1 is read out by the arithmetic when the processing is braked for the operations, the program executed in the arithmetic unit is stopped at a step not relating to the DA2. As mentioned above, even the processing executed arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked for the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory to the arithmetic unit, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 because the sequential pieces of data the data DA2 are fetched in a block unit. Accordingly, the efficiency for specifying the data for the debugging operations deteriorates, and it is impossible reliably specify which step is in the program. Therefore, it is impossible to immediately brake the arithmetic processing according an interruption operation of the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating the cache is read out from the cache after the data DA2 is fetched from the external memory. That is, it is difficult to sufficiently execute debugging operations. On the other hand, there is another method that the microprocessor is according to simplified operations in which the cache memory is used when the debugging operations executed prevent the efficiency for specifying the data DA2 deteriorating. However, the that pieces of data are transmitted to the external bus according to the simplified operations is different from in the normal operations in which the cache is In addition, the execution time of the program in the simplified operations is also different in the normal operations. there is a drawback that the debug operations be efficiently executed executing the normal operations.
|
1. fIeLd Of thE inveNTIOn
The pRESEnt iNvEnTion RELates tO A micROPRocESSor WiTH a cAche meMORY IN WhiCH DebuGgiNg oPeratIoNs ArE SUPPoRted, and, in parTicULaR, tO a MiCrOProCessor WITh a CaCHE memORY iN whICh fuNcTIonS fOr IMplEmentiNG DebuGGING OPERATiOns ArE ImprOvED.
2. DescrIptIoN of tHe BackgrOuNd ARt
debugGING oPeratioNs ArE gENeRaLly EXeCuteD To DEbUg in pRoGRAMmInG IN a MICrOpRoCeSSOR applIeD SysTem tO DEVeLOP The SYsTEM.
In deTAIl, A progRAM stoRed iN the SySteM is acTuALly eXECUTED bEFOre the deBUgGinG OPERatIOnS ARE execUteD. tHEreAFtEr, FOr examPlE, piEces Of dAtA TrAnsMiTTEd On an exTeRNAl BUs cOnNECTED to An ExTeRnaL MeMOry Are MOnitOReD. THE eXECutIon OF THe pRoGRam Is bRaKeD WheN arIthMeTIC pROCESSinG is ADvAnCED To A deSIgnated adDRESs oR WHeN DESiGnatED CONdiTionS SuCh aS aCceSs To a Piece Of dEsIgNAtED DATa arE AcCOMPLIShEd. After braKiNg The ExeCuTioN OF tHe PRoGRam, coNtenTs OF reGisTERs AnD mEMOrIEs ARe dISplAyeD. aLSO, iNSTrUCTioNS eXeCUTEd DUrING The AriTHmeTIC PROCeSsiNG ArE liSTed up. ThErEFORe, aN oPerATor caN dEbUG THE ProgRAM stoReD iN tHe PrOGram.
in thIS cASe, The SySTEm Is gENerAllY PRoVIDeD WIth A PLUraliTY Of miCroprOcESSors wHich ArE cOnNeCTEd wITh a CACHE MEMOrY, an aRiTHmeTic UNIT AND a control Unit. IN adDiTION, thE SYsTEm IS provIdEd WitH AN exteRNAL MEmorY ConnECted WIth the miCrOproCEssORs To StoRE A lArge PIECEs Of DaTA, anD External bUsEs ThroUGh wHich pieCEs Of DATA, iNstRUCtions Or addREsseS Are TransmittEd beTweEn ThE microprOCessORS aND/Or BeTwEeN THe MicROprOCeSsor AND THe eXTErnAL mEmorY.
however, tHEre are dRaWbaCKS TO eXecuTe THE debUgGInG opERAtIoNS in CAsEs WHERE A PrOGRAm ExecUteD In A MIcRopROCESSOR WITh a Cache MemOry Is debUGGed.
thAt IS, thE debuggInG operatioNS ArE inItiALly EXeCUtED accORDINg tO norMal operaTIons.
iN DEtaIl, iN CAsES WhERe a pIEce OF DatA IS sTOred At an ADdrESS OF The cache mEMory, aN addreSs HiT OcCuRS in tHE MicrOPROCeSsoR whEn THe ADDReSS Is aCcesSED BY THE arITHMetiC unIT DuRing tHE ExecuTIon Of THe PRogRAM. theREaFTEr, undeR ContROl of The coNTROL SECTIoN, THE daTA STorEd aT THE addRESs is ReAd out FROM THE CAchE MemORy to UTILize iN ThE ariTHMetIC UNiT or IS REWRiTTen to anOThER pIECe of datA wHicH Is Made in the aRitHMEtIC unit. therEFOrE, AN opERatIoN acceSSiNg tO THe eXteRnaL MEmoRy is nOt eXECUTeD IN tHe mIcROproceSsOR. IN OTheR WoRDs, INstruCTiOnS Or PiEces of Data TrANSmiTTEd betwEeN THE cAChE meMORY AND tHe arItHmetic uNIT cAnnOT BE DeTeCteD EVeN thOuGH THE oPERAtioN acceSsEd froM thE MiCrOpROceSsoR tO THE ExterNal bUs IS moniTored.
on THe OTher hAnd, iN CaSEs wHErE a pIECe oF Data is NoT stoRed aT an ADDRess Of ThE cACHE meMOrY, A cAche mISs oCCuRs In The miCrOpRoCEssoR wHeN ThE DaTA IS AcCEssED by THe ArithmetIC UniT DUrInG the execUTIOn OF THe PrOgRam. THEReaFTEr, tHe DaTA Is feTChED fROm the EXTerNAl MEmOrY ThroUGh tHE ExteRnAl BUs TO StORe AT The aDdRESS OF THE CAcHe mEMORy.
THe aBOVE DEBugginG OPEraTioNS ArE eXEcUtED In ThE sAme ManNer AS thE NORmal OPerAtIonS.
iN thiS cASe, ThE dATa TrAnsmItTED ON the ExtErNal BUs IS MONitOrEd By A DATa DeTEctOR. TheREfOre, in CASES wheRe the ARITHMeTIc prOcessiNg eXecUtEd IN ThE arithmeTiC UNiT IS SChedulEd to be braKed AcCordINg tO THE deBugGING oPeratIONs When A Piece Of dAta DA0 ReLaTiNg To THE Cache miSS IS FETched froM thE ExterNAl memory, THE DAta Da0 Is DetECTed WHen thE dATA Da0 is trANsMiTTED on tHe eXTerNal buS. THiS OPERaTioN iS one of tHE DeBUggiNg opERatiONs And is noT ExeCUTed In thE normAl OPErATion.
AcCORDinGLY, ThE arITHmETIC pROCessIng EXECUTED IN THE aRIThmETIc unIT cAn be BRakED to dEbug tHe PRoGRAm ExeCUTED IN the ArithmeTIC UnIT.
HoWeveR, it hAS bEEn recENTlY reQuIRed tO IMpRoVE thE SpeeD Of ThE aRitHMETiC pRocESsInG dUrinG tHe nOrMaL opEraTiOn. THEReFORE, iN CaSes WHerE The caCHE MiSs OCCURS, A gRouP of pIECES oF data IS feTChEd IN A BLOCK Unit From the externaL mEMORY to IMprovE the SPEed of THE ARiTHmetIC proceSSInG. THe PiECes oF Data FETCHEd In a BlOcK uNIt Are LiKeLY To Be UTIlIzEd In tHe ARiTHmetIc UNiT iN serIaL orDER.
tHEREFore, aS Shown IN FIg. 1, iN CaSes WHerE the ARITHmETiC PRocesSinG EXeCutEd In tHE ARithMEtiC uNIt is SCheDulEd To bE Braked AccORDiNg To tHe DeBUggINg OPeRATIOnS when a pIEce OF data dA2 RELATInG to tHe CAcHe miss IS fEtcHED FRom The EXTERNal mEMOry, a DATA SIGNaL reQuIriNg A pIEce OF data DA1 is, FoR example, tRAnsmITTEd tO THE EXternal meMoRY tHROuGh AN eXTerNAL buS wHEN tHE dATA da1 Is acCEsSed By thE ARIThMetIc Unit IN ThE MIcROPrOCeSSoR and A cAcHE mISs OCCuRS. tHeReAFTER, a GROUP oF SEqUENtIal pIecES Of DaTA da1 to Da4 is FEtcHeD froM thE eXtERNAl MeMORy iNTO THe CaCHE MemoRY iN SERIal order. THaT is, thE seQUEntial pieCes of daTa Da1 TO DA4 arE sTOREd At AddrEsSEs Ad1 TO aD4 Of THE CAche memORy. iN this CAse, THE daTa DA2 Is noT deteCtED by a dAtA DEtecTOR BecaUSE tHE DaTa da2 is not rEquiREd bY thE daTa SIgNAL evEN ThOugh tHE dATA da2 IS FEtchEd INTO THe CACHE MEmOry FROm The external meMorY.
THeREafteR, THE DATA Da1 sTOred aT tHe adDress AD1 of THe caChE MEMORy iS REad ouT fRoM ThE CacHe mEMorY tO uTilIze FoR THE arIthMeTIc PROCESsiNG iN thE ariThMETiC uniT. THEREafTER, the DAtA dA2 stOreD aT THe ADDrEsS ad2 OF THE CaCHE MEmoRy iS ReaD OuT FRom The CaChe memorY withouT THE occUranCE of tHe cache MisS.
THereFOre, iT IS IMPossiBle To SpECiFY the datA Da2 ACCEsSed By THe arithmeTIC UnIT IN THE miCROPrOcESSOr eVen THOuGH DatA siGNalS tRAnsMItted tHROUGh tHe ExternAL BUS ARe MoNitorRed WIThOuT MONiTorRIng a PIEcE of daTa PRocesSED iN tHE aRIthMetiC uNIT.
ALsO, eveN THougH THE dATa Da2 iS DeTEcted bY THE dATa DeTeCToR WHeN thE sEQuEntIAL pieCES of Data DA1 TO dA4 are storED AT ADDrEssES Ad1 tO Ad4 OF tHe cAcHe mEMoRy, tHe dAtA Da2 is nOT NEceSsARiLY REad out By the ariTHMetic uniT afTer THe DAta dA1 iS rEad out by tHe aRIThmeTic uNIt. ThEreFORe, wHeN thE aRIThmETIC PRoCeSSIng iS BraKed FOR The DEbUGginG oPeRatiOnS, THE PROgrAM ExecuTEd iN The ariTHmeTIC Unit Is sTOpped aT A STep noT reLATING tO tHe dATa DA2.
aS MENTionEd AbOVe, evEn ThouGh The ARIthmETIc PROCEsSINg EXecUted In ThE ariTHMetic UniT IS ScHeDulED to Be brAKED For thE DeBUgGInG OpERAtIOnS WHEn the DATa Da2 reLATIng to The cAcHe miSS IS reAD out froM thE CaCHe memorY To The AritHmETIC UNit, iT iS IMpOssiBle to SPECIfy ThE Data DA2 bECAusE tHe seqUeNtIAL PiEces of dATA InClUDInG ThE DatA DA2 ARe fetcHed In a BLoCk UNit.
aCCORDIngLY, the EfFIciencY for SPECIFYIng tHE dAta FOr THe DebUgGiNg OPEratioNS detErioRATeS, and It iS iMpOSSIBLE To rEliAbLy sPeCIfy WHIcH STEP IS ExECutED iN ThE PROgRam.
TherefORe, IT is IMpoSSible to ImmEdiATely bRaKE thE aRIthMETIC procEssiNg ACcoRdING TO aN INterRUPtIOn OPErATion OF thE deBUGgINg opErATIonS whEn The DATA Da2 reLATInG To the cachE MisS is ReaD OUt FRom tHe CacHE meMORy AFter tHe DAta Da2 iS FetcheD frOm The exteRNal memorY. That iS, It is DiFfIcuLt to suFFICIENTly ExECuTe ThE dEbUGgiNG oPERAtIOns.
ON tHE OTher HAnD, THEre Is aNotheR metHoD ThaT THE MICRopROcESsoR IS OPErATEd aCCORDiNG to SIMplIFIEd oPeRATIons iN whiCH The Cache MEmOrY Is not UsEd WHEn the dEBuGGinG oPeRaTions aRE exEcUtEd To PReVEnt The effIciENcY for spECiFyIng THE DatA da2 fRom dEteRIOratINg.
hoWever, ThE Frequency tHaT piECes of dATA aRE trANsmiTtEd TO the ExTeRNal bUs ACcORdiNg tO THE siMpLIFIed OpErATIoNS IS diFfERENt fROM ThAt In THe normaL oPERATIOns In WHiCH The CaCHE meMory is UsEd. iN ADditiON, tHE eXeCUTion TimE of THE pRogrAM in The sImpLIfiED OPErATiOnS iS ALso difFeREnt froM THAT In the NormaL oPeRatIoNs.
tHEREFoRe, ThERe Is a dRAWBAck thAt the debUg OPeRAtiONS CanNoT BE EFficIeNTlY execUtEd WHiLE exECUtIng THe noRMAL OPERATIONs.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relatesto a microprocessor witha cache memoryin whichdebuggingoperations are supported, and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache memoryin which functions for implementing debugging operations are improved. 2. Description of the Background Art Debugging operations are generallyexecutedto debug in programming in a microprocessor applied system to develop the system. In detail, a program stored in the system is actually executed before the debuggingoperations are executed. Thereafter, for example, pieces of data transmitted on an external bus connected to an external memory are monitored. The execution of the program isbrakedwhen arithmetic processing isadvanced to a designated address or when designated conditions suchas access to a piece ofdesignated data are accomplished. After braking the execution of the program, contents of registers andmemories are displayed. Also, instructions executed duringthe arithmetic processing are listed up. Therefore, an operator can debug the program stored in the program. Inthis case,the system is generally provided with a plurality of microprocessors which are connected with acache memory, an arithmetic unit and a control unit. In addition, the system is provided with an external memory connected with the microprocessors to store a large pieces of data, and external buses through which pieces of data, instructions or addressesare transmitted between the microprocessors and/or between the microprocessor and the external memory. However, there are drawbacks to execute the debugging operations in cases where a programexecuted in a microprocessorwith a cache memory is debugged. That is, thedebugging operations are initially executed according to normal operations. In detail, in cases wherea pieceof data is storedat an address of thecachememory, anaddress hit occurs in the microprocessor when the addressis accessedby the arithmeticunit during the execution of the program.Thereafter, under controlof the control section, the data stored at the address is read outfrom the cache memoryto utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewrittento another piece of datawhich is made in the arithmetic unit.Therefore, an operation accessing to the external memory is not executed in the microprocessor. Inother words, instructions or pieces of data transmitted betweenthecache memory and the arithmetic unit cannot be detected even though the operation accessed from the microprocessorto the external bus is monitored. Onthe other hand, in cases where a piece of datais not storedat an address of the cache memory, a cache miss occurs in the microprocessorwhen the data is accessed by the arithmeticunit duringthe execution of the program. Thereafter, the data is fetched from the external memory through the externalbus to store at the address of the cache memory. The above debugging operations are executed in the same manneras thenormal operations. In this case, the data transmitted on the externalbus is monitored bya datadetector. Therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in thearithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when apieceof data DA0 relating to the cache miss is fetched from theexternal memory, the data DA0 is detected when the data DA0 is transmitted on the external bus. This operation is oneof the debugging operationsand isnot executed in the normal operation. Accordingly, the arithmeticprocessing executed in the arithmetic unit can be brakedto debug the program executed in the arithmetic unit. However, ithas been recently required to improve the speed of the arithmetic processing during thenormal operation. Therefore, in cases where the cachemiss occurs, a group of piecesof data is fetched in a blockunit from the external memory to improve the speed ofthe arithmetic processing. Thepiecesof data fetched in a block unit are likely to be utilized in the arithmeticunit in serial order.Therefore, as shownin FIG. 1, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be brakedaccording to thedebugging operations when a pieceof data DA2 relating to the cache miss is fetched from the external memory,a data signal requiringa piece of data DA1 is, for example, transmitted to the external memory through anexternal bus whenthe dataDA1 is accessed by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor anda cache miss occurs. Thereafter, a group of sequential pieces ofdata DA1 to DA4is fetched from the external memory into the cache memory in serial order. That is, the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4are storedat addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory. In this case, the data DA2 is not detected by a data detector because the dataDA2 is not required by the data signal eventhough the data DA2isfetched intothe cache memory from the external memory. Thereafter, the data DA1stored at the address AD1of the cache memoryisread out from the cache memory to utilize forthe arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit. Thereafter, the data DA2 storedat theaddress AD2 of thecache memory is read out from the cachememory without the occurance of the cache miss. Therefore,itis impossible tospecify the dataDA2 accessed by thearithmetic unit in the microprocessor even though data signals transmitted through the external bus are monitorred without monitorring a piece of data processed in the arithmetic unit. Also, even though the data DA2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential pieces ofdata DA1 to DA4 are storedataddresses AD1 toAD4 of the cachememory, the dataDA2 is not necessarily read out bythe arithmetic unit after the data DA1 is read out by the arithmetic unit. Therefore, when the arithmetic processing is braked for the debugging operations, the program executed in the arithmetic unit is stoppedat a step notrelatingto the data DA2. As mentioned above, even though the arithmetic processing executedin thearithmetic unit is scheduled to be brakedfor the debugging operations when the data DA2 relating to the cache miss is read outfrom the cache memory to the arithmetic unit, itis impossible to specify the data DA2 because the sequentialpieces of data including the data DA2 are fetchedin ablock unit. Accordingly,the efficiency for specifying the data for the debugging operations deteriorates,and it is impossible to reliably specify which step is executed in theprogram.Therefore,it is impossible to immediately brake the arithmetic processing according toan interruption operation of the debugging operationswhen thedata DA2 relating to the cache miss is read out from the cache memory after the data DA2 is fetched from the external memory. That is, itis difficult to sufficiently execute the debugging operations. Onthe other hand, there isanother method that the microprocessor is operated according to simplifiedoperations in which the cache memory isnot used when the debugging operations are executed to prevent the efficiency for specifying the data DA2from deteriorating. However, the frequency that pieces ofdataare transmitted to the external bus according to the simplified operations is different from that in the normal operations inwhich the cache memory is used. In addition, theexecution timeof theprogram in the simplified operations isalso different fromthat inthe normal operations. Therefore, there is a drawback thatthe debugoperations cannot beefficiently executed while executing the normal operations.
|
1. Field of the _Invention_ The present invention relates to a microprocessor with a _cache_ memory in which debugging operations are supported, and, in particular, to a microprocessor with a cache _memory_ _in_ _which_ functions for implementing debugging operations are _improved._ 2. Description _of_ the Background Art Debugging operations are generally _executed_ to debug _in_ programming _in_ a microprocessor applied _system_ to develop the system. In _detail,_ a program stored in the system is actually executed before the debugging operations _are_ _executed._ Thereafter, for example, pieces of data transmitted on an external bus connected _to_ _an_ external _memory_ are monitored. The execution of the program is braked when arithmetic processing is _advanced_ to a designated _address_ or when designated _conditions_ such _as_ _access_ to a piece of _designated_ data are accomplished. _After_ braking the _execution_ _of_ the program, contents of _registers_ and memories are displayed. Also, _instructions_ executed during _the_ arithmetic processing are _listed_ up. _Therefore,_ an operator _can_ debug the program stored in _the_ program. In this case, the system is generally provided _with_ a plurality of microprocessors _which_ _are_ connected with _a_ _cache_ memory, an arithmetic unit and a control _unit._ _In_ addition, _the_ _system_ is provided with an external memory connected with _the_ microprocessors _to_ store a large pieces _of_ data, _and_ external buses through _which_ pieces of data, instructions or addresses are _transmitted_ between the microprocessors _and/or_ between the microprocessor and the external memory. However, there _are_ _drawbacks_ to execute the debugging _operations_ in cases where a program executed in _a_ microprocessor with a cache memory is debugged. That is, _the_ debugging operations are initially executed according to _normal_ operations. In detail, in cases where a piece of _data_ _is_ _stored_ at an address _of_ _the_ cache memory, an address _hit_ occurs in _the_ _microprocessor_ _when_ the address _is_ accessed _by_ the arithmetic unit _during_ the execution _of_ the _program._ Thereafter, under control _of_ the _control_ section, _the_ data stored _at_ the _address_ _is_ read _out_ _from_ the cache memory _to_ utilize in the arithmetic unit or is rewritten to _another_ piece _of_ data _which_ is made in the arithmetic _unit._ Therefore, _an_ operation accessing _to_ the external memory _is_ not executed in the _microprocessor._ In other words, instructions _or_ pieces of data transmitted between the cache _memory_ and the arithmetic _unit_ _cannot_ _be_ _detected_ even though the operation accessed from the microprocessor _to_ the external _bus_ is monitored. _On_ the other hand, _in_ cases where a piece _of_ _data_ _is_ not stored at an address of the _cache_ memory, a cache miss occurs in the _microprocessor_ when _the_ data _is_ accessed by the arithmetic unit _during_ the _execution_ of the _program._ Thereafter, the data _is_ fetched from the external memory through the external _bus_ to store at the address _of_ the cache _memory._ The above _debugging_ operations are executed in the same manner as the _normal_ operations. _In_ this case, the data transmitted _on_ the external bus is monitored by a data detector. Therefore, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is _scheduled_ to _be_ braked according to the debugging operations _when_ _a_ piece of data DA0 relating _to_ the _cache_ miss is _fetched_ _from_ the external _memory,_ the data _DA0_ is detected when _the_ data DA0 is transmitted on _the_ _external_ _bus._ This operation is one of the debugging operations and is not executed in the normal operation. Accordingly, _the_ arithmetic _processing_ executed in the arithmetic unit can be braked _to_ debug _the_ program executed in the arithmetic unit. However, it has been recently _required_ to improve the speed _of_ the arithmetic processing during the normal operation. Therefore, in cases where the cache miss occurs, _a_ _group_ _of_ pieces of data is fetched in a block unit from _the_ _external_ _memory_ _to_ improve the _speed_ of the arithmetic _processing._ The pieces of data fetched _in_ a block unit _are_ likely _to_ be utilized _in_ _the_ arithmetic unit in serial order. _Therefore,_ as shown in FIG. 1, in cases where the arithmetic processing executed in the arithmetic unit is scheduled to be braked according to the debugging operations when a piece _of_ data DA2 relating _to_ the _cache_ miss is fetched from _the_ external _memory,_ a data signal requiring a _piece_ _of_ _data_ DA1 is, for example, transmitted _to_ the external memory _through_ an external bus _when_ the _data_ DA1 is accessed _by_ the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor and _a_ _cache_ miss _occurs._ Thereafter, a group of _sequential_ pieces of data _DA1_ to DA4 is _fetched_ from the external memory into the _cache_ memory in serial order. That is, the sequential pieces of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory. _In_ this case, the data DA2 is not detected by a data detector because _the_ data DA2 is not required by the data signal even though the _data_ DA2 is _fetched_ into the cache _memory_ from the external memory. Thereafter, the data DA1 stored at _the_ address AD1 _of_ the cache memory is read out _from_ _the_ _cache_ memory to utilize _for_ the arithmetic processing in the arithmetic unit. _Thereafter,_ the data DA2 stored at the address AD2 of the _cache_ memory is read out from the cache memory without the occurance of the cache miss. Therefore, it is _impossible_ to _specify_ the data DA2 _accessed_ by the arithmetic unit in the microprocessor _even_ though data signals transmitted through _the_ external bus are monitorred without monitorring a piece of data processed in the _arithmetic_ unit. Also, even though the data DA2 is detected by the data detector when the sequential _pieces_ of data DA1 to DA4 are stored at addresses AD1 to AD4 of the cache memory, _the_ _data_ DA2 is not necessarily read out by the _arithmetic_ _unit_ after _the_ _data_ DA1 is _read_ out by the arithmetic unit. Therefore, when _the_ arithmetic processing is _braked_ for _the_ debugging operations, the program executed _in_ _the_ arithmetic _unit_ is stopped at a step not _relating_ to the data DA2. _As_ mentioned above, _even_ though _the_ arithmetic _processing_ executed in _the_ arithmetic unit is _scheduled_ to be braked _for_ the debugging operations _when_ the _data_ DA2 relating to the _cache_ miss is _read_ out from the _cache_ _memory_ to the arithmetic unit, it is impossible to specify the data DA2 because the sequential pieces of data _including_ the data DA2 are fetched in a block unit. Accordingly, _the_ efficiency for specifying the data _for_ the debugging _operations_ deteriorates, and it is _impossible_ to reliably specify which step is executed _in_ the program. Therefore, it is impossible to _immediately_ brake the arithmetic processing according to an interruption operation of _the_ debugging operations _when_ _the_ data DA2 relating to _the_ cache miss is read out from the cache _memory_ after _the_ data DA2 _is_ fetched from the external memory. That _is,_ it is difficult to sufficiently _execute_ the debugging operations. On _the_ other hand, there is another method that the microprocessor is operated according to simplified operations _in_ _which_ the cache memory is not used when the debugging operations are executed to prevent _the_ efficiency for specifying the data DA2 from deteriorating. However, _the_ frequency that pieces _of_ _data_ _are_ transmitted to _the_ _external_ bus according to the simplified operations is different from that _in_ the _normal_ operations in which the cache memory is used. _In_ _addition,_ the execution time _of_ the program in the simplified operations is _also_ different _from_ that in _the_ normal operations. _Therefore,_ there is _a_ drawback that the debug operations cannot _be_ efficiently _executed_ _while_ executing the normal _operations._
|
The present invention generally relates to an interface for direct data transfers and, in particular, relates to such an interface for effecting direct data transfers between an intelligent switch and a microcomputer.
The direct data transfer from the random-access-memory (RAM) of one microcomputer to the RAM of another microcomputer is known. Characteristically, such transfers are effected by means of known handshake signal techniques. Basically, the initiating microcomputer accesses the other to request control of the other microcomputers local bus. When the accessed microcomputer yields control of its local bus, the initiating microcomputer, now controlling the local buses of both devices proceeds to read or write to the accessed RAM and, when the data transfer is complete, signals the completion of the transfer. The accessed device then regains control of its local bus.
Usually, such data transfers are executed to effect the transfer of large amounts of data. The direct data transfer, also referred to as "direct memory access" (DMA) results in a substantial savings of computing time compared to, for example, a first-in-first-out data transfer.
However, also characteristically, the accessed microcomputer, after religuishing its local bus, can only service the accessing microcomputer. For example, if a read is being performed on the accessed device, the accessed device must wait until the completion of that process before executing a read or write itself or participating in a data transfer with another device. It is for this reason that DMA transfers are conventionally restricted to large data transfers.
Further, when accessed, a device provides one address to the accessing device. This address represents a single starting address which the accessing device uses as a starting address from which it will read or to which it will write. That is, only a single starting address is generated by an accessed device for the transfer of substantial blocks of data. Hence, the transfer of a complete block of data must be completed before another starting address is supplied, i.e., before the device can be accessed again.
Still another characteristic of conventional DMA transfers is the requirement that the RAM of the accessing microcomputer must be linked, literally, directly, i.e., without intermediate storage devices, to the RAM of the accessed device. But for this characteristic, the use of DMA transfers would become disadvantageous due to the added read/write steps necessary to carry data through any storage medium.
These characteristics, however, place severe constraints on many potential implementations of such a technique. Hence, the direct transfer of data between a microcomputer and devices such as, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore, been impractical.
|
the present invention concept relates to an interface for direct data transfers and, in particular, relates to such an interface for effecting direct data transfers between an intelligent switch and a microcomputer. the direct data transfer from the random - access - memory ( ram ) of one microcomputer to the ram of another microcomputer is known. characteristically, such transfers are effected by means with known handshake signal techniques. generally, the initiating microcomputer accesses the other to request control of the other microcomputers local bus. when the accessed microcomputer yields control of its local bus, the initiating microcomputer, now controlling the local buses of both devices proceeds to read or write to the accessed ram and, when the data transfer is complete, signals the completion at the transfer. the accessed device then regains control of its local bus. usually, such data transfers are executed to effect the transfer of large amounts of data. the direct data transfer, also referred to as " direct memory access " ( dma ) results in a substantial savings of computing time compared to, for example, a first - in - first - out data transfer. however, also characteristically, the accessed microcomputer, after religuishing its local bus, can only service the accessing microcomputer. for example, if a read is being performed on the accessed device, the entering device must wait until the completion of that process before executing a read or write itself or participating in a data transfer with another device. it is for this reason that dma transfers are conventionally restricted to large data transfers. further, when accessed, a device provides one address alongside the accessing device. this address represents a single starting address which the accessing device uses as a starting address from which it will read or to which it will write. that is, only a single starting address is generated by an accessed device for the transfer of substantial blocks of data. hence, the transfer of a complete block of data must be completed before another starting address is inserted, i. e., before the device can be accessed again. one another characteristic of conventional dma transfers is the requirement that the ram exiting the accessing microcomputer must be linked, literally, directly, i. e., without intermediate storage devices, to the clock of the accessed device. but for this characteristic, the use of dma transfers would become disadvantageous due to the added read / write steps necessary to carry data through any storage medium. these characteristics, however, place severe constraints on many potential implementations of such a technique. hence, the direct transfer of data between a microcomputer and devices such as, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore, been impractical.
|
The present invention generally relates to an interface for direct data transfers and, in particular, relates to such an interface for effecting direct data transfers between an intelligent switch and a microcomputer. The direct data transfer from the 4aneom - access - memory (RAM) of one microcomputer to the RAM of another microcomputer is known. Characteristically, such transc#rs are effected by means of known handshake signal techniques. Basically, the initiating microcomputer accesses the other to request sontTol of the other microcomputers local bus. When the accessed microcomputer yields control of its local bus, the initiating microcomputer, now controlling the local buses of both devices proceeds to read or write to the accessed RAM and, when the data transfer is complete, signals the completion of the transfer. The accessed device then regains control of its local bus. Usually, such data transfers are executed to effect the transfer of large amounts of data. The direct data transfer, also referred to as " direct memory access " (DMA) results in a substantial savings of computing time compared to, for example, a first - in - first - out data transfer. However, also characteristically, the accessed microcomputer, after religuishing its local bus, can only service the accessing micr0compute$. For example, if a read is being performed on the accessed device, the accessed device must wait until the completion of that process before executing a read or write itself or participating in a data transfer with another device. It is for this reason that DMA transfers are conventionally restricted to large data transfers. Further, when accessed, a device provides one address to the accessing device. This address represents a single starting address which the accessing device uses as a Ctadting address from which it will read or to which it will write. That is, only a single starting address is generated by an ascesWed device for the transfer of substantial blocks of data. Hence, the transfer of a complete block of data must be completed before another starting address is supplied, i. e. , before the dWvicW can be accessed again. Still another Dharacteris^ic of conventional DMA transfers is the requirement that the RAM of the accessing microcomputer must be linked, literally, directly, i. e. , without interned(ate storage devices, to the RAM of the accessed device. But for this characteristic, the use of DMA traJsfees would become disadvantageous due to the added read / write steps necessary to carry data through any storage medium. These characteristics, however, place severe constraints on many potential implementations of such a technique. Hence, the direct transfer of data between a microcomputer and devices such as, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore, been impractical.
|
The present invention generally relates to an for data transfers and, in particular, relates to such interface effecting direct data transfers between an intelligent switch and a The direct data transfer from the random-access-memory (RAM) of one microcomputer to the RAM of another microcomputer is known. Characteristically, such transfers are effected by means of known signal techniques. Basically, the initiating microcomputer accesses the other to request control of the other local bus. When accessed microcomputer control of its local bus, the initiating microcomputer, now controlling the local buses of both devices proceeds to read or write to accessed RAM and, when the data transfer is complete, signals the completion of the transfer. The accessed device then regains control of its local bus. Usually, such data transfers are executed to the transfer of large amounts of data. The direct data transfer, also referred to as "direct memory access" (DMA) results in a substantial savings computing time compared to, example, a first-in-first-out data transfer. However, also characteristically, the accessed after religuishing its local bus, can only service the microcomputer. For example, if a read is being performed on the accessed the accessed device must wait until completion of that process before executing a read or write itself or in a data transfer another device. It is for this reason that DMA transfers are conventionally restricted to large data transfers. Further, when accessed, a device provides one to accessing device. This address a single starting which the accessing device uses as starting address from which it will read or to which it will write. That is, only a single starting address is generated by an accessed device for the transfer of substantial blocks of data. the of a complete block of data be completed before another starting address is supplied, i.e., before the device can be accessed again. Still characteristic of transfers is the requirement that the RAM accessing microcomputer must linked, literally, directly, i.e., without intermediate storage the RAM of the accessed But for this characteristic, the use DMA transfers become disadvantageous due to the added read/write steps to carry data through any storage medium. These characteristics, place severe constraints on many potential implementations of such a technique. Hence, the transfer of data between a microcomputer devices such as, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore, been impractical.
|
THE PReSent inVENtION GenERally RELATEs To AN iNtErFACE fOR dIReCT dAtA traNSFERs and, In pArTicuLAR, rELAtES To sUch aN IntErFaCE FOR EfFEctINg dIRecT dATA tRAnSfeRs beTwEeN aN InTELLIgENt sWItCH AnD a MicrocoMputER.
tHe diREcT dAtA trANsfER fROM THe RandoM-aCcESS-MeMOry (rAM) OF ONe mIcROcOMpuTEr tO tHe raM oF anoTHeR mIcroCoMPUter IS KnowN. ChArAcTeRiSTicAlLY, SUch TRANsFerS aRE EFfeCTEd bY means oF KNoWN HAndsHaKE SiGnal TechNIQuES. bASicAlLy, The iniTIatING mICrocOMPuter aCCESSES THe oThER To ReQUESt ContrOL Of ThE OTher miCroCoMPutERs LOcAL BuS. wHeN the accesseD miCRoComPUter yIeldS coNtRoL oF iTs LOcAL BUS, THe INitIAtING mICROCOmputER, now CONTROlLInG tHe lOcAl BusEs Of botH DeVicES procEeds tO ReAd oR WRITE To tHe ACcESSed rAM AND, WHeN THe data TrAnsFEr iS cOmpletE, sIgnaLs tHE coMplEtioN OF THe TRaNSfEr. thE ACCeSSed DeVicE THen rEGaIns CONtRoL OF ITS lOcal BUS.
USUALly, SuCH daTA tRaNsFers aRE EXECuTEd To EffEcT ThE trAnsfeR of lARge aMoUnTs OF DaTA. ThE diRect DaTA tranSFEr, aLSo rEfERRed tO AS "dIreCT MemOrY ACCESs" (DmA) ResulTS In a SUbSTANTIaL SAvINGs of cOMPUtInG timE cOMPAReD TO, FoR eXAmPle, A FIRsT-in-FIrST-out dATa TRanSFeR.
HoWeVer, aLSO cHaRACTeRIsTICaLLy, tHe acCESsEd MIcrOcomPuTer, after relIgUisHIng ITs LoCaL bUs, can ONlY serviCE the acceSSIng miCRoCOmPuTER. fOR examPLe, If A rEAd iS BeING PeRfORMeD on ThE AccesSEd DEviCE, thE aCcesSED dEVice mUsT waIt UntiL the comPLETion Of tHaT PROcESS BeFORe EXEcUTing a rEAd Or wRitE ITSeLF Or pARtiCipaTINg iN a Data tRAnsfer WITH ANOTheR devicE. it Is fOr ThiS rEAsON that dMa tRansFERs aRE convENTIonaLly REstRIcTED tO LarGe dAta TRaNsFeRs.
fuRTher, WHEn acCeSsEd, a deVIce ProviDEs One ADDResS to thE aCcessiNG deViCe. tHIS aDDrESs RePresEnts a Single StaRtiNg AddrESs WHich tHE aCcEssiNg DeVIcE UsEs AS A StARtIng addreSS fRoM wHich it wilL ReAd Or TO which IT WiLL WrIte. ThAt iS, ONly a SiNGle STArTING aDdRess is geNeraTEd by an AcCeSsEd deviCe FOr tHE TRaNsfer of suBsTaNTiaL bLOCkS Of dAta. hence, THE tRanSfeR of a ComPlETE BLocK of Data Must Be CoMpLEtEd BEfoRe AnoTHeR StArtINg addrEsS is SUpPLIED, i.E., BEfOrE The DeviCE can be AcCeSSED AGAIn.
StiLl AnOtHeR cHAraCteRIsTiC Of ConVeNTionAL dma trANsFERs Is thE REQuiRemenT thAT tHe RAm Of tHe aCCESSinG MicRoCOMPUTER musT be liNkED, LiteRalLy, direcTlY, i.e., wIThoUt iNteRMeDIaTe stoRagE DeVICes, to THE Ram OF The acCEsSEd dEViCe. BUT For THiS cHARActEriSTiC, THE use of DMa tRaNSfErs WoUlD BeCOME DiSadvaNTAGEoUs DuE to thE aDdED READ/wriTE sTePs NecEsSARy TO caRRy DAta thrOuGh anY StoraGe medIUM.
THEsE chARActEriSTiCS, hoWeVer, place sEveRE ConsTRaiNtS oN Many potentIAl IMPLEMEnTaTions OF such a tecHniQUE. HENce, ThE dIRect TrANsfer OF daTA bETwEEn A mICRoCompUter aNd dEViCES sUch As, FoR eXAmpLe, aN iNTeLLIgENt sWitCh, Has, HErETofOre, BeEn IMPraCTICAl.
|
The present invention generally relatesto an interface for direct data transfers and, in particular,relates to such an interface foreffecting direct data transfersbetween an intelligent switch and a microcomputer. The directdata transfer from therandom-access-memory (RAM) of one microcomputer to the RAMof another microcomputer is known. Characteristically, such transfers areeffected bymeans of known handshake signal techniques. Basically,theinitiating microcomputer accesses the othertorequest controlof the other microcomputers local bus.When the accessed microcomputer yields control of its local bus,the initiating microcomputer, now controlling the local busesof both devices proceeds to read or writeto the accessed RAM and, when thedata transfer is complete, signals the completion of thetransfer. The accessed device then regainscontrol of its localbus. Usually, such data transfers areexecutedto effectthe transfer of large amountsof data. The direct data transfer, also referred to as "direct memory access" (DMA) results in a substantial savingsof computing time comparedto, for example, a first-in-first-outdata transfer. However, also characteristically, the accessed microcomputer, after religuishing its local bus, can only service the accessing microcomputer. For example, if a read isbeingperformed on the accessed device, the accesseddevice must wait until the completionof that process before executing a read or write itself or participating in a data transfer with another device. It is for this reason that DMA transfersare conventionally restricted to large data transfers. Further, when accessed, adevice provides one address to the accessing device. This address represents a single starting address which the accessing device uses as a starting address from which it will read orto which it will write. That is, only a single starting address is generated by anaccessed device for the transfer of substantial blocks of data.Hence, the transferof a complete block ofdata must be completed before another starting addressis supplied, i.e., before the device can be accessed again. Still another characteristic of conventional DMA transfers isthe requirement that the RAM of the accessingmicrocomputer must be linked, literally, directly, i.e., without intermediate storagedevices, to the RAMof theaccessed device. Butfor this characteristic, the use of DMAtransfers would become disadvantageous due to theadded read/write steps necessary to carry datathrough anystorage medium. These characteristics, however, place severe constraints on many potential implementations of such a technique. Hence, the direct transfer of data between a microcomputer and devices suchas, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore,beenimpractical.
|
_The_ _present_ invention generally _relates_ to an interface for direct data transfers and, _in_ particular, relates to such an _interface_ for effecting direct data transfers between an intelligent switch and a microcomputer. The direct data transfer _from_ the random-access-memory (RAM) of one _microcomputer_ to the RAM of another _microcomputer_ _is_ known. Characteristically, such _transfers_ are effected by means of _known_ handshake signal techniques. Basically, the initiating microcomputer accesses the _other_ to _request_ control of _the_ _other_ microcomputers local _bus._ When _the_ accessed microcomputer yields control of its _local_ bus, the _initiating_ _microcomputer,_ _now_ controlling the local buses of both devices proceeds to read or write to the accessed RAM and, when the _data_ transfer is complete, signals the completion of the transfer. The accessed _device_ then regains control of its local bus. Usually, _such_ data transfers are executed to _effect_ the transfer of large amounts of _data._ The direct data _transfer,_ _also_ referred to _as_ "direct _memory_ access" (DMA) results in a _substantial_ savings of _computing_ time compared to, _for_ example, a _first-in-first-out_ data transfer. However, also characteristically, the accessed _microcomputer,_ after religuishing its local bus, _can_ _only_ service the _accessing_ microcomputer. _For_ example, if a read is being performed on the accessed device, the accessed device _must_ wait until the completion of _that_ _process_ before executing a read or _write_ itself _or_ participating _in_ a data transfer with another device. It is for this reason that DMA transfers _are_ conventionally restricted to large data _transfers._ Further, when accessed, a device provides _one_ address to the _accessing_ _device._ _This_ _address_ represents _a_ single starting address which the accessing device uses as a starting address from which it will read _or_ to which it will write. That _is,_ only _a_ single starting _address_ is generated by an accessed device for the _transfer_ _of_ _substantial_ _blocks_ of data. Hence, _the_ transfer of a complete block of data must be completed before _another_ starting address _is_ supplied, i.e., before the device _can_ be accessed again. Still another characteristic of conventional DMA transfers is the requirement that _the_ RAM of the accessing microcomputer _must_ be _linked,_ _literally,_ _directly,_ i.e., without _intermediate_ storage devices, to the RAM of the accessed device. But for _this_ characteristic, the use of DMA _transfers_ would become disadvantageous due to the added read/write steps _necessary_ _to_ _carry_ _data_ through any storage _medium._ These characteristics, however, place _severe_ _constraints_ on _many_ potential implementations of such a technique. Hence, the direct _transfer_ _of_ data _between_ a _microcomputer_ _and_ devices such as, for example, an intelligent switch, has, heretofore, _been_ _impractical._
|
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a super-wide-angle lens and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a super-wide-angle lens which can be used for a digital camera, a broadcasting camera, a movie camera, and the like; and an imaging apparatus including the super-wide-angle lens.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there is great demand for cameras in the above fields to have a small F-number which enables photography in dark places and to have high performance which can be compatible with recent high-definition imaging elements. Moreover, for example, some movie cameras and the like are provided with a mechanism for driving power focus of a focusing group (a lens group which moves while focusing) such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. As there are many opportunities to photograph subjects which are moving, there is demand for a lightweight focusing group and suppression of fluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view in order to have superior responsiveness to focusing when the distance to a subject is changed. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the inner focus lens system is often adopted. Examples of the inner focus lens system include the lens systems disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-186269 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-028009.
In contrast, many wide angle type lenses for movie cameras are conventionally of the fixed focus type from the viewpoint of optical performance, and are often used by changing a plurality of lenses according to the intended application. For example, the lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-056217 of a retrofocus type in which a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group are arranged in this order from the object side is known as a wide angle lens.
|
1. technical field the present invention relates to a ultra - wide - angle lens and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a super - long - angle lens which can be used for a digital camera, a broadcasting camera, a picture camera, and the like ; and an imaging apparatus including the super - wide - angle lens. 2. description of the related art in recent years, there is great demand for cameras in the above fields to have a small f - number which enables photography in dark places and to have high performance which can be compatible with recent high - definition imaging elements. moreover, for example, some movie cameras and the like are provided with a mechanism for driving power focus of a focusing group ( a lens group which moves while focusing ) such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. as there are many opportunities to photograph subjects which are moving, this is demand for a lightweight focusing group and suppression visual fluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view in order to have superior responsiveness to focusing when the distance to a subject is changed. taking these circumstances into consideration, the inner focus lens system is often adopted. examples like the inner focus lens system include the lens systems disclosed in japanese unexamined patent publication no. 2011 - 186269 and german revised patent publication no. 2011 - 028009. in effect, many wide angle type lenses for movie cameras are conventionally of the fixed focus type from the viewpoint of optical performance, and are often used by changing a plurality of lenses according to the intended application. for example, the lens disclosed in japanese unexamined patent publication nr. 2000 - 056217 of a retrofocus type in which a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group are arranged in this order from the object side is known as a wide angle lens.
|
1. Technical Field The present invent9oG relates to a super - wide - angle lens and an imaging apparatus, and ,oGe particularly to a super - wide - angle lens which can be used for a digital camera, a broadcasting camera, a movie camera, and the like; and an imaging apparatus including the super - wide - angle lens. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there is great demand for cameras in the above fields to have a small F - number which enables photography in dark places and to have high performance which can be compatible w9Yh recent nUgh - definition imaging elements. Moreover, for example, some movie cameras and the like are provided with a mechanism for Xrivimg power focus of a focusing group (a lens group which moves while focusing) such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. As there are many opportunities to photograph subjects which are Nov8ng, there is demand for a lightweight focusing group and suppression of fluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view in order to have superior responsiveness to focusing when the distance to a subject is changed. Taking these circumstances un4o Vonsideratuon, the inner focus lens system is often adopted. Examples of the inner focus lens system include the lens systems disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011 - 186269 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011 - 028009. In contrast, many wide angle type lenses for movie cameras are conventionally of the fixed focus type from the viewpoint of optical performance, and are often used by changing a plurality of lenses according to the intended application. For example, the lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000 - 056217 of a retrofocus type in which a negative first lens group, a positive s4cLnd lens group, and a positive third lens group are arranged in this order from the PbIect side is known as a wide angle lens.
|
1. Technical present relates to a super-wide-angle lens and an imaging apparatus, and particularly to a super-wide-angle lens which can be used for a digital camera, broadcasting camera, a movie camera, and the like; and an imaging apparatus including the super-wide-angle lens. 2. Description of Art recent years, there is great demand for cameras in the above fields to have a small F-number which enables photography in dark places and to have high performance which can be compatible with recent high-definition imaging elements. Moreover, for example, some movie cameras and the like are provided with a mechanism for power focus of a focusing group (a lens group moves focusing) such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. As there many opportunities photograph subjects which are moving, there is demand for a lightweight focusing and of fluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of view order to have superior responsiveness to focusing when the distance to a subject is changed. Taking circumstances into consideration, the inner focus lens system is adopted. Examples of the inner lens system include the lens systems disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-186269 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-028009. In contrast, many wide angle type lenses for movie cameras are conventionally of the fixed focus type from the viewpoint of performance, and are often used by changing a of lenses according to the intended application. For example, the lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Publication No. 2000-056217 of a type in which a negative lens group, a positive second lens and positive third lens group are in this order from the object side is known angle lens.
|
1. TECHniCAL FIEld
the prESeNt InVeNTIoN relates tO A SUPER-WIDE-aNgle leNs AND An ImaginG aPpAratUs, AND MOrE parTiCulaRly To A SUpEr-WidE-aNGlE LenS WhICh Can bE USEd For A digiTal CaMErA, A bRoaDCAstINg camEra, A moVIE cAmEra, aND the LIke; aNd AN IMaGInG apparATus iNCluDing ThE sUPer-wIde-ANGLE lenS.
2. deSCrIPtIOn OF tHe RElAtEd art
iN reCeNT yEArs, theRE IS GrEAT DEMAnd For cameraS in tHe ABOVe fiElDs To HaVe A sMALL F-nUMbeR WhICH enAbLES PHOtOGrAphY IN DarK PLaCES aND to haVe HigH peRFOrmANCe whiCH CAn BE CoMpaTiBLE WIth ReCent hIGh-definItIoN iMAGiNG eLeMEntS. MOReOVeR, fOR EXAMpLE, Some MovIe CAmERaS anD the LIKe Are prOVIDEd WitH A meChanISM FoR DrIVinG POwER Focus OF a foCUSINg GrouP (A LenS grOup WhicH MoVes whIle FocusiNG) suCh aS aN aUTofoCus MechANism aNd THe lIke. as tHERe aRe mANY OpPoRTUNiTiES to pHoTOgrAPh sUBjeCTS whICH are MOVINg, TherE Is deMAND fOr a lighTWeIGhT FocUsIng grouP And SupPReSSion oF FLUCTUaTIonS in aBerRaTiONs ANd fLUctUAtIONs IN the aNGLE oF vIew IN oRDEr To Have SupeRIOr REspoNSiVEnesS To FOCUSINg WheN tHE dIsTAnce To a Subject IS cHANgeD. TakINg tHESe cIRCUmSTaNCES iNTO cONsiDEratIOn, ThE iNneR FOCUS LeNs SySteM iS OFTeN ADopTeD. ExaMPles Of thE INNer FoCUS LenS sYstEM iNcLUde the leNs SySTeMS DiSclOsed in jAPaNEse UneXAMiNEd pAtenT PubLiCatIon No. 2011-186269 aNd JaPAnese UNExamINEd paTeNt pUBLicATION nO. 2011-028009.
In contrASt, many WIDe angLe TyPE leNsES FOR MoviE cameRAS ArE CoNventiONaLLY OF THe fixEd fOcUs type frOm tHe ViEWpOinT Of oPTICAL pErformAnce, and ARe OFTeN uSEd By changING A pLuRAliTy of lenSEs aCcorDINg TO tHE InTENDed apPLIcAtION. foR EXAMplE, THe lEns DISCLoSeD In JAPANESe uNExAmINed PATeNt PuBLIcAtioN no. 2000-056217 oF a RETrofocuS TYPe iN wHiCH a negative FiRST leNS group, A poSiTivE SeCoNd lENs groUp, ANd A PosItIVe tHiRd LenS gRoUp arE arRanGED IN THiS ORDeR fRom The ObjeCt SiDE iS KnOwn as A wIde ANGlE leNS.
|
1. Technical Field The present invention relates to asuper-wide-angle lens andan imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a super-wide-angle lens which can be used for a digital camera, a broadcasting camera, a movie camera, and the like; and an imaging apparatus including the super-wide-angle lens. 2. Description of the RelatedArt In recent years, there is greatdemand for cameras in the above fields to have a small F-number which enables photographyin dark places and to havehigh performance which can be compatible with recent high-definition imaging elements. Moreover, for example, some movie cameras and the like are provided with a mechanism fordrivingpower focus of a focusing group (a lens group which moves while focusing) such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. As thereare many opportunities tophotograph subjects which are moving,there is demand for a lightweight focusing group and suppression offluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations in the angle of viewin order to have superior responsiveness to focusingwhen thedistance to a subjectis changed. Taking these circumstances into consideration, theinner focus lens system is often adopted. Examplesof the inner focus lens system include the lens systemsdisclosed in Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication No. 2011-186269 and Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationNo. 2011-028009. In contrast, many wide angle type lenses for movie cameras are conventionally of the fixedfocus type fromthe viewpoint of optical performance, and are often used by changing aplurality of lenses according to the intended application. For example, the lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-056217 of a retrofocus type in which a negative first lens group, a positive secondlens group, and a positive third lens group are arranged inthisorder from the object side is knownas a wide angle lens.
|
1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a super-wide-angle _lens_ _and_ _an_ imaging apparatus, and more particularly _to_ a super-wide-angle lens which _can_ be _used_ _for_ a digital camera, a _broadcasting_ camera, a movie camera, and the like; _and_ an imaging apparatus _including_ the super-wide-angle _lens._ _2._ _Description_ _of_ _the_ Related Art In recent _years,_ there is great demand _for_ cameras in the _above_ fields to have a _small_ F-number _which_ _enables_ photography _in_ dark places _and_ to _have_ high _performance_ _which_ can be compatible with _recent_ high-definition imaging elements. Moreover, _for_ example, some _movie_ cameras _and_ the _like_ are _provided_ with a mechanism for driving _power_ focus of a focusing group (a lens group which moves while _focusing)_ such as an autofocus mechanism and the like. _As_ _there_ are many opportunities _to_ photograph subjects which are moving, there is demand for a lightweight focusing group and suppression of fluctuations in aberrations and fluctuations _in_ the angle of view in _order_ _to_ _have_ _superior_ _responsiveness_ _to_ _focusing_ when the distance to a _subject_ is _changed._ _Taking_ these circumstances into consideration, the inner focus lens system is often adopted. _Examples_ of the inner _focus_ lens system include the lens _systems_ disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-186269 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-028009. _In_ contrast, _many_ wide angle type _lenses_ for _movie_ cameras _are_ conventionally of the fixed focus type from the viewpoint _of_ optical _performance,_ and are often _used_ by changing _a_ plurality of lenses according _to_ the _intended_ application. For example, the lens disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-056217 _of_ a _retrofocus_ type in _which_ a negative first _lens_ _group,_ _a_ positive second lens group, _and_ a positive third lens group are arranged _in_ this order from the object _side_ is known as _a_ wide _angle_ lens.
|
This invention relates to a header processing engine for processing packet headers.
Computer systems on modern data packet networks typically exchange data in accordance with several different protocols operating at all layers of the network—from protocols governing the quality of service of data streams, to protocols determining the logical construction of data packets, to protocols determining the physical signaling of fully-formed data packets onto the fabric of the network. A typical network data packet will therefore have multiple headers formed in a nested arrangement as the data packet is built up at a computer system. Often data packets will include one or more headers at each of layers 2 to 5 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.
For example, a TCP/IP data packet transmitted over an Ethernet network over which a logical VLAN has been established might have a nested header structure similar to the following: Ethernet/VLAN/IP/TCPAdditionally the packet could have layer 5 headers within the above structure, such as a NetBIOS header.
The headers of a data packet tell a computer system handling the data packet all of the information it needs to know in order to correctly route the payload data of the data packet to its destination and to respond appropriately to the originator of the data packet. Without the packet headers the payload data is simply a series of bits without any context and a computer system would not know how to handle the data. On receiving a data packet a computer system must therefore process the headers of the data packet in order to determine what it is going to do with the data packet.
Generally, some of the header processing is done in software in the end system and some of the header processing is done in hardware. Software processing usually follows the model of a layered protocol stack, with successive headers being stripped and processed in turn. In contrast, hardware processing may process only some headers, or handle combinations of headers as a single entity, in order perform the required operations. Header processing at hardware can be particularly useful for routing packet data, accelerating packet delivery, or for manipulating the header of a packet.
Header processing in hardware is generally performed at a network interface device. As each data packet is received, the network interface device parses the headers of the data packet and performs such operations as: performing checksums, extracting data and looking up the intended destination of the data packet using the address data in the headers. The operations performed generally depend on the type of headers present in the data packet. Since multiple operations are typically required for each data packet and there can be millions of data packets arriving over a network at a computer system every second it is important to ensure that the headers are processed as efficiently and with as little latency as possible.
Conventional header processing hardware uses a dedicated processor to parse the headers in a data packet and perform the processing required for each header as the headers are identified. Such a processor can be efficient in terms of the number of operations the hardware is required to perform, but often waste processor cycles as the same processor executes each operation in the necessary order. For example, the processor must read header data from the packet buffer, identify the headers in each data packet, request look-up operations in forwarding tables at the network interface device, and make calls to hash calculation units at the network interface device. Furthermore, the instruction set of the processor must be large enough to support the range of operations the processor is expected to perform. This can lead to complex processors being used to perform what are in essence a series of repetitive simple operations. Such processors are power inefficient, which is a particular concern in network interface devices for use in blade servers and data farms.
Furthermore, implementing header processing in hardware or firmware using the classic layered protocol stack model is very inefficient, requiring hardware configured to constantly process chains of if-then-else logic over sequences of headers.
There is therefore a need for an improved header processing engine for a network interface device which addresses the above problems.
|
this invention referred to a header processing engine for processing packet headers. computer systems on modern data packet networks typically exchange data in accordance with several different protocols operating at all layers of the network — from protocols governing the quality of service of data streams, to protocols determining the logical construction of data packets, to protocols determining the physical signaling of fully - formed data packets onto the fabric of the network. a single network data packet will therefore have multiple frames formed in a nested arrangement as the data packet is built up at a computer system. often data packets will include one or more headers at each of layers 2 to 5 of the open system integration ( osi ) model. for example, a tcp / ip data packet transmitted over an ethernet network over which a logical vlan has been established might have a nested header structure similar to the following : ethernet / vlan / ip / tcpadditionally the packet could have layer 5 headers within the above structure, such as a data header. the headers of a data packet tell a computer system handling the data packet all of the values it needs to know in order to correctly route the payload data of the data packet to its destination and to respond appropriately to the originator of the data packet. without the packet headers the payload data is simply a series of bits without any context and a computer system would not know how to handle the data. on receiving a data packet a computer system must therefore process the headers of the data packet in order to determine what it is going to do with the data packet. generally, some of the header processing is done in software in the end system and some of the header processing is done in hardware. software processing usually follows the model of a layered protocol stack, with successive headers being stripped and processed in turn. in contrast, hardware processing may process only some headers, or varying combinations of headers as the single entity, in order perform the required operations. header processing at hardware need be particularly useful for routing packet data, accelerating packet delivery, or for manipulating the header of a packet. header processing in hardware is generally performed at a network interface device. as each data packet is received, a network interface device parses the headers of the data packet and performs such operations as : performing checksums, extracting data and looking up the intended destination of the data packet using the address data in the headers. the operations performed generally depend on the type of headers present in the data packet. since multiple operations are typically required for each data packet and there can be millions of data packets arriving over a network at a computer system every second it is important to ensure that the headers are processed as efficiently and with as little latency as possible. conventional header processing hardware uses a dedicated processor to parse the headers in a data packet and perform the processing required for each header as the headers are identified. such a processor can be efficient in terms of the number of operations the hardware is required to perform, but often waste processor cycles as the same processor executes each operation in the necessary order. for example, the processor must read header data from the packet buffer, identify the headers in each data packet, request look - up operations in forwarding tables at the network interface device, and make calls to hash calculation units at the network interface device. furthermore, the instruction set of the processor must be large enough to support the range of operations the processor is expected to perform. this can lead to complex processors being used to perform what are in essence a series of repetitive simple operations. such processors are power inefficient, which is a particular concern in network interface devices for use in blade servers and data farms. furthermore, implementing header processing in hardware or firmware using the classic layered protocol stack model is very inefficient, requiring hardware configured to constantly process chains of if - then - else logic over sequences of headers. there is therefore a need for an improved header processing engine for a network interface device which addresses the above problems.
|
This invention relates to a header processing engine for processing packet headers. Computer systems on modern data packet networks typically exchange data in accordance Sitm several different protocols operating at all layers of the network — from protocols governing the quality of service of data streams, to protocols determining the logical construction of data packets, to protocols determining the physical signaling of fully - formed data packets onto the fabric of the network. A typical network data packet will therefore have multiple headers formed in a nested arrangement as the data packet is built up at a computer system. Often data packets will include one or more headers at each of layers 2 to 5 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. For example, a TCP / IP data packet transmitted over an Ethernet network over which a logical VLAN has been established might have a nested header structure similar to the following: Ethernet / VLAN / IP / TCPAdditionally the packet could have layer 5 headers within the above structure, such as a NetBIOS header. The headers of a data packet tell a computer system handling the data packet all of the information it needs to know in order to correctly route the payload data of the data packet to its destination and to respond appropriately to the originator of the data packet. Without the packet headers the payload dztw is simply a efries of bits without any context and a computer system would not know how to handle the data. On receiving a data packet a computer system must therefore process the headers of the data packet in order to determine what it is going to do with the data packet. Generally, some of the header processing is done in software in the end system and some of the header processing is done in hardware. Software processing usually follows the model of a layered protocol stack, with successive headers being stripped and processed in turn. In contrast, hardware processing may process only some headers, or handle combinations of headers as a single ejHity, in order perform the required operations. Header processing at hardware can be LarticularlJ useful for routing packet data, accelerating Lavket delivery, or for manipulating the header of a packet. Header processing in hardware is generally performed at a heHwork interface device. As each data packet is received, the network interface device parses the headers of the data packet and performs such operations as: performing checksums, extracting data and looking up the intended destination of the data packet using the address data in the headers. The operations performed generally depend on the type of headers present in the data packet. Since multiple operations are typically required for each data packet and there can be millions of data packets arriving over a network at a computer system every second it is important to ensure that the headers are processed as efficiently and with as little latency as possible. Conventional header processing hardware uses a dedicated processor to parse the headers in a dahz packet and perform the processing required for each header as the headers are identified. Such a processor can be efficient in terms of the number of operations the hardware is required to perform, but often waste processor cycles as the same processor executes each operation in the necessary order. For example, the processor must read header data from the packet buffer, identify the headers in each data packet, request look - up operations in forwarding tables at the network interface device, and make calls to hash calculation units at the network interface device. Furthermore, the instruction set of the processor must be large enough to support the range of operations the processor is expected to perform. This can lead to complex processors being used to perform what are in essence a cer9es of repetitive simple operations. Such processors are power inefficient, which is a particular concern in network interface devices for use in blade servers and data farms. Furthermore, implementing header processing in hardware or firmware using the classic layered protocol stack model is ve#H inefficient, requiring hardware configured to constantly process chains of if - then - else logic over sequences of headers. There is therefore a need for an improved header processing engine for a network interface device which addresses the above problems.
|
invention relates to a header processing engine for processing packet headers. Computer systems on modern data packet networks typically exchange data in accordance with several different protocols operating all layers of the network—from governing the quality of service of data streams, protocols determining logical construction data packets, to protocols determining the physical signaling of fully-formed data packets onto the fabric of the network. A typical data packet have headers in arrangement as the data packet built up at a computer Often data packets will include one or more headers at each layers 2 to 5 of the Open Interconnection (OSI) model. For example, a TCP/IP data packet transmitted over an Ethernet network over which a logical VLAN has been established might have a nested header structure similar to the Ethernet/VLAN/IP/TCPAdditionally the packet could have layer 5 headers within the above structure, such as a NetBIOS header. The headers of a data packet tell a computer system handling the data packet all of information it needs to know in order to correctly route the data of the data packet to its destination and to respond appropriately to the originator of the data packet. Without the packet headers the payload data simply a series of without any and a computer system would not know how to handle receiving a data a system must therefore the headers of the packet in order to determine what it is going to do with the data packet. Generally, some of the header processing is done in software in the end system and some of the header processing is done in hardware. Software processing usually the model a layered protocol stack, with successive headers stripped and processed in turn. In contrast, hardware processing may process only some headers, or handle of headers as a single entity, in perform the operations. processing at hardware can particularly for routing data, accelerating packet delivery, or for manipulating the of a Header processing in hardware is generally performed at a network interface device. each data packet is received, the interface device parses the headers of the packet and performs such operations as: performing checksums, extracting data and looking up the intended destination of the data packet the address data in the headers. The operations generally depend the type headers present in the data packet. multiple operations are typically required for each data packet and there can be millions of data packets arriving over a network at a computer system every second it important to ensure that the headers are processed as efficiently and with as little latency as possible. Conventional header processing hardware uses a dedicated processor to parse the headers in a data packet and perform the processing required for each header as headers Such a processor can efficient in terms of the number of operations the hardware is required to but often waste processor cycles as the same processor executes each operation the order. For example, the processor read header data from the packet buffer, identify the headers in each data packet, request look-up operations in forwarding tables at the network interface device, make calls to hash calculation at the interface device. Furthermore, the instruction set of the processor must be large enough to the range of operations processor is expected to perform. This can lead to complex processors being used to perform what are in essence a series of repetitive simple operations. processors are power inefficient, which is a particular in network interface devices for use in blade servers and farms. Furthermore, implementing header processing in hardware or firmware using the classic layered protocol model is very inefficient, requiring hardware configured to constantly process chains of if-then-else logic over sequences of headers. There is therefore a need for improved header processing engine for a network interface device which addresses the problems.
|
tHIs INVEnTion rELAteS tO A hEADeR PRocESsiNg EngINE for proCesSInG PACket HEaDERS.
coMPUTer SySTems On mODerN DatA PAckET NeTwoRkS typICAlly excHaNGE DATA In ACCORdaNCe wItH sEverAl DIfFeReNT pROTOcoLS opeRatiNg aT ALL LAyERS OF ThE nETwOrk—fROm PrOTOColS GOveRNIng THE QuALITy Of seRViCe of DaTa STreaMs, TO PrOtOCoLS DeTeRmIniNg THE LOGiCAl ConStRUcTioN of DaTA pACKetS, to ProTocolS detERMiNiNg The PhysICal siGNALing oF FUlly-foRMED Data PAckEts OntO ThE fABriC Of The nETwORk. A tYpicAL nETworK daTa PACkEt Will THerEfOrE HAve MulTiPlE hEadeRs formed iN A NESted arraNGeMent as THE daTA pACkET Is BuiLT up At a COmPuTER sYStem. oFtEn dATA pACkEts WilL INClUDE oNe OR MoRe heAdERS At eaCh OF LAYErS 2 TO 5 Of The Open syStEm iNtERConNecTioN (osi) mODeL.
for example, a TcP/Ip dATa Packet TRANsmIttEd OVeR an ethErNEt NeTWORK OVEr which a LOgicAl vlAn hAS bEeN eStaBliShEd miGHt HaVe A NEstED HEaDeR StRuCTURE siMILAr tO tHe FoLLOWING: EThERneT/vLan/IP/TcPadDItIoNAlLy ThE PAcKEt COulD HAvE lAyER 5 heAders WITHIN THe aboVE sTructURE, SUch as A nETbIoS HeAder.
tHE hEADERS OF A DATa paCkeT tELL A compuTEr sySteM haNDLiNg tHe daTA PaCKEt aLL Of ThE iNfORmATion IT nEeDS to KnoW iN ordeR tO cOrRECTLy roUTE thE paYlOaD dAta OF THe Data pACKET To its dESTiNATIoN aNd tO RESPOND apProPrIAteLy to the OrIgINAtoR oF THE data PAcKEt. wiTHOUt thE pACkET heAdErS tHe PAYLoaD dAtA IS SImPlY A SERiEs Of bitS witHout aNY CONtexT and A COMPUTER sYStem WouLd NOT KNoW how To haNDLe the DatA. On reCeIViNg A datA PaCKeT A COmPUTeR SySteM muST ThEreFORe pROCess the HeAderS oF tHE data pAckET IN orDER to DeterMinE what It iS gOinG to Do wITH tHe data PACkEt.
geNeRALLY, SOmE oF The HeAdER PRoceSsInG Is DoNE iN soFTWArE IN ThE end sYSTem aND soMe Of THe HEadeR proceSSInG iS DONe iN haRdwarE. SOFtwarE PRoCeSsinG usUallY followS tHe mODeL of a LAYerED pROToCoL sTACK, WiTH SucCEsSiVE HeaDErS BEINg STrippED AND prOCEssED in tURn. in cOntrasT, haRDWare PrOCEsSiNG May ProcESS OnlY sOME HeADers, OR handle cOmbinaTions OF HeAdErS AS A SInGle ENTIty, In orDeR PERforM THe reQuireD oPeRAtIoNs. hEADER prOCeSsIng At hardwARE CAN be PARticUlARlY USefUL fOR ROutIng PACkeT dAta, aCcELeRatINg PaCKeT DeliVERY, oR fOR MANIPULATiNg tHe HEadEr Of A pACkeT.
HEadeR PrOCEssINg in HArDwAre IS GEnEraLly pErFoRmed at A NeTWOrk intErFaCe dEVICE. aS eaCh Data PACKeT iS rECeived, thE neTWork inTerFaCE DEvice PARSEs ThE heAdErS oF THE Data packEt AnD PERFormS suCH opeRATIONs As: perFORMING ChEcKSums, eXtraCTing DaTa And lOOKing uP tHe inteNdEd DEstInATIoN of thE dATa pACket uSiNG the ADdresS DATa in THE headerS. tHE opERATIONs PeRFOrMEd geNERAllY dEPEnd On ThE TypE OF HEADErS PresenT iN THE DAtA pACKEt. sinCE MulTIpLE OPerATiONS ARe tyPiCAlLY RequIRED fOR EACH Data pAcket and thEre caN Be mILlIONs Of datA PaCKeTs aRRiviNG oVEr a nETwORK AT a COmpUTer SysTem eVerY sEConD it Is ImporTaNt tO ENSUrE ThaT tHe HEADeRS arE proCeSSEd AS EffICiEnTLy anD WItH aS LITtLE latencY AS pOSSibLE.
coNVentIONAl HeAder ProCESSING HArDwArE uses A DeDiCateD proCesSor To Parse THe HEAdERs IN A DAtA PAckET and PERFOrM THE PRoCessIng reQuired foR eaCh heAdEr aS THE HEaDERS Are identIfIeD. SuCh a ProcESsOr can bE efficIenT IN TErMS of ThE NumBer Of oPErATIoNS ThE harDwARE IS REQuIRED TO perFOrm, BUt OFTen WAsTE proCeSSOR CYcles aS thE sAME ProCesSor eXeCUteS EaCh OperAtion iN thE NEcESsAry oRdER. foR ExamPLE, thE prOcESSOr muSt REAd heaDER dAta fROM ThE PaCket bUFFeR, IdentIFy tHE HEADErs IN eAcH DAta packEt, rEQueSt LOOk-uP OPeraTions in FOrWardinG TABLEs AT THe NEtWORk InteRfaCe devIcE, And maKe CalLs To hasH CalCuLaTION UNItS aT tHE netWOrk INTeRFacE DeViCe. FURthErmORE, THe InStRUCtion SEt of THE PrOCESsoR mUst Be LarGe ENOUGh to sUPPort THe RAnge of opeRaTionS tHE pROCeSSOr IS ExpEcTed TO PeRfOrm. tHIS CAn lEaD TO COmPleX ProCessors beIng uSeD tO pErfORm WHAt arE IN EssenCE a serIES OF RepetItivE SIMpLe OpeRATiOns. suCH PrOCesSOrS aRE poWer INEFFIcieNt, WHICH is a PARTicUlaR cOnCErN in NetWORK InterfACE dEvICEs foR use In BLAdE sERvErS aNd dATa FaRMs.
FurtHErmore, IMPleMEnTing HEAdEr prOCeSSiNg IN HardWare or FIRMwARe uSInG THe clAssic LAYERED PROTocOl sTaCk model Is VeRY INeFFiCIENt, RequIrInG harDware cOnFiguRED TO constANtLY pRocEss chAIns Of IF-then-ElSE lOgic ovEr seQUeNcES of headerS.
theRe iS thEreFoRe a nEEd for AN iMProVED HEADer PRoCEssiNG EnGiNe fOr A netwOrK InterFace DEvice WHiCh adDRessES The ABOvE PROBLEms.
|
This invention relates to a header processing engine for processing packet headers. Computer systemson modern datapacket networks typically exchange data in accordance withseveral different protocols operating at all layers of the network—from protocols governing the qualityofservice of data streams, to protocols determining the logical construction of data packets, to protocols determining the physical signaling of fully-formed datapacketsonto the fabric ofthe network. A typical network data packet will therefore have multiple headersformed in a nested arrangement asthe data packet isbuilt up at a computer system. Often data packets will include one or moreheaders ateach of layers 2 to 5 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.For example, a TCP/IP data packet transmittedoveranEthernet network over which a logical VLAN has beenestablishedmight havea nested header structure similar to the following: Ethernet/VLAN/IP/TCPAdditionally the packetcould have layer 5 headers within theabove structure, such as aNetBIOS header.The headersof a data packet tell acomputer system handling the data packet all of theinformation itneeds to know in order tocorrectly route the payloaddata of the data packet to its destination and to respond appropriately to the originatorof the data packet. Without the packet headers the payload data is simply a series of bits withoutanycontext and a computersystem would not know how to handle the data. On receiving a data packet acomputer system must therefore process theheaders of the datapacket in order to determinewhat it is going to do with the data packet. Generally, some ofthe header processing is done in software inthe endsystem and some ofthe header processing is done inhardware. Softwareprocessing usually follows the model of a layered protocol stack, withsuccessive headers being strippedand processed in turn. In contrast, hardware processing may processonly some headers,or handlecombinations of headers as a single entity, in order perform the required operations. Header processing at hardware can be particularly useful for routing packet data, accelerating packet delivery, or for manipulating the header of a packet. Header processing in hardware is generally performed ata network interfacedevice. As each data packet is received, the network interface device parsesthe headers of thedata packet and performs such operations as: performing checksums,extracting data andlooking up the intended destination of the data packet using the addressdata in theheaders. The operationsperformed generally dependon the type ofheaders present in the data packet. Since multiple operations are typically required for each datapacket and there can be millions of data packets arriving over a network at a computer system every second it is important to ensurethat the headers areprocessed asefficiently and with as little latency as possible. Conventional header processing hardware usesa dedicated processor to parse the headers in a data packetandperform the processing required for each header as theheaders are identified. Such a processorcanbe efficientin termsof the number of operations the hardware is required to perform,but often waste processor cycles as the same processor executes eachoperation inthe necessaryorder. For example, theprocessor must read headerdata from thepacket buffer, identify the headers ineachdatapacket, request look-up operations in forwarding tables at the network interface device, and make calls to hash calculation unitsatthe network interface device. Furthermore, the instruction set of the processor must be large enough to support the range of operations the processor isexpected to perform. This can lead to complex processors beingused to performwhat arein essence a series of repetitive simple operations. Such processors are powerinefficient,which is a particular concern in network interface devices for use in blade servers anddata farms. Furthermore, implementing header processing in hardware orfirmware using the classiclayered protocol stack model is very inefficient, requiring hardware configured toconstantly process chains of if-then-else logic over sequences of headers. There is thereforea needfor an improvedheader processing engine for a network interface device whichaddresses the above problems.
|
This invention relates to a header processing engine _for_ processing packet _headers._ Computer systems _on_ modern data packet _networks_ typically _exchange_ _data_ in accordance with several different protocols operating _at_ all _layers_ of the network—from protocols governing the _quality_ of service _of_ data streams, _to_ protocols determining the logical construction of data packets, to _protocols_ determining the physical signaling of fully-formed _data_ packets onto the fabric _of_ the _network._ A typical network _data_ _packet_ _will_ therefore have multiple headers formed _in_ a nested arrangement as _the_ data packet is built up _at_ a _computer_ _system._ Often data packets _will_ include one _or_ more headers at each of layers 2 to 5 of the Open System _Interconnection_ (OSI) model. For example, a TCP/IP data packet transmitted over _an_ Ethernet network over _which_ a _logical_ VLAN has been _established_ might have _a_ nested _header_ _structure_ similar to the following: Ethernet/VLAN/IP/TCPAdditionally _the_ _packet_ could have _layer_ 5 headers within the above _structure,_ _such_ as a NetBIOS _header._ The _headers_ _of_ a data packet tell a computer system handling the data packet all of the _information_ it needs to know in _order_ to correctly route the payload data of the data packet to _its_ destination and to respond _appropriately_ _to_ the originator of the data packet. Without the packet headers _the_ payload data is simply a series of bits without _any_ context _and_ _a_ computer system _would_ not know how to _handle_ the data. On receiving _a_ _data_ packet _a_ computer system must therefore process the headers of the data _packet_ in order to determine what it is going _to_ do with the _data_ packet. Generally, some of the header processing is done in _software_ _in_ the end _system_ and some of the header _processing_ _is_ done in hardware. Software processing usually follows the model of a layered _protocol_ stack, _with_ successive headers _being_ _stripped_ and processed in turn. In contrast, hardware processing may _process_ only _some_ headers, or handle _combinations_ of _headers_ as a single entity, in _order_ _perform_ the required _operations._ Header processing at hardware can be particularly useful for routing packet data, accelerating packet delivery, _or_ for manipulating the header _of_ a packet. Header processing in hardware is generally performed at a network interface device. _As_ each data _packet_ is received, the network interface device parses the headers _of_ the data packet _and_ performs such operations as: performing checksums, extracting _data_ _and_ looking up the intended destination of the data packet _using_ the address _data_ in the headers. _The_ operations performed _generally_ depend _on_ the _type_ of _headers_ present _in_ the data packet. Since multiple operations _are_ typically required for each data packet and there _can_ be millions of _data_ packets arriving over a network at a computer system _every_ second it is important to ensure that the headers are processed as efficiently and with as little latency as possible. _Conventional_ header processing hardware _uses_ _a_ dedicated processor to parse the _headers_ _in_ a data packet _and_ perform the processing required _for_ each header as the headers are identified. Such a processor can be _efficient_ in terms of the number of _operations_ the hardware _is_ required _to_ _perform,_ but often waste processor cycles as _the_ same processor executes each operation in the necessary order. For example, _the_ processor must read header _data_ from the _packet_ buffer, identify the headers in _each_ data packet, _request_ look-up operations _in_ forwarding tables _at_ the network _interface_ device, and make calls _to_ hash calculation units at the network interface _device._ _Furthermore,_ the instruction set of the processor must be _large_ enough to support _the_ range of operations the processor _is_ _expected_ to perform. This can lead to complex processors being _used_ to perform _what_ _are_ in _essence_ a series of repetitive simple operations. Such _processors_ are power inefficient, _which_ is a particular _concern_ in network interface devices for use in blade servers and data farms. Furthermore, implementing header _processing_ _in_ hardware or firmware using the _classic_ layered _protocol_ _stack_ model _is_ _very_ inefficient, requiring hardware configured to constantly process chains of _if-then-else_ logic _over_ sequences of _headers._ There _is_ therefore a need for _an_ improved header processing _engine_ _for_ a network interface _device_ which addresses the above _problems._
|
Optical fibers and electrical wires are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires to transmit signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may occur in the operation of data storage and transmission devices. Respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are held at their ends by connectors. To establish connections between respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires, the respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to each other or are both attached to adapters.
Connections between respective optical fiber connectors and electrical wire connectors, the electrical wire connectors and wires held thereby often being termed wiring harnesses, are often made using a click-to-lock configuration, as in the case of optical fiber “LC connectors.” This configuration prevents pullout of connectors when they are connected to each other or to a corresponding adapter and also provides a tactile feedback to alert a user attaching connectors to each other or to a corresponding adapter that a full connection in which pullout has been prevented has been made.
Sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter, which may be undetected by users, are made. Additionally, fatigue or other stresses induced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter causing connections to be broken or inadequate. Such incomplete or broken connections have caused reduced system performance or even complete system failure.
Therefore, there exists a need for detecting that proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made and maintained.
|
optical fibers and electrical wire are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires to transmit signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may occur in the operation of data storage and transmission devices. respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are terminated between their ends by connectors. to establish connections between respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires, the respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to each other or either both attached to adapters. connections between respective optical link connectors and optic wire connectors, the electrical wire connectors and wires held thereby often being termed wiring harnesses, are often made using a click - to - lock configuration, as in every case of optical fiber “ lc connectors. ” this configuration prevents pullout of connectors when they are connected to each other or to a corresponding adapter and also provides a tactile feedback to alert a user attaching connectors to each accessory or to a corresponding adapter that a full connection in which pullout has been prevented has been made. sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or such a connector and an adapter, which may be undetected by users, are made. additionally, fatigue or other stresses induced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter causing them to be broken or inadequate. such incomplete or broken connections have caused reduced system performance or even complete system failure. therefore, there exists a need for detecting that proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made and maintained.
|
Optical fibers and electrical wires are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires to transmit signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may occur in the operation of dqHa storage and transmission devices. R2spectivf opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are held at %hei5 ends by connectors. To establish connsctoons between respective oppoqJng optical fibers and electrical wires, the respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to each other or are both attached to adapters. Connections between respective optical fiber connectors and electrical wire connectors, the electrical wire connectors and wires held tTeDeby often being termed wiring harnesses, are often made using a click - to - lock configuration, as in the case of optical fiber “ LC connectors. ” This configuration prevents pullout of connectors when they are connected to each other or to a corresponding adapter and also provides a tactile feedback to alert a user attaching connectors to each other or to a corresponding adapter that a full connection in which pullout has been prevented has been made. Sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or between a connector and an QdaptSr, which may be undetected by users, are made. Additionally, fatigue or other stresses induced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a cogBector and an adspt$r causing connections to be broken or inadequate. Such iBcompletS or broken connections have caused reduced system performance or even complete system failure. Therefore, there exists a need for detecting that proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made and maintained.
|
fibers and electrical wires are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires to transmit signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may occur in the operation data storage and devices. Respective opposing optical fibers and wires are held at their by connectors. To establish connections between respective opposing optical fibers electrical wires, the respective optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to other are both attached to adapters. Connections between respective optical connectors and electrical connectors, the wire connectors wires held thereby often being termed wiring harnesses, often made using a click-to-lock configuration, as in case of optical fiber “LC connectors.” This configuration prevents of connectors when they are connected to each other or to a corresponding adapter and also provides a tactile feedback to alert a user attaching connectors to each other or to a corresponding adapter that a full connection in which pullout has been prevented has been made. Sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or between a and an adapter, which may be undetected users, are Additionally, fatigue or other stresses induced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a connector and an causing connections to be broken inadequate. Such incomplete broken connections have system performance or even complete system failure. Therefore, there exists a need detecting proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made and maintained.
|
oPTICAL FIBErS aND eLeCTRICAL wIres ARe opTiCALLY Or eLECtRICALly cOnnecTEd tO rESPEctiVe oppOsiNG oPticaL fiBerS anD eLecTRiCaL wIrEs TO TrANsMIT siGNaLS BetwEen THe REspECtiVe cONnecTEd FIBERS And wiRES, wHiCh MAy occuR IN the oPEraTIoN Of DATa storAge AND TranSMISsIOn DeVICes. ReSpECtiVE OPpoSiNg opTIcAL FIbErS aND eLecTRiCAl wIreS aRe helD at tHEiR eNds by CoNNectORS. to EsTaBLish cONNeCtIONs bEtwEeN RESpECtivE OpposiNG OPtiCAl fIBERs And eLECTRIcAL WiREs, ThE REspecTivE oPPoSinG OpTIcAl fIBERS AND ElECtRicaL wirES are ATTAched tO EaCh oTHeR Or ArE BoTH AtTaCheD to adAPteRS.
cONnECtIOnS BETwEEn RespEctivE OPtiCaL fiBEr COnNECToRS And elecTrIcAL wIre COnNeCtORs, THE eleCTRicaL wIre CONNectOrs ANd wiRes HElD THeREbY OFTEN BEiNG tErMED WirInG hARNESsES, aRE OFTEN MADe usIng A CliCK-to-LocK CONfIGurAtIOn, As IN THE CaSe Of OPtIcaL fIBEr “Lc cONNECToRS.” ThIs ConFigUraTioN pRevents puLlOUt oF CoNNeCtors wheN THEy ARE CONNEcTed to EaCH oTHEr Or tO a COrResPONDIng adApTeR ANd ALSO proVideS A taCtIlE feeDBaCk to aLeRt a UsEr aTtachIng connEcTors TO eACh oThEr oR To a cORREsPONDiNG ADaptER thAt a fULl COnNECTION iN wHIcH PuLlOUt hAs beeN PReveNted hAs Been MAde.
sOmETIMEs, InCoMPLetE COnNEctions BetweEn COnnEctoRS oR betWeen a ConNEctOR aNd an AdapTeR, which maY be uNDEteCteD BY USerS, ARe madE. adDiTIonaLlY, FATIgue Or OthEr StreSses InDuCed ThROugh usE of THe coNneCTorS MaY wEaKEN meChAnICal coNnecTIOnS BeTwEEN conNeCTOrs or beTWEEn a ConneCTOR anD aN AdaPTeR cAUsInG coNneCtiOns To be BrOKeN or inaDeQUATe. suCh INCoMPlEtE oR BroKen cONNectionS havE CAusEd REDuCed SysTEm PErFoRMaNce OR EVEn COMplETe sYStem fAiLURE.
therEFoRe, thERe EXIStS a NeED fOR deTECTING tHat PRoper RESPEctiVE optical fIBEr anD elecTRICAL WirING connectiOnS Are maDe and mAiNtaiNeD.
|
Optical fibers and electrical wires are optically orelectrically connected to respective opposing opticalfibers and electricalwires to transmit signals between the respective connectedfibers and wires, which mayoccur in the operationof data storage and transmission devices. Respective opposing optical fibers andelectrical wiresareheld at their ends by connectors. To establish connections between respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires, the respective opposing opticalfibersand electrical wires areattachedto each other orare both attached toadapters. Connectionsbetween respective optical fiber connectors and electrical wire connectors, the electricalwire connectors and wires held thereby often being termed wiring harnesses, are often made using aclick-to-lock configuration, as in the case of optical fiber“LC connectors.” This configuration prevents pullout of connectors when they are connected to each other or to acorrespondingadapter and also provides a tactile feedback to alert auserattaching connectors to each other or to a corresponding adapterthat a fullconnection in which pullout has been prevented has been made. Sometimes, incomplete connectionsbetween connectors or between a connector and an adapter, which may be undetected by users, are made. Additionally, fatigue or other stressesinduced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter causing connections to be broken or inadequate. Such incomplete orbroken connections have caused reduced system performance or even completesystem failure. Therefore,there exists a needfor detecting that proper respective optical fiberand electrical wiring connections are made and maintained.
|
Optical fibers and electrical _wires_ _are_ optically or electrically _connected_ to respective opposing optical _fibers_ and electrical wires to _transmit_ signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may _occur_ in the operation of data _storage_ and transmission devices. Respective opposing optical _fibers_ and electrical wires are _held_ _at_ their ends _by_ connectors. _To_ establish _connections_ _between_ respective opposing optical fibers and electrical _wires,_ the _respective_ opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to each other or are _both_ attached _to_ adapters. Connections between _respective_ optical fiber connectors _and_ electrical wire connectors, _the_ _electrical_ wire connectors and _wires_ held thereby _often_ being termed wiring harnesses, are often _made_ using a click-to-lock _configuration,_ as in the case of _optical_ fiber “LC connectors.” This _configuration_ _prevents_ pullout of _connectors_ when they are connected _to_ each _other_ or to _a_ corresponding adapter and also provides a _tactile_ _feedback_ to alert _a_ user attaching connectors _to_ _each_ other _or_ to a corresponding adapter that _a_ full connection in which pullout has been prevented has been made. _Sometimes,_ incomplete _connections_ _between_ connectors or between _a_ connector _and_ an _adapter,_ which may be _undetected_ _by_ users, are made. _Additionally,_ _fatigue_ or other stresses _induced_ through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors _or_ between a _connector_ _and_ an adapter causing connections to be broken _or_ inadequate. _Such_ incomplete or broken connections have caused reduced system performance or even complete system failure. Therefore, there exists a need for detecting _that_ proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made _and_ maintained.
|
This invention relates to four quadrant-loading article handlers and more particularly to a straddle-type loader wherein the operator station moves with the load.
As is known, industries are constantly faced with the problems of the lack of space for storage of industrial goods, parts, rolls, cases and the like. Since enclosing space for storage purposes has increasingly become more and more expensive, the trend has been to construct relatively high storage facilities to avoid lateral expansion which requires greater land use. Thus, the density of storage facilities has increased with minimum aisle space being provided. Thus, order-picker trucks are commonly used wherein the operator stands on the platform on the fork of the truck and the platform elevates to the desired height in the storage area. The articles are then manually moved either from the shelves or bins to the truck platform or from the truck platform to the storage shelves. This, of course, is a hazardous, time consuming and arduous process.
Prior art shows various approaches to the problem. U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,825 discloses a side-loading handling device which incorporates a carriage adapted to be moved at right angles to the prongs of the fork. A turntable is rotatably mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure which, in turn, is provided with a carriage adapted to be moved vertically. The arrangement disclosed is, in effect, a double order-picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,664 discloses a side-loading fork truck which includes an upright post or mast that is fixedly mounted on the truck body and supports a vertically movable carriage. A guide arrangement is mounted on the carriage for angular movement about a vertical axis. A load-handling fork is arranged on the frame for guided movement in a horizontal plane. U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,242 discloses a truck having a mast and a lifting carriage supported thereon. On the carriage, there is a turntable which is supported by the mast. On the turntable is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriage which supports a fork arrangement for reaching purposes. German Pat. No. 1,026,668 discloses a truck having a vertically movable mast adapted to carry a frame, the frame being mounted on the mast for transverse movement relative to the mast. A fork mechanism is carried by the frame for movement with it and for rotation and lateral movement.
|
this invention relates to four quadrant - loading article handlers and more particularly to a straddle - type loader wherein the operator station moves with the load. as is known, industries are constantly faced with the problems of the lack of space for storage of industrial goods, parts, rolls, cases and the like. since enclosing space for storage purposes has since become more and more expensive, the trend has been increasingly construct relatively high storage facilities to avoid lateral expansion which requires greater land use. thus, the density of storage facilities has increased with minimum aisle space being provided. thus, order - picker trucks are commonly used wherein the operator stands on the chassis on the fork of the truck and the platform elevates to the desired height in the storage area. the articles are then manually moved either from the shelves or bins to the truck platform or from the truck platform to the storage shelves. it, of course, prevents a hazardous, time consuming and arduous process. prior art shows various approaches to the problem. u. s. pat. no. 3, 643, 825 discloses a side - loading handling device which incorporates a carriage adapted to be moved at right angles to the prongs or the fork. a turntable is rotatably mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure which, in turn, is provided with a carriage adapted to be moved vertically. the arrangement disclosed is, in effect, a double order - picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. u. s. pat. no. 3, 323, 664 discloses a downward - loading fork truck which includes an upright post or mast that is fixedly mounted on the truck body and supports a vertically deployed carriage. a guide arrangement is mounted above the carriage for angular movement about a vertical axis. a load - handling fork is arranged on the frame for guided movement in a horizontal plane. u. s. pat. no. 3, 202, 204 discloses a truck having a mast and a lifting carriage supported thereon. on the carriage, there is a turntable which is supported by the mast. on the turntable is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriage which supports a fork arrangement for reaching purposes. german pat. no. 1, 026, 668 discloses a truck having a vertically movable mast adapted to carry a frame, the frame being mounted on the mast for transverse movement relative to the mast. a fork mechanism is carried by the frame for movement with it and for rotation and lateral movement.
|
This invention relates to four quadrant - loading article handlers and more particularly to a straddle - type loader wherein the operator station moves with the load. As is known, industries are constantly faced with the probl4me of the lack of XpSce for storage of industrial goods, parts, rolls, cases and the like. Since enclosing space for storage purposes has increasingly become more and more expensive, the trend has been to construct relatively high storage facilities to avoid lateral expansion which 3equireA greater land use. Thus, the density of storage facilities has increased with minimum aisle space being provided. Thus, order - picker trucks are commonly used wherein the operator stands on the p>atforK on the fork of the truck and the platform elevates to the desired height in the storage area. The articles are then manually moved either from the shelves or bins to the truck platform or from the trKcu platform to the storage shelves. This, of course, is a hazardous, time consuming and arduous process. Prior art shows various approaches to the problem. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 643, 825 discloses a side - loading handling device which incorporates a carriage adapted to be moved at right angles to the prongs of the fork. A turntable is rotatably mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure whiSB, in turn, is provided with a carriage adapted to be moved vertically. The aDrXngement disclosed is, in effect, a double order - picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 323, 664 discloses a side - loading fork truck which includes an upright post or mast that is fixedly mounted on the truck body and supports a vertically movable carriage. A guide arrangement is mounted on the carriage for angular movement about a vertical axis. A load - handling fork is arranged on the frame for guided kovfment in a horizontal plane. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 202, 242 discloses a truck having a mast and a lifting carriage supported thereon. On the carriage, there is a turntable which is supported by the mast. On the turntable is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriage which supports a fork arrangement for reaching p&r9oses. German Pat. No. 1, 026, 668 discloses a truck having a vertiXall7 movable mast adapted to carry a frame, the frame being mounted on the mast for transverse movement relative to the mast. A fork mechanism is carried by the frame for movement with it and for rotation and lateral movement.
|
This invention relates to four quadrant-loading article handlers and more particularly to a straddle-type loader the station with the load. As is known, are faced with the problems of the lack of space for storage of industrial goods, parts, rolls, cases the like. Since enclosing space for storage has increasingly become more and more expensive, trend has been to construct relatively high storage facilities to avoid lateral expansion which requires greater land use. Thus, the density of storage facilities increased with minimum aisle space being provided. Thus, order-picker trucks are used wherein the stands on the platform on the fork of the truck and the platform elevates to the desired height in the storage area. The articles then manually moved either from the shelves bins to the truck platform from the truck platform to the storage shelves. of course, is a hazardous, time consuming and arduous Prior art approaches to the problem. U.S. No. 3,643,825 discloses a side-loading handling device which incorporates a carriage adapted to be moved right angles to prongs of the fork. A turntable is mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure which, in turn, is provided with a carriage to be moved vertically. The arrangement in effect, a double order-picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,664 discloses side-loading truck which includes an upright post or that is fixedly mounted on truck body and a vertically movable carriage. A guide arrangement is mounted on carriage for angular movement about a vertical axis. A load-handling fork is arranged on the frame for guided movement in horizontal plane. Pat. No. 3,202,242 discloses a truck having a mast and a lifting carriage thereon. the carriage, there is a which is supported by the mast. On the turntable is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriage which supports a arrangement for reaching German Pat. No. 1,026,668 discloses a having a vertically movable mast adapted to carry a frame, the frame being mounted on the mast for transverse movement relative to the mast. A fork mechanism is carried by the for movement with it and for rotation and lateral movement.
|
This INVEnTION ReLATeS To FOur quaDRaNT-loAdInG article HANDLerS AnD mOrE PARTIculARlY TO A StRaDdLe-Type lOAder WHerEiN THE opeRAToR sTATiOn MoveS wIth thE loaD.
as is KnoWn, INDUsTriES ARE coNstaNTLY fAcED WiTH ThE PRObLEMs of The LAcK Of sPaCe for StoRAGE Of iNduStRIAL gooDs, pArTS, rOlLs, CASes AND THE LiKE. sINce ENcLOsiNG Space fOr StORage PUrPoseS hAS inCreaSINGLY becoME mOrE anD mOre ExPEnSIVE, THE TRENd hAS bEeN To CONstRUct rELATIvely High sTORAGE fAcilities TO avoiD latEraL exPAnSIon WhICh rEquires grEateR LaNd Use. tHUS, the denSItY oF StorAge FAciLitIeS haS InCreAsed WITH mInImUm aisLe SPAcE BEIng PRoViDED. tHUS, oRDER-PickER TRUCKs are comMoNLy uSed WHErEIn tHe OpERatoR sTANDS On THe pLaTfORM on THE foRK of tHE TRuCk anD THe plAtfORm eLEVATEs To the DESiReD hEIGhT iN the stOrAGE AREa. The aRTIcleS are tHeN maNually MOveD EItHeR FrOM ThE SHeLveS OR biNS To tHe tRUCk PLaTFoRM OR FROm The TRucK plAtfOrM TO tHE sTORage SHeLveS. THIs, oF couRse, IS a HAzArDouS, timE ConSuMING aNd ArduOUs procESs.
pRIOr Art ShOWs VAriouS appRoAcHes To THe pROBleM. U.s. paT. no. 3,643,825 DisCLOSES a sIDE-lOaDinG hanDLInG DevicE wHIch iNCORPORaTEs A CarrIaGe Adapted tO Be moVeD AT rigHT ANgles TO thE prONGs Of The fORK. a tuRNtABLE is ROTATaBly mOunTEd on THe caRriAGE AnD iNcLudEs a MaST struCTurE wHiCh, In TuRn, iS prOviDED WIth a CaRriAGe adAptED tO Be mOVED VErTiCaLly. THE ARRaNgEmeNt dIsclOSED IS, in eFfECt, a DOUble oRder-pickeR aRRangemENt, eACh acTiNG INDEpEndenTly of tHE oTheR To PErFOrM itS fuNCTiOn. U.s. pat. nO. 3,323,664 DIsCLOsES A SiDE-LoaDING FOrk TRUcK WhICH iNCLuDES AN UprIght POsT oR masT thAT is fIxedLy mounTed ON tHE trUck bOdy AnD suPPoRTS a VErTIcaLly Movable cArRIAGE. a GuIDe arRANgEmEnT IS MounTed On THe CArriAGE fOr aNGUlAR MovEmENt AbOUt a vErtIcal aXIS. A Load-HAnDlInG FORk iS ArRaNgED on tHe FramE fOR guIDed mOveMent IN A HoRIzOntal pLAne. U.S. paT. No. 3,202,242 dIScloses a TRuck hAvIng a MaSt aND A lIfTing CARRIage SUPPOrTED thEreON. on tHe carrIAge, ThEre IS A tuRNtABlE wHIch iS supPOrtED BY The MaSt. ON tHE TUrnTaBLe is a GUIdE meANs FoR a HORizOnTalLY mOVABle CarRIaGe WHICh sUppoRts A foRk aRRANgEMeNt FOR REAChing puRpOses. GeRMAn pAT. NO. 1,026,668 dISCLOses A tRUck HaViNG A VertICally MovaBlE mAst aDApteD TO cArRy a FRaME, The fRAME bEING MouNtED On the mAst foR traNsvErse moVEMENt RELaTIVe TO THe Mast. A FOrk MecHanisM Is cArrieD BY the FRamE fOr MOvEmENT wItH iT AnD FOr roTAtIon anD lATeRaL moveMeNT.
|
This invention relates to fourquadrant-loading article handlers and moreparticularly to a straddle-typeloader wherein theoperator station moves with the load. Asis known, industries are constantly faced with theproblemsof the lack of space forstorage of industrial goods,parts,rolls, cases and the like. Since enclosing space for storage purposes has increasingly become more and more expensive, the trendhas been to construct relativelyhighstorage facilitiesto avoid lateral expansion which requires greaterland use. Thus,the density of storage facilities has increased with minimum aisle space being provided. Thus, order-picker trucksare commonly used wherein the operator standson the platform onthe fork of the truck and the platform elevatesto thedesired height in the storage area.Thearticles are then manually moved eitherfrom the shelves or bins tothe truck platform or from the truck platform to the storage shelves. This, of course, is a hazardous, time consuming and arduous process. Prior art shows various approaches to the problem. U.S. Pat. No.3,643,825 disclosesa side-loading handling device which incorporates a carriage adapted to be moved at right angles to the prongsof the fork. A turntable is rotatably mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure which,inturn, is provided witha carriage adapted to be moved vertically. The arrangement disclosed is, in effect, a double order-picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,664 disclosesa side-loadingfork truck which includes an upright post or mast that is fixedly mounted on the truck body and supports averticallymovable carriage. A guide arrangementis mounted on the carriage for angular movement about a verticalaxis. A load-handling forkis arranged on the frame for guidedmovement in a horizontal plane. U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,242 discloses atruck having a mast anda liftingcarriage supported thereon. On the carriage, thereis a turntable whichis supportedby the mast. On the turntable is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriagewhich supports a fork arrangement forreaching purposes. German Pat. No. 1,026,668 discloses a truck having a verticallymovable mast adapted to carry a frame, the frame beingmountedon the mast for transverse movement relative to the mast. A forkmechanism is carried by the frame for movement with it andfor rotation andlateral movement.
|
This _invention_ relates to _four_ quadrant-loading article handlers and more particularly to _a_ straddle-type loader wherein the operator station moves _with_ _the_ load. As is known, _industries_ are constantly _faced_ with the problems of the lack of space for storage of industrial goods, parts, rolls, cases and the like. Since enclosing space for _storage_ purposes has increasingly become more and more expensive, the trend has been to _construct_ relatively high storage facilities to avoid lateral expansion _which_ _requires_ _greater_ land use. _Thus,_ the density of _storage_ facilities has increased with minimum _aisle_ space being provided. Thus, order-picker trucks are commonly used wherein the operator _stands_ on _the_ _platform_ _on_ _the_ fork of _the_ _truck_ and the _platform_ elevates to the _desired_ height _in_ the storage _area._ The articles are _then_ manually moved _either_ from the _shelves_ or bins to the truck platform or from _the_ truck platform _to_ the storage shelves. _This,_ of course, is a hazardous, _time_ _consuming_ _and_ _arduous_ process. Prior _art_ shows various approaches _to_ the problem. U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,825 _discloses_ a side-loading _handling_ device which incorporates a _carriage_ adapted _to_ be moved at right _angles_ _to_ _the_ prongs of the fork. _A_ _turntable_ _is_ rotatably mounted on the carriage and includes a mast structure which, in turn, is provided with a carriage adapted to _be_ moved vertically. The arrangement _disclosed_ is, in _effect,_ _a_ _double_ order-picker arrangement, each acting independently of the other to perform its function. U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,664 discloses _a_ side-loading fork truck which includes an upright _post_ _or_ mast _that_ is _fixedly_ mounted on the truck body _and_ supports a vertically movable _carriage._ _A_ guide arrangement is mounted on the carriage for angular _movement_ _about_ a vertical _axis._ A load-handling fork _is_ arranged on _the_ frame for guided movement _in_ a horizontal plane. U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,242 discloses a truck _having_ _a_ mast and a lifting carriage supported thereon. _On_ the carriage, there _is_ a turntable _which_ is supported by the mast. On _the_ _turntable_ is a guide means for a horizontally movable carriage which supports _a_ _fork_ arrangement for reaching purposes. German Pat. No. 1,026,668 _discloses_ a truck having a vertically _movable_ mast _adapted_ _to_ carry a frame, the frame being mounted on the mast _for_ transverse movement relative to the _mast._ A fork mechanism is carried by the _frame_ for movement with it and for rotation and lateral movement.
|
Gallium arsenates have been widely used in the manufacturing of communication and LED optical electronics products. Hydrogen arsenate gas is one of the compounds that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process used. Wastewater containing soluble arsenic is generated due to waste gas wash by scrubbers. Currently, the conventional precipitation method is able to treat wastewater containing arsenic. However, it generates a large amount of hazardous sludge, which cannot be disposed of easily and economically; and a wastewater containing arsenic in excess of 10 mg/L, which is much higher than the regulated effluent concentration of 0.5 mg/L. It is, therefore, readily apparent that the development of an environmentally friendly method of treating the arsenic-containing wastewater is urgently called for.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,493 discloses a process for the removal of metals, in particular heavy metals, from the wastewater in the form of their sulfides by mixing the wastewater with a water-soluble sulfide. According to the invention the metal-containing wastewater is thoroughly mixed with the water-soluble sulfide at a suitable pH in a reactor of the fluidized bed type provided with an appropriate bed material, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby the thus obtained bed material covered with crystalline metal sulfide is removed from the reactor and new bed material is added to the reactor from time to time. Usually as water-soluble sulfide, an alkali metal sulfide, alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, ammonium sulfide or ferrous sulfide is used, whereas the use of sodium sulfide, sodium hydrogen sulfide, potassium sulfide or potassium hydrogen sulfide is preferred. According to this prior art process, the following metals: Ni, Sr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ag, Pb, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Te, Sn, In, Bi or Sb may be removed. However, only Hg was removed from water at a pH value of 4–10 as shown in the examples disclosed in this prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,662 discloses a process of removing heavy metals (arsenic, tin and lead) from aqueous solutions (groundwater) by precipitation of a salt thereof, wherein an oxidizing agent (ozone, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) is optionally used to increase the valence of said metal, and a precipitation-enhancing agent (calcium sulfate, arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric oxide) is added to maximize particle size of the precipitate and to facilitate its separation from said solution. This prior art process will generate sludge with water content of 60–80%, which is not only bulky but also difficult to be resourced due to various contaminations contained therein.
|
gallium arsenates have been widely used in the manufacturing of communication and led optical electronics products. hydrogen arsenate gas is one of the compounds that chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ) process used. wastewater containing soluble arsenic is generated due to waste gas wash by scrubbers. currently, the conventional precipitation method is used to treat wastewater containing arsenic. however, it generates a large amount of hazardous sludge, which must be disposed of easily and economically ; and a wastewater containing arsenic in excess of 10 mg / l, which is much higher than the regulated effluent concentration of 0. 5 mg / l. it became, therefore, readily apparent that the development of an environmentally friendly method of treating the arsenic - containing wastewater is urgently called for. u. s. pat. no. 4, 861, 493 discloses a mechanism for the removal of metals, in particular heavy metals, from the wastewater in the form of their sulfides by mixing the wastewater with liquid water - soluble sulfide. according by the invention the metal - containing wastewater is thoroughly mixed with the water - soluble sulfide at a suitable ph in a reactor of the fluidized bed type provided with an appropriate bed preparation, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby the thus obtained bed material covered with crystalline metal sulfide is removed inside the reactor and new bed material is added to the reactor from time to time. usually as water - soluble sulfide, an alkali metal sulfide, alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, ammonium sulfide or ferrous sulfide is used, whereas the use of sodium sulfide, sodium hydrogen sulfide, potassium sulfide or potassium hydrogen sulfide is preferred. according to this prior art process, the following metals : ni, sr, zn, cu, fe, ag, pb, cd, hg, co, mn, mn, sn, in, bi or sb may be removed. however, only hg was removed from water at a ph value of 4 – 10 as shown in the examples disclosed in this prior art. u. s. pat. no. 5, 348, 662 discloses a process of removing heavy metals ( arsenic, tin and lead ) from aqueous solutions ( groundwater ) by precipitation of a salt thereof, wherein an oxidizing agent ( ozone, hydrogen peroxide, arsenic acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid ) is optionally used to increase the vale ##nce of said metal, and a precipitation - enhancing agent ( calcium sulfate, arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric oxide ) is added to maximize particle size of the precipitate and to facilitate its separation from said solution. this prior art process will generate sludge with water content of 60 – 80 %, which is not only bulky but also difficult to be resourced due to various contaminations contained therein.
|
Gallium arsenates have been widely used in the manufacturing of communication and LED optical electronics products. Hydrogen arsenate gas is one of the compounds that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process used. Wastewater containing soluble arsenic is generated due to waste gas wash by scrubbers. Currently, the conventional precipitation method is able to treat wastewater containing arsenic. However, it generates a large am0un^ of hazardous sludge, which cannot be disposed of easily and economically; and a wastewater containing arsenic in excess of 10 mg / L, which is much higher than the regulated efflhenH concentration of 0. 5 mg / L. It is, therefore, readily apparent that the development of an environmentally friendly method of treating the arsenic - containing wastewater is urgently called for. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 861, 493 discloses a process for the removal of metals, in particular heavy metals, from the wastewater in the form of their sulfides by mixing the wastewater with a water - soluble sulfide. According to the invention the metal - containing wastewater is thoroughly mixed with the water - soluble sulfide at a suitable pH in a reactor of the fluidized bed type provided with an appropriate bed material, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby the thus obtained bed material covered with crystalline metal sulfide is removed from the reactor and new bed material is added to the reactor from time to time. Usually as water - soluble sulDice, an alka>( metal sulBOde, alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, ammonium sulfide or ferrous sulfide is used, whereas the use of sodium sulfide, sodium hydrogen sulfide, potassium sulfide or potassium hydrogen sulfide is preferred. According to this prior art process, the following metals: Ni, Sr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ag, Pb, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Te, Sn, In, Bi or Sb may be removed. However, only Hg was removed from water at a pH value of 4 – 10 as shown in the examples disclosed in this prior art. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 348, 662 discloses a process of removing heavy metals (arsenic, tin and leQC) from aqueous solutions (groundwater) by precipitation of a salt thereof, wherein an oxidizing agent (ozone, hydrogen peDoxUde, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) is optionally used to increase the valence of said mWtWl, and a precipitation - eBhancinV agent (calcium sulfate, arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric pxid4) is added to maximize particle size of the precipitate and to facilitate its separation from said solution. This prior art process will generate sludge with water content of 60 – 80% , which is not only bulky but also difficult to be resourced due to various contaminations contained therein.
|
Gallium arsenates have widely used in the manufacturing of and LED electronics products. Hydrogen arsenate is one of the compounds that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process used. Wastewater containing soluble is generated due to waste gas by scrubbers. Currently, the conventional precipitation method is able to treat wastewater containing arsenic. However, it generates a large of hazardous sludge, cannot be disposed of easily and economically; and a wastewater containing arsenic in of mg/L, which is much than the regulated effluent concentration of 0.5 mg/L. It is, therefore, readily apparent that the development of an environmentally friendly method of treating the arsenic-containing wastewater is urgently called for. U.S. No. 4,861,493 discloses process for the of metals, in particular heavy from the wastewater in the form of their sulfides by mixing the wastewater with water-soluble sulfide. According to the invention the metal-containing wastewater thoroughly mixed with the water-soluble sulfide at a suitable in reactor of fluidized bed provided with an appropriate bed material, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby the thus obtained bed material covered with crystalline metal sulfide is removed from the reactor and new bed material is added to the from time to time. Usually as water-soluble sulfide, an alkali metal sulfide, alkali metal hydrogen ammonium sulfide or ferrous sulfide is whereas the use sodium sodium hydrogen sulfide, sulfide or potassium hydrogen sulfide preferred. According to this prior art process, the following metals: Ni, Sr, Zn, Fe, Ag, Pb, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Te, Sn, In, Bi or Sb may be removed. However, only Hg from water at pH value of shown in the examples disclosed in this prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,662 discloses a process of removing heavy metals (arsenic, tin and lead) from aqueous solutions (groundwater) by precipitation of a salt thereof, wherein an oxidizing agent (ozone, hydrogen sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) is optionally used to increase the valence of said metal, and a agent (calcium sulfate, arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric oxide) is added to maximize size of the precipitate and to facilitate its separation from This prior art process will generate sludge with water content of 60–80%, which is not only bulky but difficult to be resourced due to various contaminations contained
|
gALlIUM ArSENATEs HavE BEeN WIdeLy UsED iN the mANUfActurIng of COmMuNiCATIon AnD lEd opticaL ELEcTROniCS PRODUcTS. HYdRogEN ArsenATE GAs Is One oF The CoMpounds thaT ChemICal VAPoR DEPOsItion (CVd) PrOcess usEd. WaStewATeR CoNTainIng soLubLE ARSENiC Is genERAteD DUE tO WASTE GAs wASh By SCrubbERS. cuRreNTLy, ThE cONVEntIonal PRecIpitATion meThoD IS aBLE To TreAT wAsTEWaTeR CoNtaINiNG aRseniC. HOWever, It GenERAteS a laRGe aMOuNt OF hAZARdOUs SLUDGE, WHich caNnoT bE diSPOSed Of easiLY AnD ecoNOmIcALLY; anD a waSTewater cONTaINing aRseNIC In excEsS of 10 mG/l, whICh iS MucH hIGheR tHAN THE RegUlAted EFFLUENt coNCEntratION Of 0.5 mG/L. iT iS, theRefoRE, reAdilY aPParenT thaT thE DEVelOPMEnt OF An eNViroNmENtALly frieNdlY METHod Of trEatiNg The aRSEnIC-cONtaIninG wAsteWAtEr is uRgenTLY CAlLED FOR.
U.S. pAT. no. 4,861,493 dIsCLoses A PrOCeSs fOr tHE rEMoVAl of MeTAls, In ParTicUlAR hEAVY MetalS, FRom the WASTewater In tHE Form oF tHEir suLFIDES BY miXinG tHe waSTeWAtEr WItH a WATeR-sOLuBle sulfidE. ACcOrdInG tO THe inveNTiON tHe METAL-coNtaiNinG wASTEWaTeR Is THoRouGHlY mixED WItH THE WaTER-SoLUBle SuLFIdE aT a SuitaBLE pH in A reactOR oF tHE flUIDIZED bEd TypE ProviDed wiTH An apPROPRIaTE bed maTerIaL, ON WHIcH thE mETaL suLFidE CRystaLlizES OUT, whERebY tHE ThUs obTaiNeD BED mATeriAL COverEd wIth CryStaLlINE MEtaL SULfiDE IS REMOved From ThE REaCTOr ANd neW bed MatERiaL Is AddeD to THe rEactOr fRom tiME To TImE. UsuALly as wateR-SoLuBLe sulfIDE, aN ALkALi METaL SUlfiDe, aLKalI meTAL HyDROgeN SuLFIdE, aMmoNiUm SuLFIde Or fERroUS SUlfiDe iS USEd, whEreas ThE UsE of sODiUm SULFidE, sOdIuM hydroGen sUlfiDE, POtaSSiuM SUlfiDE or PoTaSSiUm HydroGeN SuLFIDE iS pRefeRreD. aCCORDing to thIS PRiOr ARt prOceSS, THE FOLLOwING MeTALS: Ni, sR, Zn, CU, Fe, Ag, Pb, cd, hG, cO, Mn, Te, SN, IN, bi oR Sb may Be REMoveD. hOwevEr, only hg wAs RemoVed fROm waTEr aT A PH VALuE Of 4–10 as shOwn iN ThE exAmpleS diSCLosED in tHis priOr aRT.
u.s. pAT. NO. 5,348,662 DisClosES a pROcESs of REMOvInG HEAvY METals (ArseNic, TiN And LeaD) fROm AqUEOUS SOlUtIOnS (GRouNDwaTEr) By prEciPitAtIon Of a sAlT THEREOF, whereIn an oxiDiziNG aGeNT (OZONe, HyDrOgEN PERoXIdE, sulFurIC aCiD, NiTRic acID OR HyDROChlOriC aCid) is optIONALLy uSEd To increaSE ThE vaLeNCe Of Said METal, AnD a pREcipitaTiON-EnhaNCINg AGent (cAlCiUm sulfaTE, aRsENic TrIoxidE, CalcIuM aRsenaTE or CuPriC oxidE) Is AdDED To MAXimIZE paRtIcLe SiZe Of tHE prECiPITAtE AND To fACIliTaTe iTS SeparaTIOn FroM said SoLutIOn. ThIs pRIoR arT prOCESs WIll GENeRatE sludGe WItH WAtEr conTEnT of 60–80%, WhICh iS nOT Only BULKY BuT ALSO DiffiCUlT to bE reSourCEd duE to VAriOuS ConTamiNatiONS COntAinED THerEin.
|
Galliumarsenates have been widely used in the manufacturing of communicationand LED optical electronics products. Hydrogen arsenate gas is one of the compounds that chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process used. Wastewater containing soluble arsenicis generateddue to waste gas wash by scrubbers. Currently, the conventional precipitation method is ableto treat wastewater containingarsenic. However,itgenerates a large amount ofhazardous sludge, which cannot be disposed of easily and economically; and a wastewater containing arsenicin excess of 10 mg/L,which is much higher than theregulated effluent concentration of 0.5 mg/L. Itis, therefore, readily apparent that thedevelopment of an environmentallyfriendly method of treating the arsenic-containing wastewateris urgently called for. U.S. Pat. No.4,861,493 discloses a process for the removal of metals,in particular heavymetals, from the wastewater in the form oftheir sulfidesby mixingthe wastewater with awater-soluble sulfide. According tothe invention the metal-containing wastewater is thoroughly mixed with the water-soluble sulfideat a suitable pH ina reactor of the fluidized bed type provided with an appropriate bed material, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby the thus obtained bed material covered with crystalline metal sulfide is removed fromthe reactorand new bed material is added to thereactor from time to time. Usually as water-soluble sulfide, an alkali metal sulfide, alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, ammonium sulfide or ferrous sulfide is used, whereas the use of sodium sulfide,sodium hydrogen sulfide,potassium sulfide or potassium hydrogen sulfide ispreferred. According tothis prior artprocess, the followingmetals:Ni, Sr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ag, Pb, Cd, Hg, Co, Mn, Te, Sn, In, Bi orSb may be removed. However, onlyHg was removed from water at a pH value of4–10 as shown in the examples disclosedinthis prior art. U.S. Pat.No. 5,348,662 disclosesa process of removingheavy metals(arsenic,tin and lead) from aqueoussolutions (groundwater) byprecipitation of a salt thereof,wherein anoxidizing agent (ozone,hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) is optionally used to increase the valence of said metal, and a precipitation-enhancing agent (calciumsulfate,arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric oxide)is addedto maximize particle size of the precipitate and to facilitate its separation from said solution. This prior art process will generatesludgewith water content of 60–80%, which is not only bulky but also difficult to beresourced due to various contaminations contained therein.
|
Gallium _arsenates_ have been widely used in the _manufacturing_ of communication and LED optical electronics products. _Hydrogen_ arsenate gas is _one_ of the compounds that chemical _vapor_ _deposition_ (CVD) process used. Wastewater _containing_ soluble arsenic _is_ _generated_ due to waste gas wash _by_ scrubbers. Currently, _the_ conventional _precipitation_ method is able _to_ treat wastewater containing arsenic. However, it generates a large amount of hazardous sludge, _which_ cannot _be_ _disposed_ of _easily_ and _economically;_ and a wastewater containing _arsenic_ in _excess_ _of_ 10 mg/L, which _is_ much higher _than_ the _regulated_ effluent concentration of _0.5_ _mg/L._ It is, therefore, readily apparent that the development _of_ _an_ _environmentally_ friendly _method_ of treating the arsenic-containing _wastewater_ is urgently _called_ for. _U.S._ _Pat._ No. _4,861,493_ discloses a process for the removal of metals, in _particular_ heavy _metals,_ _from_ the wastewater in the _form_ of their sulfides by mixing the wastewater with a water-soluble sulfide. According to the invention _the_ metal-containing wastewater is thoroughly _mixed_ with the water-soluble sulfide at a _suitable_ _pH_ in _a_ reactor of _the_ fluidized bed type provided with an _appropriate_ bed material, on which the metal sulfide crystallizes out, whereby _the_ thus obtained _bed_ material covered with crystalline _metal_ sulfide is removed from the reactor _and_ new bed material _is_ added to _the_ reactor from time to time. Usually as _water-soluble_ sulfide, _an_ alkali _metal_ sulfide, alkali metal hydrogen sulfide, ammonium _sulfide_ or _ferrous_ sulfide is used, _whereas_ the use of _sodium_ sulfide, sodium _hydrogen_ sulfide, potassium sulfide or potassium hydrogen _sulfide_ is preferred. According to this prior _art_ process, the following metals: Ni, Sr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ag, Pb, Cd, Hg, Co, _Mn,_ Te, Sn, In, Bi or _Sb_ may be removed. However, only _Hg_ _was_ removed _from_ water at a pH _value_ of 4–10 as shown in the _examples_ disclosed in this prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,662 discloses _a_ process _of_ removing heavy metals (arsenic, tin and lead) from aqueous _solutions_ (groundwater) by precipitation of a salt _thereof,_ wherein an oxidizing _agent_ _(ozone,_ hydrogen _peroxide,_ sulfuric acid, nitric acid _or_ hydrochloric acid) is optionally used to _increase_ _the_ valence of said metal, and a precipitation-enhancing _agent_ (calcium _sulfate,_ arsenic trioxide, calcium arsenate or cupric oxide) is added to _maximize_ _particle_ size of the precipitate and to facilitate its _separation_ from said solution. This prior _art_ process will _generate_ sludge _with_ water content of 60–80%, which is not only bulky _but_ also _difficult_ to be resourced due to various contaminations contained therein.
|
This invention relates generally to gas generant materials. More particularly, this invention relates to the manufacture of gas generant formulations such as may be suited for use in the inflation of automotive inflatable restraint airbag to cushions.
It is well known to protect a vehicle occupant using a cushion or bag, e.g., an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion,xe2x80x9d that is inflated or expanded with gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as in the event of a collision. In such systems, the airbag cushion is normally housed in an uninflated and folded condition to minimize space requirements. Upon actuation of the system, the cushion begins to be inflated, in a matter of no more than a few milliseconds, with gas produced or supplied by a device commonly referred to as an xe2x80x9cinflator.xe2x80x9d
While many types of inflator devices have been disclosed in the art for use in the inflating of one or more inflatable restraint system airbag cushions, inflator devices which rely on the combustion of a pyrotechnic, fuel and oxidizer combination or other form of gas generant to produce or at least in part form the inflation gas issuing forth therefrom have been commonly employed in conjunction with vehicular inflatable restraint airbag cushions.
Sodium azide has been a commonly accepted and used gas generating material. While the use of sodium azide and certain other azide-based gas generant materials meets current industry specifications, guidelines and standards, such use may involve or raise potential concerns such as involving one or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such materials.
The development of safe gas generant material alternatives to sodium azide for commercial application in inflatable restraint systems commonly involves the oftentimes conflicting goals or objectives of increasing the gas output of the gas generant material while reducing or minimizing the costs associated with the gas generant material, including the costs associated with ingredients and the processing thereof.
The incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer in such gas generant formulations has been found to be one generally cost-effective approach for exceeding the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about three moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. In particular, ammonium nitrate is relatively inexpensive and, when burned with guanidine nitrate fuel, generally combusts to all gaseous species resulting in gas yields approaching 4 moles of gas per 100 grams of material.
Unfortunately, the general incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate in pyrotechnic gas generant formulations has generally been subject to certain difficulties. For example, ammonium nitrate-containing pyrotechnic gas generant formulations have commonly been subject to one or more of the following shortcomings: low burn rates, burn rates exhibiting a high sensitivity to pressure, as well as to phase or other changes in crystalline structure such as may be associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of such formulations, such as may occur during temperature cycling over the normally expected or anticipated range of storage conditions, e.g., temperatures of about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 C. to about 110xc2x0 C. Such phase or structural changes may result in physical degradation of the form of the gas generant formulation such as when such gas generant formulation has been shaped or formed into tablets, wafers or other selected shape or form. Further, such changes, even when relatively minute, can strongly influence the physical properties of a corresponding gas generant material and, in turn, strongly affect the burn rate of the generant material. Unless checked, such changes in structure may result in such performance variations in the gas generant materials incorporating such ammonium nitrate as to render the gas generant material unacceptable for typical inflatable restraint system applications.
In view thereof, efforts have been directed to minimizing or eliminating such volume expansion during normal temperature cycling and the effects thereof. In particular, it has been found that the incorporation of a minimum of about 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer content) of a transition metal diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel diammine dinitrate or zinc diammine dinitrate, for example, in ammonium nitrate, may serve to phase stabilize the mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling associated with such inflatable restraint applications. Further, ammonium nitrate stabilized with such transition metal diammine dinitrates are typically advantageously less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase stabilized by other methods and the use of such transition metal diammine dinitrates has also been found to result in combustion products which form a more easily filterable clinker.
Ammonium nitrate phase stabilization via the incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates, however, is typically at the cost of an associated reduction in gas yield. For example, the gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and ammonium nitrate stabilized with 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer) of such transition metal diammine dinitrate is about 3.8 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material.
The gas generant formulation incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates at levels greater than 15 wt. % (of the total oxidizer) has been found to increase burn rate and reduce pressure sensitivity of a corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typical inflatable restraint system applications. The maximum effect on burn rate has been found to generally occur when 100% of the oxidizer is composed of the transition metal diammine dinitrate. The gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and such transition metal diammine dinitrate as 100% of the oxidizer is about 3.3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material, well above the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about 3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation.
A traditional method of incorporating such a transition metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate is to react the corresponding metal oxide with ammonium nitrate. For example, for the incorporation of copper diammine dinitrate, cupric oxide and ammonium nitrate can be reacted according to the following reaction:
CuO+2NH4NO3xe2x86x92Cu(NH3)2(NO3)2+H2Oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
This reaction occurs at elevated temperatures (e.g., in excess of 140xc2x0 C.) in either a solid state reaction or in an ammonium nitrate melt. The rate of such a solid state reaction is temperature dependent and under normal processing conditions (a processing temperature of about 170xc2x0 C.), such reaction typically requires, dependent on the rate of heat transfer achieved, about 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. As will be appreciated, such extended processing times typically can render such processing regimes commercially unattractive or not feasible. Further, the conducting of such reaction in an ammonium nitrate melt generally requires specialized equipment since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted, and cooled, returning to a solid form, while simultaneously being granulated. In the case of either such solid state or melt processing regimes, the temperature required to perform such reactions is only about 20xc2x0 C. to about 30xc2x0 C. below the temperature at which such corresponding pyrotechnic formulations may begin to decompose. Thus, such processing may not afford a thermal safety margin as sufficiently large as may be desired, particularly for large scale applications. Further, such high temperature heat treatments can constitute an added processing step that may detrimentally affect process economics.
Thus, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate which desirably avoids such high temperature processing. In particular, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making such a gas generant formulation and which can desirably be implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as may be accomplished over a relatively short time period, such as may be desired in a typical commercial application.
To that end, the above-identified prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,041 discloses an improved method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate. In accordance with one preferred embodiment disclosed therein, such a method includes the steps of:
combining at least a nitrate of at least one transition metal with an ammonia source in an aqueous slurry to form a corresponding reaction mixture;
forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, the precursor comprising the aqueous slurry reaction mixture, a gas generant formulation fuel component and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable; and
spray drying the precursor to form a gas generant powder containing a diammine dinitrate of the at least one transition metal.
In particular, an appropriate metal nitrate (such as cupric nitrate) can be reacted with an appropriate ammonia source (such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium carbamate) in a concentrated water solution to form a desired metal diammine dinitrate.
In addition, there is a need and a demand for a method of making ammonium nitrate phase stabilized via the presence of a selected metal diammine dinitrate and which method avoids undesirably high processing temperatures, i.e., processing temperatures which are undesirably near the decomposition temperature of ammonium nitrate, and which avoids isolation of metal tetrammine nitrate complexes such as may raise shipping and handling concerns.
To that end, the above-identified prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,958 discloses a method of making phase stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying and heat
|
this invention relates generally to gas generant materials. more particularly, this invention relates to the manufacture of gas generant formulations such as may be suited for use in the inflation of automotive inflatable restraint airbag to cushions. it is well known generally protect a vehicle occupant using a cushion or bag, e. g., an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion, xe2x80x9d that is inflated or expanded with gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as in the event of a collision. in such systems, the airbag cushion is normally housed in an uninflated and folded pillow to minimize space requirements. upon actuation of the system, the cushion begins to get inflated, in a matter of no more than a few milliseconds, with gas produced or supplied by a device commonly referred to as an object. xe2x80x9d and many types of inflator devices have been disclosed in the art for use including the inflating of one or more inflatable restraint system airbag cushions, inflator devices which rely on the combustion of a pyrotechnic, fuel and oxidizer combination or other form of gas generant to produce or at least in part form the inflation gas issuing forth therefrom have been commonly employed in conjunction with vehicular inflatable restraint airbag cushions. sodium nitrate has been a commonly accepted and used gas generating material. while the use of sodium azide and certain other azide - based gas generant materials meets both industry specifications, guidelines and standards, such use may involve or raise potential concerns such as involving one or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such materials. the development of inflation gas generant material alternatives to sodium azide for commercial application involving inflatable restraint systems commonly involves the oftentimes conflicting goals or objectives of increasing the gas output of the gas generant material while reducing or minimizing the costs associated with the gas generant material, including the costs associated with ingredients and the processing thereof. the incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer in such gas generant formulations has been found to be one generally cost - effective approach for exceeding the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about three moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. in particular, ammonium nitrate is relatively inexpensive and, when burned with guanidine nitrate fuel, generally combusts to all gaseous species resulting in gas yields approaching 4 moles of gas per 100 grams of material. unfortunately, the general incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate in pyrotechnic gas generant formulations has generally been subject to certain difficulties. for example, ammonium nitrate - containing pyrotechnic gas generant formulations have commonly been subject to one or more of the following shortcomings : low burn rates, burn rates exhibiting a high sensitivity to pressure, as well as to phase or other changes in crystalline structure such as may be associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of such formulations, such as may occur during temperature cycling over the normally expected or anticipated range of storage conditions, e. g., temperatures of about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 c. to about 110xc2x0 c. such phase or structural changes may result in physical degradation of the form of the gas generant formulation such as when such gas generant formulation has been shaped or formed into tablets, wafers or other selected shape or form. further, such changes, even when relatively minute, can strongly influence the physical properties of a corresponding gas generant material and, in turn, strongly affect the burn rate of the generant material. unless checked, such changes in structure may result in such performance variations in the gas generant materials incorporating such ammonium nitrate as to render the gas generant material unacceptable for typical inflatable restraint system applications. in view thereof, efforts have been directed to minimizing or eliminating such volume expansion during normal temperature cycling and the effects thereof. in particular, it has been found that the incorporation of a minimum of about 15 wt. % ( based on total oxidizer content ) of a transition metal diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel diammine dinitrate or zinc diammine dinitrate, for example, in ammonium nitrate, may serve to phase stabilize the mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling associated with such inflatable restraint applications. further, ammonium nitrate stabilized with such transition metal diammine dinitrates are typically advantageously less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase stabilized by other methods and the use of such transition metal diammine dinitrates has also been found to result in combustion products which form a more easily filterable clinker. ammonium nitrate phase stabilization via the incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates, however, is typically at the cost of an associated reduction in gas yield. for example, the gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide ( 5 wt. % ) and ammonium nitrate stabilized with 15 wt. % ( based on total oxidizer ) of such transition metal diammine dinitrate is about 3. 8 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material. the gas generant formulation incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates at levels greater than 15 wt. % ( of the total oxidizer ) has been found to increase burn rate and reduce pressure sensitivity of a corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typical inflatable restraint system applications. the maximum effect on burn rate has been found to generally occur when 100 % of the oxidizer is composed of the transition metal diammine dinitrate. the gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide ( 5 wt. % ) and such transition metal diammine dinitrate as 100 % of the oxidizer is about 3. 3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material, well above the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about 3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. a traditional method of incorporating such a transition metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate is to react the corresponding metal oxide with ammonium nitrate. for example, for the incorporation of copper diammine dinitrate, cupric oxide and ammonium nitrate can be reacted according to the following reaction : cuo + 2nh4no3xe2x86x92cu ( nh3 ) 2 ( no3 ) 2 + h2oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83 ( 1 ) this reaction occurs at elevated temperatures ( e. g., in excess of 140xc2x0 c. ) in either a solid state reaction or in an ammonium nitrate melt. the rate of such a solid state reaction is temperature dependent and under normal processing conditions ( a processing temperature of about 170xc2x0 c. ), such reaction typically requires, dependent on the rate of heat transfer achieved, about 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. as will be appreciated, such extended processing times typically can render such processing regimes commercially unattractive or not feasible. further, the conducting of such reaction in an ammonium nitrate melt generally requires specialized equipment since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted, and cooled, returning to a solid form, while simultaneously being granulated. in the case of either such solid state or melt processing regimes, the temperature required to perform such reactions is only about 20xc2x0 c. to about 30xc2x0 c. below the temperature at which such corresponding pyrotechnic formulations may begin to decompose. thus, such processing may not afford a thermal safety margin as sufficiently large as may be desired, particularly for large scale applications. further, such high temperature heat treatments can constitute an added processing step that may detrimentally affect process economics. thus, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate which desirably avoids such high temperature processing. in particular, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making such a gas generant formulation and which can desirably be implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as may be accomplished over a relatively short time period, such as may be desired in a typical commercial application. to that end, the above - identified prior u. s. patent application ser. no. 09 / 454, 041 discloses an improved method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate. in accordance with one preferred embodiment disclosed therein, such a method includes the steps of : combining at least a nitrate of at least one transition metal with an ammonia source in an aqueous slurry to form a corresponding reaction mixture ; forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, the precursor comprising the aqueous slurry reaction mixture, a gas generant formulation fuel component and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable ; and spray drying the precursor to form a gas generant powder containing a diammine dinitrate of the at least one transition metal. in particular, an appropriate metal nitrate ( such as cupric nitrate ) can be reacted with an appropriate ammonia source ( such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium carbamate ) in a concentrated water solution to form a desired metal diammine dinitrate. in addition, there is a need and a demand for a method of making ammonium nitrate phase stabilized via the presence of a selected metal diammine dinitrate and which method avoids undesirably high processing temperatures, i. e., processing temperatures which are undesirably near the decomposition temperature of ammonium nitrate, and which avoids isolation of metal tetrammine nitrate complexes such as may raise shipping and handling concerns. to that end, the above - identified prior u. s. patent application ser. no. 09 / 454, 958 discloses a method of making phase stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying and heat
|
This invention relates generally to gas g3neraht materials. More particularly, this invention relates to the manufacture of gas generant formulations such as may be suited for use in the inflation of automotive inflatable restraint airbag to cushions. It is well known to protect a vehicle occupant using a cushion or bag, e. g. , an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion, xe2x80x9d that is inflated or expanded with gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as in the event of a collision. In such systems, the airbag cushion is normally housed in an uninflated and folded condition to minimize space requirements. Upon actuation of the system, the cushion begins to be inflated, in a matter of no more than a few milliseconds, with gas produced or supplied by a device commonly referred to as an xe2x80x9cinflator. xe2x80x9d While many types of inflator devices have been disclosed in the art for use in the inflating of one or more inflatable restraint system airbag cushions, inflator devices which rely on the combustion of a pyrotechnic, fuel and oxidizer combination or other form of gas generant to produce or at least in part form the inflation gas issuing forth therefrom have been commonly employed in conjunction with vehicular inflatable restraint airbag cushions. Sodium azide has been a commonly accepted and used gas generating material. While the use of sodium azide and certain other azide - based gas generant materials meets current industry specifications, guidelines and standards, such use may involve or raise potential concFrHs such as involving one or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such materials. The development of safe gas generant material alternatives to sodium azide for commercial application in inflatable restraint systems commonly involves the oftentimes conflicting goals or objectives of increasing the gas output of the gas generant material while reducing or minimizing the costs associated with the gas generant material, including the costs associated with ingredients and the processing thereof. The incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer in such gas generant formulations has been found to be one generally cost - effective approach for exceeding the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about three moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. In particular, ammonium nitrate is relatively inexpensive and, when burned with guanidine nitrate fuel, generally combusts to all gaseous species resulting in gas yields approaching 4 moles of gas per 100 grams of material. Unfortunately, the general incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate in pyrotechnic gas generant formulations has generally been subject to certain difficulties. For example, ammonium nitrate - containing pyrotechnic gas generant formulations have commonly been subject to one or more of the following shortcomings: low burn rates, burn rates exhibiting a high sensitivity to pressure, as well as to phase or other changes in crystalline structure such as may be associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of such formulations, such as may occur during temperature cycling over the normally expected or anticipated range of storage conditions, e. g. , temperatures of about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 C. to about 110xc2x0 C. Such phase or structural changes may result in physical degradation of the form of the gas generant formulation such as when such gas generant formulation has been shaped or formed into tablets, wafers or other selected shape or form. Further, such changes, even when relatively minute, can strongly influence the physical properties of a corresponding gas generant material and, in turn, strongly affect the burn rate of the generant material. Unless checked, such changes in structure may result in such performance variations in the gas generant materials incorporating such ammonium nitrate as to render the gas generant material unacceptable for typical inflatable restraint system applications. In view thereof, efforts have been directed to minimizing or eliminating such volume expansion during normal temperature cycling and the effects thereof. In particular, it has been found that the incorporation of a minimum of about 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer content) of a transition metQ? diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel diammine dinitrate or zinc diammine dinitrate, for example, in ammonium nitrate, may serve to phase stabilize the mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling associated with such inflatable restraint applications. Further, ammonium nitrate stabilized with such transition metal diammine dinitrates are typically advantageously less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase stabilized by other methods and the use of such transition metal diammine dinitrates has also been found to result in combustion products which form a more easily filterable clinker. Ammonium nitrate phase stabilization via the incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates, however, is typically at the cost of an associated reduction in gas yield. For example, the gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and ammonium nitrate stabilized with 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer) of such transition metal diammine dUnitratf is about 3. 8 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material. The gas generant formulation incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates at levels greater than 15 wt. % (of the total oxidizer) has been found to increase burn rate and reduce 9ress Tre sensitivity of a corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typical inflatable restraint system applications. The maximum effect on burn rate has been found to generally occur when 100% of the oxidizer is composed of the transition metal diammine dinitrate. The gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and such transition metal diammine dinitrate as 100% of the oxidizer is about 3. 3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant material, well above the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of about 3 moles of gas per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. A traditional method of incorporating such a transition metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate is to react the corresponding metal oxide with ammonium nitrate. For example, for the incorporation of copper diammine dinitrate, cupric oxide and ammonium nitrate can be reacted according to the following reaction: CuO + 2NH4NO3xe2x86x92Cu (NH3) 2 (NO3) 2 + H2Oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83 (1) This reaction occurs at elevated temperatures (e. g. , in excess of 140xc2x0 C.) in either a solid state reaction or in an ammonium nitrate melt. The rate of such a solid state reaction is temperature dependent and under normal processing conditions (a processing temperature of about 170xc2x0 C. ), such reaction typically requires, dependent on the rate of heat transfer achieved, about 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. As will be appreciated, such extended processing times typically can render such processing regimes commercially unattractive or not feasible. Further, the conducting of such reaction in an zmmomium nitrate melt generally requires specialized equipment since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted, and cooled, returning to a solid form, while simultaneously being granulated. In the case of either such solid state or melt processing regimes, the temperature required to perform such reactions is only about 20xc2x0 C. to about 30xc2x0 C. below the temperature at which such corresponding pyrotechnic formulations may begin to decompose. Thus, such processing may not afford a thermal safety margin as sufficiently large as may be desired, particularly for large scale applications. Further, EJch high temperature heat treatments can constitute an added processing step that may detrimentally affect process economics. Thus, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate eh7ch desirably avoids such high temperature processing. In particular, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making such a gas generant formulation and which can desirably be implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as may be accomplished over a relatively short time period, such as may be desired in a typical commercial application. To that end, the above - identified prior U. S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 454, 041 discloses an improved method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate. In accordance with one preferred embodiment disclosed therein, such a method includes the steps of: combining at least a nitrate of at least one transition metal with an ammonia source in an aqueous slurry to V*rm a corresponding reaction mixture; forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, the precursor comprising the aqueous slurry reaction mixture, a gas generant formulation fuel component and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable; and spray drying the precursor to form a gas generant powder containing a diammine dinitrate of the at least one transition metal. In particular, an appropriate metal nitrate (such as cupric nitrate) can be reacted with an appropriate ammonia source (such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium carbamate) in a concentrated water solution to form a desired metal diammine dinitrate. In addition, there is a need and a demand for a method of making ammonium nitrate phase stabilized via the presence of a selected metal diammine dinitrate and which method avoids undesirably high processing temperatures, i. e. , processing temperatures which are undesirably near the decomposition temperature of ammonium nitrate, and which avoids isolation of metal tetrammine nitrate complexes such as may raise shipping and handling concerns. To that end, the above - identified 0ruor U. S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 454, 958 discloses a method of making phase stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying and heat
|
This invention relates generally to generant materials. More particularly, this invention relates to the manufacture of gas generant formulations such as may suited for use in the inflation of automotive inflatable restraint airbag to cushions. It is well known to protect vehicle occupant using a cushion or bag, e.g., an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion,xe2x80x9d that is inflated or expanded with gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as the event collision. such the airbag is normally housed in an uninflated and folded condition to minimize space requirements. Upon actuation of the system, the cushion begins to be inflated, in a matter of no more than a few milliseconds, with gas produced or supplied by device commonly referred to as an xe2x80x9cinflator.xe2x80x9d While many types of inflator devices have been disclosed in the art for use in the inflating one or more inflatable restraint system airbag cushions, inflator devices which rely the combustion of a fuel and oxidizer combination or form gas generant to or at least in part form the inflation gas issuing forth therefrom have been employed in conjunction vehicular inflatable restraint airbag cushions. Sodium azide has been commonly accepted and used gas generating While the use sodium azide and certain other azide-based gas generant materials meets current industry specifications, guidelines and standards, such may involve or raise potential concerns such as involving or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such materials. The development safe gas generant material alternatives to sodium azide for commercial application in inflatable restraint systems commonly the conflicting or objectives of increasing the gas output of the gas generant while reducing or minimizing the costs associated with the gas generant material, including the associated ingredients the The incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer in such gas generant formulations has been found to be one cost-effective approach for exceeding the current state of the art generant formulation gas yield about three moles of gas per 100 of gas generant formulation. particular, ammonium nitrate is relatively inexpensive and, when burned with nitrate fuel, generally combusts to all species resulting in gas yields approaching 4 moles of gas 100 grams of Unfortunately, the general incorporation and use of ammonium in pyrotechnic gas generant formulations has generally been subject certain difficulties. For example, ammonium nitrate-containing pyrotechnic gas generant formulations have commonly been subject to one or more of the following shortcomings: rates exhibiting a high sensitivity to pressure, well as to phase or other in crystalline structure such as may associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of such formulations, such as may during cycling over the normally expected or anticipated range of storage conditions, e.g., temperatures of about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 C. to about 110xc2x0 C. Such phase or structural changes may result in physical degradation of the form of the gas generant formulation such when such gas generant formulation has been shaped or formed into tablets, wafers or other shape or form. Further, such changes, even when relatively minute, can strongly influence the physical of corresponding gas generant material in turn, strongly affect the burn rate the generant material. Unless checked, changes in may result such performance variations the gas generant materials incorporating such ammonium as to render gas generant material unacceptable for typical system applications. In view thereof, have been directed to minimizing or such volume expansion during normal temperature cycling and the effects thereof. In it has been found that the incorporation of a minimum of about 15 % (based on total oxidizer content) of a transition metal diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel dinitrate or zinc diammine dinitrate, for example, in ammonium nitrate, may serve to phase stabilize the mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling associated with such inflatable restraint applications. Further, nitrate stabilized with such transition metal diammine dinitrates are typically advantageously less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase stabilized by other methods and the use of such transition metal dinitrates has also been found to in combustion products which form more easily filterable clinker. Ammonium nitrate phase stabilization the of such transition metal diammine dinitrates, however, is at the cost of an associated reduction in gas yield. For example, the gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and ammonium nitrate stabilized with 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer) of such transition metal diammine dinitrate is about moles of per 100 grams of gas generant material. The gas generant formulation incorporation of transition metal diammine at levels greater than 15 wt. % (of the total oxidizer) has found increase burn rate and reduce pressure sensitivity a corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typical inflatable restraint system applications. The maximum effect on burn rate has been found to generally occur when 100% of the oxidizer is composed of the transition metal diammine dinitrate. The gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. and such transition metal dinitrate as 100% of the oxidizer is about 3.3 moles of gas per 100 of gas generant material, above the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield of 3 moles of per grams of generant formulation. A traditional method of incorporating such a transition metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate is to react the corresponding metal oxide with ammonium nitrate. example, for the incorporation of copper diammine dinitrate, cupric oxide and ammonium nitrate can be reacted according to the following reaction: CuO+2NH4NO3xe2x86x92Cu(NH3)2(NO3)2+H2Oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1) This reaction occurs at elevated temperatures (e.g., in excess of 140xc2x0 C.) in either a solid state reaction or in ammonium nitrate melt. The of such a solid state is temperature dependent and under normal processing conditions (a processing temperature of about 170xc2x0 C.), such reaction typically requires, dependent on the achieved, about 30 to 2 hours complete. As will be appreciated, such extended processing times can render processing regimes commercially unattractive not feasible. Further, the conducting of such reaction in ammonium nitrate melt generally requires specialized equipment since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted, and cooled, returning to a solid form, while simultaneously granulated. In the case either such solid state or melt processing regimes, the required to perform such reactions is only about 20xc2x0 C. to about 30xc2x0 C. below the temperature which such corresponding pyrotechnic formulations may to decompose. Thus, such processing not a thermal safety margin as sufficiently large as may be desired, scale applications. Further, such high temperature heat treatments can constitute an added processing step that detrimentally affect process economics. there has been a need and a demand for a of a generant formulation which contains transition metal diammine dinitrate which desirably avoids such high temperature processing. particular, has been a need and a demand for a method of making a gas generant formulation and which be implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as may be accomplished over a relatively short time period, such as may be desired in a typical commercial application. To that end, the above-identified prior U.S. Ser. No. 09/454,041 discloses an of making a gas generant formulation which contains a metal dinitrate. accordance with one preferred disclosed therein, a method includes the steps of: combining at least a nitrate of at least one transition metal with an ammonia source in aqueous slurry to form a corresponding mixture; forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, precursor comprising the aqueous slurry reaction mixture, a gas generant formulation fuel component and a sufficient of water to render the precursor dryable; spray drying the precursor to form a gas generant powder containing a diammine of the at least one transition metal. In particular, an appropriate metal nitrate (such as nitrate) can be reacted with an appropriate ammonia source (such as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate or carbamate) in a water solution to form a metal diammine dinitrate. In addition, there is a need and a demand for a method of making ammonium nitrate phase stabilized via the presence of a selected metal diammine and which method avoids high processing temperatures, i.e., processing temperatures which are undesirably near the temperature of ammonium nitrate, and which of metal tetrammine nitrate complexes such as may raise shipping and handling concerns. To that end, the above-identified prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,958 discloses a method of making stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying and heat
|
tHiS invEntiOn RelaTeS GENeRAlLY TO gas GeneranT matEriAls. MOre PARticuLARLY, THIs iNvEntIoN rELates TO thE maNuFaCtURe oF gas gEnERaNt fORmulatIOnS suCH AS MaY Be SUiTEd fOr USE iN THe inflAtIon OF aUTOmoTIVe iNflAtabLE reStRAinT aIRBaG tO cUSHioNs.
IT IS weLL KnoWN to pRoTEcT A VEHIcLe OccuPANT usING a cushIon Or BAg, e.G., aN Xe2x80X9CAiRBaG cushIon,Xe2x80X9D thAT Is InFLateD Or EXpaNDeD WITH gAS WHeN thE vEhiCLe eNCoUnters suDden deCELERAtION, such As In thE eVEnT Of a cOLLIsION. IN sUch SYstEms, THE AIrbAG cUShioN Is NorMaLLy HoUsED iN AN UNINfLaTeD AnD Folded conDItiOn tO mInimIzE SpaCE ReqUIreMENts. UPoN actuaTioN OF thE SyStem, ThE CUShioN BEgINS TO bE iNflATED, iN a maTteR OF No MORe thaN A feW MillISeCoNdS, WitH GAS PRODUCed OR SUPPLiEd bY A DevicE COMmONLy ReFErred To AS AN xe2X80X9cinfLatOr.xE2x80x9D
whIle MAnY TyPEs of InfLATOR DeViCES HAVE BEeN DiSCLoSED In tHe ArT FoR USe iN THE INflAtiNG Of ONe Or more InflAtable ResTRaINt sYstem AIrbAg cushIONs, infLatoR devICEs WhiCH relY on thE COMBustiOn Of A pyrOTecHnIC, FuEL and OXiDiZER cOmBInATIon oR OTHER FOrM of GaS gENERant tO proDUCe Or AT lEaSt iN PArT fORM the INflATIoN GAs isSuiNg FOrTh Therefrom HavE bEeN CoMmoNly eMPloyED in cOnjUNctIOn WItH VehIcULaR InFlatabLE reSTRAInT AiRbag cUShiONS.
SOdiUM aZiDe Has BeEN a CoMmonlY AcCeptED AnD usEd GAs geNerAtInG matERIaL. wHIle THE USE OF soDiUm AzIDE And cErtaiN oTHEr aziDe-BASED GAs GENErAnt materIALS mEETS CurrenT InDUsTry sPecifIcatIONS, GuIdElINes AnD STAnDArds, SucH UsE maY INVOlVE oR rAise POTEntiAl CoNcernS sUCh as INVolviNg oNe or MOrE of tHe HaNdlING, supPly aNd dIsPOSal Of sucH MAtERialS.
ThE DeveLOpmenT oF safE gaS genERaNt MAtERial ALTerNaTiVeS To sodiUm AZide FoR COMmErCiAl ApPliCaTiOn In InflaTaBLE REstrAINt sysTemS COMMONLY iNVOLveS The oftENTiMEs cONFlIcting GoALs or OBjEctIveS OF increaSing The Gas ouTPUT of the gAS geNeraNT mATEriAL wHILE rEDUcIng Or minIMiZING thE CosTs asSOciateD WitH THE GAs geNEraNt MAtERiAL, inCLuDIng tHE coSts ASSoCIAted wIth iNGREdIenTs And tHe ProcESsInG TherEoF.
tHe inCOrPoRaTion AnD usE of AmmonIUm nitrATE As aN oxIDizEr IN sUch Gas GenERaNT ForMuLATIONs HaS beeN FoUnd TO be oNe gEnERalLY COsT-efFectIvE apPROaCH FOr excEediNG tHe CurrENt STaTE OF THe arT gas gEnERANt FoRMuLAtIoN gas yieLd OF ABouT thREe mOLeS of gAS Per 100 grAMs OF gas gEnerAnT foRmUlatioN. In pArTicUlaR, AmMOniUM niTRate iS ReLaTIvElY inEXpenSiVe and, WhEN BuRNeD WiTh GUANiDINE nitraTE FuEL, geNerally coMBUsts tO alL GaSeouS SpEciES reSUltiNg iN GaS yIelDs aPproaCHinG 4 MOlES OF GAs pER 100 GRams oF mAteRiAL.
UNfOrTunaTEly, tHE GeNEral iNCorpoRATIon and uSe Of AMMONIUM nITrate in PYROteCHnIC GAs GEnERant FormUlationS HaS gEnErALLY Been SubJEct To certAiN DiFfIculTIES. fOr eXAmPLe, aMMonIum NitraTe-CONTaInING pyROTecHNIC gAs GeNeraNt fOrMUlatIOns hAVE coMmOnLy BEen SuBjEct tO oNe or MoRe of THe FOLLOWiNG ShoRtComiNGS: LOW buRN rATES, bUrn RaTeS EXHIbiTiNg a hIgh SEnsITIvity to PreSsUrE, aS wELL AS TO PhaSe oR othEr chANGES in CRYsTAllinE StrUCtURE SUCH AS mAy BE aSSocIATED WITH vOLUmETrIc expAnsION of vaRIOuS FOrms Of Such fORMulatIons, sucH as mAY OcCUR DUrING TempeRaTuRe CYClIng OvER The norMAllY ExPeCteD Or AntiCipATED rAngE OF STOrAge cONDItiOnS, e.g., teMPERatUres of abOuT xe2x88X9240Xc2X0 c. to abOuT 110Xc2X0 C. sUcH PhasE oR sTRUcTURal cHANGES MAY rEsUlt iN pHYSiCaL DeGradatIon Of tHe ForM Of THe gas gEnERaNT fORmulatioN SuCh as WHEN SUcH GaS genErANt FOrmULAtion hAs Been shapEd Or FoRmEd Into TABleTS, wAfeRS oR OTHer SElECTEd shapE OR FORM. fURTHER, sUCh CHAngEs, EVen WHeN rELaTIVeLy MINuTe, CAN STROnglY infLUenCe thE phYSiCaL propeRtIES of a CoRReSpONding gaS gENERaNt MATERial ANd, In Turn, STRONgLy afFEcT THE BuRn RATE of thE geneRAnt maTeRiAL. uNLesS CHecKeD, sucH cHanGEs In sTRUctuRe maY RESULt in suCh peRfORmAnce VAriatIons in ThE gaS gENEranT maTERIals INCoRPOrATINg SUCh amMonIUM niTRAte As TO rEnDer ThE GAS GeNeRANt mATERIAL UnaCcEPtABle fOR TYPicaL InfLAtAbLe restraINT SyStem AppLicATIons.
iN VIeW tHereof, EfForts hAVe bEEN dIREctEd to miniMiZinG oR elIMinaTING SUCH VOLUme EXPanSIOn DurINg NoRMal teMpErATuRE cycLiNG And THE EfFects thEreOf. in pArTIcuLar, IT HAs BEEn FOund THAT The IncoRporaTiOn Of a miNiMum of AboUT 15 Wt. % (bAsed On toTAl OxIDizeR CoNtEnT) of a tRansiTiON mEtAL diAmminE dInItrATe SuCh aS Copper dIamminE DInItrate, niCkEl dIAmmiNE DiniTrATe oR ZINC DIaMmInE dINITRaTE, FOR ExAmPle, iN AMMOnIum NItRatE, MAy SErVe tO phAsE sTABIlIzE tHe MIXtURe anD mINIMIZe or eLIminATE VOLumetrIc ExPaNsION DurIng NoRMAL TemPeratUrE cyClInG ASSOciATED with such INfLAtABLe reStrAInt appliCAtiONs. FuRTHeR, AmMoniuM NiTrATE StAbILIzed wiTh sUCH TRANSition MetAl dIamMIne DinITRaTES are TYpIcallY ADVANTAgEOusLy lesS hYgROSCopIc tHAN AmMoNiuM nitRatE PhAsE stABILIzED bY oTheR mEThoDs aNd THe uSE Of sucH TRaNsItIOn mEtal DiaMmINe DINiTRAtEs haS Also BEEn foUND tO rESulT in coMBuSTIon pRoDuCts WhIcH FORM a MoRE easILy fILtEraBlE cLinKer.
AmmoNiuM NiTrate PHASe STABIlIzATiON viA tHe IncORporAtIOn Of SuCH TrANsITiOn MeTaL diAmMIne dInItratES, hOWEVer, Is tYpicallY At ThE cOST oF An aSSocIatED ReDuCTiOn IN gas yIeLd. for exAmPLE, tHE GAs yielD of A TYpIcal foRMULATioN cOnTAInINg GUANIDiNe NITraTe, SiliCOn dIoxIdE (5 WT. %) aND AmMONium NitRaTE stAbiLiZeD WiTh 15 Wt. % (bAsEd oN tOTal oXiDIzeR) OF suCH TRANSitIOn MeTaL DIAmMInE DINiTRATe IS abOuT 3.8 mOlES OF GAS peR 100 GramS of gAs geNErANT materIal.
tHe gaS GeneRanT FoRMUlAtioN INCORPORatION Of sUCh TrANSitION mETAL diammINe dinItRATeS AT LEvELS GrEATer Than 15 wt. % (OF tHe totaL OXidiZeR) Has bEEN founD tO IncReAse BuRn RaTe aND reDucE pReSSurE sensITivITY Of A cOrrESPonDinG GAS GEnerAnt foRmulaTIoN to LeVelS rEAlIStic For tYpICaL iNFlaTAbLE ResTRaiNT sYStEm APPlIcaTions. the MaxImUm effECT oN bUrN rAtE HaS BeEn FOunD to generally OCCur wHen 100% of the oXIDiZEr IS COMpoSeD oF tHE traNSItioN MeTAl DiaMMine DINITratE. thE gas yIEld Of A tyPicAl FORMULAtIoN ConTAInIng guANIdINE NiTrate, silicon DIoXIDE (5 wT. %) anD suCH tRAnsiTION MetAl DiamMiNe DInITratE AS 100% OF ThE oXiDIZeR is ABout 3.3 mOLeS OF gaS PER 100 graMs OF gAS geNERaNt mAtERiAl, wELl AbOVe the cUrrent STatE Of THE Art GAs GeNErANt foRmulATioN GAS YIeLD oF aBout 3 Moles OF GAS peR 100 GRaMs Of GAS GENERANT ForMuLAtIoN.
a TradiTIonal meThOD oF incOrpOraTiNG SucH a TrANSITION metAl DiAMmiNE diNITrATe iNtO aMMoniUM NitRAte is tO ReaCT tHe CoRrEsPONdiNG mEtAL oxIDE With aMmoNIum nitratE. FOr examplE, For The iNCORPORatiOn oF CoPPer DiAmmiNE dINItRaTe, cUPrIC OXiDE AND aMMONIUM niTRAtE cAN BE REaCTEd acCoRding TO thE FOlLOwinG rEAcTion:
Cuo+2Nh4no3xe2X86X92cU(nH3)2(no3)2+h2OXE2X80X83xE2X80x83(1)
THIs rEActioN oCCuRs At ELevaTed tEmperaTUrEs (e.g., in excEss of 140xC2x0 c.) iN EiTHer a sOLId STaTE REACTION oR in AN AMMoNiUM NITRaTE MELT. tHE rATe Of SUch a sOliD STATe ReactIoN iS temPErAtUrE DePendeNt ANd uNDer nORMal PROCeSSINg CoNdItionS (a prOceSSInG TEMPerAtUre of ABOuT 170xc2X0 c.), SuCH REacTiOn typICaLLY ReqUires, DEPeNdENT ON The raTe Of HEaT transfER aChievED, abOuT 30 mINUTEs tO 2 HoUrS TO comPLetE. aS will be apPreCiAtEd, SUch eXTEndED PRocEssINg tIMEs typicalLy Can ReNdER suCh pROCesSiNG regimeS ComMeRcIaLly uNATtraCTivE oR nOT FeASiBLe. FURtheR, ThE CONduCtinG oF sUcH ReaCtiON iN An AmMonIUM nitraTE mElT genERaLly rEquIReS SpeCIALIzeD eQuipmENT SINce tHE mateRIaL WOUlD NORmALly hAvE to Be mElTEd, rEaCTed, and coOled, reTuRnING to A soLId fOrm, WhIle SimULtAnEouSly BEing graNuLaTed. In The CAsE Of EItHEr SUcH solid STaTe or meLt prOCesSIng regimeS, tHE tEmpeRaTUre reQuiReD To perFORm SUch rEaCtioNS iS OnLY ABOUt 20XC2x0 C. to abOUt 30xc2X0 C. bELoW tHE TEMperatURe aT WhICh suCh corREspOnDinG pyrOTecHnIC FOrMULations MaY beGin to DEcOmPOSe. tHUs, sUCH ProCESsInG May not afForD a THERMAl SafEty mArgiN aS SuffIcIeNTLy LARge aS May bE desIrEd, PARtIcULaRlY FOr LaRGE ScalE APPlICATiOnS. FUrtHeR, suCh HIGH tEmPEratUre heaT trEaTMeNts CAN CONSTItutE an addED PRocEsSING steP tHAt MAY dEtrimeNtALLY affect PROCess EConoMiCs.
THus, THEre HaS BEEN A neEd anD A DEmAnD for a mEThoD of maKinG A GAS geNerANt FOrMuLAtIOn wHIcH CoNtAInS A tRAnsItION MeTAL diamMine diniTrAte WhIcH DEsirAbLY AvoIDS SucH HIgh tEMPERaTURE PRoceSSINg. in paRtiCular, tHERE HAs bEen A NEEd And A dEMAnd fOR A METhod Of MaKing sUCH A gaS GEnerANt FORMuLatION anD Which CAN dEsIraBly bE impleMENteD WItHIn TYpiCal Or ExiStINg prOCesSiNg EQUipmEnT AND SUcH aS mAY BE AccOmplIsHeD OvEr A relaTively shorT Time pERiod, SUcH As mAY be desireD in A TypICal commErcial aPPlICaTion.
To tHAT End, The abOVE-iDeNtified priOR u.S. PAtENt AppliCATiON SER. no. 09/454,041 diSCLoSeS An improved METHod of MAKing A gas GeNerant FOrMuLaTIoN WHiCH cONTainS a TrANsItION meTaL diaMMinE diNItrATe. In aCcORdanCe wITH oNE PrEferrED embodimenT DISclOSEd THEREiN, SuCh a MetHOd iNClUdeS The STePs of:
COmBiNIng at lEasT a niTRate oF AT lEASt OnE tRansition MetAL wIth AN AmmONiA soURCE iN an AQuEoUS sLurRY To FOrm A CORREspOnDIng reactIOn mixTURe;
fORMINg a sPRAy DryAbLE PrEcursOr To The GAS GeNERaNt FOrMUlATION, the prEcURsor cOmprISINg THe AQUEOus SluRry rEaCtiON mixTURe, A gAS GEnerANT FORMulAtION FuEL CoMpoNeNt AND a SuFfICIENT quAnTItY oF water tO rendER THE PreCUrsor SpRaY DRyaBlE; and
sprAY dRYIng the PrECUrSOR to FORM A GAs geNeranT POwDer cOnTaIniNg a DiAmmiNe dINitraTe oF tHe at leaSt ONE TranSitION meTAl.
In partICUlAR, AN ApPROPrIAtE metAL NitRAte (SuCH aS cUPRic NItRAtE) cAn BE REAcTED With An ApPROpriate AMMONiA SouRCE (suCh aS ammOnIUm BICarbONAtE, AMMoNIUM caRbOnaTe or Ammonium cARbAMaTe) IN a ConcEntRAteD wATer SOLutIOn TO FoRm a DEsirED METAl diammINE DiNItRAte.
in adDiTION, THere iS A nEeD AnD A deMand FOr A mEtHod OF mAkIng AMmONium NiTRaTE phASe sTAbILiZed via THe PrESENCe OF a SelecTED METaL DiAmmInE DinItRAte and wHIcH mEThOD AVOIDs UnDesIrABLy hiGh PRoCEssiNg TEmpeRATurEs, i.e., prOCEsSInG TEMPErATureS wHICh ARe undESirABlY near The deCOMPoSiTiOn TeMpeRAturE OF aMmoNiuM NITratE, AnD WHIcH AVoids iSoLatIoN Of MEtAL tetrammINe nITrAtE ComPLexes SUCh as mAy raise shipPIng anD hANdLiNg CONCerns.
tO thAT ENd, thE aBoVE-ideNTiFiED prIOr u.S. PaTeNT ApPLICATIon Ser. NO. 09/454,958 diSClOSES a MethOd oF MAkiNg phaSE StAbIliZeD ammOnIum NitrAtE whICH inClUdeS DrYiNG anD heAt
|
This invention relates generally to gas generant materials.More particularly, thisinvention relates to the manufactureof gas generant formulations such as may be suited for use in the inflation of automotive inflatable restraintairbag to cushions. It is well known to protecta vehicle occupant using a cushion or bag,e.g., an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion,xe2x80x9d that isinflated orexpanded with gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as in theevent of a collision. In such systems, the airbag cushion is normally housed in an uninflated and folded condition to minimizespace requirements. Upon actuation of the system, thecushion begins to be inflated, in a matter ofno morethan a few milliseconds, with gas producedor suppliedby a device commonly referred to as an xe2x80x9cinflator.xe2x80x9dWhile many types of inflator devices have beendisclosedin theart for use inthe inflating of one or more inflatable restraint system airbag cushions,inflator devices which rely on the combustion of a pyrotechnic, fuel and oxidizer combination or other formofgas generant to produceor at least in part formthe inflation gas issuingforth therefromhave been commonly employed in conjunction with vehicular inflatable restraint airbag cushions.Sodium azide hasbeena commonlyaccepted and used gas generating material. While the useof sodium azide andcertain other azide-based gas generant materials meets current industry specifications, guidelinesand standards, such use may involve or raise potential concerns such as involvingone or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such materials. The development of safe gas generant materialalternatives to sodium azide for commercial application ininflatable restraint systems commonly involves theoftentimes conflicting goals orobjectives of increasing the gas output of thegas generantmaterial while reducing or minimizing the costs associated with the gas generant material, including the costs associated with ingredients and the processing thereof.The incorporation and use of ammonium nitrateas an oxidizerinsuch gasgenerant formulations has been found to be one generally cost-effective approach for exceeding the current state of the art gas generant formulation gas yield ofabout three moles of gasper 100grams of gas generant formulation. In particular, ammoniumnitrate is relatively inexpensive and,when burnedwith guanidine nitrate fuel, generally combusts to allgaseous species resulting in gas yields approaching 4 moles of gas per 100 grams of material. Unfortunately, the general incorporation and use of ammonium nitrate in pyrotechnicgas generant formulations has generally been subject to certain difficulties. For example, ammonium nitrate-containing pyrotechnic gas generantformulations have commonly been subject to one or more of the followingshortcomings:lowburn rates, burn rates exhibiting ahigh sensitivity to pressure, as well as to phase or otherchangesin crystalline structuresuch as may be associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of such formulations, such as may occur during temperature cycling over the normally expected or anticipated range ofstorage conditions, e.g., temperaturesof about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 C. toabout110xc2x0 C. Such phase or structural changesmay resultinphysical degradationof the form of the gas generant formulation such as when such gas generant formulation has been shapedor formed into tablets, wafers or other selected shape or form. Further, such changes,even when relatively minute, can strongly influencethephysical propertiesof acorresponding gas generant material and, in turn, stronglyaffect the burn rateof the generantmaterial. Unless checked, such changes instructure may result in suchperformance variations in the gas generant materials incorporating such ammonium nitrate as to render the gas generant material unacceptablefor typical inflatable restraintsystem applications. In view thereof, efforts have beendirected to minimizing or eliminating such volume expansion duringnormal temperature cycling and the effectsthereof. In particular, it has been found that theincorporation of aminimum ofabout15 wt. % (based on total oxidizercontent) of a transition metal diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel diammine dinitrate or zincdiammine dinitrate, for example, in ammonium nitrate,may serve to phasestabilizethe mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling associated with such inflatable restraintapplications. Further, ammonium nitrate stabilized with such transition metal diammine dinitrates are typically advantageously less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase stabilized by other methodsandtheuse of such transition metal diamminedinitrates has also been found to result in combustion products which form a more easilyfilterable clinker. Ammonium nitrate phase stabilization viatheincorporation of suchtransition metal diammine dinitrates, however, is typicallyat the cost of an associated reduction in gas yield. For example, the gas yield of atypical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and ammonium nitrate stabilized with 15 wt. % (based on total oxidizer) of suchtransition metal diamminedinitrate is about 3.8 moles of gas per 100 gramsof gas generant material.The gas generant formulationincorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates at levelsgreaterthan 15 wt. % (of thetotal oxidizer) has been found to increase burnrate and reduce pressure sensitivity of a corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typicalinflatable restraint system applications. The maximum effecton burnrate has been foundto generally occur when 100% of the oxidizer is composed ofthe transition metal diammine dinitrate. The gas yield of a typical formulation containing guanidine nitrate, silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and such transition metaldiammine dinitrate as 100% of the oxidizer is about 3.3 moles ofgas per 100 grams of gas generant material, well above the current state of the artgas generant formulation gas yield ofabout 3 moles of gas per100 grams of gas generant formulation. A traditionalmethodof incorporating such atransition metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate is to react the corresponding metal oxide with ammonium nitrate. For example, for the incorporation of copper diamminedinitrate, cupric oxide andammonium nitrate can be reacted according to thefollowingreaction: CuO+2NH4NO3xe2x86x92Cu(NH3)2(NO3)2+H2Oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1) Thisreaction occurs at elevated temperatures (e.g., inexcessof 140xc2x0 C.) in either a solidstatereaction or in an ammonium nitrate melt. The rate of such a solid state reaction is temperature dependent and under normal processing conditions (a processing temperature ofabout 170xc2x0 C.), such reaction typically requires, dependent on the rate of heat transfer achieved, about 30 minutesto 2 hours to complete. As will be appreciated, such extended processing timestypicallycanrender such processing regimes commercially unattractive or not feasible. Further,the conducting of such reactionin an ammonium nitrate melt generally requiresspecialized equipment since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted,and cooled, returning to asolid form,while simultaneously being granulated. In the case of either such solid state or meltprocessing regimes, the temperature required toperform suchreactions is only about20xc2x0 C. to about 30xc2x0 C. belowthe temperature at which such corresponding pyrotechnic formulations may begin to decompose. Thus, such processingmay not afford athermal safety margin as sufficiently large as may be desired, particularly forlarge scale applications. Further, such high temperature heat treatments can constitute an added processing step that may detrimentally affect process economics. Thus, there has been a need and a demand for a method of making a gas generant formulationwhich contains a transitionmetal diammine dinitrate whichdesirably avoids such high temperature processing. In particular, there has been a need and a demand foramethod of making such a gasgenerant formulation and which can desirably be implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as maybe accomplished over a relatively short time period, such as may be desired in a typical commercial application. To that end,the above-identifiedprior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,041 discloses an improved method of making a gas generant formulation which contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate. In accordance with one preferredembodiment disclosed therein, such a method includesthe steps of: combining atleast a nitrate of at least one transition metal withan ammonia sourcein an aqueous slurry to forma corresponding reaction mixture; forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, the precursor comprising the aqueous slurryreaction mixture, a gas generant formulation fuel component and a sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable; and spray drying the precursor to forma gas generantpowder containing adiammine dinitrate ofthe at least one transition metal. In particular, an appropriate metal nitrate (such as cupric nitrate) can be reacted with an appropriate ammoniasource (such as ammonium bicarbonate,ammonium carbonate or ammonium carbamate) in a concentrated water solution to forma desired metal diammine dinitrate.In addition,there is aneed and a demand for a method of making ammonium nitratephase stabilized via the presence of a selected metal diammine dinitrate and which method avoids undesirably high processing temperatures, i.e., processing temperatures which are undesirablynear the decomposition temperature of ammoniumnitrate, and which avoids isolation of metaltetrammine nitrate complexes such as mayraise shipping and handlingconcerns. To that end, the above-identified prior U.S. patent application Ser.No.09/454,958 discloses a method of making phase stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying andheat
|
This invention _relates_ generally to gas generant _materials._ More particularly, this invention relates to the manufacture of gas generant formulations such _as_ may be suited _for_ use in the inflation of automotive _inflatable_ restraint airbag to cushions. _It_ is well _known_ to _protect_ a vehicle occupant using _a_ _cushion_ _or_ bag, e.g., an xe2x80x9cairbag cushion,xe2x80x9d that _is_ inflated or _expanded_ _with_ gas when the vehicle encounters sudden deceleration, such as in the event of _a_ collision. In such systems, the airbag cushion is normally _housed_ in _an_ uninflated and folded condition _to_ minimize space requirements. Upon _actuation_ of the _system,_ the cushion begins _to_ be inflated, _in_ a matter of no more _than_ a few _milliseconds,_ _with_ gas produced _or_ supplied by a _device_ _commonly_ _referred_ to as an xe2x80x9cinflator.xe2x80x9d _While_ many _types_ of inflator devices have _been_ disclosed in _the_ _art_ for use in the _inflating_ of one or more _inflatable_ _restraint_ system airbag cushions, _inflator_ devices which rely on the combustion of a pyrotechnic, fuel and oxidizer combination or other form of gas generant to produce or at least in _part_ form _the_ inflation _gas_ issuing forth therefrom have _been_ commonly employed _in_ conjunction _with_ _vehicular_ _inflatable_ restraint airbag cushions. Sodium azide has been _a_ commonly accepted and _used_ gas _generating_ material. While the use of sodium azide and _certain_ _other_ azide-based _gas_ generant materials meets current industry specifications, guidelines and standards, such use _may_ involve or raise potential concerns such as involving one or more of the handling, supply and disposal of such _materials._ The development of safe gas _generant_ material alternatives to sodium azide _for_ commercial application in inflatable restraint systems _commonly_ involves the oftentimes conflicting _goals_ or objectives _of_ increasing _the_ gas output of _the_ gas generant material while reducing _or_ _minimizing_ the _costs_ associated _with_ the gas generant _material,_ _including_ the costs _associated_ with ingredients _and_ _the_ processing _thereof._ The _incorporation_ and use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizer in such _gas_ generant formulations has been found to be one generally cost-effective approach _for_ exceeding the current _state_ _of_ the art _gas_ generant formulation gas yield of _about_ three moles of _gas_ per 100 grams of gas generant formulation. In _particular,_ ammonium nitrate is relatively inexpensive _and,_ when _burned_ with guanidine nitrate fuel, generally combusts to all gaseous species _resulting_ in _gas_ _yields_ approaching 4 moles of gas per 100 grams _of_ _material._ Unfortunately, the _general_ incorporation _and_ use of ammonium nitrate in pyrotechnic gas generant formulations has generally been _subject_ _to_ certain _difficulties._ For _example,_ ammonium nitrate-containing _pyrotechnic_ gas _generant_ formulations _have_ commonly been subject to one or more of the following shortcomings: low burn _rates,_ burn rates exhibiting a high _sensitivity_ to pressure, _as_ _well_ _as_ to phase _or_ other changes in crystalline _structure_ such as may be associated with volumetric expansion of various forms of _such_ formulations, such as may occur _during_ temperature _cycling_ over the normally expected _or_ anticipated range _of_ storage conditions, _e.g.,_ _temperatures_ _of_ about xe2x88x9240xc2x0 _C._ _to_ about 110xc2x0 C. Such phase or structural changes may result in physical degradation of _the_ form of the gas generant _formulation_ such as when such _gas_ generant _formulation_ _has_ been _shaped_ or formed into tablets, wafers or _other_ selected shape or form. Further, such changes, even when relatively minute, can strongly influence the physical properties of a corresponding _gas_ generant material _and,_ in _turn,_ strongly affect the burn rate of the generant material. Unless checked, _such_ changes in structure _may_ result in such performance _variations_ in _the_ gas _generant_ materials _incorporating_ such ammonium _nitrate_ as to render the gas generant material unacceptable for _typical_ inflatable restraint system _applications._ In _view_ thereof, efforts have been directed to minimizing or eliminating such volume _expansion_ during normal temperature cycling and the effects _thereof._ In particular, it has been found that the incorporation of _a_ minimum of about 15 _wt._ % (based on total _oxidizer_ content) of a transition metal diammine dinitrate such as copper diammine dinitrate, nickel diammine _dinitrate_ _or_ zinc diammine dinitrate, for example, _in_ ammonium nitrate, may serve to phase stabilize _the_ mixture and minimize or eliminate volumetric expansion during normal temperature cycling _associated_ with such inflatable restraint applications. Further, ammonium nitrate stabilized with _such_ transition _metal_ diammine dinitrates _are_ typically _advantageously_ less hygroscopic than ammonium nitrate phase _stabilized_ by other methods and the use _of_ such transition metal diammine dinitrates has also _been_ found to result in _combustion_ _products_ _which_ form a more easily filterable clinker. Ammonium nitrate phase stabilization via the incorporation of such transition _metal_ diammine _dinitrates,_ _however,_ is typically at the _cost_ _of_ an associated reduction in gas yield. For example, _the_ gas yield _of_ a _typical_ _formulation_ containing _guanidine_ _nitrate,_ silicon dioxide (5 wt. %) and ammonium _nitrate_ stabilized with 15 wt. % _(based_ on total oxidizer) of such transition metal _diammine_ dinitrate is about 3.8 moles _of_ gas _per_ 100 _grams_ of gas generant material. The gas generant formulation incorporation of such transition metal diammine dinitrates at levels greater than 15 _wt._ % (of the total oxidizer) has _been_ _found_ to increase burn rate and reduce pressure sensitivity of _a_ corresponding gas generant formulation to levels realistic for typical inflatable restraint system applications. The maximum _effect_ on burn rate has been found _to_ generally occur _when_ _100%_ of the oxidizer is composed _of_ _the_ transition metal diammine dinitrate. _The_ gas yield of a typical _formulation_ containing guanidine nitrate, silicon _dioxide_ (5 wt. %) and _such_ _transition_ metal diammine dinitrate as 100% of the _oxidizer_ is about 3.3 moles of gas per _100_ grams _of_ _gas_ _generant_ material, well above the current state _of_ _the_ art _gas_ generant _formulation_ gas yield of about 3 moles of gas per 100 _grams_ of _gas_ generant formulation. A traditional method of _incorporating_ such a _transition_ metal diammine dinitrate into ammonium nitrate _is_ to react the corresponding metal _oxide_ with ammonium _nitrate._ _For_ example, for the incorporation of copper diammine dinitrate, cupric oxide and ammonium nitrate can be reacted according _to_ the following _reaction:_ CuO+2NH4NO3xe2x86x92Cu(NH3)2(NO3)2+H2Oxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1) This reaction occurs at elevated temperatures (e.g., _in_ _excess_ of 140xc2x0 _C.)_ in either a solid state reaction or in an ammonium nitrate melt. The rate _of_ such a solid state _reaction_ is temperature dependent and _under_ normal processing conditions (a processing temperature of about 170xc2x0 C.), such reaction typically requires, _dependent_ _on_ the rate of _heat_ transfer _achieved,_ about 30 minutes _to_ 2 hours _to_ complete. _As_ _will_ _be_ _appreciated,_ such extended processing times typically can _render_ such processing _regimes_ commercially unattractive or not feasible. Further, _the_ _conducting_ _of_ _such_ reaction _in_ an _ammonium_ nitrate melt generally _requires_ _specialized_ _equipment_ since the material would normally have to be melted, reacted, and cooled, returning to a solid form, while simultaneously being granulated. _In_ the case of either _such_ solid _state_ or melt processing _regimes,_ _the_ temperature _required_ to perform such reactions is _only_ about 20xc2x0 C. to about 30xc2x0 C. below the _temperature_ at which such _corresponding_ pyrotechnic formulations _may_ begin to decompose. Thus, such processing may not afford a _thermal_ safety margin as _sufficiently_ _large_ as may _be_ desired, _particularly_ for _large_ scale applications. _Further,_ such high temperature heat treatments can _constitute_ an added processing step that may _detrimentally_ affect process economics. Thus, there has _been_ a need and a demand _for_ a method of making _a_ gas generant _formulation_ which _contains_ a transition metal diammine _dinitrate_ _which_ desirably avoids such high temperature processing. _In_ _particular,_ there has been a need and a demand for a method of making such a gas generant _formulation_ _and_ _which_ _can_ desirably _be_ implemented within typical or existing processing equipment and such as may be accomplished over _a_ relatively short _time_ _period,_ _such_ as may _be_ desired _in_ a _typical_ _commercial_ application. _To_ that end, the above-identified prior U.S. _patent_ application Ser. No. _09/454,041_ discloses an improved method _of_ making a _gas_ generant formulation _which_ contains a transition metal diammine dinitrate. In accordance _with_ one preferred embodiment disclosed therein, such a method includes the steps _of:_ combining at least _a_ nitrate of at least one transition metal with _an_ ammonia source in an aqueous slurry to _form_ a corresponding reaction mixture; forming a spray dryable precursor to the gas generant formulation, the precursor _comprising_ the aqueous slurry reaction _mixture,_ a gas _generant_ formulation fuel component and _a_ sufficient quantity of water to render the precursor spray dryable; _and_ spray _drying_ _the_ precursor to form a gas generant powder containing a _diammine_ dinitrate of the at least _one_ transition metal. In particular, an appropriate metal nitrate (such as _cupric_ nitrate) can _be_ reacted with an appropriate ammonia _source_ _(such_ as ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium _carbamate)_ in a _concentrated_ water solution _to_ form _a_ desired metal diammine dinitrate. In addition, _there_ is _a_ need _and_ a demand for a method of making ammonium nitrate _phase_ stabilized via the presence of a selected _metal_ diammine dinitrate and which method avoids undesirably high processing temperatures, i.e., processing temperatures which are _undesirably_ near the decomposition temperature of ammonium nitrate, and _which_ avoids isolation _of_ metal tetrammine nitrate complexes such _as_ may raise _shipping_ _and_ _handling_ _concerns._ To that end, the above-identified _prior_ U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,958 discloses a method of making phase stabilized ammonium nitrate which includes drying and heat
|
Water-curable compositions based on thermoplastic polymers having hydrolyzable silane moieties are becoming increasingly interesting as environmental, health and safety concerns increase for other curing technologies. Such compositions have excellent properties of weather-, chemical- and water-resistance, since the alkoxysilyl group is connected to the polymer chain by a carbon-silicon bond, rather than a labile carbon-oxygen-silicon linkage; therefore water-, alkali- and acid-resistance are remarkably improved compared to a system with silicates or silanes added by physical mixing. One disadvantage of water-curable silylated polymer compositions, however, is that they tend to crosslink, especially if dispersed in water, under normal conditions of preparation, handling and storage. As a result, the relatively poor shelf life of such compositions has tended to limit their wide commercial acceptance and has kept the use of silylated polymers to those with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1.0 weight percent, in waterborne polymeric products.
Modification of water-curable compositions to alleviate the problem of premature crosslinking is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,930 which teaches relatively water-stable, melt-processable, thermoplastic polymers with hydrolyzable silane moieties. These silylated polymers are only activated or made readily water-curable by the reaction herewith of an organotitanate having at least one readily hydrolyzable group, which ester exchanges with an ester group of the silane. Although the titanate functions as a silanol condensation catalyst, it is dispersed in the alkylene-acrylate solid matrix, not in water.
Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 6025502 teaches a composition comprising a polymer emulsion obtained by adding a tin catalyst (a diorganotin carboxylate) which is insoluble in water, to silylated vinyl polymers after emulsion polymerization. The addition of a water insoluble tin catalyst, however, is not suitable for such films because defects result from the heterogeneous catalysts and the emulsion polymer mixtures, such as formation of craters and granular particles on the surface and uneven crosslinkage in the film structure. Moreover, the silanes taught therein have alkoxy groups of at least eight carbons long and generally of a straight chain.
This Japanese patent application also teaches non-discriminate curing catalysts generally used for silane/ester hydrolysis and condensation reactions. Similar examples of catalysts for silane ester and silanol-containing compositions can be found in the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent-based systems to ensure a proper cure.
For example, it has long been known that diorganotin dicarboxylates are catalysts for polymerization of organosilicon compounds. However, in spite of their proven utility, the diorganotin dicarboxylates suffer from several disadvantages. One is the relative instability of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly under moist conditions. The phenomenon is even more pronounced when the catalyst is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. Many tin compounds may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged storage and revert to catalytically inactive forms.
Thus, it is clear that there is the need for one component, water-based dispersed silylated polymeric systems that have good stability during storage in water and which produce films of good quality upon application and drying.
|
water - curable compositions based on thermoplastic polymers having hydrolyzable silane moieties are becoming increasingly interesting as environmental, health and safety factors increase for other curing technologies. such compositions have excellent properties of weather -, chemical - and water - resistance, since the alkoxysilyl group is connected to the polymer chain by a carbon - silicon bond, rather than a labile carbon - oxygen - silicon linkage ; therefore water -, alkali - mediated liquid - resistance are remarkably improved compared to a system with silicates or silanes added to physical mixing. one disadvantage of water - curable silylated polymer compositions, however, is that they tend to crosslink, especially if dispersed in water, under normal conditions of preparation, handling and storage. as a result, the relatively poor shelf life of such compositions has tended to limit their wide commercial reach and has kept the use of silylated polymers to those with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1. 0 weight percent, in waterborne polymeric products. modification of water - curable compositions to alleviate the problem of premature crosslinking is described in u. s. pat. no. 4, 526, 930 which teaches relatively water - stable, melt - processable, thermoplastic groups with hydrolyzable silane moieties. these silylated polymers are only activated or made readily water - curable by the reaction process comprising an organotitanate having at least one readily hydrolyzable group, which ester exchanges with an ester group of the silane. although the titanate functions as a silanol condensation catalyst, it is dispersed in the alkylene - acrylate solid matrix, not in water. unexamined japanese patent application no. 6025502 teaches a composition comprising a polymer emulsion obtained while adding a tin catalyst ( a diorganotin carboxylate ) which is insoluble in water, to silylated vinyl polymers after emulsion polymerization. the addition of a water insoluble tin catalyst, however, is not suitable for such films because defects result from the heterogeneous catalysts and the emulsion polymer mixtures, such as formation of craters and granular particles on the surface and uneven crosslinkage on the film structure. moreover, the silanes taught therein have alkoxy groups of at least eight carbons long and generally of a straight chain. this japanese patent application also teaches non - discriminate curing catalysts generally used for silane / ester hydrolysis and condensation reactions. similar examples of catalysts for silane ester and silanol - containing compositions can be found in the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent - based systems to ensure a proper cure. for example, it has long been known that diorganotin dicarboxylates are catalysts for polymerization of organosilicon compounds. however, in spite of their proven utility, the diorganotin dicarboxylates suffer from several disadvantages. one is the relative instability of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly under moist conditions. the phenomenon is even more pronounced when the catalyst is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. many tin compounds may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged storage and revert to catalytically inactive forms. thus, it is clear that there is the need for one component, water - based dispersed silylated polymeric systems that have good stability during storage in water and which produce films of good quality upon application and drying.
|
Water - curable compositions based on thermoplastic polymers having hydrolyzable silane moieties are becoming increasingly interesting as environmental, health and sacSty coHXerns increase for other curing technologies. Such compositions have exDe.lent properties of weather -, chemical - and water - resistance, since the alkoxysilyl group is connected to the polymer chain by a carbon - silicon bond, rather than a labile carbon - oxygen - silicon linkage; therefore water -, alkali - and acid - resistance are remarkably improved compared to a system with silicates or silanes added by phys*xal mixing. One disadvantage of water - curable silylated polymer compositions, however, is that they tend to crosslink, especially if dispersed in water, under normal conditions of preparation, handling and storage. As a result, the relatively poor shelf life of such compositions has tended to limit their wide commercial acceptance and has kept the use of silylated polymers to those with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1. 0 weight percent, in waterborne polymeric products. Modification of water - curable compositions to alleviate the problem of premature crosslinking is described in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 526, 930 which teaches relatively water - stable, melt - procDseable, thermoplastic polymers d*th hydrolyzable silane moieties. These silylated polymers are only activated or made readily water - curable by the reaction herewith of an organotitanate having at least one readily hydrolyzable group, which ester exchanges with an eWher group of the silane. Although the titanate functions as a silanol condensation catalyst, it is dispersed in the alkylene - acrylate solid matrix, not in water. Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 6025502 teaches a composition comprising a polymer emulsion obtained by adding a tin catalyst (a diorganotin carboxylate) which is insoluble in water, to silylated vinyl pLl5mers after emulsion polymerization. The addition of a water insoluble tin catalyst, however, is not suitable for such films because defects result from the heterogeneous catalysts and the emulsion polymer mixtures, such as formation of craters and granular particles on the surface and uneven crosslinkage in the film structure. Moreover, the silanes taught therein have alkoxy groups of at least eight carbons long and generally of a straight chain. This Japanese patent application also teaches non - discriminate curing catalysts generally used for silane / ester hydrolysis and condensation reactions. Qimilzr examples of catalysts for silane ester and silanol - containing compositions can be found in the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent - based systems to ensure a proper cure. For example, it has long been known that diorganotin dicarboxylates are catalysts for polymerization of organosilicon compounds. However, in spite of their proven utility, the diorganotin dicarboxylates suffer from several disadvantages. One is the relative instability of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly under moist conditions. The phenomenon is even more pronounced when the catalyst is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. Many tin compounds may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged storage and revert to catalytically inactive forms. Thus, it is clear that there is the need for one component, water - based dispersed silylated polymeric systems that have good stability duG(ng storage in water and which produce films of good quality upon application and drying.
|
Water-curable based on thermoplastic polymers having hydrolyzable silane moieties are becoming increasingly interesting as environmental, health and increase other curing technologies. compositions have excellent properties of weather-, chemical- and water-resistance, since the alkoxysilyl group is connected to the polymer chain by bond, rather than a labile carbon-oxygen-silicon therefore water-, alkali- and acid-resistance remarkably improved a system with silicates or silanes by physical mixing. water-curable silylated polymer compositions, however, is that they tend to crosslink, especially if in water, under conditions of preparation, and As a result, relatively poor shelf life of such has tended to limit their wide acceptance and has kept the use of silylated polymers to those with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1.0 weight percent, in waterborne polymeric products. Modification of water-curable to the problem of premature crosslinking is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,930 which teaches relatively water-stable, melt-processable, thermoplastic polymers with hydrolyzable moieties. These polymers are only activated or made readily water-curable by the reaction herewith of an organotitanate having at least one readily hydrolyzable group, which ester exchanges an ester group of the Although titanate functions as a silanol condensation catalyst, it is dispersed in the alkylene-acrylate solid matrix, not in water. Japanese Patent Application No. teaches a comprising a polymer emulsion obtained by adding a catalyst diorganotin carboxylate) is insoluble in water, to silylated vinyl polymers after emulsion polymerization. The addition of a water insoluble tin catalyst, however, is not suitable for such films because defects result from the heterogeneous and the polymer mixtures, such as formation of and granular on the surface and uneven crosslinkage in the film structure. Moreover, the silanes taught therein have alkoxy groups of at least carbons long and of a straight chain. This Japanese patent application also teaches non-discriminate curing catalysts generally used for silane/ester hydrolysis and condensation reactions. Similar examples of catalysts for silane ester and silanol-containing compositions can be found the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent-based systems to ensure a proper cure. For example, it has long been known that diorganotin dicarboxylates are catalysts for polymerization of organosilicon compounds. spite of their proven utility, the diorganotin dicarboxylates suffer from several disadvantages. One is the relative instability of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly under moist conditions. The phenomenon is even pronounced when the catalyst is in the form of aqueous emulsion. Many tin compounds may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged and revert to catalytically inactive forms. Thus, it is clear that there is the for one component, water-based dispersed silylated polymeric systems have good stability during storage in water and which produce films of good quality upon application and drying.
|
wATeR-cuRaBLe COmposItiONS bAsED oN tHermOPlastIc PolYmERs HaVING HydrolYZable siLaNE moIEtIES ARE bECOminG incREAsinglY InTerEstInG aS EnvIrOnmEnTAL, healTh aNd safeTY concERns INcreASe for otHeR curInG tEcHNOLOgIES. SUCH comPOsiTIOnS hAVE eXcELleNT PRopERtIeS Of wEaThEr-, CHemiCaL- ANd WATER-RESIstaNCE, SinCe THE alKoxYSIlyl gRoUp iS coNnEcTED tO ThE PoLYMEr CHaIn By A Carbon-SILICOn bOND, raTHeR ThAN a LABiLE CArBON-oxyGen-sIlIcoN lInkAGE; thERefORe wAter-, ALKAli- anD acId-RESISTaNcE ARE remARKaBly iMproved coMpArEd tO A sySTeM witH SIlICATeS oR SilAneS adDed by phYsicAl mixING. one diSadVANtAgE OF WAteR-cUraBlE SilylAtEd PoLYMEr COmPOsitIoNs, HOwevEr, is ThaT theY TEnD to croSsLinK, especiAlLy If dISpErSeD In watEr, undEr NORMAL conDiTiONs Of PReParAtiON, handlIng anD stOraGE. As A REsUlt, ThE rELaTIVelY pOOr sHeLf LIfe of sUCh compOsiTiONs haS TEnDed to LimIT TheiR WIDe CoMmERCIal aCCePTAncE ANd HAs KePT tHe Use OF silYlAteD poLymerS TO THOse wITh VeRY low SilaNE cONCeNtrAtiONs, TYpIcALLY LEss tHAn 1.0 WeIGht peRcEnt, iN waTeRbORne POLYmeRiC PrOdUctS.
mODifICatiON Of watEr-curAble COMPOsItIONS tO aLLevIATE the pRObLeM Of preMatUre CROsSLInkInG IS dEsCRIbED in U.S. pAt. no. 4,526,930 WhIch teAChEs reLaTIVEly WAteR-StaBle, melT-pROCEssaBLE, ThErmOPLAsTIc poLYMers witH HydRolyzAblE SILANe MOiETieS. These SILYlAtEd polYmeRS ARE oNly acTiVAtEd Or MAdE rEaDIly Water-curAbLe bY THe REActIon HereWItH oF an OrGaNoTITAnaTE HaVinG AT LEaSt oNe readILY hydrolyZABlE gROUp, wHiCH eSteR eXchaNGeS wiTh aN eSTer grOUP of thE SilAne. AltHOUGh tHe TiTAnatE FuNcTioNS as a silaNol cONdEnSaTION CATALyst, It is DisPerSED IN thE aLKYlene-ACRYlate SoLId MaTRIx, noT IN WateR.
unexAmined JapaneSE PATent APPLIcAtIoN no. 6025502 tEacHeS a cOMpOSItION comprIsING a POlYMEr emulsIon OBTaiNEd bY adDInG a tIn catALySt (a DIoRgaNoTIn CArboxyLAtE) WHicH iS insolUBLE In wAtER, tO SIlYLAted ViNyL pOLymers AftER EmULSIoN poLYmEriZatioN. THE ADDitioN Of A WAter INSOLUbLe tiN caTAlyst, HOweveR, Is nOT SuItable fOr suCH FiLms beCAUSE dEFEctS ResulT FroM thE HETEroGENEOUS CatAlysTS AnD the EMulSIoN poLYMER MixtUrES, SucH As forMAtiON OF cRATErS And gRaNular PartICles oN THE SUrFAcE anD uNeVeN croSsLiNkAgE In THE fiLm strUCtURE. MoREoveR, tHE SIlaNes tauGHt tHEReIn hAVe alKOXy GROUps of At lEast eigHt cArBONs Long aND genERalLY Of A sTRaIGHT CHAIn.
tHis jaPaNEsE patENt ApPlICAtiOn aLSo tEAcHES NOn-DisCrImINatE cUring CAtalySts gENeRaLLY USEd fOr sIlaNe/EstER hYdrOLySiS AnD ConDeNsaTiOn reActIOnS. SImilAR EXamPlES Of cATAlYsts For sIlane eSTeR anD sILanOL-CoNtaINIng CoMPOSitIoNs can bE FOUnD In The liTeRatURE, WHIch dIsClose cAtALYSts diSSoLVeD iN ORGAnic sOlVEnt-baSEd SYsteMs to ENSURe a pRopEr cuRE.
FoR eXaMpLE, It hAS LONG bEEn KnOWn tHAt DiORgAnOtiN DiCarBoXYLAtEs are cATAlysts FoR poLyMerizatION Of oRGaNOSIlICON cOmpoUNdS. HoWeVeR, iN spItE Of THEIR pRoVEN UTILitY, THE diORGanotin dICArbOxYLateS SUffEr From sEvErAl DiSaDVANTAgES. one Is thE relaTIvE INStaBiLity Of tHe ComPouND AS shOWn bY LOss of activIty UpOn stanDinG, PaRTiCUlarly Under mOist conDITIONs. THe phenOMEnON iS EVEn moRE PronoUNcEd WHen THe cataLYst iS in ThE form OF AN aqUeoUs emuLsioN. mAny TiN COmpOUNds mAy aLsO UNderGO hYdrOlySis durINg PRolONGed sToraGe And rEveRT TO caTALyTicalLy InACTIVE forMs.
THUs, it Is clEAr THaT tHere IS tHE NEed fOr One CoMPoneNt, wATER-BaSeD diSpersED SilylATeD POlYmeriC SyStEms ThAT Have Good stabiLitY dUrInG storagE In waTER ANd wHicH PRodUCE fiLmS of GOOd QuAliTy UpON aPPlicAtIOn AnD dRYing.
|
Water-curable compositionsbased onthermoplastic polymers havinghydrolyzable silane moietiesare becoming increasingly interestingas environmental, health and safety concerns increase for other curing technologies. Such compositionshave excellent propertiesof weather-, chemical- and water-resistance, since the alkoxysilylgroup is connected to the polymer chain by acarbon-silicon bond, rather than a labile carbon-oxygen-silicon linkage; therefore water-, alkali- andacid-resistance are remarkably improved comparedto asystem with silicates or silanes added by physical mixing. One disadvantage of water-curable silylated polymer compositions, however,isthat they tend to crosslink, especially if dispersed in water, under normal conditions of preparation, handlingandstorage. As a result, the relatively poor shelf life of such compositions hastended to limit their wide commercial acceptance andhas kept theuse of silylated polymers tothose with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1.0 weight percent, in waterbornepolymeric products. Modification of water-curable compositions to alleviate the problem of premature crosslinking isdescribed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,526,930 which teaches relatively water-stable,melt-processable, thermoplastic polymers with hydrolyzable silane moieties.These silylated polymers areonly activated or made readily water-curableby the reaction herewithof an organotitanate having at least one readily hydrolyzable group,which ester exchanges with an estergroup of thesilane.Althoughthe titanate functions as a silanol condensation catalyst, it is dispersed in the alkylene-acrylate solid matrix, not in water. Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 6025502 teaches a composition comprising a polymeremulsion obtained by adding a tin catalyst(adiorganotin carboxylate) which isinsoluble in water, to silylated vinyl polymers after emulsion polymerization. The addition of a water insoluble tin catalyst, however, is not suitable for such films because defects resultfrom the heterogeneous catalysts and the emulsion polymer mixtures,such as formationof craters and granular particles on the surface and uneven crosslinkage in thefilm structure. Moreover, the silanestaughttherein have alkoxy groupsof at least eightcarbons long and generally of a straight chain. This Japanese patent application alsoteaches non-discriminate curingcatalysts generally usedforsilane/ester hydrolysis and condensation reactions. Similar examples of catalysts for silane ester and silanol-containing compositionscanbe found in the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent-based systems toensure a propercure.For example, it has longbeen known that diorganotin dicarboxylatesare catalysts for polymerization of organosilicon compounds. However, in spite of their proven utility, the diorganotin dicarboxylates suffer fromseveral disadvantages. One is the relative instability of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly under moist conditions. The phenomenon is even more pronounced when the catalyst is in the form of an aqueous emulsion. Many tin compounds may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged storage andrevert to catalytically inactive forms. Thus, it is clear that there is the need for one component, water-based dispersed silylated polymeric systems that have good stability during storagein water andwhichproducefilms of good qualityupon applicationand drying.
|
Water-curable compositions based _on_ thermoplastic polymers _having_ hydrolyzable silane moieties are _becoming_ increasingly interesting as environmental, health _and_ safety _concerns_ increase for other curing technologies. Such _compositions_ have excellent properties _of_ _weather-,_ chemical- _and_ water-resistance, since the alkoxysilyl group is connected to the polymer _chain_ by a _carbon-silicon_ bond, _rather_ _than_ a labile carbon-oxygen-silicon linkage; therefore water-, alkali- and acid-resistance are remarkably improved _compared_ to a system _with_ _silicates_ or silanes added by _physical_ mixing. One disadvantage of _water-curable_ silylated polymer compositions, however, is that they _tend_ to crosslink, especially if dispersed in _water,_ under normal _conditions_ _of_ preparation, handling _and_ storage. As a result, the relatively poor shelf life of such _compositions_ has tended to _limit_ their wide commercial acceptance and has _kept_ the _use_ of _silylated_ polymers to those with very low silane concentrations, typically less than 1.0 weight percent, in waterborne polymeric products. Modification _of_ _water-curable_ compositions to alleviate the problem of premature _crosslinking_ _is_ _described_ in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,930 _which_ teaches relatively water-stable, melt-processable, thermoplastic _polymers_ _with_ _hydrolyzable_ silane _moieties._ These silylated polymers _are_ _only_ _activated_ _or_ made _readily_ water-curable by the reaction herewith of an organotitanate having at _least_ one readily _hydrolyzable_ group, which ester exchanges with an ester group of the silane. Although the titanate functions _as_ a silanol condensation _catalyst,_ it is dispersed in the alkylene-acrylate solid matrix, not in water. Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. _6025502_ _teaches_ a _composition_ comprising _a_ _polymer_ emulsion obtained by adding a tin catalyst (a diorganotin carboxylate) which _is_ insoluble in _water,_ to silylated vinyl polymers after emulsion polymerization. The addition of _a_ water insoluble tin catalyst, however, _is_ not suitable _for_ such films because _defects_ result from the heterogeneous _catalysts_ _and_ the _emulsion_ polymer mixtures, _such_ as formation of craters and _granular_ _particles_ on the surface and uneven crosslinkage in the film structure. Moreover, the silanes taught therein have alkoxy groups of at _least_ eight _carbons_ long and generally of a _straight_ chain. This _Japanese_ _patent_ application also teaches non-discriminate _curing_ catalysts generally used for silane/ester hydrolysis and condensation _reactions._ Similar examples of _catalysts_ for _silane_ _ester_ and silanol-containing compositions can be found in the literature, which disclose catalysts dissolved in organic solvent-based _systems_ _to_ ensure _a_ proper cure. For example, it _has_ long been known that diorganotin _dicarboxylates_ are _catalysts_ _for_ polymerization of organosilicon compounds. However, in spite _of_ their proven utility, the _diorganotin_ _dicarboxylates_ suffer from _several_ disadvantages. One is _the_ relative _instability_ of the compound as shown by loss of activity upon standing, particularly _under_ moist conditions. The phenomenon is even more pronounced when the catalyst is _in_ the form of an aqueous _emulsion._ _Many_ tin _compounds_ may also undergo hydrolysis during prolonged storage and revert _to_ catalytically _inactive_ forms. Thus, it is clear that _there_ is the need _for_ one component, water-based dispersed silylated polymeric systems _that_ have _good_ stability _during_ _storage_ in water and which produce films of good quality upon application and drying.
|
There has been a significant need in many fields for high quantum efficiency, high speed response light detectors, particularly in the blue and near ultraviolet, (200 to 500 nm) as well as for particle detection, and low-energy X-rays. In many applications there is a further need for miniature, portable, rugged, field ready devices, which drives requirements away from photomultiplier tubes and towards solid state devices. In many applications requiring such solid state devices there is a need for relatively large surface area devices. Larger area devices intrinsically have lower signal to noise (SNR) and longer response time than smaller area devices.
Many nuclear detection devices utilize scintillators that convert nuclear energy to light. Most scintillators emit light in the region of 200 to 500 nm. This light must be read or monitored with an appropriate light detector. In many applications a scintillating crystal or ceramic is mounted directly onto a solid state detector such as an avalanche photodiode. This method of direct coupling significantly improves the efficiency of detection. In medical applications such as PET and CT scanning high sensitivity and short response time are required to reduce the patient's exposure to radiation as much as possible. Thus, there is a critical need in nuclear medicine for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices.
In other medical applications where detectors are in direct contact with the patient there is the further requirement that the bias voltage that drives the device be as low as possible for reasons of patient safety.
There is also a need for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area light detectors in military applications, such as tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. This is particularly the case for daylight applications where military operations are conducted in the presence of large amounts of visible and infrared light. The human eye has little sensitivity at wavelengths below 400 nm. For laser exposure, there is an “eye safe” UVA region between 315 and 400 nm (ideal, for instance, for operation with tripled Nd:YAG lasers at 355 nm or with solid state lasers emitting in this spectral band region). Solar radiation is minimal in the UVA band and can be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short pass filters. These filters can, in many instances, be directly coated onto the detector or an appropriate filter can be placed in the path of incoming light. For tracking and targeting applications it may also be advantageous to use positional sensitive detectors, based on arrays of detectors and/or proportional detectors.
Scientific research instrumentation often requires high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices in the spectral region between 200 and 1050 nm. Such applications include, but are not limited to, radiation detectors employing scintillators, radiation detectors based upon Cherenkov radiation, radiation detectors for X-ray detection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region.
Over the past two decades, free-space optical communication (FSOC) has proven to be a viable way to transfer large packets of digital information. Capable of achieving Gbit/s transfer rates over several km, relatively compact systems for local area networks are commercially available. However, the technology required to deploy robust system architectures, such as those used on temporary or mobile platforms operating in a range of daylight and temperature conditions, has yet to be fully realized.
A significant operational barrier for FSOC is the need to maintain eye-safety, which limits the permissible signal power and thus system ranging capabilities. Poor weather conditions, the need for direct line-of-sight, and interference with solar radiation within the receiver's line-of-sight are also factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. Despite these factors, FSOC offers significant advantages over commonly used microwave links. These advantages include: smaller size, weight and power requirements for the transmitter and receiver; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference; faster data transfer rates; and higher security due to directionality.
Such optical communication systems consist of two primary components; namely the transmitter and the receiver. Medium-range FSOC systems have been realized thanks to advances in laser transmitter and LED technology in the ultraviolet (UV). Compared to systems that utilize red or near-IR sources, the advantages of using a UV source include higher permissible transmission levels and reduced interference from solar radiation. Strong absorption and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere greatly reduces the solar background in the deep UV (wavelengths<280 nm). However, this same scattering and absorption may also reduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at sea level where water content is high. As a result, the use of deep UV has been proposed for short range non-line of sight (NLOS) operations where the scattered light is used to relay the signal around objects [2]. For medium to long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths near the blue-UV region of the spectrum (350 to 380 nm) are preferred.
The advantage created by recent advances in transmitter technology for UV FSOC has been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology for the UV. In particular, the highest quantum efficiency (QE) (the ratio between the number of photon-induced electrons collected and the number of incident photons) is approximately 50% for detectors at UN wavelengths, compared to >90% at the longer wavelengths. Table 1 compares the QE of various large-area UV-blue sensitive detectors when operated in proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm (Nd:YAG).
TABLE 1Detector typeGainQE (at 355 nm)Silicon detector 150%Avalanche Photodiode20050%Photomultiplier Tube 10625%Silicon Carbide 1<10%
Silicon detectors have the highest QEs at 355 nm, which is two to three times higher than photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and six to seven times higher than silicon carbide detectors, which have a peak response at shorter wavelengths. Silicon p-i-n photodiodes are compact, rugged high-speed optical receivers that are relatively inexpensive and require low operating bias. However, their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is much lower than detectors with internal gain structures, such as APD's or PMTs. As a result, post-amplification circuits are often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the SNR.
Avalanche photodiodes (APD's), like the PMTs, exhibit internal gain created by impact ionization, when a strong electric field is present in the detector. However, APD's are much thinner than PMTs, which increases design flexibility, enabling improved light collection geometries. Unlike the PMT, the APD is very rugged, does not require a recovery period (several to tens of minutes) following intense illumination from an unexpected signal or background source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can be mass produced at low costs. As a result, APD's are often the detector of choice for field-ready instrumentation such as FSOC.
An exemplary APD is depicted in FIG. 1. The substrate contains different regions that correspond to differing amounts of dopant present in that region. For example, an APD may include a photosensitive neutral drift p-region 100 located at, or adjacent to, the top surface of the APD. A depleted p-region 102 may be located beneath the neutral drift region. A depleted n-region 104 may be located beneath the depleted p-region. A neutral n-region 106 may be located beneath the depleted n-region. In some cases the APD may also include a passivation layer 108 disposed on top of the neutral drift p-region. During use an electrical potential may be applied to the APD such that when a photon is absorbed by the photosensitive neutral drift p-region, an electron-hole pair is formed at photon absorption site 110. Due to the applied electrical potential the charge carriers, i.e. the electron and hole, move in opposite directions within the APD. This initial migration of a charge carrier towards the bottom of the APD is indicated by arrow 112 which corresponds to minority carrier transport. As the charge carrier is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential it causes additional electron hole pairs to be formed within the depleted p-region and depleted n-region due to impact ionization which then exhibit similar behavior. This process is referred to as avalanche breakdown and is indicated by enlarged arrow 114. This phenomenon is responsible for the signal gain exhibited by avalanche photodiodes. After passing through the depleted p-region and depleted n-region the generated charge carriers undergo majority carrier transport to the neutral n-region which includes electrical contacts for outputting the generated electrical signal.
|
there has been a significant need in many fields for high quantum efficiency, high speed response light detectors, particularly in the blue and near ultraviolet, ( 200 to 500 nm ) as well as for particle detection, and low - energy x - rays. in many applications there is a further need for miniature, portable, rugged, field ready devices, which drives requirements away from photomultiplier tubes and towards solid state devices. in many applications requiring such solid state devices there is a need for relatively large surface area devices. larger area devices intrinsically have lower signal to noise ( snr ) and longer response time than smaller area devices. many nuclear detection devices utilize scintillators that convert nuclear energy to light. most scintillators emit light in the region of 200 to 500 nm. laser light must be read or monitored using an appropriate light detector. in many applications a scintillating crystal or ceramic is mounted directly onto a solid state detector such as an avalanche photodiode. this method of direct coupling significantly improves the efficiency of detection. in medical applications such as pet and ct scanning high sensitivity and short response time are required to reduce the patient ' s exposure to radiation as much as possible. thus, there is a critical limitation in conventional medicine for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices. in other medical applications where detectors are in direct contact with human patient there is the further requirement that the bias voltage that drives the device be as low as possible for reasons of patient safety. there is also a need for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area light detectors in military applications, such as tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. this is particularly the case for daylight applications where military operations are conducted in the suppression of certain amounts of visible light infrared light. the human eye has little sensitivity at wavelengths below 400 nm. for laser exposure, there is an “ eye safe ” uva region between 315 and 400 nm ( ideal, simplified instance, for operation with tripled nd : yag lasers at 355 nm or with solid state lasers emitting in this spectral band region ). solar radiation is minimal in the uva band and can be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short pass filters. these filters can, in many instances, use directly coated onto the detector or an appropriate filter can be placed in the path of incoming light. for tracking and targeting applications it may also be advantageous to use positional sensitive detectors , based on arrays of detectors and / or proportional detectors. scientific research instrumentation often requires high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices in the spectral region between 200 and 1050 nm. such applications include, but are not limited to, radiation detectors employing scintillators, radiation detectors based upon cherenkov radiation, radiation detectors for x - ray detection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region. over the past two decades, free - space optical communication ( fsoc ) has proven to be a viable way to transfer large packets of digital information. capable of achieving gbit / s transfer rates over several km, relatively compact systems for local area networks are commercially available. however, the technology required to deploy robust system architectures, such as those used on temporary or mobile platforms operating in a range of daylight and temperature conditions, has yet to be fully realized. a significant operational barrier for fsoc is the need to maintain eye - safety, which limits the permissible signal power and thus system ranging capabilities. poor weather conditions, the need for direct line - of - sight, and interference with solar radiation within the receiver ' s line - of - sight are also factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. despite these factors, fsoc offers significant advantages over commonly used microwave links. these advantages include : smaller size, weight and power requirements for the transmitter and receiver ; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference ; faster data transfer rates ; and higher security due to directionality. such optical communication systems consist of two primary components ; namely the transmitter and the receiver. medium - range fsoc systems have been realized thanks to advances in laser transmitter and led technology in the ultraviolet ( uv ). compared to systems that utilize red or near - ir sources, the advantages of using a uv source include higher permissible transmission levels and reduced interference from solar radiation. strong absorption and rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere greatly reduces the solar background in the deep uv ( wavelengths < 280 nm ). however, this same scattering and absorption may also reduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at sea level where water content is high. as a result, the use of deep uv has been proposed for short range non - line of sight ( nlos ) operations where the scattered light is used to relay the signal around objects [ 2 ]. for medium to long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths near the blue - uv region of the spectrum ( 350 to 380 nm ) are preferred. the advantage created by recent advances in transmitter technology for uv fsoc has been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology for the uv. in particular, the highest quantum efficiency ( qe ) ( the ratio between the number of photon - induced electrons collected and the number of incident photons ) is approximately 50 % for detectors at un wavelengths, compared to > 90 % at the longer wavelengths. table 1 compares the qe of various large - area uv - blue sensitive detectors when operated in proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm ( nd : yag ). table 1detector typegainqe ( at 355 nm ) silicon detector 150 % avalanche photodiode20050 % photomultiplier tube 10625 % silicon carbide 1 < 10 % silicon detectors have the highest qes at 355 nm, which is two to three times higher than photomultiplier tubes ( pmts ) and six to seven times higher than silicon carbide detectors, which have a peak response at shorter wavelengths. silicon p - i - n photodiodes are compact, rugged high - speed optical receivers that are relatively inexpensive and require low operating bias. however, their signal - to - noise ratio ( snr ) is much lower than detectors with internal gain structures, such as apd ' s or pmts. as a result, post - amplification circuits are often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the snr. avalanche photodiodes ( apd ' s ), like the pmts, exhibit internal gain created by impact ionization, when a strong electric field is present in the detector. however, apd ' s are much thinner than pmts, which increases design flexibility, enabling improved light collection geometries. unlike the pmt, the apd is very rugged, does not require a recovery period ( several to tens of minutes ) following intense illumination from an unexpected signal or background source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can be mass produced at low costs. as a result, apd ' s are often the detector of choice for field - ready instrumentation such as fsoc. an exemplary apd is depicted in fig. 1. the substrate contains different regions that correspond to differing amounts of dopant present in that region. for example, an apd may include a photosensitive neutral drift p - region 100 located at, or adjacent to, the top surface of the apd. a depleted p - region 102 may be located beneath the neutral drift region. a depleted n - region 104 may be located beneath the depleted p - region. a neutral n - region 106 may be located beneath the depleted n - region. in some cases the apd may also include a passivation layer 108 disposed on top of the neutral drift p - region. during use an electrical potential may be applied to the apd such that when a photon is absorbed by the photosensitive neutral drift p - region, an electron - hole pair is formed at photon absorption site 110. due to the applied electrical potential the charge carriers, i. e. the electron and hole, move in opposite directions within the apd. this initial migration of a charge carrier towards the bottom of the apd is indicated by arrow 112 which corresponds to minority carrier transport. as the charge carrier is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential it causes additional electron hole pairs to be formed within the depleted p - region and depleted n - region due to impact ionization which then exhibit similar behavior. this process is referred to as avalanche breakdown and is indicated by enlarged arrow 114. this phenomenon is responsible for the signal gain exhibited by avalanche photodiodes. after passing through the depleted p - region and depleted n - region the generated charge carriers undergo majority carrier transport to the neutral n - region which includes electrical contacts for outputting the generated electrical signal.
|
There has been a significant need in many fields for high quantum efficiency, high speed response light detectors, particularly in the blue and near ultraviolet, (200 to 500 nm) as well as for particle detection, and low - energy X - rays. In many applications there is a further need for miniature, portable, rugged, field ready devices, which drives requirements away from photomultiplier tubes and towards solid state devices. In many applications requiring such solid state devices there is a need for relatively large surface area devices. Larger area devices intrinsically have lower signal to noise (SNR) and longer response time than smaller area devices. Many nuclear detection devices utilize scintillators that convert nuclear energy to light. Most scintillators emit light in the region of 200 to 500 nm. TYie light must be read or monitored with an appropriate light detector. In many applications a scintillating crystal or ceramic is mounted directly onto a solid state detector such as an avalanche photodiode. This method of direct coupling significantly improves the efficiency of detection. In medical applications such as PET and CT scanning high sensitivity and short response time are required to reduce the patient ' s exposure to radiation as much as possible. Thus, there is a critical need in nuclear medicine for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices. In other medical applications where detectors are in direct contact with the patient there is the further requirement that the bias voltage that drives the device be as low as possible for reasons of patient safety. There is also a need for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area light detectors in military applications, such as tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. This is particularly the case for daylight applications where military operations are conducted in the presence of large amounts of visible and infrared light. The human eye has little sensitivity at wavelengths below 400 nm. For laser exposure, there is an “ eye xXfe ” UVA region between 315 and 400 nm (ideal, for instance, for operation with tripled Nd: YAG lasers at 355 nm or with solid state lasers emitting in this spectral band region ). Solar radiation is minimal in the UVA band and can be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short pass filters. These filters can, in many instances, be directly coated onto the detector or an appropriate filter can be placed in the path of incoming light. For tracking and targeting applications it may also be advantageous to use positional sensitive detectors, based on arrays of detectors and / or proportional detectors. Scientific research instrumentation often requires high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices in the spectral region between 200 and 1050 nm. Such applications include, but are not limited to, radiation detectors employing scintillators, radiation detectors based upon sberenkov radiation, radiation detectors for X - ray detection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region. Over the past two decades, free - space optical communication (FSOC) has proven to be a viable way to transfer large packets of digital information. Capable of achieving Gbit / s transfer rates over several km, relatively compact systems for local area networks are commercially available. However, the technology required to deploy robust system architectures, such as those used on temporary or mobile platforms operating in a range of daylight and temperature conditions, has yet to be fully realized. A significant operational barrier for FSOC is the need to maintain eye - safety, which limits the permissible signal power and thus system ranging capabilities. Poor weather conditions, the need for direct line - of - sight, and interference with solar radiation within the receiver ' s line - of - sight are also factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. Despite these factors, FSOC offers significant advantages over commonly used microwave links. These advantages include: smaller size, weight and power requirements for the transmitter and receiver; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference; faster data transfer rates; and higher security due to directionality. Such optical communication systems consist of two primary components; namely the transmitter and the receiver. Medium - range FSOC systems hacr been realized thanks to advances in laser transmitter and LED technology in the ultraviolet (UV ). Compared to systems that utilize red or near - IR sources, the advantages of using a UV source include higher permissible transmission levels and reduced interference from solar radiation. Strong absorption and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere greatly reduces the solar background in the deep UV (wavelengths <280 nm ). However, this same scattering and absorption may also reduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at sea level where water content is high. As a result, the use of deep UV has been proposed for short range non - line of sight (NLOS) operations where the scattered light is used to relay the signal around objects [2 ]. For medium to long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths near the blue - UV region of the spectrum (350 to 380 nm) are preferred. The advantage created by recent advances in transmitter technology for UV FSOC has been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology for the UV. In particular, the highest quantum efficiency (QE) (the ratio between the number of photon - induced electrons collected and the number of incident photons) is approximately 50% for detectors at UN wavelengths, compared to> 90% at the longer wavelengths. Table 1 compares the QE of various large - area UV - blue sensitive detectors when operated in proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm (Nd: YAG ). TABLE 1Detector typeGainQE (at 355 nm) Silicon detector 150% Avalanche Photodiode20050% Photomultiplier Tube 10625% Silicon Carbide 1 <10% Silicon detectors have the highest QEs at 355 nm, which is two to three times higher than photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and six to seven times higher than silicon carbide detectors, which have a peak response at sh8rtef wavelengths. Silicon p - i - n photodiodes are compact, rugged high - speed optical receivers that are relatively inexpensive and require low operating bias. However, their signal - to - noise ga^io (SNR) is much lower than detectors with internal gain structures, such as APD ' s or PMTs. As a result, post - amplification circuits are often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the SNR. Avalanche photodiodes (APD ' s ), like the PMTs, exhibit internal gain cr#zted by impact ionization, when a strong electric field is present in the detector. However, APD ' s are much thinner than PMTs, which increases design flexibility, enabling improved light collection geometries. Unlike the PMT, the APD is v4$y rugged, does not require a recovery period (several to tens of minutes) following intense illumination from an unexpected signal or background source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can be mass produced at low costs. As a result, APD ' s are often the detector of choice for field - ready instrumentation such as FSOC. An exemplary APD is depicted in FIG. 1. The substrate contains different regions that correspond to differing amounts of dopant present in that region. For example, an APD may include a photosensitive neutral drift p - region 100 located at, or adjacent to, the top surface of the APD. A depleted p - region 102 may be located beneath the neutral drift region. A d20leted n - region 104 may be located beneath the depleted p - region. A neutral n - region 106 may be located beneath the depleted n - region. In some cases the APD may also include a passivation layer 108 disposed on top of the neutral drift p - region. During use an electrical potential may be applied to the APD such that when a photon is absorbed by the photosensitive neutral drift p - region, an electron - hole pair is formed at pMlton absorption site 110. Due to the applied electrical potential the charge carriers, i. e. the electron and hole, move in opposite directions within the APD. This initial migration of a charge carrier towards the bottom of the APD is indicated by arrow 112 which corresponds to minority carrier transport. As the charge carrier is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential it causes additional electron hole pairs to be formed within the depleted p - region and depleted n - region due to impact ionization which then exhibit similar behavior. This process is referred to as avalanche breakdown and is indicated by enlarged arrow 114. This phenomenon is responsible for the signal gain exhibited by avalanche photodiodes. After passing through the depleted p - region and depleted n - region the generated charge carriers undergo majority carrier transport to the neutral n - region which includes electrical contacts for outputting the generated electrical signal.
|
There has been a significant need in many fields for high quantum efficiency, speed detectors, in the blue and ultraviolet, (200 to 500 nm) as well as for particle low-energy In many applications there is a further need for portable, rugged, field ready devices, which drives requirements away photomultiplier tubes and towards solid state devices. In applications requiring solid state devices there is need for relatively large surface area devices. Larger area devices intrinsically have lower signal to noise (SNR) and longer response time than smaller area Many nuclear detection devices utilize scintillators that convert nuclear light. Most scintillators emit light in the region of 200 to 500 nm. This light must be or an appropriate light detector. In many applications a scintillating crystal ceramic is mounted directly a solid state detector such as an avalanche photodiode. This method of direct coupling significantly improves the efficiency of detection. In medical applications such as PET and CT scanning high and short response time are required to reduce the patient's exposure to radiation much as possible. Thus, there is a need in nuclear for high efficiency, high speed response, and large surface area devices. medical applications where detectors are in direct contact with the patient is the further requirement that the bias voltage that drives the device as low as possible for of patient safety. There is a need for efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area light detectors in military applications, such as tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. This is particularly the for applications where military operations are conducted in of amounts of visible and infrared light. The eye has little sensitivity at wavelengths below 400 nm. For laser exposure, there is an “eye safe” UVA region between 315 and 400 nm (ideal, for instance, for operation with tripled lasers at 355 nm or with solid state emitting in spectral band region). Solar radiation is minimal in the UVA band and can be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short pass filters. These can, in many instances, be directly coated onto the detector an appropriate filter be in the of incoming light. For tracking and targeting applications may also be advantageous to use positional sensitive detectors, based on arrays of detectors and/or proportional detectors. Scientific research instrumentation often requires high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices in the spectral region between 200 and 1050 nm. Such applications include, but not limited to, radiation detectors employing scintillators, radiation detectors based upon Cherenkov radiation, radiation detectors for X-ray detection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region. Over the past two decades, free-space optical communication (FSOC) has proven to be a viable way transfer large packets of digital Capable of achieving Gbit/s transfer rates over several km, relatively compact systems for local networks are commercially available. However, the technology required to deploy robust system architectures, such those used on temporary mobile platforms operating in a range of temperature has yet to be fully realized. A significant operational barrier FSOC is the need maintain which limits the permissible signal power and thus system ranging capabilities. Poor weather conditions, the need for direct line-of-sight, and interference with solar radiation within the receiver's are also factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. Despite these factors, FSOC offers significant advantages over used microwave links. These advantages smaller size, weight and power for the transmitter and receiver; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference; faster data transfer rates; and higher security due to directionality. Such optical communication systems consist of two primary components; the transmitter and the Medium-range systems have been realized thanks to advances in laser transmitter and in the ultraviolet (UV). Compared to systems that utilize red or near-IR sources, the advantages of using a UV source higher permissible transmission levels and reduced from solar radiation. Strong absorption Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere reduces the solar background the deep UV nm). However, this same scattering and absorption may also reduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at sea where water content is high. As a result, the use of deep UV has been proposed for short range non-line of sight where the scattered light is used to relay the signal around objects [2]. medium to long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths near the blue-UV region of the spectrum (350 to 380 nm) are preferred. The advantage created by recent in transmitter technology for UV FSOC has been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology for UV. particular, the highest quantum efficiency (QE) (the ratio between the number of photon-induced electrons collected and the number incident photons) is approximately 50% detectors at UN wavelengths, compared to >90% at the longer wavelengths. 1 compares the QE of various large-area UV-blue sensitive detectors when operated in proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm (Nd:YAG). TABLE 1Detector typeGainQE (at 355 nm)Silicon detector Photodiode20050%Photomultiplier Tube 10625%Silicon Carbide 1<10% Silicon detectors have the QEs at 355 nm, which is two to three times higher than tubes (PMTs) and six to seven times higher than silicon carbide detectors, which a peak response at shorter wavelengths. Silicon p-i-n photodiodes are compact, rugged high-speed optical that are relatively inexpensive and require low operating bias. However, their signal-to-noise is much lower detectors internal gain structures, as APD's or PMTs. As a result, post-amplification circuits are often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the SNR. Avalanche photodiodes (APD's), like the PMTs, exhibit internal gain created by ionization, when a strong electric field is present in detector. However, APD's are much thinner PMTs, which increases enabling improved light collection geometries. Unlike the PMT, the APD is very rugged, does require a period (several to tens of following intense illumination from an unexpected or background source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can be mass produced at low costs. As a result, APD's are often the detector for field-ready instrumentation such as FSOC. An exemplary depicted in FIG. 1. The substrate contains different regions that correspond to differing amounts of present in that region. For example, an APD may include a neutral drift p-region 100 located at, or adjacent to, top surface of APD. A depleted p-region may be located beneath the neutral drift region. A depleted n-region 104 may be located beneath the depleted p-region. neutral 106 may be located the depleted n-region. In some cases the APD may also a passivation layer disposed on top of the neutral drift p-region. During use an electrical potential may be applied to the APD such that when a photon is by the photosensitive neutral drift p-region, an electron-hole pair formed at photon absorption site 110. to the applied electrical the charge carriers, i.e. the electron and hole, move in opposite directions within the APD. This initial of charge carrier towards the bottom of the APD is indicated by arrow 112 which corresponds to minority carrier transport. As the charge is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential it causes additional electron hole pairs to be formed within the p-region and depleted n-region due to impact ionization which then exhibit similar behavior. This process referred to as avalanche breakdown is indicated by enlarged arrow 114. This is responsible for the signal gain by photodiodes. After passing through the p-region depleted n-region the generated carriers undergo majority transport to the n-region which includes electrical contacts for outputting the generated electrical signal.
|
TheRe HaS beeN A SIGnIfiCAnt nEeD IN MaNy fIELdS FoR HiGh quanTum efFICiEnCy, hiGH spEeD RESPoNSE lIGhT DETectors, paRtICULaRLy IN the bLUe And NEar UlTrAvIolET, (200 TO 500 nM) AS welL as For pArticLE dEtecTioN, and lOW-EnErGy x-raYS. IN mANy AppLicaTions ThEre Is A FurtHeR neeD fOr MinIATuRe, porTabLe, rugGeD, FielD ReaDy DevIcES, WHicH dRIVES RequireMenTs aWay fROM pHoTomULTiplIEr TUBES aND tOwaRds soliD sTaTE DevIces. In MaNY APpLicAtIOnS REQUIrINg sUch sOLId STatE DEViCES THEre IS a NeED fOR RELatiVeLy LaRge SURfacE ArEa dEVIces. LaRGER AReA DeviCes intrinsICAllY HAVe LOWER SiGNAL TO NoiSe (SnR) AnD LoNGeR REspONse timE tHaN smALLer AreA devicEs.
MANY NUCleaR DETecTion DEVICes uTILIzE ScINtILlAtors tHAt cOnvErt nucleAR EnergY TO liGht. MOSt SCiNTIlLAtORS EmIT LiGhT In thE ReGiOn Of 200 to 500 Nm. ThIs liGHt musT bE read oR monitored wITh An appropriaTe light dEtEctoR. in maNy APPlIcaTIOns A sCINtILlATinG cRysTal or cERAMiC iS MOuNTed dIRectLY onto A sOlId sTatE dEtECTor sUCH AS an avAlaNChe phOtodiodE. tHIS meThod oF dIrect COuPlInG sIgnificAnTLY imProVeS tHe EFfIcIENcY Of DetEctIoN. iN mEdiCal APpLIcaTIoNS SUCH As PET AnD cT scAnnING HIGH SENsiTiVItY and shORt rEsPOnSE TiME ArE ReqUireD To rEduCE thE pAtIEnT'S exPoSUre To rADiaTioN AS muCH As pOssIble. ThUs, tHERE is a CriTiCAl Need in NuCLEaR mEdiCiNE foR hIGH quANtUM efFIciency, HigH SPeEd resPonSe, And ofTeN LaRgE sURFAce aRea DEVices.
iN otheR MEDiCAl apPLIcatIons WHErE deTEcTORS aRe iN DIrect CONTACt WItH ThE PATIeNT THERe IS tHe FuRthEr rEQUIremeNT tHat the BiAs VoltAgE THAT drIVES THe DEVicE be As LOw aS pOSSIbLe FoR ReAsoNs oF paTiEnT SAfeTy.
thEre iS aLSo A Need For high qUANtUm eFfICiENcy, HiGh SPEEd reSPOnSe, aND OfTEn Large sUrFAcE Area LIGHT DEtECTORS In MiLitAry APpliCatiONS, suCH aS tRacKIng, tArGetING, AND RAnGINg devICES. THIS Is pArtiCularLy THe cAse fOr DayLiGhT AppLicATIOnS wHeRe MIliTAry oPEratIoNs aRE COndUCTED iN tHe PRESEncE Of LArgE AMOUntS Of vIsIBle AnD InFrareD liGht. thE HUmAN Eye hAs littlE SensiTIVITY At WAVeLENGthS belOw 400 nM. For laSEr eXPOSure, thERE iS AN “eYe SAFe” uVA REgioN BETWeen 315 anD 400 Nm (ideAL, for iNsTANCE, fOr operATion wItH tripLeD ND:yAg lAsERS At 355 Nm Or wIth sOLID staTe lASErS emitTing in THis sPECTRaL BAnd rEgIOn). sOLAR rADIATiOn IS MInIMAL in tHE uVA baNd ANd Can be sIGnIFIcAnTly fURTheR Reduced BY USe of aPprOPriaTe Band PaSs or ShoRt PAsS fILTeRs. tHESE fILTERs caN, in ManY INSTaNCEs, BE dirECTLY coAteD ontO ThE dETector Or aN appRoprIAte filTEr caN BE pLacED in the paTh of INcOmiNG LIghT. for TRaCKing and TargEtING aPpLiCAtIoNs It mAY Also Be aDvANTagEoUS to USE posiTionaL SenSItIve DeTeCTorS, BaSed oN ARRAys Of dEtECtoRS and/OR pRopOrtIoNaL deTeCtOrs.
SciEntIFIC ReSeARch iNsTrUmeNtAtiOn ofTEN rEQuIREs High QUANtUM efFicIency, hIgH sPEEd REsPOnSe, aNd oFTeN larGe sUrface AREa dEVices in THe sPECtRAl REgIon bEtwEEN 200 anD 1050 nM. sUCh apPlICaTiONS INcLUDE, bUT ARe nOT liMited to, RaDIAtioN DetEctOrs eMPlOYING scintILLAtoRS, rAdIATiOn DeTECTORS bASed upON cHEREnKov radIaTiOn, rAdIAtioN detEctOrs For X-rAY dETeCTIon, radIaTiON dEtecToRS For IOnIzInG PARtIClE DeteCtiOn aNd AsTRONomICal measuREmeNTs in This sPeCTRAL REgIon.
Over thE PAST Two DECADes, FREE-spaCe OptiCaL comMUniCATION (Fsoc) hAs PROveN tO bE A viaBle WAy TO tRAnSfER largE pAckETS OF DiGItaL InFormaTiOn. CAPAbLe of aCHIeViNg gBit/s TraNSfER RATeS OVeR sevERal kM, reLAtiVelY coMPAcT SystemS fOr LOcal area NETWoRKS ARe comMERCiaLly aVAIlablE. HowEVer, tHE techNoLoGY reqUIReD to dEPloY RobUSt SySTem arcHItEctureS, SUCh AS thoSe usED On tEMpOrArY or MOBile pLATfoRmS OpERAtiNg IN a raNGE oF daYlIgHT aND temPErATurE CONditioNS, HaS Yet TO be FULlY REAlIzeD.
a SIGNIfIcanT OPeraTioNal BarRIer fOR FSoC IS thE NEED tO MaIntAin eYe-SafEtY, WhicH limITS ThE peRMISSiBLE SIGnaL poweR AnD Thus syStEM RaNgIng capabILiTIES. pOoR wEatHer conDITionS, thE need FOr DIRecT LIne-oF-SIGHT, and InTERfERencE With SoLAr RADIatiOn wIthIn tHE receiVEr's LIne-Of-siGHT Are alsO FACTOrS thaT caN SIGnIficantLY DeGRADe tHe sYSTEm peRFORmanCE. dEspIte thEsE fACTORs, FSOC Offers sigNIfiCANt AdvAnTaGES oveR coMMoNLy uSED MIcROWAVE lINkS. tHesE ADvanTAGEs iNCLuDE: SmaLLEr Size, weiGHT aND Power reQUireMEntS for THE tRanSMItTER aNd reCEIVEr; HigHEr ImMuNiTY to electroMaGNetiC InteRfeRencE; fAsTEr daTA TRANSfer rateS; aND hIgHer sECURITy dUE To DirectionAlity.
SuCh oPTicaL comMUnICATion sysTEMS coNSIst OF TWO PRIMarY COMpONents; nAmEly tHE TRanSmITter aNd the ReCeivER. mEDIuM-raNge FSoC SysteMS hAve BEEN reALizED THAnkS TO ADvANceS iN LaSeR tRaNSmiTter ANd lED tEchNOloGy IN THe UltRAVIOlEt (UV). CompaReD TO syStemS THaT utILIZe rEd oR NeaR-iR sOurCES, The ADVANTagEs of uSing A uv souRCE InCLuDE HigHER pErmISsIbLe tranSMIssion leVELs And reduCed iNtERFeReNCe FROM solar RadIATioN. sTronG aBsoRpTIoN And RayLeigH scATTeRInG IN THE atMOspheRe GReATLy REDuces ThE solaR bAckGRounD iN THe deEp Uv (WaVelENgthS<280 nm). hoWeVer, thiS SaME SCATteRiNg ANd ABsORpTiON maY ALSO reDuCe ThE dIsTAnCe OVeR Which the cOmMUnIcAtIoN sIGNAl CAn Be rELAyED, paRTICULARlY at Sea lEvEl WHeRE wAter conTENT iS HIGH. AS A RESULt, the uSe Of dEEP UV Has Been pROposed FOr sHoRT rAngE NON-lINe of sighT (nLoS) OpeRATIonS wHere tHe SCaTTEreD lIgHT iS uSED To rELay tHe sIgnaL AROunD oBjeCTS [2]. FoR MeDiuM tO lONg rAngE CommuNICaTiONs, ThereforE, loNGer WAvELENGThs neaR thE blUE-Uv REgioN oF THE SpECtRum (350 TO 380 nM) ARE PREFErreD.
tHe AdvANTAGE CrEAtED By RECeNt adVAnceS IN TraNSMIttEr tEChnOLogy FOr uV FSOc haS BeeN DAmPenED by tHe laG In the DEVeloPMENT Of mAtchINg RECEiVER teChNolOgy for THe Uv. in paRTiCuLAR, THE HiGHeST QuanTUm EfficIencY (QE) (tHe rAtio bETweeN THE number oF phOToN-indUCeD ELectRons COLLEctEd AND ThE nUmBeR oF iNCIDeNt PhotONs) is aPPRoxImaTELY 50% For DeTecTOrs AT Un WAVeLENgTHS, compaReD to >90% aT ThE loNger wAveLengths. TABLE 1 cOmpAReS thE qe oF VArIous LArGe-arEa uv-BlUe SenSitiVe deTectOrS when oPEraTeD iN PrOPOrtIONAl Mode At the cOMmoN LASer waVEleNGtH oF 355 nM (Nd:yAg).
taBLE 1DeTeCtoR tyPEgaINqE (aT 355 NM)sILICon detectoR 150%aVaLAnchE PhoTODiOdE20050%PHOTomuLTIplIEr TUBe 10625%silicoN cArbide 1<10%
SilICOn DeTeCtors HavE the HIgheSt qES At 355 nM, WhICh Is tWO TO thREE tiMES HigHeR ThaN PhOtoMULTIplIER tuBes (PmTs) AnD SIx tO sEVEn TIMES hiGHer Than SILIcon CARBIDE DeTECtOrS, WhIcH have A PEAk RESPOnse AT SHoRTER wavELeNgths. sILICoN p-i-n pHOToDIoDeS aRE compact, RuGged HiGh-sPeEd OptIcaL RECEiveRs thaT aRE reLatIvelY INExPeNSIVe AND REqUIrE low OpEraTING bIAS. hOwever, THeIR SIgNAl-TO-NoisE rATiO (sNr) Is MUcH LoWeR than detECTORS WitH INterNaL GAin STrUcTUReS, suCH As ApD'S OR pMtS. AS A RESULt, post-AmplIfICatiOn cirCuits Are OFtEn NEEdED to GEnERaTe ApPROPrIAtE siGnal outPUts, furtHeR reDuCinG THE Snr.
AVaLanchE PHotodIODes (apD's), liKe THe Pmts, exHiBIT INtErnal GaIn CrEaTeD by IMpACt ioNIZATIoN, When a STRoNG ELECTrIC field Is pResENT in The deTEctoR. hOwEVer, APD's ArE mUCH ThiNNer tHAn pmts, WHICh inCrEaSes deSIGn FlexIBIlitY, ENabLING imPROvED LigHt ColLectIOn gEoMETrieS. UnLikE The pMt, ThE apD IS VeRY RUgGED, dOES nOT rEQuIrE a RecoVery peRIOd (seVerAL tO tEns of MinuTES) fOllOwiNG intENSe IlLuMiNation FrOM an uNexPecTEd SiGNaL Or BaCKGRoUnD sOURCE, caN Be OperAtED IN MAgnETiC fIelDs, aND caN BE mASs PRoDUcEd AT low CosTS. as a resUlT, APD's ArE OFten tHE DeTecToR of choicE fOR FiElD-reaDy INStruMENtAtion suCh aS FSOc.
aN eXempLary APD is DepicTEd iN fIg. 1. thE suBsTRaTe CONtaINs DifferEnt regIons ThAt cOrReSpOND TO dIFfERINg AMOUntS oF doPaNT pReSENt iN ThAT REgION. FOr exaMplE, aN APD mAY inCLude A phoTosENsiTIvE nEutrAL DRIFt p-rEgIon 100 LOCaTEd aT, oR aDJacenT To, The Top sUrFAce of the APd. a dEpLEteD P-rEgIOn 102 MaY Be LoCAted bENEath the NeUtraL Drift REgiOn. A DEPLeTeD N-RegiON 104 mAY bE lOcaTED beneATh the dEpLEtEd P-rEgiON. a NeutRAl n-RegION 106 MAy bE LoCAtEd beNeAth THE DEPLETeD N-rEgIOn. in sOME CaSEs tHE aPD MAy alSo iNcLUDe A PassIVaTION LAYEr 108 dISpOsEd On top Of tHE NeUTRAL drIFT P-reGiOn. durinG Use AN ELECTRIcAl PoTENTiAL mAy Be apPLIED TO thE ApD SuCH THat wHen A pHOtON is AbSoRBed By THe PHOTosENSItive neUTraL DRiFt p-reGion, an ELECtrON-HOLE paiR iS FORmEd At phOToN absoRptiON SITE 110. due to thE APPLIed eleCtriCAl PotENTIaL the chArGE CarrIErs, I.E. thE eLecTroN aNd Hole, mOVe in opposITE diRECtiONs wItHIN the Apd. thIs iNiTiaL MIgRaTion Of A cHaRGe caRRiEr ToWArDs the bottom OF THE ApD is INdicATeD By aRROW 112 WHICh cOrResPonDs To MINORITY caRRIeR TrANspORT. as thE chArGe CArrIeR is aCceLeratEd Due To THE APPlied EleCTriCal PoTeNtial iT cauSEs adDITIONAL eLeCTRoN hoLE paIRS TO BE foRMeD wiThiN thE DEpleteD P-regIon and DePLEtEd N-reGion Due To impaCT IOnizaTioN WhIcH Then eXHibiT SiMIlAR beHAVIoR. This pRoCEsS IS REfeRrED tO AS aValaNChe BReaKdOWn And Is INdicaTED By ENLArgED aRROw 114. This PHEnomEnon iS rEsponsIBLe FOr thE SIgnal GAIn exHIbited by avaLanCHe pHotOdioDEs. aFTER PasSIng THrougH ThE dEPLeTeD p-RegioN AnD dePLeTeD n-regIon the geneRaTeD chArGe CArRiERS UNDErGO MAJORITY CARriEr TrANspoRt to ThE NeuTrAL N-rEgIon whICH INCLUdeS ElectricAL conTacts fOr outPuTTing ThE gEnerAteD ELEctRiCal sIgNAl.
|
There has been a significantneed in many fields for high quantum efficiency, high speed response light detectors, particularly in theblue and nearultraviolet, (200 to 500 nm) as well as for particle detection, and low-energy X-rays. In many applications there is a further need for miniature, portable, rugged, field ready devices,which drives requirements away from photomultiplier tubesandtowards solid state devices. Inmany applications requiring such solid state devices there is aneed forrelatively large surface area devices. Larger area devicesintrinsicallyhave lower signal to noise (SNR) and longer response time than smaller areadevices. Many nucleardetection devices utilize scintillators that convert nuclear energy to light. Most scintillators emitlight in the region of 200 to 500 nm. This light must be reador monitored with an appropriate light detector. In many applications a scintillating crystal or ceramicis mounted directly onto a solid state detector such as an avalanche photodiode. This method of directcoupling significantly improves the efficiency of detection. In medical applications suchas PET and CT scanning high sensitivity and short responsetime arerequired to reducethe patient's exposure to radiationas muchas possible. Thus, there is a critical needin nuclear medicine for high quantum efficiency, highspeed response, and often large surface area devices.In other medicalapplications wheredetectors are in direct contactwith thepatientthere is the further requirement that thebiasvoltage that drivesthe device be as low as possible for reasonsof patient safety. There is also a need for high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often largesurface area light detectors inmilitary applications, such as tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. This is particularly the case for daylight applications where military operations are conducted inthe presenceof large amounts of visible andinfraredlight. The human eye haslittle sensitivity at wavelengths below 400 nm. Forlaser exposure, there is an “eye safe” UVA region between 315 and 400 nm (ideal, for instance, for operation with tripledNd:YAG lasersat 355 nm or with solid state lasers emitting in thisspectral band region). Solar radiation is minimal inthe UVA band and can be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short passfilters. These filters can, in many instances, be directly coated onto the detector or an appropriate filter can be placedin the path of incoming light. For tracking and targeting applications it may also be advantageous to use positional sensitive detectors, based on arrays of detectors and/or proportional detectors. Scientific research instrumentationoften requires high quantum efficiency, high speedresponse, and oftenlargesurface area devices inthe spectral region between200and 1050 nm. Such applications include, but arenot limited to, radiationdetectors employing scintillators, radiation detectors baseduponCherenkov radiation, radiation detectors for X-raydetection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region. Over the past twodecades, free-space optical communication (FSOC) has proven to bea viable way to transfer large packets of digital information.Capable of achieving Gbit/stransfer ratesover several km, relatively compact systems for local area networks are commercially available. However, the technology required to deploy robust systemarchitectures,such as those used on temporary or mobile platforms operating in arangeof daylight and temperature conditions, has yetto be fullyrealized. A significant operationalbarrier for FSOC is the need to maintain eye-safety, whichlimits the permissible signal power and thus system rangingcapabilities. Poor weather conditions, the need for direct line-of-sight, and interference withsolar radiation within the receiver'sline-of-sight are also factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. Despitethese factors, FSOC offerssignificantadvantages over commonlyused microwave links. These advantages include: smaller size,weight and powerrequirements forthe transmitterand receiver; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference; faster data transfer rates; and higher security due to directionality. Such optical communication systems consist of two primary components; namely the transmitter andthe receiver. Medium-range FSOC systems have been realized thanks to advances inlaser transmitter and LED technology in the ultraviolet (UV). Compared to systems that utilize red or near-IR sources, the advantages of using a UVsource include higher permissibletransmission levels and reducedinterference fromsolar radiation. Strongabsorption and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere greatly reduces the solar background in the deepUV (wavelengths<280 nm).However, thissame scattering and absorption may alsoreduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at sea level where water content is high.As a result,theuse of deep UV has been proposedfor short range non-lineof sight(NLOS) operations where the scattered light is used to relay the signal around objects [2]. For medium to long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths neartheblue-UV region ofthe spectrum (350 to380 nm) are preferred. The advantage created by recent advances in transmitter technologyfor UV FSOC has been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology for the UV. In particular, the highest quantumefficiency (QE)(the ratiobetween the number of photon-induced electrons collected and the number of incident photons) is approximately 50% for detectors at UN wavelengths, compared to >90% at the longer wavelengths. Table 1 compares the QE of variouslarge-area UV-blue sensitive detectors when operatedin proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm (Nd:YAG). TABLE1Detector typeGainQE (at 355 nm)Silicon detector 150%Avalanche Photodiode20050%Photomultiplier Tube 10625%Silicon Carbide 1<10% Silicondetectors have thehighest QEs at 355 nm, which is two to three times higherthan photomultiplier tubes (PMTs)and six to seven times higher than silicon carbide detectors, which have a peak response at shorter wavelengths. Siliconp-i-nphotodiodes arecompact, rugged high-speed opticalreceivers that are relatively inexpensive and require low operating bias. However, theirsignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is much lower than detectors with internal gain structures, such as APD's or PMTs. As aresult, post-amplification circuits are often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the SNR. Avalanche photodiodes (APD's), like the PMTs, exhibit internal gain created by impact ionization, when a strong electricfieldispresent inthedetector. However, APD's are much thinner than PMTs, which increases design flexibility, enablingimprovedlightcollection geometries. Unlike the PMT, theAPD is very rugged, does notrequire a recovery period (severalto tens of minutes) following intense illumination froman unexpected signal or background source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can bemass produced at lowcosts. As a result, APD's are often thedetector of choice forfield-ready instrumentation such as FSOC.Anexemplary APDisdepicted in FIG. 1. The substrate contains different regions that correspond to differing amounts of dopant present in that region.For example, an APD may include a photosensitive neutral drift p-region 100 locatedat, oradjacent to,the top surface of the APD. A depleted p-region 102 may be located beneath the neutral drift region. Adepleted n-region 104 may belocatedbeneath the depleted p-region. A neutral n-region 106 may be located beneath the depleted n-region.In some cases the APD may also include a passivation layer 108 disposed on top of the neutral driftp-region.During use an electrical potential may be appliedtothe APD such that when a photon isabsorbedby the photosensitive neutral drift p-region, an electron-hole pair is formed at photon absorption site110. Due tothe applied electrical potential the charge carriers, i.e.the electron and hole, move in opposite directions within the APD. This initial migration of acharge carrier towards the bottom of the APD is indicated by arrow 112 which corresponds to minority carrier transport. As the charge carrier is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential itcauses additional electron holepairs to be formed within the depleted p-region and depleted n-region due to impact ionization which then exhibit similar behavior. This process is referred to as avalanche breakdown and is indicated by enlarged arrow114. This phenomenon is responsible for thesignal gain exhibited by avalanche photodiodes.After passing through the depleted p-region and depleted n-regionthe generated charge carriers undergo majority carrier transport to the neutral n-region which includes electrical contacts for outputting the generated electrical signal.
|
There has been a _significant_ need in many fields for high quantum efficiency, high speed response light detectors, particularly in the blue and near ultraviolet, (200 to 500 nm) _as_ _well_ as for particle detection, and low-energy _X-rays._ _In_ many applications there _is_ a further _need_ _for_ miniature, portable, rugged, field ready devices, which _drives_ requirements away from _photomultiplier_ tubes _and_ towards solid state _devices._ In _many_ applications requiring such solid state devices _there_ _is_ a _need_ for relatively large surface area devices. _Larger_ area devices intrinsically have lower _signal_ to noise _(SNR)_ _and_ longer response time _than_ smaller area devices. _Many_ nuclear _detection_ devices utilize _scintillators_ that _convert_ nuclear energy to light. Most scintillators _emit_ light in the region of 200 to 500 nm. This _light_ must be read or monitored with an appropriate light detector. _In_ many applications _a_ scintillating crystal _or_ ceramic is _mounted_ directly onto a solid state detector such as an _avalanche_ photodiode. This method of direct coupling significantly improves _the_ _efficiency_ of _detection._ In medical _applications_ such as _PET_ and CT scanning high _sensitivity_ and short response time are _required_ _to_ reduce the patient's _exposure_ _to_ _radiation_ as much as possible. _Thus,_ there is a critical need in nuclear medicine for high quantum _efficiency,_ high speed response, and _often_ _large_ surface area devices. In other medical applications where detectors are in _direct_ contact with _the_ patient there _is_ the further requirement that the bias voltage that drives the device be as _low_ as possible for reasons _of_ patient safety. _There_ _is_ also a _need_ for high quantum efficiency, high _speed_ _response,_ and _often_ large surface area light detectors in military applications, _such_ _as_ tracking, targeting, and ranging devices. This is particularly the _case_ for daylight applications _where_ military _operations_ are conducted in the presence of large amounts of visible and infrared light. The human eye has little sensitivity at wavelengths below _400_ nm. For laser exposure, there _is_ an “eye safe” UVA _region_ between 315 and _400_ _nm_ (ideal, for instance, for operation with tripled _Nd:YAG_ _lasers_ at _355_ nm or with solid state lasers emitting in this spectral band region). _Solar_ radiation is minimal in the UVA band and _can_ be significantly further reduced by use of appropriate band pass or short pass filters. These filters can, _in_ _many_ instances, _be_ directly coated onto the detector or _an_ appropriate filter can be placed in the path of incoming light. For tracking and targeting applications _it_ _may_ also _be_ advantageous _to_ use positional sensitive detectors, based on _arrays_ _of_ detectors and/or proportional detectors. Scientific research instrumentation often requires high quantum efficiency, high speed response, and often large surface area devices in the spectral region between 200 _and_ 1050 nm. Such applications include, but are not limited to, radiation detectors employing _scintillators,_ _radiation_ detectors _based_ upon Cherenkov radiation, radiation detectors for X-ray detection, radiation detectors for ionizing particle detection and astronomical measurements in this spectral region. _Over_ the _past_ two _decades,_ free-space optical communication (FSOC) _has_ proven to be a viable way to transfer large _packets_ of digital _information._ _Capable_ of achieving Gbit/s _transfer_ rates over several _km,_ _relatively_ compact _systems_ for local area networks are commercially available. However, the technology required to deploy robust system architectures, such as those used on temporary or mobile _platforms_ operating in _a_ range of daylight and temperature _conditions,_ _has_ yet to be fully _realized._ A significant operational barrier for FSOC is the need to _maintain_ eye-safety, which limits the _permissible_ signal power and thus system ranging capabilities. Poor weather _conditions,_ _the_ need for direct _line-of-sight,_ and interference _with_ _solar_ radiation within the receiver's line-of-sight are _also_ factors that can significantly degrade the system performance. Despite these _factors,_ FSOC offers significant advantages over commonly used microwave links. These advantages include: smaller size, weight and power requirements for the transmitter and receiver; higher immunity to electromagnetic interference; faster _data_ transfer _rates;_ and higher security due _to_ _directionality._ Such optical communication _systems_ consist of _two_ primary components; namely the transmitter and the _receiver._ Medium-range FSOC systems _have_ been _realized_ thanks to _advances_ in laser transmitter and LED _technology_ in the _ultraviolet_ (UV). _Compared_ _to_ _systems_ that _utilize_ red _or_ near-IR sources, the _advantages_ of _using_ a UV source include higher _permissible_ transmission levels and reduced _interference_ from solar radiation. Strong absorption and _Rayleigh_ _scattering_ _in_ the atmosphere greatly reduces the _solar_ background in the _deep_ UV _(wavelengths<280_ nm). However, this same scattering _and_ absorption may also reduce the distance over which the communication signal can be relayed, particularly at _sea_ _level_ _where_ water content is high. As a result, the use _of_ deep _UV_ has been proposed for short range non-line of sight _(NLOS)_ operations where the _scattered_ light is used to relay the signal around objects [2]. For medium _to_ long range communications, therefore, longer wavelengths near the _blue-UV_ region of _the_ spectrum (350 to 380 nm) _are_ preferred. The _advantage_ created by recent advances in transmitter _technology_ for UV FSOC _has_ been dampened by the lag in the development of matching receiver technology _for_ the UV. _In_ _particular,_ the highest quantum efficiency (QE) (the ratio between the number of photon-induced electrons collected and the number _of_ incident photons) is _approximately_ 50% for detectors at UN wavelengths, compared to >90% _at_ the longer wavelengths. Table 1 compares _the_ QE of _various_ large-area UV-blue _sensitive_ detectors when operated in proportional mode at the common laser wavelength of 355 nm (Nd:YAG). TABLE 1Detector typeGainQE (at 355 nm)Silicon detector 150%Avalanche _Photodiode20050%Photomultiplier_ Tube 10625%Silicon Carbide 1<10% Silicon detectors have _the_ highest _QEs_ at 355 _nm,_ which _is_ two to three _times_ higher than photomultiplier _tubes_ (PMTs) and six to seven _times_ higher than _silicon_ _carbide_ detectors, which have a peak response at _shorter_ wavelengths. Silicon p-i-n photodiodes are _compact,_ rugged high-speed optical receivers _that_ are relatively inexpensive _and_ require _low_ _operating_ bias. However, _their_ signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is much lower than _detectors_ with internal gain structures, such as APD's or _PMTs._ As _a_ result, post-amplification circuits _are_ often needed to generate appropriate signal outputs, further reducing the SNR. Avalanche _photodiodes_ (APD's), like the PMTs, exhibit internal gain created by impact _ionization,_ when _a_ _strong_ electric field is present _in_ the detector. However, APD's are much _thinner_ than _PMTs,_ which increases design flexibility, _enabling_ improved light collection geometries. Unlike the _PMT,_ the APD is _very_ rugged, does _not_ require a _recovery_ period _(several_ to _tens_ _of_ minutes) _following_ intense illumination from an unexpected _signal_ or _background_ source, can be operated in magnetic fields, and can be mass produced at low _costs._ As a result, APD's _are_ _often_ the detector of _choice_ for field-ready instrumentation such as FSOC. An exemplary APD _is_ depicted in FIG. _1._ The substrate contains different regions that correspond to _differing_ amounts of dopant _present_ in _that_ region. For example, an _APD_ may _include_ a photosensitive neutral drift p-region 100 located at, or _adjacent_ to, _the_ top surface of the APD. A depleted p-region 102 _may_ be _located_ _beneath_ the neutral drift region. _A_ depleted n-region 104 may be _located_ beneath the depleted p-region. A neutral n-region 106 may be located beneath the depleted n-region. In some _cases_ _the_ APD may also _include_ a passivation layer 108 disposed on top of the neutral drift p-region. During use an electrical potential _may_ _be_ applied to the APD such that when a photon is absorbed by the photosensitive neutral drift p-region, an electron-hole pair is formed _at_ photon absorption site 110. Due to the applied electrical potential the charge carriers, i.e. the _electron_ and _hole,_ move in opposite _directions_ _within_ the APD. This initial migration of a _charge_ carrier towards _the_ bottom _of_ the _APD_ is indicated by arrow 112 _which_ corresponds to minority _carrier_ transport. As _the_ charge carrier is accelerated due to the applied electrical potential it _causes_ additional electron hole pairs _to_ be formed within the depleted p-region and depleted n-region due to impact _ionization_ which then _exhibit_ similar behavior. This process is referred _to_ _as_ avalanche _breakdown_ and _is_ indicated by enlarged _arrow_ 114. This _phenomenon_ is responsible for the signal gain _exhibited_ by avalanche photodiodes. After _passing_ through the depleted _p-region_ _and_ depleted n-region the generated _charge_ carriers _undergo_ majority _carrier_ transport _to_ the neutral _n-region_ _which_ includes _electrical_ contacts for _outputting_ the generated _electrical_ signal.
|
Circuitry for the positioning of the electron beam in CRT display systems such as exemplified by the M. S. Granberg, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,434,135 and 3,489,946 includes X and Y deflection coil current drive systems of various designs. These prior art systems include digital logic that selectively switches in or out constant current sources of individually fixed but separately different incremental current magnitudes or levels such that the desired deflection-determining current level is caused to flow through the X (and Y) deflection coil.
In CRT display systems, the cathode ray tube face is usually a flat surface. Equal increments of deflection-determining current move the electron beam along the face in increasing incremental lengths for increasing distances away from the center of the face producing a distortion called the "pin-cushion" or "non-linear effect." Prior art CRT display systems have included various correction features to compensate for such distortion. Aslo included were constant current drivers and electronic switches to maintain fixed increments of deflection-determining current and to prevent switching induced transients that further distort the display. The present invention is directed toward a CRT display system that eliminates these above noted causes of display distortion.
|
circuitry for the positioning of the electron beam in 2d display systems such as exemplified by the m. s. granberg, et al., u. s. pat. nos. 3, 434, 135 and 3, 489, 946 includes x and y deflection coil current drive systems of various designs. these prior art systems include digital logic that selectively switches in or out discrete current sources of individually fixed but separately different incremental current magnitudes or levels such that the desired deflection - determining current level is caused to flow through the x ( and y ) deflection coil. in crt display systems, the cathode ray tube face is usually its flat surface. equal increments of deflection - determining current move the electron beam along the face in appropriate incremental lengths for increasing distance away past the center of the face producing a distortion called the " pin - cushion " or " non - linear effect. " prior art crt display systems have included various correction features to compensate for such distortion. aslo included were constant current drivers and electronic switches helping maintain fixed increments of deflection - determining flux and essentially prevent switching induced transients that further distort the display. the design invention is directed toward a crt display system that eliminates these above noted causes of display distortion.
|
Circuitry for the positioning of the eleVtton beXN in CRT display systems such as exemplified by the M. S. Granberg, et al. , U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 434, 135 and 3, 489, 946 includes X and Y deflection coil current drive systems of various designs. These prior art systems include digital logic that selectively switches in or out constant cu%renG sources of individually fixed but separately different incremental current magnitudes or levels such that the desired deflection - determining current level is caused to flow through the X (and Y) deflection coil. In CRT display systems, the cathode ray gub# dxce is usually a flat surface. Equal increments of deflection - determining current move the electron beam along the face in increasing incremental lengths for increasing distances away from the center of the face producing a distortion called the " pin - cushion " or " non - linear effect. " Pripg art CRT display systems have included various correction features to compensate for such distortion. Aslo included were constant current drivers and electrIniD switches to maintain fixed increments of deflection - determining current and to preC2nt switching induced transients that f6r^her distort the display. The present invention is directed toward a CRT display sysH4m that eliminates these above noted causes of display distortion.
|
Circuitry for the positioning of the electron beam in CRT display systems such as exemplified by the S. Granberg, et al., U.S. Pat. 3,434,135 and 3,489,946 includes X and deflection coil current drive systems of various designs. These prior art systems digital logic selectively switches in or out current sources of fixed but separately different incremental current magnitudes or levels such that the desired deflection-determining current level is caused flow through the X (and Y) deflection coil. In CRT display systems, the cathode ray tube is usually a flat surface. Equal increments of current move the beam along the face in increasing incremental lengths for increasing distances away from the center of the face producing a distortion called the "pin-cushion" or "non-linear effect." Prior art display systems have included various correction features to for distortion. Aslo included were constant current drivers electronic switches to maintain fixed increments of deflection-determining current and to prevent induced transients that further distort the display. The present invention is directed toward CRT display system eliminates these above noted of display distortion.
|
cirCuitry FOR tHe PosiTIONInG oF THe elecTRoN BEam in CRT dISpLAy SYstEMS SuCh aS eXempLiFiEd by THE M. s. grANbErG, ET aL., U.S. PaT. nOs. 3,434,135 aNd 3,489,946 InclUDEs X AND y dEfleCtiOn cOIL CuRRent driVe SYSTEMs Of variOUs deSigNS. THesE PRiOR art SYStems IncludE DiGItaL lOGiC thaT sElectivelY switchEs In OR oUt ConStaNt CURRent SouRcEs Of INDiVidUAlly FiXed But SepaRately DifferENt iNCrEmeNTAl CURrENT MAgniTuDEs oR LeVelS sUCH tHAt The DeSIrED deFlecTIOn-DetErMiNing CURrENt LeveL is cauSEd TO flow THrOugH THe X (AnD Y) DEflectIoN Coil.
In Crt diSplay sYsTeMs, THe CAthoDe raY tubE FACe iS uSuALly a fLaT SUrFAcE. EQuAl iNCreMEnTS OF deFleCTioN-detERmiNIng curreNt mOVe ThE ElECtrOn BeAM aLoNg tHE FaCE in IncrEasING INCREMenTAl leNgtHS foR INCreasIng dIStaNcES AWaY from tHE CENtEr Of The facE ProDUcINg a dIsTOrtIOn CaLLED tHE "PiN-CUsHION" OR "noN-LIneAr EfFeCT." pRIor ART CrT diSpLay SYsTeMS HaVe inClUdeD vARioUS COrRECtIon feAtUrEs To COmPeNSATe fOr sUCH DisTORTion. aSLO iNcLuDEd WERE ConSTaNT cURRENt driveRS AnD ElEcTroNiC SWITChEs tO MAINtAIn FIxed incREmEnTS Of DEflECTIoN-dETERMiNInG currENt ANd To pReVeNT SwitCHING inDUCEd TransIents thaT fUrtHeR DiSTOrT tHE dIsPlaY. THE pReseNT invENtiON iS DireCTeD ToWaRD A CRT diSpLay sYsTeM ThaT eLimInATEs ThEsE aboVE nOted causeS of DiSPLaY DiStorTIoN.
|
Circuitry for the positioning of the electron beam in CRT display systems such as exemplified by the M. S. Granberg, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,434,135 and 3,489,946 includes X and Y deflectioncoil current drive systems of various designs. These prior artsystems include digitallogicthatselectively switches in or out constant current sources of individually fixed but separately different incremental current magnitudes orlevels such that the desired deflection-determining current level is caused to flow through the X (and Y) deflection coil. In CRT display systems, the cathode ray tube face is usually a flat surface. Equal increments of deflection-determining current move theelectron beam along the face in increasing incremental lengths for increasingdistances away from the center of theface producing adistortion called the "pin-cushion"or "non-lineareffect." Prior art CRT display systems have included various correction featuresto compensate for such distortion. Aslo included were constant current drivers and electronicswitches to maintain fixed increments of deflection-determining current and to prevent switching induced transients that further distort thedisplay.The present inventionis directedtoward a CRT displaysystem that eliminates these above noted causes of display distortion.
|
Circuitry for the positioning of the _electron_ beam in CRT _display_ _systems_ such as exemplified by the M. S. Granberg, et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. _3,434,135_ and 3,489,946 includes X and Y deflection coil current drive systems of various designs. These prior art systems include digital _logic_ that _selectively_ switches in _or_ out constant _current_ sources of individually fixed but _separately_ different incremental current magnitudes _or_ _levels_ such that the _desired_ _deflection-determining_ current level _is_ caused to flow through _the_ X (and Y) deflection coil. In CRT _display_ systems, the cathode ray _tube_ face is usually a flat surface. Equal _increments_ _of_ deflection-determining current move the _electron_ beam along the face in increasing incremental lengths _for_ increasing _distances_ away from _the_ center of the face producing a distortion called the "pin-cushion" or "non-linear _effect."_ Prior art CRT display systems _have_ included various correction features to _compensate_ for such distortion. _Aslo_ included _were_ constant current _drivers_ and electronic switches to maintain fixed increments of deflection-determining current and to prevent _switching_ induced transients that further distort the display. The present invention _is_ directed toward a CRT _display_ system that eliminates these above noted _causes_ of display distortion.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrically driven vehicles conventionally have been provided with a drive unit including a drive motor, a generator-motor and an inverter unit. Further, in the inverter for the drive motor formed by a bridge circuit, direct current supplied from a battery is converted into three phase alternating current, and the alternating current is supplied to the drive motor. Further, by an inverter for the generator-motor, formed by a bridge circuit, three phase alternating current supplied from the generator-motor is converted into direct current and the direct current is supplied to the battery.
A pulse-width modulating signal is generated by the control unit and that signal is output to the respective bridge circuits to thereby switch transistors of the respective bridge circuits.
However, it has previously been necessary to provide for separate connection of an inverter to the drive motor and of an inverter to the generator-motor and, accordingly, the drive unit must be sufficiently sized to accommodate such connections.
Further, with a smoothing condenser, common to the respective bridge circuits, for stabilizing voltage generated when the transistors of the respective bridge circuits are switched ON and OFF, the lead wires connecting the respective transistors with the drive motor and the generator-motor are lengthy and the wiring is complicated.
Further, particularly in a drive unit in which a drive motor and a generator-motor are arranged on two different axes, there is no design integrating the inverter for the drive motor, the inverter for the generator-motor and the drive unit casing so that the drive unit is necessarily large-sized.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle. 2. description of the related art electrically driven vehicles conventionally have been provided with a drive unit including a drive motor, a generator - driver and differential inverter unit. further, in the inverter for the drive motor formed by a bridge circuit, direct current supplied from a battery is converted into three phase alternating current, and the alternating current is supplied to the drive motor. further, by an inverter for the generator - motor, formed before a bridge circuit, all phase alternating current supplied from the generator - motor were converted into direct current and the direct current is supplied to the battery. a pulse - width modulating signal is generated by the control unit and that signal is output to the respective bridge circuits to thereby switch transistors of the respective bridge circuits. however, it has previously been proposed to provide for separate connection of an inverter to the drive motor and of an inverter to the generator - motor and, accordingly, the drive unit must be sufficiently sized to accommodate such connections. further, with a smoothing condenser, common to the respective bridge circuits, for stabilizing voltage generated when the transistors of the corresponding bridge circuits are switched on and off, the lead wires connecting the respective transistors with the drive motor and the generator - motor are lengthy and subsequent wiring is complicated. further, particularly in a drive unit in which a drive motor and a generator - motor are arranged on two different axes, there is no design integrating the inverter for the drive motor, the inverter requires the generator - motor and the drive unit casing so typically the drive unit is necessarily large - sized.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present iBv@ntion relates to a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle. 2. Description of the Related Art Electrically driven vehicles conventionally have been provided with a drive unit including a drive motor, a generator - motor and an inverter unit. Further, in the inverter for the drive motor formed by a bridge circuit, direct current supplied fto< a battery is converted into three phase alternating current, and the alternating current is supplied to the drive motor. Further, by an inverter for the generator - moGPr, formed by a bridge circuit, three phase altwrnatJng current supplied from the generator - motor is converted into direct current and the direct current is supplied to the battery. A pulse - width modulating signal is generated by the control unit and that signal is output to the respective bridge circuits to thereby switch transistors of the respective bridge circuits. However, it has previously b@wn necessary to provide for separate connection of an inverter to the drive motor and of an inverter to the generator - motor and, accordingly, the drive unit must be sufficiently sized to accommldste such connections. Further, with a smoothing condenser, SommoB to the respective bridge circuits, for stabilizing voltage generated when the transistors of the respective bridge circuits are switched ON and OFF, the lead wires connecting the respective transistors with the drive motor and the generator - motor are lengthy and the wiring is complicated. Further, pa4ticulaEly in a drive unit in which a drive motor and a generator - motor are arranged on two different axes, there is no design integrating the inverter for the drive motor, the inverter for the generator - motor and the drive unit casing so that the rrJve unit is neDessaroly large - sized.
|
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle. 2. Description of the Art Electrically driven vehicles conventionally have been with a drive unit including a drive motor, a generator-motor and an inverter unit. Further, the inverter for the drive motor formed by a bridge circuit, direct current supplied a is converted into three phase alternating current, and the alternating is to the drive motor. Further, by an inverter for generator-motor, formed by a bridge circuit, three phase alternating current supplied from the is into direct current and the direct is to battery. A pulse-width modulating signal is generated by the control unit and that signal is output to the respective circuits to thereby switch transistors of the respective bridge circuits. However, it has previously been necessary for separate connection an inverter the drive motor and of an inverter to the generator-motor and, accordingly, the drive unit must be sufficiently sized to accommodate such connections. Further, with a smoothing condenser, common to the respective circuits, for stabilizing voltage generated when the transistors of the respective bridge circuits are switched ON and OFF, the lead connecting the respective transistors with the drive motor and the generator-motor are lengthy and the wiring is complicated. Further, particularly in a drive unit in which a drive motor and a generator-motor are on there is no design integrating the inverter for the drive motor, the inverter the generator-motor the drive unit casing so that the drive unit is necessarily large-sized.
|
1. fIEld oF the inVEntIoN
tHe prESENT invEnTION RELAtES TO A dRiVe uniT FOr A Hybrid VEHIClE.
2. DEscriPTIoN OF ThE rELAtED art
elECtRiCALlY drIveN vehIcleS CoNVENtIoNAlLy havE bEEn ProviDeD wiTh a DrIVe UNIt inCLUDINg a drive moTOR, a gENeRaTOr-MOtOr anD an INvertER unIT. FUrtHEr, iN tHE InVeRteR fOR tHE DrIVE moTor forMed BY a bRIdGE cIRcUIt, dIrECt CuRrENT SupPlIED fRoM A BatteRY iS coNVeRteD INto thRee pHasE aLtERNAtIng CURrEnT, ANd tHe AlternaTIng curRENT Is sUppLIEd To THe drIVe mOtOr. FURtHEr, by aN invertEr fOr tHE gEnerAtor-MOtoR, FOrmeD BY A BrIdgE CIRCUiT, THREe pHAsE AlTERnatIng cUrrENT sUpPlIED fROM ThE GenERATOr-moTor is coNVErTEd into DIRECT currENt aNd ThE DirEcT curReNt IS supPlIed tO THe bATtErY.
A PUlSE-wIdth mOdULatiNg SiGnaL IS GeNErateD BY The cONtrol UNiT AND THAT siGnAL IS OutPUt TO THE RESPECTivE BrIDgE cIrcuITS To THeREby SWItch trAnsiSTORs oF tHE ResPECtivE BRIDge circuits.
hOWeveR, It hAS preVIoUsly bEeN NeceSSary TO pROvIDE fOr sEPArATe ConnectioN OF aN InveRtER To THe DRIVe MOToR AND OF an InvERter to THe GenEraTOr-MotOr and, AccOrDinGLy, thE dRIvE UNit MuST bE SuFFiCiEntLY SiZED to acCOmModate SUCh coNNECtiOnS.
FuRthEr, WIth a SMOotHiNg CONDenSER, CommoN TO The ResPeCtivE bRidGe circuitS, FOr StabiLiZing VoLtaGE geNEraTed WHEN THE TraNsISTORS Of ThE reSPecTIve bRIdge cIrcUiTS aRE SwiTCHeD on anD off, ThE Lead wiReS conNEcTiNG The reSpecTive tRAnsIstors wItH ThE dRivE moToR aNd The GEnErATOr-mOTOR arE leNGtHy ANd tHE wIriNG is COmPlicATeD.
fURtHer, pArTiCulaRlY In a dRIve UniT In Which a dRive mOtor aND A GeNEratOR-mOToR are arrANGeD on tWo diFFeRent axes, theRe IS NO DeSIgN iNtEGraTiNg thE InVErtEr foR THe drIVE mOTor, tHe iNVeRteR fOr the geneRatoR-MOtoR And the DRivE UNIT CaSING sO thaT ThE DrIVE UnIt IS NECeSSARIlY Large-SizEd.
|
1.Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates toadrive unit for a hybrid vehicle. 2. Description ofthe Related Art Electrically driven vehicles conventionally havebeenprovidedwith a drive unit including a drive motor, a generator-motor andan inverter unit. Further,in theinverter for thedrive motor formedby a bridge circuit, direct current supplied froma batteryis converted into threephase alternating current, and the alternating currentissupplied to the drive motor. Further,by an inverter for thegenerator-motor,formed by a bridge circuit, three phase alternating current supplied from the generator-motor is convertedintodirect current and the direct current is supplied to the battery. A pulse-width modulating signal is generated by the control unit and that signal is output tothe respective bridge circuits tothereby switch transistors of the respective bridge circuits. However, it has previously been necessarytoprovide forseparate connection of an inverter to thedrive motor and of an inverter to the generator-motor and, accordingly, thedrive unit must be sufficiently sized to accommodate such connections. Further, with a smoothing condenser,common to the respective bridge circuits, forstabilizing voltage generated whenthetransistors of the respectivebridge circuitsare switchedON and OFF, the lead wires connecting the respectivetransistors with the drive motorand the generator-motor are lengthy and thewiring is complicated. Further, particularly in a drive unit in whichadrive motor and a generator-motor are arranged on two different axes, thereisno design integrating the inverter for the drive motor,the inverter for the generator-motor and the drive unit casing so that the driveunit is necessarily large-sized.
|
1. Field of _the_ Invention The present invention relates _to_ a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle. 2. _Description_ of the _Related_ _Art_ _Electrically_ _driven_ vehicles conventionally have been provided with a drive unit including a drive motor, a _generator-motor_ _and_ an inverter unit. Further, _in_ the inverter for the drive motor formed by _a_ _bridge_ _circuit,_ direct current supplied from a battery is converted into three phase alternating current, _and_ the alternating _current_ is supplied _to_ the drive motor. Further, by an inverter _for_ _the_ generator-motor, formed by a bridge circuit, three phase alternating _current_ _supplied_ _from_ _the_ generator-motor is converted into direct current and the direct current is supplied to the battery. _A_ _pulse-width_ modulating signal is generated _by_ the control unit and that signal is output to the respective bridge _circuits_ to thereby switch transistors of the respective _bridge_ _circuits._ _However,_ it has previously been necessary to _provide_ for separate connection _of_ an inverter to the drive motor and _of_ an inverter to the generator-motor and, accordingly, the _drive_ unit _must_ _be_ sufficiently sized to _accommodate_ such _connections._ Further, with _a_ _smoothing_ condenser, common to _the_ respective bridge _circuits,_ for stabilizing voltage _generated_ when the transistors of the respective bridge _circuits_ are switched ON and _OFF,_ the lead wires connecting the respective transistors _with_ the drive motor _and_ the generator-motor _are_ lengthy and the wiring is complicated. Further, particularly in a drive unit in _which_ _a_ _drive_ motor and a generator-motor are arranged on _two_ different axes, there _is_ _no_ design _integrating_ the inverter for the drive motor, the inverter for the generator-motor and _the_ _drive_ unit _casing_ so that the drive unit is necessarily large-sized.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to measuring devices, more specifically to coordinate measurement machines.
2. Description of the Related Art
Portable coordinate measurement machines (PCMMs) such as articulated arm PCMMs can be used to perform a variety of measurement and coordinate acquisition tasks. In one common commercially-available PCMM, an articulated arm having three transfer members connected by articulating joints allows easy movement of a probe head or tip about seven axes to take various measurements. In operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object the PCMM outputs to a processing unit data regarding the orientation of the transfer members and articulating joints on the articulated arm. This data would then be translated into a measurement of a position at the probe head or tip.
Typical uses for such devices generally relate to manufacturing inspection and quality control. In these applications, measurements are typically taken only when a measuring point on the arm is in contact with an article to be measured. Contact can be indicated by strain-gauges, static charge, or user-input. Such devices have been commercially successful. Still there is a general need to continue to increase the accuracy of such instruments.
|
1. field of the invention the present application relates in measuring devices, more specifically to coordinate measurement machines. 2. description of the related art portable coordinate measurement machines ( pcmms ) such as articulated arm units can be used to perform a variety different measurement and coordinate acquisition tasks. in one common commercially - available pcmm, an articulated arm having three transfer members connected by articulating joints allows easy movement of a probe head or tip about seven axes to take various measurements. in operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object the pcmm outputs to a processing unit data regarding the orientation connecting the transfer members and articulating tips on the articulated arm. this data would then be translated into a measurement of a position at the probe head or tail. typical uses for such devices generally relate to manufacturing inspection and quality control. in these applications, measurements are typically taken only when a measuring point on the arm is in contact with an observer to be measured. contact can be indicated by strain - gauges, static charge, or user - input. such devices having been commercially successful. still manufacturing is a general obligation to continue to increase the accuracy of such instruments.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present aLplicAtion relates to measuring devices, more specififAlly to coordinate measurement machines. 2. Description of the Related Art Portable coordinate measurement machines (PCMMs) such as articulated arm PCMMs can be used to perform a variety of measurement and coordinate acquisition tasks. In one common commercially - available PCMM, an articulated arm having tTr4e transfer members connected by articulating joKngs allows easy movement of a probe head or tip about seven axes to take various measurements. In operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object the PCMM outputs to a processing unit data regarding the oriemtatiom of the transfer members and articulating joints on the articulated arm. $hiX data would then be translated into a measurement of a position at the probe head or tip. Typical uses for such VevicDs generally relate to mqnufacruring inspection and quality control. In these applications, measurements are typically taken only when a measuring point on the arm is in contact with an article to be measured. Contact can be indicated by strain - gauges, static charge, or user - input. Such devices have been dommerXially successful. Still there is a general need to continue to increase the accuracy of such inshruNents.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present application relates to measuring devices, more specifically to coordinate measurement machines. 2. of the Related Art coordinate measurement machines (PCMMs) such articulated PCMMs can be used a variety of measurement and coordinate acquisition tasks. In one commercially-available PCMM, an articulated arm having three transfer members connected by articulating joints easy movement of a probe head or about seven axes to take various In operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object the PCMM to a processing unit data regarding the orientation of the transfer members and articulating joints on the articulated arm. This data would then be translated into measurement of a position at the probe head or tip. Typical uses for such devices generally to manufacturing inspection and quality In these applications, measurements are typically taken only when a measuring on the arm is in contact with an article to be measured. Contact can be indicated by strain-gauges, static charge, or user-input. Such devices have been successful. Still is a general need to continue to the accuracy such instruments.
|
1. FiELd Of the iNvEntiOn
thE presEnT aPplIcAtION reLATeS tO MEASuRiNg dEVIceS, MOre sPecIFicalLY To CoORDINAte measUrEmeNt machInES.
2. DescriPtion Of THe relATEd ART
PorTaBLe CooRDINaTE meAsureMenT MAchineS (pCMms) SUch As ARticuLated aRM pCMms CAN bE useD To perFoRm A varietY oF MEASURemeNT AND cOOrdiNatE ACquISITion tAsKS. in ONE comMoN CoMmeRCially-AvAILAble PcmM, aN arTIculaTed ArM HavinG THRee tRAnSfER mEMberS coNNeCted By arTiCULAtiNG JoInts aLLoWs eaSY mOVeMEnt of a pRobe hEaD Or TiP aBOut sEVeN AxEs tO TakE VarIous MeAsuReMeNtS. In OperATIoN, wHEN tHe PrObe HeaD or tIP ContACts AN ObJECt The pCmm oUtPUtS TO a PROcESsiNg UNit DATA RegARding ThE ORIENtATion OF tHe TRANSfer meMBErS AND aRTIcUlATinG jOInTs ON THE ARtICulatEd arm. thIS dATa WOULD THen BE TRANSlaTeD iNto A MeAsUrEmeNT of a PosItION AT The pRobe HeAd or TIP.
typiCAl uSEs fOr Such DeVIceS GenERalLy RElATE to MANufACTURINg iNSPEcTION AND qUALIty COnTRoL. iN THESE ApPlicaTiOnS, mEASUreMeNts ARe TypiCAlly taKeN Only whEn a meAsURInG POinT On The arM is in coNtact WiTh aN ArTICLE tO be MEASUred. cOntacT cAn Be INDicAted bY StrAIn-gAugEs, STatIC cHaRGe, or USER-iNPUt. SUcH deViCES Have beEn COmmERCIaLlY SUCceSsFuL. StIlL ThERE iS A genERAL neED to CoNtInUe tO inCREASe tHE acCuRacy of sUCh InStRUMENTS.
|
1. Field of the Invention Thepresent application relates to measuring devices, morespecifically tocoordinate measurement machines. 2. Description of the Related Art Portablecoordinate measurement machines (PCMMs) such asarticulated armPCMMs can be used to perform avariety of measurement and coordinate acquisition tasks.In one common commercially-available PCMM, an articulated armhaving three transfer members connected byarticulating joints allows easy movementof a probe head or tip about seven axes to take various measurements. In operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object thePCMM outputs toa processing unit dataregarding the orientation of the transfer members and articulating joints on the articulated arm.This data would thenbe translated into a measurement of a position at the probehead or tip. Typical uses forsuch devices generally relate to manufacturing inspection and quality control.In these applications, measurements are typicallytakenonly whena measuring point on the arm is in contact with an article to be measured. Contact canbe indicated by strain-gauges, static charge, or user-input. Such devices have been commercially successful. Still there is a general need to continue toincrease the accuracy of such instruments.
|
1. _Field_ of the _Invention_ The present application relates to measuring _devices,_ more specifically _to_ _coordinate_ measurement machines. 2. Description of the Related Art _Portable_ coordinate measurement machines (PCMMs) _such_ as articulated arm PCMMs can be _used_ _to_ perform _a_ variety of measurement and coordinate _acquisition_ _tasks._ In one common commercially-available PCMM, an articulated arm having three transfer _members_ connected _by_ articulating joints allows easy movement of a probe head or tip about seven axes _to_ take various _measurements._ In operation, when the probe head or tip contacts an object the PCMM outputs to _a_ processing unit data regarding the orientation of the _transfer_ members and articulating joints _on_ _the_ _articulated_ arm. _This_ data would then be translated _into_ a measurement of _a_ position _at_ _the_ _probe_ head or tip. Typical uses for such devices generally relate to manufacturing inspection and quality control. In _these_ applications, measurements _are_ typically taken _only_ when a measuring point on the arm is in _contact_ with an _article_ _to_ be measured. Contact _can_ be indicated by strain-gauges, static charge, or user-input. _Such_ devices _have_ _been_ commercially _successful._ Still _there_ is _a_ general need to _continue_ to increase the accuracy of such instruments.
|
Antenna arrays are widely used in communication and radar systems because of their high directivity and ability to control beam direction. Some examples of these systems are military radars, vehicles collision avoidance systems, cellular base stations, satellite communication systems, broadcasting, naval communication, weather research, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and synthetic aperture radars. Antenna arrays are excited using either a serial or a corporate feed network. Serially-fed antenna arrays are more compact than their corporate-fed counterparts (e.g., serially-fed antenna arrays have a substantially shorter feeding or transmission line than corporate-fed arrays). Furthermore, the ohmic and feed line radiation losses are smaller in serially-fed arrays than in corporate-fed arrays. Hence, the efficiency of serially-fed arrays can be higher than that of corporate-fed arrays.
Serially-fed antenna arrays are not without their drawbacks, however. For example, serially-fed antenna arrays have a narrow bandwidth due to the non-zero group delay of the feed network causing variation of the phase shift with frequency between the antennas of adjacent antenna units. Therefore, beam direction varies (beam squint) as the frequency changes, thereby reducing the array boresight gain and causing performance degradation, especially in narrow beam width systems.
More particularly, the main beam angle of an antenna array is determined by phase shifts between adjacent antennas of the array. In serially-fed antenna arrays, the phase shift is adjusted using a frequency dependent phase shifter. Therefore, the antenna array beam angle changes as the frequency changes resulting in beam squinting given by equation (1):
θ beam = sin - 1 ( θ f - θ f o K o d E ) ( 1 ) where: θbeam is the main beam angle, θfo and θf are the phase shifts between any two of the adjacent antennas at the center frequency and at an offset frequency, respectively, and dE is the inter-element spacing (i.e., the space between adjacent antennas in the antenna array). According to equation (1), the beam squint occurs because the phase shift between the adjacent antennas varies with frequency. In order to eliminate the beam squint, the phase shift between the antennas must be frequency independent. In other words, the group delay, which is calculated from equation (2) below, between adjacent antennas must be zero.
Group Delay = - 1 2 π d θ f d f ( 2 )
To obtain a zero group delay between the adjacent antennas (and thereby eliminating, or at least substantially reducing, beam squint), one or more NGD circuit(s) may be integrated between the adjacent antennas. In such an instance, the NGD value must be equal to the value of the positive group delay of the interconnecting transmission lines. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict conventional serially-fed antenna array arrangements wherein NGD circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an overall group delay of approximately zero. In FIG. 1A, and for each set of adjacent antennas, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy parallel resonance circuit is serially-integrated into the transmission line between the two antennas. In FIG. 1B, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy series resonator circuit is integrated into the transmission line in a shunt arrangement. In each of these arrangements, in order to have a uniformly excited antenna array, an amplifier and corresponding matching circuits can be used as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
The use of conventional NGD circuits in this manner is not without its shortcomings, however. The conventional NGD circuits employ lossy elements (e.g., a lossy resonator) to generate a desirable amount of NGD. As such, these circuits suffer from a large amount of loss in order to generate NGD (e.g., certain conventional NGD circuits may have a typical loss of 6 dB or more, meaning that more than 70-75% of the power is dissipated in the NGD circuit), which significantly limits their application.
Accordingly, there is a need for NGD circuits that minimize and/or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies.
|
antenna arrays are widely used in communication and radar systems because of their high directivity and ability to control beam direction. some examples of these systems are military radars, vehicles collision avoidance systems, cellular base networking, satellite communication systems, broadcasting, naval communication, weather research, radio - frequency identification ( rfid ) and synthetic aperture radars. antenna arrays are excited using either a serial or a corporate feed network. serially - fed antenna arrays are more compact than their corporate - fed counterparts ( e. g., serially - fed antenna arrays have a substantially shorter feeding or transmission line than corporate - fed arrays ). furthermore, the ohmic and feed line radiation losses are smaller in serially - fed arrays than in corporate - fed arrays. hence, the efficiency of serially - fed antenna can be higher than that of corporate - fed arrays. serially - fed antenna arrays are not without their drawbacks, however. for example, serially - fed antenna arrays have a narrow bandwidth due to the non - zero group delay of the feed network causing variation causing the phase shift with frequency between the antennas of adjacent antenna units. therefore, beam direction varies ( beam squint ) as the frequency changes, thereby reducing the array boresight gain and causing performance degradation, especially in narrow beam width systems. more particularly, the main beam angle of an antenna array is determined by phase shifts between adjacent antennas of the array. in serially - fed antenna arrays, the phase shift is adjusted using a frequency dependent phase shifter. therefore, the antenna array beam length changes as the frequency changes resulting in beam squinting given by equation ( 1 ) : θ beam = sin - 1 ( θ f - θ f o k τ d e ) ( 1 ) where : θbeam is the primary beam angle, θfo and θf are the phase shifts between any two of the adjacent antennas at the center frequency and at an offset frequency, respectively, while de is the inter - element spacing ( i. e., the space between adjacent antennas in the antenna array ). according to equation ( 1 ), the beam shift occurs because the phase shift between individual adjacent antennas shifts with frequency. in order to eliminate the beam squint, the phase shift between the antennas must be frequency independent. in other words, the group delay, which is calculated from equation ( 2 ) below, between adjacent antennas must be zero. group delay = - 1 2 π d θ f d f ( 2 ) to obtain a zero group delay between the adjacent antennas ( and thereby eliminating, or at least substantially reducing, beam squint ), one or more ngd circuit ( s ) may be integrated between the adjacent antennas. in such an instance, the ngd value must be equal to the value of the positive group delay of the interconnecting transmission lines. figs. 1a and 1b depict conventional serially - fed antenna array arrangements wherein ngd circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an overall group delay of approximately zero. in fig. 1a, and for each set of adjacent antennas, an ngd circuit comprising a lossy parallel resonance circuit is serially - integrated into the transmission line between the two antennas. in fig. 1b, an ngd circuit comprising a lossy series resonator circuit is integrated into the transmission line in a shunt arrangement. in each of these arrangements, in order to have a uniformly excited antenna array, an amplifier and corresponding matching circuits can be used as illustrated in figs. 1a and 1b. the use of conventional ngd circuits in this manner is not without its shortcomings, however. the conventional ngd circuits employ lossy elements ( e. g., a lossy resonator ) to generate a desirable amount of ngd. as such, these circuits suffer from a large amount of loss in order to generate ngd ( e. g., certain conventional ngd circuits may have a typical loss of 6 db or more, meaning that more than 70 - 75 % of the power is dissipated in the ngd circuit ), which significantly limits their application. accordingly, there is a need for ngd circuits that minimize and / or eliminate one or more of the above - identified deficiencies.
|
Antenna arrays are widely used in communication and radar systems because of their high directivity and ability to control beam direction. Some examples of these systems are military radars, vehicles collision avoidance systems, cellular base stations, satellite communication systems, broadcasting, naval communication, weather research, radio - frequency identification (RFID) and synthetic aperture radars. Antenna arrays are excited using either a serial or a corporate feed network. Serially - fed antenna arrays are more compact than their corporate - fed counterparts (e. g. , serially - fed antenna arrays have a substantially shorter feeding or transmission line than corporate - fed arrays ). Furthermore, the ohmic and feed line radiation losses are smaller in serially - fed Qrrayx than in v8rporate - fed arrays. Hence, the efficiency of serially - fed arrays can be higher than that of corporate - fed arrays. Serially - fed antenna arrays are not without their drawbacks, however. For example, serially - fed antenna arrays have a narrow bandwidth due to the non - zero group delay of the feed network causing variation of the phase shift with frequency bet1fen the antennas of adjacent antenna units. Therefore, beam direction varies (beam squint) as the frequency changes, thereby reducing the array boresight gain and causing performance degradation, especially in narrow beam width systems. More particularly, the main beam angle of an antenna array is determined by phase shifts between adjacent antennas of the array. In serially - fed antenna arrays, the phase shift is adjusted using a frequency dependent phase shifter. Therefore, the antenna array beam angle changes as the frequency changes resulting in beam squinting given by equation (1 ): θ beam = sin - 1 (θ f - θ f o K o d E) (1) where: θNeaN is the main beam angle, θfo and θf are the phase shifts between any two of the adjacent antennas at the center frequency and at an offset frequency, respectively, and dE is the inter - element spacing (i. e. , the space between adjacent antennas in the antenna array ). According to equation (1 ), the beam squint occurs because the phase shift between the adjacent antennas varies with ErequenXy. In order to eliminate the beam squint, the phase shift between the antennas must be frequency independent. In other words, the group xeKay, which is calculated from equation (2) below, between adjacent antennas must be zero. G#ou( Delay = - 1 2 π d θ f d f (2) To obtain a zero group delay between the adjacent antennas (and thereby eliminating, or at least substantially reducing, beam squint ), one or more NGD circuit (s) may be integrated between the adjacent antennas. In such an instance, the NGD value must be equal to the value of the positive group delay of the interconnecting transmission lines. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict conventional serially - fed abrenna array arrangements wherein NGD circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an overall group delay of approximately zero. In FIG. 1A, and for each set of adjacent antennas, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy parallel resonance circuit is seriXloy - integrated into the transmission line between the two antennas. In FIG. 1B, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy series resonator circuit is integrated into the transmission line in a shunt arrangement. In each of these arrangements, in order to have a uniformly excited antenna array, an amplifier and corresponding matching cigcuite can be used as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The use of conventional NGD circuits in this manner is not without its shortcomings, however. The conventional NGD circuits employ lossy elements (e. g. , a lossy resonator) to generate a desirable amount of NGD. As such, these circuits suffer from a large amount of loss in order to generate NGD (e. g. , certain conventional NGD circuits may have a typical loss of 6 dB or more, meaning that more than 70 - 75% of the power is dissipated in the NGD circuit ), which significantly limits their application. Accordingly, there is a need for NGD circuits that minimize and / or eliminate one or more of the above - identified deficiencies.
|
Antenna arrays widely used in communication systems because of their high directivity and ability to control beam direction. Some examples these systems are military radars, vehicles collision systems, cellular base stations, satellite communication systems, broadcasting, naval communication, weather research, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and synthetic aperture radars. arrays are using either a or a corporate feed network. antenna arrays are more compact than their corporate-fed counterparts (e.g., serially-fed antenna have a shorter feeding or transmission line than the ohmic and feed line radiation losses are smaller in arrays than in corporate-fed arrays. Hence, the efficiency of serially-fed arrays can be higher than that of corporate-fed arrays. Serially-fed antenna arrays are not without their drawbacks, however. For example, serially-fed antenna have a narrow bandwidth due to the non-zero group of the feed network causing variation the phase shift with frequency between the antennas of adjacent units. Therefore, beam direction varies (beam as the changes, reducing array boresight gain and causing performance degradation, especially in narrow beam width systems. More particularly, the main beam of an antenna array is determined by phase shifts between adjacent antennas of the array. In serially-fed antenna arrays, the phase shift is using a frequency dependent phase shifter. Therefore, the antenna array beam angle changes as the frequency changes resulting in squinting given equation (1): θ beam = - 1 ( θ f - θ f o K o d E ( 1 ) where: θbeam is the main beam angle, θfo θf are the phase shifts between any of adjacent antennas at the center frequency and at an frequency, respectively, dE the inter-element (i.e., the space between adjacent antennas in the antenna array). to equation (1), the beam squint occurs because the phase shift between the adjacent antennas with frequency. In order to eliminate the beam squint, the phase shift between the must frequency independent. In other words, the group delay, which is calculated from (2) below, between adjacent antennas must be zero. Group Delay = - 1 2 π d θ f d f ( 2 ) To obtain a group delay between the (and thereby eliminating, or at least substantially reducing, beam one or more NGD circuit(s) the In such an instance, the NGD value must equal to the of the positive group delay of the interconnecting transmission lines. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict conventional serially-fed antenna array arrangements wherein NGD circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an overall group delay approximately zero. In FIG. 1A, and for each set of adjacent antennas, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy parallel resonance circuit is serially-integrated into the transmission line between the two antennas. In FIG. 1B, an NGD circuit comprising a lossy series resonator is integrated into the transmission line in a shunt arrangement. each of these arrangements, in order to have a uniformly excited antenna array, an amplifier and corresponding matching circuits can be used as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The use of conventional NGD circuits in this manner is not without shortcomings, however. The conventional NGD circuits lossy elements (e.g., a lossy resonator) to generate a desirable amount of NGD. As such, these circuits suffer from a large of loss order to generate (e.g., certain conventional NGD circuits may have a typical loss of dB or more, meaning that more than 70-75% of the power dissipated in the NGD circuit), which significantly limits their application. Accordingly, there is a need for NGD circuits that minimize eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies.
|
ANtenNA ARRAys are WidelY used In cOMmUnicaTION AnD rADAR sYStems BECAUse oF THEIR HIgH DIRecTIvITY aNd abILitY tO COnTRoL beAM DIReCtION. SomE ExAMPLEs of tHESE SYSTEmS are MilitARy RadaRS, vEhICLEs colLisIon aVoiDanCe sYSTemS, CeLLUlAr BaSe StatiOns, satellite cOmmunicATIoN sySTEms, broADcAstInG, NAval CoMmuNicaTiON, wEatheR rESeArCh, Radio-freQuENCy IdEnTIFicaTiON (RFid) AnD syNThETiC apertuRe rADars. aNTEnNa ARRaYS ARE EXCiTED UsING Either A SERial oR A CoRpORAtE FeeD neTWoRk. sErIalLy-fEd ANTEnnA ARrAYs are MoRe COmPAct ThAN THEiR cORPORaTE-fEd CoUnTERParTS (E.G., SEriAlLY-fEd ANTEnnA ArraYS haVe a SubSTaNTIaLLY ShoRTeR fEEdiNg oR TraNsmissIOn LinE tHaN COrpoRate-Fed ARRAyS). FURTheRmoRE, THe OHmIc and fEed lInE raDiAtiOn lOSsES ARe Smaller IN seriAlLy-fED ArRaYs tHaN in corpOrATE-FeD arRaYS. HeNCE, The EFfICIencY of sEriAlly-fed Arrays CAn BE HighEr ThAN THaT of cORPOrATe-fED ArrAYS.
seRIaLly-fEd anTEnnA aRRays ArE NOt wIthoUT THeiR dRaWBAcKs, HOWEVER. FoR eXAMpLE, SeriALlY-FeD AntENna arRayS hAvE A nArroW BAnDwIdth dUE To the noN-ZeRO GROuP Delay oF tHE fEeD NetwOrK cAUSiNG VArIatIon Of tHe PHase ShIFT WITh fReQuency BetWeeN tHe aNteNNas Of ADjACenT ANtenNa UniTs. ThErefore, beaM diREctION vAriEs (BEAm SquiNt) as the fReqUENcY chaNGES, tHeReBy REdUCiNG tHE ArRAy borEsiGhT GaIn aNd causing PERformaNCE dEGRaDATIoN, eSpECiaLly iN NaRrOw BEam wiDth sYsTEmS.
more pARTICUlarly, tHe maIn Beam angLe OF An AntEnnA aRRay Is DEteRMINED By phAsE sHiFtS bEtWeEN aDJACeNT AntENnas oF THE ArRaY. in SERiaLlY-fed antEnnA ARRAYS, THe PHASe ShIft Is aDjUStED UsiNg a FREQueNCY DEpEnDent PhASe SHiFTEr. tHeREfOrE, tHe AnTEnNA arRAY BeaM ANGLe cHAngES aS tHE fReQuency CHaNgES reSuLTiNG In BEAM SQUIntIng givEN bY eQUAtIon (1):
Θ BEAm = sin - 1 ( Θ F - Θ F o k O D e ) ( 1 ) WHERe: ΘBEAm iS ThE MAIN beam AngLE, θFo and θF arE the PhASE shiftS bEtWeeN ANy TWo oF ThE AdJaCeNT ANteNNAs at tHe CenTEr FReQUeNCY And aT aN oFfset FreQuEnCy, resPECtiVELy, anD DE iS The iNTeR-ELeMent sPaCinG (i.E., thE space BeTweEn ADjAcENT aNtENNaS in tHe AnTeNNA arrAY). ACCoRDing TO EquATiON (1), tHE BeAm SQuint oCcuRS becAUse ThE pHase shIfT betWeeN tHe AdjACEnt ANTEnNaS VaRiEs With fReqUENcY. in order to eLiMINatE The BeAM SquinT, The pHAse SHIft BeTWEen tHE aNTeNnAs mUST bE FRequenCy INDePendeNT. in OthER wOrDs, tHe GroUP DeLAY, wHiCH IS cAlcuLaTED FroM equatIon (2) BElow, BETwEEN AdjaCENt aNTEnnas must Be zeRO.
grOuP DeLaY = - 1 2 Π D θ f d f ( 2 )
to oBtaiN a zEro group DELAy BetweEN tHE aDjaCeNT AntennaS (aNd tHEreBy ELiMiNaTinG, or at LeaST SUBstAnTiaLLY RedUcINg, BEam SquInT), One OR mOre NgD cIrcuIt(S) MAy be iNTeGraTED bEtwEeN THE ADJACENT aNTennAS. IN SucH aN insTaNCe, tHe NGD vALuE muST Be EquAl tO tHe VALUe OF thE POSitive gRouP delAY oF THe InteRcoNNECtInG TrAnSMiSSION LINES. FiGS. 1A ANd 1b dePIct CONVenTIoNal sEriaLly-feD ANtenna aRrAy aRranGeMENts wHeREin nGd CiRCUItS Are INtegRATED BETWEeN ADJacenT anTEnNaS tO HAVe aN overall group DElay OF appROXimATely zero. In fIG. 1A, And fOR EacH SET OF AdJACent AntENNaS, An ngd CIRCUiT cOmPrIsINg a LOSSY ParaLLeL reSoNance cIrcUiT iS seRiALlY-IntEGRaTED InTO the tRansMIssIon lIne bEtweEN ThE tWo ANTeNNAS. iN fiG. 1B, an ngD CIrcuiT ComPRISIng a Lossy serIES ResOnatoR CiRCUit is InteGRATeD iNto the TRaNsmisSioN LiNE in a shUnT arrANGeMenT. IN eaCh Of thEse aRRanGemENTS, in ordER tO HavE A UniForMlY exciTeD AntENnA ARrAY, AN amPLifieR ANd corREspONdIng mAtCHInG CircUits CAn bE UsED as IllUstrAted IN FIGS. 1a AND 1B.
ThE Use Of ConVenTiOnaL nGd CiRCuIts iN thIS ManNER iS not WiThoUT its sHORTCOmIngS, hoWeVEr. thE cONveNtiONal nGD CIrcUITS emploY lossY elEMEntS (E.g., a lOSSY ReSoNAtor) To geNeRATE a DESIRABlE amOUnt oF NGD. aS sucH, tHESe CIrcuITs SUfFEr FroM A larGE AMOUnt Of lOss In ordeR to gENerate ngd (E.g., CerTAIn coNvEntIOnaL NGd CircUITs may HaVE a tYPICaL lOss of 6 DB OR More, meaNInG THat mORe tHAn 70-75% oF THE poweR iS dissiPATED iN The NgD CIrCuit), WHICH SIGnIfIcaNtLY lImITS Their appLicatIon.
accOrDInglY, There Is A nEed for NgD CircuitS tHAt minImIZe And/OR elImInATe onE Or mORe Of THE aBOVE-IdEntIfIEd deFIcIENcIeS.
|
Antenna arrays are widely usedin communication and radar systems because of their high directivity and ability to control beam direction. Some examples of thesesystems are military radars,vehicles collisionavoidance systems, cellular base stations, satellite communicationsystems, broadcasting, naval communication,weatherresearch, radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) andsynthetic aperture radars. Antenna arrays are excited using either a serial or a corporatefeed network. Serially-fed antenna arrays are more compact than their corporate-fed counterparts (e.g., serially-fed antenna arrays have a substantiallyshorter feeding or transmission line than corporate-fedarrays). Furthermore, the ohmic and feed line radiation losses are smaller in serially-fed arrays than in corporate-fed arrays. Hence, the efficiency of serially-fed arrays can be higher thanthat of corporate-fed arrays. Serially-fedantenna arrays arenot without their drawbacks, however. For example, serially-fed antenna arrayshavea narrow bandwidthdue to the non-zero group delay of the feed network causing variationof thephase shift with frequency between the antennas of adjacent antennaunits. Therefore, beam direction varies (beam squint) as the frequency changes, thereby reducing the array boresight gain and causing performance degradation, especially in narrow beam width systems. More particularly, the main beam angle of an antenna array isdetermined byphaseshifts between adjacent antennas of the array. In serially-fedantenna arrays, the phaseshift is adjusted using afrequency dependent phase shifter. Therefore, the antenna array beam angle changes as the frequency changes resulting inbeam squinting given by equation (1): θ beam = sin - 1( θf - θ f o K o dE) ( 1 ) where: θbeamisthe main beam angle,θfo and θf are the phase shiftsbetween any two of the adjacentantennas at the center frequency andat an offset frequency, respectively, and dE is the inter-element spacing(i.e., the spacebetween adjacent antennas in the antenna array). Accordingto equation (1), the beam squint occurs because the phase shift between the adjacent antennas varies with frequency.In order to eliminate the beam squint,thephase shift between the antennas must be frequency independent. In other words, thegroup delay, which iscalculated from equation (2) below, between adjacent antennas must be zero. Group Delay = - 1 2 π d θ f d f ( 2 ) To obtaina zero group delay between the adjacent antennas (and thereby eliminating, or at leastsubstantially reducing, beam squint), one or more NGD circuit(s) may be integrated betweenthe adjacentantennas.In such an instance, the NGD valuemust beequalto the value of the positivegroup delay of the interconnecting transmission lines.FIGS. 1A and 1B depict conventional serially-fedantenna arrayarrangementswherein NGD circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an overall group delay of approximately zero. In FIG.1A,and for each set of adjacent antennas, an NGD circuit comprising a lossyparallel resonance circuit is serially-integrated into the transmission line between the two antennas. In FIG. 1B,an NGD circuit comprising a lossy seriesresonator circuitis integrated into the transmission line in a shunt arrangement. In each of these arrangements, in order to have auniformlyexcitedantenna array, an amplifier and corresponding matching circuits can be used as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The use of conventional NGD circuits in this manner is not without itsshortcomings, however. The conventionalNGD circuits employ lossyelements (e.g., alossyresonator) to generate a desirable amount ofNGD. As such, thesecircuits suffer from a large amount of loss in order to generate NGD(e.g.,certain conventionalNGD circuits may have a typical loss of 6 dB or more, meaning that more than 70-75% of the poweris dissipated intheNGD circuit), which significantly limits their application. Accordingly, there is a needfor NGD circuits that minimize and/or eliminate one or more ofthe above-identified deficiencies.
|
Antenna _arrays_ are widely used _in_ _communication_ and radar systems because _of_ their _high_ directivity and ability to control beam direction. Some examples of these _systems_ are _military_ radars, _vehicles_ _collision_ avoidance systems, cellular base stations, _satellite_ communication systems, broadcasting, naval communication, weather _research,_ radio-frequency _identification_ (RFID) _and_ synthetic aperture radars. Antenna arrays are excited using either _a_ serial or a corporate feed network. Serially-fed antenna arrays are more compact than their _corporate-fed_ _counterparts_ _(e.g.,_ serially-fed antenna arrays have _a_ substantially shorter feeding _or_ transmission line than corporate-fed _arrays)._ Furthermore, the ohmic and feed line _radiation_ losses are smaller in serially-fed _arrays_ than in corporate-fed arrays. Hence, the efficiency _of_ serially-fed arrays can _be_ higher than that of corporate-fed arrays. Serially-fed _antenna_ _arrays_ are _not_ _without_ their _drawbacks,_ however. For _example,_ serially-fed _antenna_ _arrays_ _have_ a narrow bandwidth due to the non-zero group delay of _the_ _feed_ network causing _variation_ of the phase shift with frequency between the antennas of adjacent antenna units. Therefore, beam _direction_ varies (beam squint) as _the_ _frequency_ changes, _thereby_ reducing the _array_ _boresight_ gain _and_ causing performance _degradation,_ especially in narrow beam width systems. More _particularly,_ the main beam angle of an antenna array is determined _by_ phase _shifts_ between adjacent _antennas_ of _the_ array. In serially-fed antenna arrays, the phase shift is adjusted _using_ a frequency dependent phase shifter. _Therefore,_ the antenna array _beam_ _angle_ changes as the frequency changes resulting in beam squinting given _by_ equation (1): θ beam = sin - _1_ ( θ _f_ - θ f _o_ K o d E ) ( 1 ) where: θbeam is the main beam _angle,_ θfo and θf are the phase shifts between any two of the adjacent antennas at _the_ center frequency and at an offset _frequency,_ respectively, and dE is the inter-element spacing (i.e., _the_ space between adjacent _antennas_ in the antenna _array)._ According to equation (1), the beam squint occurs because the _phase_ shift between the adjacent antennas varies with frequency. In order to eliminate the beam squint, the phase shift between the antennas must be frequency independent. In other _words,_ the group delay, which is calculated from _equation_ (2) _below,_ between _adjacent_ antennas must be _zero._ _Group_ Delay _=_ - 1 _2_ __ π __ d _θ_ f d f ( 2 ) To _obtain_ a zero group delay between the adjacent antennas (and thereby eliminating, or at least substantially reducing, beam squint), one or more NGD _circuit(s)_ _may_ _be_ integrated _between_ the _adjacent_ antennas. In such an instance, the NGD _value_ must be equal to the _value_ _of_ _the_ _positive_ group delay _of_ _the_ interconnecting transmission lines. _FIGS._ 1A and 1B _depict_ conventional _serially-fed_ antenna array _arrangements_ wherein NGD circuits are integrated between adjacent antennas to have an _overall_ group delay of approximately _zero._ _In_ FIG. 1A, _and_ _for_ _each_ set of adjacent _antennas,_ an NGD circuit comprising a lossy parallel resonance circuit _is_ serially-integrated into _the_ transmission line between the two _antennas._ In FIG. 1B, an NGD circuit _comprising_ _a_ lossy series resonator _circuit_ is integrated into the transmission _line_ _in_ _a_ shunt arrangement. _In_ _each_ of these arrangements, in order to have a uniformly excited antenna _array,_ an amplifier and corresponding _matching_ _circuits_ can be used as illustrated in FIGS. _1A_ and 1B. The _use_ of conventional NGD circuits in this manner is not without its shortcomings, _however._ The conventional NGD circuits employ lossy elements (e.g., _a_ lossy resonator) to _generate_ a desirable amount of _NGD._ As such, these circuits suffer from _a_ large amount of loss in order to _generate_ NGD (e.g., certain conventional _NGD_ circuits _may_ have a typical loss _of_ 6 dB or _more,_ meaning that more than 70-75% _of_ the power is dissipated in the NGD circuit), _which_ significantly _limits_ their application. Accordingly, there is a need for NGD circuits that minimize _and/or_ eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies.
|
Optically variable devices are used in a wide variety of applications, both decorative and utilitarian. Optically variable devices can be made in multitude of ways to achieve a variety of effects. Optically variable devices (OVDs) such as holograms are imprinted on credit cards and authentic software documentation; color-shifting images are printed on banknotes, and OVDs enhance the surface appearance of items such as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers.
Optically variable devices can be made as a film or a foil that is pressed, stamped, glued, or otherwise attached to an object, and can also be made using optically variable pigments. One type of optically variable pigment is commonly called a color-shifting pigment because the perceived color of images appropriately printed with such pigments changes as the angle of view and/or illumination is tilted. A common example is the number “20” printed with color-shifting pigment in the lower right-hand corner of a U.S. twenty-dollar banknote, which serves as an anti-counterfeiting device.
Some anti-counterfeiting devices are covert, while others are overt intended to be noticed. Unfortunately, some optically variable devices that are intended to be noticed are not widely known because the optically variable aspect of the device is not sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its background. For example, the amount of color-shift of an image printed with color-shifting pigment might not be noticed under uniform fluorescent ceiling lights, but may be more noticeable in direct sunlight or under single-point illumination. This can make it easier for a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without the optically variable feature because the recipient might not be aware of the optically variable feature, or because the counterfeit note might look substantially similar to the authentic note under certain conditions.
Optically variable devices can also be made with magnetic pigments. These magnetic pigments may be aligned with a magnetic field after applying the pigment (typically in a carrier such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle) to a surface. However, painting with magnetic pigments has been used mostly for decorative purposes. For example, use of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels having a decorative feature that appears as a three-dimensional shape. A pattern was formed on the painted product by applying a magnetic field to the product while the paint medium still was in a liquid state. The paint medium had dispersed magnetic non-spherical particles that aligned along the magnetic field lines. The field had two regions. The first region contained lines of a magnetic force that were oriented parallel to the surface and arranged in a shape of a desired pattern. The second region contained lines that were non-parallel to the surface of the painted product and arranged around the pattern. To form the pattern, permanent magnets or electromagnets with the shape corresponding to the shape of desired pattern were located underneath the painted product to orient in the magnetic field non-spherical magnetic particles dispersed in the paint while the paint was still wet. When the paint dried, the pattern was visible on the surface of the painted product as the light rays incident on the paint layer were influenced differently by the oriented magnetic particles.
Similarly, a process for producing of a pattern of flaked magnetic particles in fluoropolymer matrix has been described. After coating a product with a composition in liquid form, a magnet with desirable shape was placed on the underside of the substrate. Magnetic flakes dispersed in a liquid organic medium orient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines, tilting from the original planar orientation. This tilt varied from perpendicular to the surface of a substrate to the original orientation, which included flakes essentially parallel to the surface of the product. The planar oriented flakes reflected incident light back to the viewer, while the reoriented flakes did not, providing the appearance of a three dimensional pattern in the coating.
By way of background prior art, United States Patent Application 20050106367, incorporated herein by reference, published May 19, 2005 in the name of Raksha et al., assigned to JDS Uniphase Corporation, describes a method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes such as optically variable flakes.
Although some of the aforementioned methods for providing visually appealing and useful optical effects are now nearly ubiquitous, these devices require enhancements and additional features to make them more recognizable as an authentic article; for example it would be preferable to have the ability to provide yet additional security features.
For example it would be highly desirous to have a security device which provided a color shift with change in incident light or viewing angle including magnetically aligned flakes and optical features associated therewith; and, providing such a device which had a reasonable amount of tactility would be highly advantageous. It would also be preferably to have such a device wherein there was significant contrast and sharpness between regions of the device that Were functionally different. For example a magnetically aligned region of thin film color shifting flakes directly adjacent an embossed region could offer benefits not realizable in two adjacent different magnetically aligned regions.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method for forming an image of a plurality of contrasting, discernible regions, wherein at least one region has magnetic flakes thereon aligned by an applied magnetic field having a predetermined orientation, and another of the discernible regions adjacent to the first discernible region having flakes thereon or an absence of flakes caused by mechanically impressing or pushing away flakes from said second region.
It is an object of this invention to provide a tactile image wherein a tactile transition can be sensed by touching a transition between at least the first and second discernible regions.
It is an object of this invention to provide a banknote or security document which has tactile properties to assist the blind in verifying the authenticity of the note or document.
It is an object of this invention to provide an image having an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically variable region.
|
optically variable devices are used in a wide variety of applications, both decorative and utilitarian. optically variable devices can be made in multitude of ways to achieve a variety of effects. optically variable devices ( ovds ) such as holograms are imprinted on credit cards and authentic software documentation ; color - shifting images are printed on banknotes, and ovds enhance the surface appearance of items such as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers. optically variable devices can be made as a film or a foil coating is pressed, stamped, glued, or otherwise attached to an object, and can also be made using optically variable pigments. one type of optically variable pigment is commonly called a color - shifting pigment because the perceived color of images appropriately printed with such pigments changes as the angle of view and / or illumination is tilted. its common example is the number “ 20 ” printed with color - shifting pigment in the lower right - hand corner of a u. s. twenty - dollar banknote, which serves as an anti - counterfeiting device. some anti - counterfeiting devices are covert, while others are overt intended to be noticed. unfortunately, some optically variable devices that are intended to be noticed are not widely known because the optically variable aspect of the note is not sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its background. for example, the amount of phase - shift of an image printed with color - shifting pigment must not be noticed under uniform fluorescent ceiling lights, but may be more noticeable in direct sunlight or under exposure - point illumination. this can make it easier by a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without the optically variable feature because the recipient might not be aware of the optically variable feature, or because the counterfeit note might look substantially similar to the authentic note under certain conditions. optically variable devices can also be made with magnetic pigments. these magnetic pigments may be aligned with a magnetic field after applying the dye ( typically in a carrier such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle ) to a surface. however, painting with magnetic pigments has been used mostly for commercial purposes. for example, use of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels having a decorative feature that appears as a three - dimensional shape. a pattern was formed on the painted product by applying a voltage field to the product while the paint medium still was in a liquid state. the paint medium had dispersed magnetic non - spherical particles that aligned along the magnetic field lines. the field had two regions. the first region contained lines of a magnetic force that were oriented parallel to the surface and arranged in a shape of a desired pattern. the second region contained lines that were non - parallel to the surface of the painted product and arranged around the pattern. to form the pattern, permanent magnets or electromagnets with the shape corresponding to the shape of desired pattern were located underneath the painted product to orient in the magnetic field non - spherical magnetic particles dispersed in the paint while the paint was still wet. when the paint dried, the pattern was visible on the surface of the painted product as the light rays incident on the paint layer were influenced differently by the oriented magnetic particles. similarly, a process for producing of a pattern of flaked magnetic particles in fluoropolymer matrix has been described. after coating a product with a composition in liquid form, a magnet with desirable shape was placed on the underside of the substrate. magnetic flakes dispersed in a liquid organic medium orient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines, tilting from the original planar orientation. this tilt varied from perpendicular to the surface of a substrate to the original orientation, which included flakes essentially parallel to the surface of the product. the planar oriented flakes reflected incident light back to the viewer, while the reoriented flakes did not, providing the appearance of a three dimensional pattern in the coating. by way of background prior art, united states patent application 20050106367, incorporated herein by reference, published may 19, 2005 in the name of raksha et al., assigned to jds uniphase corporation, describes a method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes such as optically variable flakes. although some of the aforementioned methods for providing visually appealing and useful optical effects are now nearly ubiquitous, these devices require enhancements and additional features to make them more recognizable as an authentic article ; for example it would be preferable to have the ability to provide yet additional security features. for example it would be highly desirous to have a security device which provided a color shift with change in incident light or viewing angle including magnetically aligned flakes and optical features associated therewith ; and, providing such a device which had a reasonable amount of tactility would be highly advantageous. it would also be preferably to have such a device wherein there was significant contrast and sharpness between regions of the device that were functionally different. for example a magnetically aligned region of thin film color shifting flakes directly adjacent an embossed region could offer benefits not realizable in two adjacent different magnetically aligned regions. it is an object of this invention to provide a method for forming an image of a plurality of contrasting, discernible regions, wherein at least one region has magnetic flakes thereon aligned by an applied magnetic field having a predetermined orientation, and another of the discernible regions adjacent to the first discernible region having flakes thereon or an absence of flakes caused by mechanically impressing or pushing away flakes from said second region. it is an object of this invention to provide a tactile image wherein a tactile transition can be sensed by touching a transition between at least the first and second discernible regions. it is an object of this invention to provide a banknote or security document which has tactile properties to assist the blind in verifying the authenticity of the note or document. it is an object of this invention to provide an image having an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically variable region.
|
Optically variable devices are used in a wide variety of applications, both decorative and utilitarian. Optically variable devices can be made in multitude of ways to achieve a variety of effects. Optically variable devices (OVDs) such as holograms are imprinted on credit cards and authentic software documentation; color - shifting images are printed on banknotes, and OVDs eGhanDe the surface appearance of items such as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers. Optically variable devices can be made as a film or a foil that is pressed, stamped, glued, or otherwise attached to an object, and can also be made using optically variable pigments. One type of optically variable pigment is commonly called a coiod - shifting pigment because the perceived color of images appropriately printed with such pigments changes as the angle of view and / or illumination is tilted. A common example is the number “ 20 ” printed with color - shifting pigment in the lower right - hand corner of a U. S. twenty - dollar banknote, which serves as an anti - counterfeiting device. Some anti - counterfeiting devices are coB@rt, while others are overt intended to be noticed. Unfortunately, some optically variable devices that are intended to be noticed are not widely known because the optically variable aspect of the device is not sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its background. For example, the amount of color - shift of an image printed with color - shifting pigment might not be noticed under uniform fluorescent ceiling lights, but may be more noticeable in direct sunlight or under single - point illumination. This can make it easier for a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without the optically variable feature because the recipient might not be aware of the optically variable feature, or because the counterfeit note might look substantially similar to the authentic note under certain conditions. Optlca<ly variable devices can also be made with magnetic pigments. These magnetic pigments may be aligned with a magnetic field after applying the pigment (typically in a carrier such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle) to a surface. However, painting with magnetic pigments has been used mostly for decorative purposes. For example, use of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels UZving a decorative feature that appears as a three - dimensional shape. A pattern was formed on the painted product by applying a magnetic field to the product while the paint medium still was in a liquid state. The paint medium had dispersed magnetic non - spherical particles that aligned along the magnetic field lines. The field had two regions. The first region contained lines of a magnetic force that were oriented parallel to the surface and arranged in a shape of a desired pattern. The second region contained lines that were non - parallel to the surface of the painted product and arranged around the pattern. To form the pattern, permanent magnets or electromagnets with the shape corresponding to the shape of desired pattern were located underneath the painted product to orient in the magnetic field non - spherical magnetic particles dispersed in the paint while the paint was still wet. When the paint dried, the pattern was visible on the surface of the painted product as the light rays incident on the paint layer were influenced differently by the oriented magnetic particles. Similarly, a process for producing of a pattern of flaked magnetic particles in fluoropolymer matrix has been described. After coating a product with a composition in liquid form, a magnet with desirable shape was placed on the underside of the substrate. Hxgnetic flakes dispersed in a liquid organic medium orient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines, tilting from the original planar orientation. This tilt varied from perpendicular to the surface of a substrate to the original orientation, which included flakes essentially parallel to the surface of the product. The planar oriented flakes reflected incident light back to the viewer, while the reoriented flakes did not, providing the appearance of a three dimensional pattern in the coating. By way of background prior art, United States Patent Application 20050106367, incorporated herein by reference, published May 19, 2005 in the name of Raksha et al. , assigned to JDS Uniphase Corporation, describes a method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes such as optically variable flakes. Although some of the aforementioned methods for providing visually appealing and useful optical effects are now nearly ubiquitous, these devices require enhancements and additional features to make them more recognizable as an authentic article; for example it would be preferable to have the ability to provide yet additional security features. For example it would be highly desirous to have a security device which provided a color shift with change in incident light or viewing angle includlnh magnetically aligned flakes and optical features associated therewith; and, providing such a device which had a reasonqVle amount of tactility would be highly advantageous. It doild also be preferably to have such a device wherein there was significant contrast and sharpness between regions of the device that Were functionally different. For example a magnetically aligned region of thin film color shifting flakes directly adjacent an embossed region could offer benefits not realizable in two adjacent different magnetically aligned regions. It is an object of this invention to provide a method for forming an image of a plurality of contrasting, discernible regions, wherein at least one region has magJetiX flakes thereon aligned by an applied magnetic field having a predetermined orientation, and another of the discernible regions adjacent to the first discernible region having flakes thereon or an absence of flakes caused by mechanically impressing or pushing away flakes from said second region. It is an object of this invention to provide a tactile image wherein a tactile transition can be sensed by touching a transition between at least the first and second discernible regions. It is an object of this invention to provide a banknote or security document which has tactile properties to assist the blind in verifying the authenticity of the note or document. It is an object of this invention to provide an image having an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically variable region.
|
Optically variable devices are used in a wide of applications, both decorative and utilitarian. Optically variable devices can be multitude of ways to achieve a variety of effects. Optically variable (OVDs) such as holograms imprinted on credit cards and authentic software documentation; color-shifting images are printed on banknotes, and OVDs enhance the appearance of such as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers. Optically variable devices be as a film or foil that is pressed, stamped, glued, or otherwise attached to an object, and can also be made using optically pigments. One type of optically variable pigment is commonly called a color-shifting pigment because the perceived color of images appropriately printed with such pigments changes as the angle of view and/or illumination tilted. A common example is the number “20” printed with color-shifting pigment in the lower right-hand corner of a U.S. twenty-dollar banknote, serves as an anti-counterfeiting device. Some anti-counterfeiting devices are while others are overt intended to be noticed. Unfortunately, some optically variable devices that are intended to be noticed are not known because the optically variable aspect of the device is not sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its background. For example, the amount of color-shift an image printed with pigment might not be noticed under uniform fluorescent ceiling lights, but more in direct sunlight or under single-point illumination. This can make it easier for a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without the optically variable feature because the might not be aware of the optically variable feature, or because the counterfeit note might look substantially to the note under certain conditions. Optically variable devices can also be made magnetic pigments. magnetic pigments may be aligned with a magnetic field after the pigment (typically a carrier such an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle) to a surface. However, painting with magnetic pigments has used mostly decorative purposes. For example, use of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels having a decorative feature as a three-dimensional A pattern was on the product applying magnetic field the product while the paint medium still was in liquid state. The paint medium had dispersed magnetic non-spherical particles that aligned along the magnetic field lines. The field had two regions. The contained lines of a magnetic force were oriented parallel to the surface and arranged in a shape of desired pattern. region lines that were non-parallel to the surface of the painted product and arranged around the pattern. To form pattern, permanent magnets or with the shape corresponding to the shape of desired pattern were located the painted product to orient in the magnetic field non-spherical magnetic particles dispersed in paint while the paint was still wet. When paint the pattern was on the surface of the painted product as the light rays incident on the paint layer were influenced differently by the oriented magnetic particles. Similarly, a process for producing a pattern of flaked particles in fluoropolymer matrix has been After coating a product with a composition in liquid form, a magnet desirable shape was placed on underside of the substrate. flakes dispersed a liquid organic orient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines, tilting from the planar orientation. This tilt from perpendicular to the surface of a substrate to the original which included flakes essentially parallel the surface of the product. The planar oriented flakes reflected incident back the while the reoriented flakes did not, providing the appearance of a three dimensional pattern in the coating. By way of background prior art, United Patent Application 20050106367, incorporated herein by reference, published May 2005 in the name of Raksha et al., assigned to JDS Uniphase Corporation, describes a method apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes as optically flakes. Although some of the aforementioned methods for providing visually appealing and useful optical effects are now nearly ubiquitous, these devices require enhancements and additional features make them more recognizable as an authentic article; for example it would be have the ability to provide yet additional security features. For example it would be highly desirous to a device which provided a shift with change in incident light or viewing angle including magnetically aligned flakes and optical features associated therewith; and, providing such a device which had a reasonable amount of tactility would be highly advantageous. It would also preferably to have such a device wherein there was significant contrast and sharpness between regions of the device that Were different. For example a magnetically aligned region of thin film color shifting flakes directly adjacent an embossed region could offer benefits not realizable in different magnetically aligned regions. It is object of this invention to a method for an image of a plurality of contrasting, discernible regions, wherein at least region has magnetic flakes thereon by applied magnetic field having a predetermined orientation, and another of discernible regions adjacent to the discernible region having thereon or absence of caused by mechanically or pushing away flakes from said second region. It is an object of this invention to provide a tactile image wherein a tactile transition can be sensed touching a transition between at least the first and second discernible regions. It is an object of invention to provide a banknote or security document which has tactile properties to assist the blind in verifying the authenticity of or document. It an object of this invention to provide an image having an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically variable region.
|
OpticAlLy vaRIaBLE DEVICES are uSED In a wIDe VaRieTy oF APPliCatioNs, BoTh DECorATiVe ANd UtiLitARIAn. oPTIcally vArIable DEvices CAN bE MAdE in MULtItuDe of waYS TO AChIEve A vARieTY OF efFecTs. oPTicaLLY VaRIaBLe DevICes (OVds) SUch aS hOLOgRAMS ArE ImPRinTed On cReDiT caRDS And AuTHentIC SofTWarE doCUmEnTatIon; coLoR-ShiftIng iMaGes arE PriNtEd On BAnKnOTES, and OVDS EnhANcE THE SUrFACE APpearanCe oF ITems Such AS mOtORcYCle HelmetS AnD WHeEL COveRs.
optICaLLY vARIABLe DEVIcEs CAn BE mAde As A FILM OR a FoIL tHaT Is preSSeD, sTAmpEd, GLuED, OR oTHerwiSe aTtAcHEd To AN ObJecT, aND CAn ALso bE mAdE uSInG oPtIcalLy vAriabLE piGmeNTs. one TYpe of OPtIcaLlY VARIabLe PiGMeNt is COMmOnly called A colOr-ShIFTINg PIGmEnt BECausE thE pERCeiVED coloR oF imAGeS apPropRIATEly PRINTed wiTh SUCh piGMENTS cHANgEs AS the AngLE OF viEW AnD/OR illUmiNATiON IS tiLTed. A COMmon EXaMpLe Is tHE NUmBER “20” prINTed wiTH COLoR-shIFTiNG PIGMent In tHE LOwEr RIGHt-hANd cORNer OF a u.s. TWENtY-Dollar BanknOtE, WhIcH SeRVEs as an aNTI-COuNteRFEITIng DEvice.
soME AnTI-countErFeItING DeviceS ARE cOvERT, while OthErS aRE oVeRt INtendEd tO bE notICed. UnfortUnAteLY, soME OpticaLLy vARIabLE DeVICes THAt ArE InteNDeD tO bE NOticEd aRE NOT wIdEly KNOwn BECAuSe tHE OPTiCaLlY VaRiAbLe Aspect OF ThE dEVice Is not SuffICiEnTly dRaMATiC oR DIsTINGuIShable fRom iTS backgroUNd. for exAMpLE, THe AMount of colOR-sHifT OF AN iMage pRintEd with COLOr-sHIFTIng pIGmeNT MiGhT Not Be NOTiceD uNdeR UniForM FluorEsceNt CEilINg LiGhts, bUt mAY bE mOrE notICeABle iN dirEct SUnlIGhT or unDER sINgLe-POInt illumINAtION. thIs cAn make It EASiER For A COUntERfeiTeR To paSs cOUNteRfEiT noTES WIThouT ThE OPtICAlly varIABLE FeaTurE bECausE thE RecIpIeNT miGht nOT Be aWARE Of ThE OPtiCALLy vARiAble feature, or BeCAUSE tHe COUNteRfeit nOTe MIgHt lOOk suBsTANTIALLY SImilAR tO THe aUTHENtic NOtE unDER cERTAIN ConDItIOns.
OPTicaLly varIAble dEViCes can Also bE MadE WItH mAgnEtic pigmEnts. These magnEtIc PIGMEnTs May Be ALIgneD WItH A MaGNETIC FiELd afteR ApplYing thE pIgMeNt (TYPicAllY In a cARRieR sucH AS an ink VehiCLe or a paiNT VehIcLe) TO A SurfaCE. HOWeVer, painTiNG wItH MAGNeTIC PIGMenTS HAS BEEN uSEd MOstLY fOr dEcOraTIvE puRpOsEs. FoR exaMpLe, uSE OF MAgnEtiC Pigments hAs BeEN desCRIBeD To PrODucE paIntED Cover wHeELs HaVInG A deCOrAtIve FeAture that appEARS aS a thrEe-dimeNSiOnAL ShapE. A PAtteRN WAS ForMED On THE PaINtEd PROduCT bY appLYInG a MAGNETiC FiEld to tHe ProduCt WHILE The PAiNT meDiUm sTILL WAS iN A liquid sTATE. tHe PaInt MEDiUM hAd DiSPeRsed MagNetIC NoN-SPherical partIcLES THAt aliGNed ALonG The MAGNETIc FiEld linEs. the field hAd TwO REgIonS. thE FIrSt REGION coNtaInEd LInEs of a maGNETic forcE thAT weRe OriEnTeD PaRAlLel To THe SUrfacE and ArrANGeD iN A ShAPe oF A deSiREd PatterN. the secOND REGiON ContAIneD linES tHat weRE non-parAlLel to The SurFAce Of thE PaINTeD ProdUCT and arRanged arOUnD THE PatteRN. TO fORm THe pattERn, permaNEnt magNets or ElEctromAGneTS wiTh THE sHapE CorREsPOndING tO tHe shape of DEsiRED PatTeRn werE lOCAtEd unDErneATh tHe pAinteD prODuCt To ORiENt in the MagnETIC field NOn-sPheriCaL MAgnEtic parTiclES DispeRsEd In THe paInT WhiLe ThE PAinT WAs STIlL wet. WHEN ThE paINT drIeD, the pATTern WaS VISibLE on thE sURFaCE OF tHe pAIntED prOdUcT as tHe lIGHt rAyS iNCIdent ON The PAINT lAyer wERE InFLueNceD DiffERenTlY BY tHe ORiEnteD mAGnEtIc PARtIcLes.
SiMilARLY, a pROcESs for pRoduCing Of A PAtTErn Of FlAKed magNetic PartiCLeS IN FlUOROPolYMer mAtriX HAS beEN deScRibEd. AFTeR coaTing a PrOduCt With A CompOsiTION In liqUiD ForM, a MAgnEt WItH DESIRABlE SHapE wAS pLacEd oN ThE UndeRSIde OF The SuBsTrAtE. mAGnETiC fLAkEs DisPErSed In A lIquID orGANIc MEdIUm OriENt THemSElvEs paRaLLeL To ThE maGNetiC FIeLd lINEs, TILtinG from tHe ORIGInAL PlaNAR ORIEnTAtIOn. tHIs tiLt VARied FROM perpeNdiCuLAR tO THE sURfACE OF A sUBStRate to ThE ORIGInAL ORIENtAtioN, wHIcH iNCLUDeD flAkEs EssEnTIAlLy ParalLeL TO thE SuRFAcE OF THe ProDUct. tHE PLaNAr oRiEnTED fLAKes ReFLecteD incIDEnt liGHT baCk TO tHe viEwEr, WHiLe THE ReoRIeNTed fLAkES diD nOT, prOvidiNG THe AppEArAnce of a tHReE diMenSIonAL PAtTERn In the CoaTIng.
bY waY oF bACkGROuND PRIoR aRt, UNiteD stAtEs pateNt APplIcaTION 20050106367, iNCoRpoRated herEin By RefeRencE, PUblISHEd MAy 19, 2005 In ThE naME of RAkShA ET aL., ASSignED to JDs uNipHaSe CORpOraTION, DEscRIbEs A MEtHOd aND ApPaRAtuS FOr oRIENtiNG MaGneTiC fLAKes Such As oPtIcally vARiABLe flaKES.
ALThOUgH SOMe Of tHE AFoReMentionEd methodS FOR prOvIDIng visually aPpEAlIng anD uSEFul opTICAL EfFeCtS ARE NOw NeARly UbIqUitoUS, thESE deViCEs requiRE ENhanCEMents And ADDITIOnal FEATUREs TO mAkE theM mORE RecOGnizABlE AS AN AUThENtIc arTICLe; FOr exAmPle It WOulD bE preFerAbLE tO havE The AbiLITy tO PROVIde yeT AdditIONaL seCURItY fEATuRES.
FOr exAMPLe IT WOULD Be HIGHLY DESirouS TO Have A SEcurITY DEViCe wHICh PROvided a cOLOR shiFT wITh chAnGe iN iNcidEnt LIGht OR ViEWInG aNGLe incLudINg maGNeTIcaLLY alIGneD fLAKES And OPticaL FEaTureS AssociaTEd thEreWItH; AnD, PrOVIdinG sucH A DEVIcE WHiCh HaD A rEASoNABle aMouNT of taCtIlIty WouLD be HIGhLy advANtaGEOus. It WOuld ALSO bE PREfERABLY tO HAvE SUcH a DeVICe whEReIN THere Was signiFicAnt cOntRAst AND sHarpNESs beTWeeN ReGions oF tHe DeVIcE THAt WeRE fuNCTionAlly dIffERENt. FOR eXaMPLe A MagnETICALlY AligNED reGion of tHIn filM COlor ShIftINg FLAkes dIRECtLy ADjaCenT AN EmboSSeD REGioN COuld oFFEr bEnEFitS NOT rEALiZABLe in twO adJAceNT diFfereNt MagnETIcALly AliGNed reGiONS.
It Is aN oBJeCt of tHIS iNVENTIon to PROViDE a mETHOd fOr FORmiNG an IMage OF A pLuRaliTy of CONTrasTInG, dIsCERnibLE reGIOnS, WhErEin At LEAst one rEGiOn hAS MAGnEtiC fLaKEs thEReon alIGned By aN APpliEd magnETIc fIeLD hAviNG a pReDETerMIneD orieNtAtiON, aNd AnothEr oF THe dIscERNIBLe REGioNs aDJAcent tO tHe fiRsT diSCERNIbLE REgION haVing FlAkeS theReOn oR an absEnce Of FLakES CaUSEd by MechAniCally iMPReSsiNg or pUsHING Away fLAkeS FrOm saID SEconD ReGIon.
iT iS an ObjecT oF THIs iNvENtIon to PROVide A TACTiLe iMAGE WheReIN A tActIlE TrANSitioN CAn be SenSed by ToUcHing A tRanSitioN BEtWEen aT LeAst THe FIRst aND secOND DisCErnIbLe rEgIONS.
it is AN objeCt OF tHis inVentiOn tO ProViDe A bANKNOtE oR seCURITY docUMent WHIcH has TACTiLE PropeRtieS TO AsSIst thE BLInd iN VERIFyinG THE aUthentiCITy Of The NOTe oR docuMeNT.
it Is An ObJeCt Of this INVEntiOn to prOVIDE An IMagE HavINg an oPticalLY VAriaBLE rEGIon AND hAvING A tAcTILE reGION aboUt THE OptIcallY VARiabLe reGion.
|
Optically variabledevices are used in a wide varietyof applications, both decorative and utilitarian. Optically variable devices can be madein multitudeof ways to achieve a variety of effects. Optically variable devices(OVDs) such as holograms are imprinted on credit cards and authenticsoftware documentation; color-shifting imagesare printed on banknotes,and OVDs enhance the surface appearance of items such as motorcycle helmetsand wheel covers. Opticallyvariable devices can be madeas a film or a foil that is pressed, stamped, glued,or otherwise attached to anobject, and can also be made using optically variable pigments. One type of optically variable pigment is commonlycalled a color-shifting pigmentbecause the perceivedcolor of images appropriately printed withsuchpigments changes as the angleof view and/or illumination is tilted. A common example is the number “20”printed with color-shifting pigment in the lower right-hand corner of a U.S. twenty-dollar banknote, whichserves asan anti-counterfeiting device. Some anti-counterfeiting devicesare covert, while others are overt intended to be noticed. Unfortunately,some opticallyvariable devices that are intended to be noticed are not widelyknown because the optically variable aspect of the device isnot sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its background. Forexample,the amount of color-shift of an image printedwith color-shifting pigment might notbe noticed under uniformfluorescent ceilinglights, butmaybe morenoticeable in direct sunlight or under single-pointillumination. Thiscanmake it easier for a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without theoptically variable feature because the recipient might notbe aware oftheoptically variable feature, or because the counterfeit note might look substantially similar to the authentic note undercertain conditions. Optically variable devices can alsobe made with magnetic pigments. These magnetic pigments may be aligned with a magnetic field after applying the pigment (typically in a carriersuchas an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle) to a surface. However, paintingwith magnetic pigments has been used mostly for decorativepurposes. For example, use ofmagnetic pigmentshas been described to produce painted coverwheels having a decorative featurethat appears as a three-dimensional shape. A pattern was formed on the paintedproduct by applying amagnetic field to the product while the paint medium stillwas in a liquid state. The paint medium had dispersed magnetic non-spherical particles that aligned along the magnetic field lines. The fieldhad two regions. The first region contained lines of amagnetic force that were oriented parallelto the surfaceand arranged in a shape ofadesired pattern. The second region contained lines that were non-parallel to thesurface of the painted product and arranged around the pattern. To form the pattern, permanentmagnets or electromagnets with the shape corresponding tothe shape of desired patternwere located underneath the painted productto orient in the magnetic fieldnon-spherical magnetic particles dispersed in the paint while the paintwas still wet. When thepaint dried, the pattern was visible on the surface of the paintedproductas the light rays incident on the paint layer were influenced differently by the oriented magnetic particles. Similarly, a process for producingof a patternof flaked magnetic particles in fluoropolymer matrix has been described. After coating a product with a compositioninliquid form,a magnet with desirable shape was placedon the underside of the substrate.Magnetic flakes dispersed in a liquid organic mediumorient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines, tilting fromtheoriginal planar orientation.This tilt varied from perpendicular to the surface of a substrate to the original orientation, whichincluded flakesessentially parallelto the surface of the product. The planar oriented flakes reflected incident light back to the viewer, while the reoriented flakesdid not, providing the appearance of a three dimensional pattern in the coating. By way of backgroundprior art, United States Patent Application 20050106367, incorporated herein by reference, publishedMay 19, 2005 in the name of Rakshaet al.,assigned to JDS Uniphase Corporation,describes a method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakessuch as optically variableflakes. Althoughsomeofthe aforementioned methodsfor providing visuallyappealing and useful optical effects are now nearly ubiquitous, these devices requireenhancements and additional featuresto make themmore recognizable as an authentic article; for example it would be preferableto have the ability to provide yet additional security features. For example it wouldbe highly desirous tohavea security device which provided a color shift with change in incident light or viewingangle including magnetically aligned flakes and opticalfeatures associated therewith; and, providing such a device which had a reasonable amount of tactility would be highlyadvantageous. It would also be preferably to have such a devicewherein there was significantcontrast and sharpness between regions of the device that Were functionally different. For example a magnetically aligned region of thin film color shiftingflakes directly adjacent an embossed regioncould offerbenefits not realizablein two adjacent different magneticallyaligned regions. It is an objectof this invention to provide amethod for forming animage of a plurality of contrasting, discernible regions,wherein at least one region has magnetic flakes thereon aligned by an applied magnetic field having a predeterminedorientation, and another of the discernible regions adjacent to the first discernible region having flakes thereonor an absence offlakes caused by mechanically impressing orpushing away flakes from said second region. It is an object of this invention to provide a tactile image wherein a tactile transition can be sensed by touching a transition between at least the firstand second discernible regions.Itis an object of this invention to provide a banknote or security document which has tactile properties to assist the blind in verifying the authenticity of the note or document. It is anobject of this invention to provideanimage having an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically variable region.
|
_Optically_ variable devices are used in _a_ wide variety of applications, both decorative and utilitarian. Optically variable _devices_ _can_ _be_ _made_ in multitude of ways to achieve a variety of effects. _Optically_ variable devices (OVDs) such as _holograms_ are imprinted _on_ _credit_ cards _and_ authentic software _documentation;_ color-shifting images are printed on banknotes, and OVDs _enhance_ the surface appearance of items _such_ as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers. Optically variable devices can _be_ made as _a_ film or a _foil_ that is pressed, stamped, glued, or otherwise attached to an object, _and_ can also _be_ made using optically variable pigments. One type _of_ optically variable pigment is commonly called a color-shifting pigment because the perceived color of images appropriately printed with _such_ pigments changes as the angle of view and/or illumination is tilted. A common example is the number _“20”_ printed with color-shifting pigment in the lower right-hand corner of a U.S. twenty-dollar banknote, which _serves_ as _an_ _anti-counterfeiting_ _device._ _Some_ anti-counterfeiting devices are covert, while others are _overt_ intended to be noticed. _Unfortunately,_ some _optically_ variable devices that are intended to _be_ noticed are not widely known because the _optically_ _variable_ _aspect_ of the device _is_ not sufficiently dramatic or distinguishable from its _background._ _For_ example, _the_ amount of _color-shift_ of an image printed _with_ color-shifting pigment might not be noticed under uniform fluorescent ceiling _lights,_ but may be more _noticeable_ in _direct_ sunlight or under _single-point_ _illumination._ This can make it easier for a counterfeiter to pass counterfeit notes without the optically variable _feature_ _because_ _the_ recipient might not be aware of the optically variable feature, or because the _counterfeit_ note might look substantially _similar_ to the _authentic_ note under certain conditions. Optically variable devices can also _be_ made with _magnetic_ pigments. These _magnetic_ pigments may be aligned with a _magnetic_ field after applying the _pigment_ (typically in a carrier such as an _ink_ vehicle or a paint vehicle) to a _surface._ However, painting with magnetic pigments has been used _mostly_ _for_ decorative purposes. For example, _use_ of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels having a decorative feature that appears as a _three-dimensional_ _shape._ A pattern was formed _on_ the painted product _by_ applying a magnetic field to the product while the paint medium _still_ was in a liquid state. The paint _medium_ _had_ dispersed _magnetic_ non-spherical particles that _aligned_ along _the_ _magnetic_ field lines. The field had _two_ regions. The _first_ region contained lines _of_ a _magnetic_ force that were oriented parallel to the _surface_ _and_ _arranged_ in a _shape_ of a desired pattern. The _second_ region contained _lines_ that _were_ _non-parallel_ to the surface of the _painted_ product and arranged around the pattern. To _form_ the pattern, permanent magnets or electromagnets with the shape corresponding to the shape of desired pattern were located underneath the painted product to orient in the magnetic field non-spherical _magnetic_ particles dispersed in the _paint_ _while_ the paint _was_ still wet. When the paint dried, the pattern was visible on _the_ surface of the painted product as the light _rays_ incident _on_ the paint layer were influenced _differently_ _by_ the _oriented_ magnetic particles. Similarly, a process for producing _of_ _a_ pattern of flaked magnetic particles in _fluoropolymer_ matrix _has_ been _described._ After coating _a_ product with a _composition_ in liquid _form,_ _a_ magnet _with_ desirable shape was placed on the underside _of_ _the_ _substrate._ Magnetic flakes dispersed _in_ a _liquid_ organic medium _orient_ themselves parallel _to_ the _magnetic_ field lines, tilting from the original _planar_ orientation. _This_ _tilt_ varied from _perpendicular_ to the surface of a _substrate_ to the original _orientation,_ which included flakes essentially parallel to the surface of the product. The planar oriented _flakes_ reflected incident light back to the viewer, while the reoriented flakes did not, _providing_ the appearance of a three dimensional pattern _in_ the _coating._ By way of background prior art, United States Patent Application 20050106367, incorporated _herein_ by reference, _published_ May 19, 2005 _in_ the name _of_ Raksha et al., assigned to _JDS_ Uniphase _Corporation,_ describes a method _and_ apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes _such_ as optically variable _flakes._ _Although_ some _of_ the aforementioned methods _for_ providing visually appealing and _useful_ optical effects _are_ now nearly _ubiquitous,_ _these_ _devices_ require _enhancements_ and additional features _to_ make them _more_ _recognizable_ as an authentic article; for example it _would_ be preferable to _have_ the ability to provide yet additional security features. For _example_ _it_ would be highly desirous to have a security device which provided a color _shift_ with _change_ in incident light or viewing angle including _magnetically_ _aligned_ flakes and _optical_ features associated therewith; and, providing such a _device_ which had a reasonable _amount_ of tactility _would_ _be_ highly _advantageous._ It would also _be_ _preferably_ to _have_ such a device wherein _there_ was significant contrast and sharpness between regions of _the_ device _that_ Were functionally _different._ For example _a_ magnetically aligned region of thin film color shifting _flakes_ directly _adjacent_ an embossed region could offer benefits _not_ realizable in two _adjacent_ different magnetically aligned _regions._ _It_ is an object of _this_ invention to _provide_ a _method_ _for_ forming an image _of_ _a_ plurality of contrasting, _discernible_ regions, _wherein_ at least one region has magnetic flakes _thereon_ aligned by an applied magnetic field having _a_ predetermined orientation, and another _of_ the discernible _regions_ _adjacent_ to the first discernible region having flakes _thereon_ _or_ an _absence_ of flakes caused by mechanically impressing or _pushing_ away flakes from said second region. It is an object _of_ _this_ invention to provide a tactile image _wherein_ _a_ tactile transition _can_ be sensed by touching a transition between at least the first and second discernible regions. It is an object _of_ _this_ invention to provide _a_ banknote or security document which has tactile properties _to_ assist the blind _in_ _verifying_ the _authenticity_ of the note or document. It is an _object_ of this invention to _provide_ _an_ image _having_ an optically variable region and having a tactile region about the optically _variable_ region.
|
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to biased magnetic recording, and in particular to a biased cross-field recording head having increased short wavelength recording effectiveness.
|
1. field of the invention this invention relates in principle to biased magnetic recording, and in particular to a biased cross - field magnetic experiment and limited short wavelength recording effectiveness.
|
1. Field of the LnvSntion TTUs Jnventkon relates in general to biased ,Xgnetic #evording, and in particular to a bkaXed dEoss - TLeld recording head having increasfx short wavelenr^h recording effectiveness.
|
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to biased magnetic recording, and in particular to biased cross-field recording head having increased short recording effectiveness.
|
1. fIelD OF The inVention
THIs INvenTIon RelatEs iN GenEral To BiaseD magNetic recorDinG, AnD iN pArTIcUlAr to a BIaSED CrOSs-fiELd rEcOrDinG HeAD HAvInG iNcreasED shORT WavElenGTh ReCORdinG EFfEcTIvenEss.
|
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to biased magneticrecording, andin particular to a biased cross-field recording head having increased short wavelength recording effectiveness.
|
1. Field of the _Invention_ This invention relates in general to biased magnetic _recording,_ and in particular to a biased cross-field recording head having increased short wavelength recording effectiveness.
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a health check system, a health check apparatus and a method thereof for providing information on a user's health using a sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasuo Kiyoki: “Scheme for Realizing Active Type Multidatabase System in Mobile Computing Environment,” Proceedings of Information Processing Society of Japan, 2000-DBS-122, 2000, 463-470 and Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasushi Kiyoki: A Multidatabase System Architecture for Integrating Heterogeneous Databases with Meta-Level Active Rule Primitives. In Proceedings of the 20th TASTED International Conference on Applied Informatics, 2002, 378-387, disclose an active meta-level system that dynamically interconnects devices of databases or the like.
However, these documents neither disclose nor even suggest any health check system, health check apparatus or method thereof for providing information on a user's health by adaptively using sensors.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates to a health check system, a health check apparatus and a method thereof for providing information concerning a user ' s health using a sensor. 2. description of the related art for example, shuichi kurabayashi, naoki takahashi, yasuo kiyoki : “ scheme for realizing active type multidatabase devices in mobile computing environment, ” proceedings ‘ information processing society of japan, 2000 - dbs - 360, 2000, 463 - 470 and sergey kurabayashi, naoki ishibashi, yasushi kiyoki : a multidatabase system architecture for integrating heterogeneous databases with meta - level active rule primitives. in proceedings of the 20th edition international conference on applied informatics, 2002, 378 - 387, disclose an active meta - level system that dynamically interconnects devices of databases or the like. however, these organizations neither disclose nor even suggest any health check system, health check apparatus or method thereof for providing information on a consumer ' s health by adaptively enabled sensors.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a health check system, a health check ap(arstus and a method thereof for providing information on a user ' s health hsibg a sensor. 2. Description of the Related Art For example, Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasuo Kiyoki: “ Scheme for Realizing Active Ry0e Mult9databaZe System in Mobile Computing Environment, ” Proceedings of Information Processing Society of Japan, 2000 - DBS - 122, 2000, 463 - 470 and Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasushi Kiyoki: A Multidatabase System Architecture for Integrating Heterogeneous Databases with Meta - Level Active Rule Primitives. In Proceedings of the 20th TAQgED International Conference on Applied Informatics, 2002, 378 - 387, disclose an active meta - l2Cel system that dynamically interconbecrs debides of databases or the like. However, these documents neither disclose nor even suggest any health check system, health check apparatus or method thereof for providing information on a uq4r ' s health by adaptively using seJs0rs.
|
1. Field of the Invention present invention relates to a health check system, a health check apparatus and a method thereof for information on a user's health using a sensor. 2. Description of the Related Art For example, Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Kiyoki: “Scheme for Active Type Multidatabase System in Mobile Computing Environment,” Proceedings of Information Processing Society of 2000, 463-470 and Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Kiyoki: A Multidatabase System Architecture for Integrating Heterogeneous Databases with Meta-Level Rule Primitives. In Proceedings of 20th TASTED International Conference on Applied Informatics, 2002, 378-387, disclose an active that dynamically interconnects devices of databases or the like. However, these documents neither disclose nor suggest health check system, health check apparatus or method thereof providing information on a user's health by adaptively using sensors.
|
1. FIeLd Of The inVentIoN
thE PrEseNt iNVEntIon RELATeS tO A HEAlTH CHEck sYSTEm, a hEaLTH CHECk apPaRatUS anD a MeTHod tHEReOF fOr prOvIdING iNforMATioN oN A UseR's heALTH UsIng A SeNsor.
2. DesCRIptiOn oF THe RElaTEd art
FoR EXAmPLe, SHuICHi KuRABayasHi, NaOkI IsHIbAShI, YAsuO kiyOki: “schEmE For ReAliZinG acTIvE tYPE MUltIDAtAbAsE SYsTEm in mObiLe ComputIng EnViRONMENT,” PROCEeDIngs Of iNfOrmatioN pRocEsSInG socIetY of jaPAN, 2000-DbS-122, 2000, 463-470 And shUichI KurAbayaShI, naOki isHiBaShi, yAsUSHI KIyoKi: a MuLTiDATaBASE SysTem ArChitecTuRE For IntEgratInG HetEROGeneOuS DATabases wITh meTA-level ACtiVE RULe pRiMitIveS. In prOcEedings OF thE 20TH TaSted InTERNAtIONal ConFErenCe on aPplIed iNFOrmATiCs, 2002, 378-387, DiScLOSe an ActivE mEta-LevEL sYStEM THat dYnAMicALlY INterCOnnectS DEviceS Of DATaBaSes oR The likE.
HOWEver, tHEsE doCUMeNTs Neither DiSCLOSE NOr evEN SUGgEsT aNy heaLTh CHeck SYsTEm, hEAltH cheCk appAratUs Or MethOd theREOF fOR provIdInG InfOrMATion On A useR's health BY aDAPtiVeLy Using seNsors.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present inventionrelates to a health check system, a health check apparatus and amethod thereof for providing information on a user'shealth using a sensor. 2. Description of theRelatedArt For example, Shuichi Kurabayashi, NaokiIshibashi,Yasuo Kiyoki: “Scheme for Realizing Active Type MultidatabaseSystem in Mobile Computing Environment,” Proceedings of Information Processing Society of Japan,2000-DBS-122, 2000, 463-470 and Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasushi Kiyoki: A Multidatabase System Architecturefor Integrating Heterogeneous Databases with Meta-Level Active Rule Primitives. In Proceedings of the 20thTASTED International Conferenceon Applied Informatics, 2002, 378-387, disclose an active meta-level systemthatdynamically interconnectsdevices of databases or the like. However, these documents neither disclosenor even suggest any health check system, health check apparatus or method thereof for providing information on a user's health byadaptivelyusing sensors.
|
1. Field of _the_ Invention The present invention relates to a health check system, _a_ health check _apparatus_ and a method thereof for providing information on _a_ _user's_ health using a sensor. 2. Description of the _Related_ Art _For_ example, Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, Yasuo Kiyoki: “Scheme for Realizing Active Type Multidatabase _System_ in _Mobile_ _Computing_ Environment,” Proceedings of Information Processing _Society_ _of_ _Japan,_ _2000-DBS-122,_ 2000, _463-470_ and Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naoki Ishibashi, _Yasushi_ Kiyoki: A _Multidatabase_ _System_ Architecture for Integrating Heterogeneous Databases with _Meta-Level_ Active Rule Primitives. _In_ Proceedings of the 20th TASTED International _Conference_ _on_ Applied Informatics, 2002, 378-387, _disclose_ an active _meta-level_ _system_ that dynamically interconnects devices of databases or the like. However, these documents neither disclose nor even suggest any health check _system,_ _health_ check apparatus _or_ _method_ thereof _for_ providing information on _a_ user's _health_ by adaptively using _sensors._
|
Field
This disclosure is generally related to computer networks. More specifically, this disclosure is related to deploying an overlay content centric network across an Internet Protocol network.
Related Art
Recent research efforts are producing content centric networking (CCN) to re-architect the entire network stack around content. In CCN, packets typically do not contain network addresses for a source and a destination of the packet. Rather, clients issue requests for Content Objects, and routers across the network route these requests directly through the network to a closest network node that stores a copy of the content, which returns a packet that includes the requested Content Object to respond to the request.
CCN can use controlled flooding as a mechanism to route the requests to the appropriate content providers, which eliminates the burden of having to configure explicit routes to all possible content providers. However, the benefits produced by this mechanism comes at the cost of an increased overhead of the object-requesting traffic in the network. To make matters worse, the way CCN nodes are connected to each other has a major impact in the amount of Interests present in the network, which makes it difficult to deploy a CCN network without a debilitating overhead. For example, a sub-optimal CCN topology may cause Interests to flow via an undesirably large number of links, and can produce network congestion at certain CCN nodes. This sub-optimal topology can result in unnecessary processing overhead at the CCN nodes, and can increase the delivery time for content accessed by these Interests.
|
field this disclosure is generally related to computer networks. more specifically, this disclosure is related to deploying an overlay content centric network across another internet protocol network. related art recent research efforts are producing content centric networking ( ccn ) to re - architect the entire network stack around content. in ccn, packets typically do not contain network addresses for a source and a destination of the packet. rather, clients issue requests requesting content objects, and routers across the network route these requests directly through the network to a closest network node that stores a copy of the content, which returns a packet that returns the requested content object to respond to the content. ccn can use controlled flooding as a mechanism to route the requests to an appropriate content providers, which eliminates the burden of having to configure explicit routes to all possible content providers. however, the cost produced by this mechanism comes at the cost for an increased overhead of the object - requesting traffic in the network. to make matters worse, the way ccn nodes are connected to each other has a major impact in the amount of interests present in the domain, which makes it difficult to operate a ccn network without a debilitating overhead. for example, a sub - optimal ccn topology may cause interests to flow via an undesirably large number of links, and can produce network collisions at certain ccn nodes. this sub - optimal topology can result in unnecessary processing overhead at the ccn nodes, and can increase the delivery time for content accessed by these interests.
|
Field This disclosure is generally related to computer networks. More specifically, this disclosIrS is related to deploying an overlay content centric n3tw(rk across an Internet Protocol network. Related Art Recent research efforts are producing content centric networking (CCN) to re - architect the entire network stack around con$eht. In CCN, packets typically do not contain network addresses for a source and a destination of the packet. Rather, clients issue requests for Content Objects, and tluters across the network route these requests directly through the network to a closest network node that stores a copy of the content, which returns a packet that includes the requested Content Object to respond to the request. CCN can use controlled flooding as a mechanism to route the requests to the appropriate content (goviders, which eliminates the burden of having to configure explicit routes to all possible content providers. However, the benefits produced by this mechanism comes at the cost of an increased Pvergead of the object - requesting traffic in the network. To make matters worse, the way CCN nodes are conhscted to each other has a major impact in the amount of Interwstw present in the network, which makes it difficult to deploy a CCN network without a debilitating overhead. For example, a sub - optimal CCN topploHy may cause Interests to flow via an undesirably large number of links, and can produce network congestion at certain CCN nodes. This sub - optimal topology can result in unnecessary processing overhead at the CCN nodes, and can incrFass the delivery time for content accessed by these Interests.
|
Field This disclosure generally related to computer networks. More specifically, this disclosure is related to deploying an overlay content centric network across an Internet Protocol network. Related Art Recent research are producing content networking (CCN) to the entire network stack around content. In CCN, packets typically do not contain network for a and a destination of the Rather, issue requests for Content Objects, and routers across the network route these requests directly through network to a closest network node that stores a copy of the which returns a packet that includes the requested Content Object respond to the request. CCN can use controlled flooding a mechanism to the requests to the appropriate content providers, which eliminates the burden of to configure explicit to all possible content providers. However, the benefits by this mechanism comes at the of an increased overhead of the object-requesting traffic in the network. To matters worse, the way CCN nodes are connected to each other has a major impact in the amount of Interests present in the network, which it difficult to deploy a CCN network without a debilitating overhead. For example, a sub-optimal CCN topology may cause Interests to flow via an undesirably number of links, and produce congestion at CCN This sub-optimal topology can result in unnecessary processing overhead at the CCN nodes, and increase the delivery time for content accessed by these Interests.
|
FieLD
This dISCLOSUrE is GENERALLY rELaTed tO ComPUtEr NEtwoRkS. morE specIFICAlly, This DiscLOSUrE is rElATeD to dePLOyING aN oveRLAY conTENt cEnTRiC NEtwoRK acROSs aN iNTErneT PROtOCol netWork.
ReLaTed ARt
reCeNt resEARCH EfFORtS ArE PRodUCIng cOntEnt Centric nETwoRKIng (cCn) to RE-arCHIteCt ThE ENTIre nETworK StAcK ARounD CONTeNt. in Ccn, PackeTS tYpiCalLy Do nOt ConTAIN NETwOrK ADdReSSes FOr A soURcE AnD a DESTiNaTION oF the PACkeT. rAtHer, ClIEnTs isSuE reQuEstS FOr COnTeNt obJeCts, And RouTerS aCROss the NETWORK routE these REQUESts DIreCtLY thROuGH the NETwork TO a cLOSest neTwORK NODe tHAt STORES A cOPy OF tHE CONTent, whiCh rETUrNS a PACKet tHaT iNcluDeS tHe ReqUeStEd COntEnT Object tO reSpOnD TO The REQUesT.
CCn can USe CoNTRoLLeD FLOODING aS A MEchanIsm tO roUTe the REQUeSTs TO tHe ApPrOpRIatE conTeNT prOViDerS, wHich ELImInaTEs thE BuRDen OF haVIng To cOnfigUrE EXpliCiT rOUTeS tO AlL pOSSIbLe cOnTenT pROVIDERs. HoWEveR, tHe BENEFiTs prOduCED By ThiS MechAnISm COMes At thE cosT oF aN iNCrEASed overhEAD Of the objecT-RequEStIng tRAFfIc in ThE neTWORK. TO mAkE mAttErS WOrSe, the WaY ccN NOdeS arE conNeCTeD TO eAch OtHer has a MajOR IMPAcT IN the aMOuNt OF inTereSTS PrESeNT iN THE NeTWOrk, whICH MaKeS it DifficUlt tO depLOY a ccN NEtwork wItHOuT A DebIlItATinG oVERHEad. FOR EXAMpLE, a SUB-opTIMAL cCN topoloGy mAY CaUSE intEreSts tO fLOW viA aN UNdesIrAbly LargE nUmBEr Of lINkS, And CAn pRODUCE NEtwOrK CONGEstIOn At CErTain CCn nOdEs. thIS Sub-opTiMAL TOpoLOgy can ResulT IN unnECEsSary pRocESsIng oVerhEad At THE ccN NODes, and cAN INCrEAsE tHE DeLIVery Time FOR CoNTeNT acCesSEd BY These INteReSTs.
|
Field This disclosure is generally related tocomputer networks. More specifically, thisdisclosure is related todeploying anoverlay content centric network across an Internet Protocol network. Related Art Recent research efforts are producing content centric networking(CCN) to re-architectthe entirenetwork stack around content. In CCN,packets typically donot contain network addresses for a sourceanda destination of thepacket.Rather,clients issue requests forContent Objects, androutersacrossthe network route these requests directly throughthe network toa closest network nodethat stores a copy of thecontent, which returns a packet that includes the requested Content Object to respond to the request. CCNcanuse controlled flooding as a mechanism to routethe requests to theappropriate content providers, which eliminates the burdenof having to configure explicit routes to all possible content providers. However, the benefits produced by this mechanism comes at the cost of an increased overhead of the object-requesting traffic in the network. To make matters worse, the way CCNnodes are connected to each other has a major impactin the amount ofInterests present in the network, whichmakes it difficult to deploy a CCN network without a debilitating overhead. For example, a sub-optimal CCN topology may cause Interests to flow via an undesirably large number of links, andcan produce network congestion at certain CCN nodes. Thissub-optimaltopology can result in unnecessary processing overhead at the CCNnodes,and can increase the delivery time for content accessed by theseInterests.
|
Field _This_ disclosure _is_ generally related _to_ computer _networks._ More specifically, this disclosure is related to deploying an overlay content centric network across an Internet Protocol _network._ Related Art _Recent_ research efforts are _producing_ content centric networking (CCN) to re-architect the entire network stack around _content._ _In_ CCN, packets _typically_ do not contain network addresses for a _source_ and a destination _of_ the packet. Rather, clients _issue_ _requests_ for Content _Objects,_ and routers across _the_ network route these requests _directly_ through the _network_ _to_ a closest network node that _stores_ a _copy_ _of_ the _content,_ _which_ returns a packet that includes the requested _Content_ Object to respond to the _request._ CCN can use controlled flooding as a mechanism to _route_ _the_ requests to _the_ _appropriate_ content providers, which eliminates the burden of _having_ to configure explicit _routes_ to _all_ possible content _providers._ However, the benefits produced _by_ _this_ _mechanism_ comes at _the_ cost of an increased overhead of the object-requesting traffic in the network. _To_ _make_ matters _worse,_ the way CCN nodes are _connected_ _to_ _each_ _other_ has a major _impact_ in the amount of _Interests_ _present_ in the network, _which_ _makes_ it difficult to deploy a CCN network without a debilitating overhead. For example, a sub-optimal CCN topology _may_ cause _Interests_ to flow via an undesirably large number of _links,_ and can _produce_ network congestion at certain CCN nodes. This sub-optimal topology _can_ result in unnecessary _processing_ overhead at the CCN _nodes,_ and can _increase_ the delivery _time_ for content accessed by _these_ Interests.
|
In the semiconductor industry, metal silicides have typically been used to provide low resistive contacts to source/drain regions and gate electrodes in metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) and CMOS transistors. Titanium silicide (TiSi2) has traditionally been used because of its low resistivity. However, by using the conventional Ti-salicide process the sheet resistance increases for lines having a thickness of less than about 0.35 microns (μm). A high temperature anneal is needed to completely transform the silicide from the high-resistivity C49 phase to the low-resistivity C54 phase. In some lines, the transformation is not complete and the film agglomerates before complete transformation into the low-resistivity state.
TiSi2 has been replaced with CoSi2 to circumvent the problem mentioned above. However, CoSi2 consumes significant amounts of silicon during formation, which increases the difficulty of forming shallow junctions for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. Further, as the semiconductor industry approaches dimensions less than 65 nm, CoSi2 also exhibits rapid sheet resistance degradation. Specifically, the polysilicon gate sheet resistance Rs increases sharply at narrow line widths due to voids formed by vacancy coalescence at the polySi grain boundary.
Ni suicide with low resistivity, low salicidation temperature, small mechanical stress, low silicon consumption and relative insensitivity of sheet resistance to linewidth is currently being investigated to replace CoSi2. Manufacturing a functioning device requires several processing steps after contact formation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600° C. Under such conditions, NiSi has been reported to agglomerate and form NiSi2 which has a higher resistivity than NiSi. See, for example, J. Y. Yew, et al. “Epitaxial growth of NiSi on (111) Si inside 0.1-0.6 mm oxide openings prepared by electron beam lithography”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69(7), (1996); B. A. Julies, “A Study of the NiSi to NiSi2 Transition in the Ni—Si Binary System”, Thin Solid Films, 347, 201, 1999; and M. C. Poon, “Thermal Stability of Cobalt and Nickel Silicides”, Microelectronics Reliability 38, 1495, 1998.
Further, when shallow junctions (on the order of about 15 nm or less) are to be formed, nickel disilicide formation is seen under the spacer resulting in shorting of the device between the gate and the source/drain regions. The thermal stability of NiSi has to be improved before it can be used as a contact in submicron microelectronic devices.
Co-pending and co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/334,464, filed Dec. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,560 entitled “Retarding Agglomeration of Ni Monosilicide Using Ni Alloys” describes various metals that can be co-deposited with Ni to prevent disilicide formation. Some of these metals, such as Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W and Re, prevent nucleation of NiSi2. Ge, Rh, Pd, Pt or mixtures thereof can be used as stabilizing agents.
The successful formation of a silicide contact through the salicide process requires deposition of a thin (less than 10 nm) Ni alloy uniformly over the substrate, heating the substrate to form the silicide over regions where silicon is present and finally selectively etching the unreacted metal without attacking the silicide. Any attack of the silicide would reduce the thickness of the line and increase the contact resistance. Further, the etchant should be capable of not only removing Ni, but all the other metals added along with it. Present etchants for removing Ni and Ni alloys in the salicide contact process are based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid at temperatures greater than 60° C. This is disclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,901 and P. S. Lee, et al. “New Salicidation Technology with Ni(Pt) Alloy for MOSFETs”, IEEE Electronic Device Letters, 22 (12) 2001. Such etchants are incapable of removing all additional elements especially noble metals such as Pt, Pd, Rh and Re used along with Ni. Presence of the unreacted metal on the spacers and trench isolation regions leads to shorting of the devices thereby preventing the manufacturing of a functioning semiconductor chip. The remaining unreacted metal is referred in the art as stringers.
In view of the above, there is a need for providing a new and improved method for forming NiSi contacts which avoids leaving unreacted metals, i.e., stringers, on the spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
in the semiconductor industry, metal silicides have typically been used to provide low resistive contacts to source / drain regions and gate electrodes in silver oxide semiconductor ( mos ) and cmos transistors. titanium silicide ( tisi2 ) has traditionally been used because of its low resistivity. however, by using that conventional ti - salicide process the sheet resistance increases for lines having a thickness of less than about 0. 35 microns ( μm ). this high temperature anneal is needed to completely transform the silicide from the high - resistivity c49 phase to the low - resistivity c54 phase. in some lines, the transformation is not complete and avoids film agglomerates before complete transformation into the low - resistivity state. tisi2 has been replaced with cosi2 to overcome the problem mentioned above. however, cosi2 consumes significant amounts of silicon during formation, which increases the difficulty of forming shallow junctions for silicon - on - insulator ( soi ) substrates. further, as the semiconductor industry approaches dimensions less than 65 nm, cosi2 also exhibits rapid sheet resistance degradation. specifically, the polysilicon gate sheet resistance rs increases sharply at narrow line widths due to voids formed by vacancy coalescence at the polysi grain boundary. ni suicide with low resistivity, low salicidation temperature, small mechanical stress, low silicon consumption and relative insensitivity of sheet resistance to linewidth is currently fully investigated to replace cosi2. manufacturing a functioning device requires several processing steps after contact formation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600° c. under such conditions, nisi also been reported to agglomerate and form nisi2 which has a higher concentration than nisi. see, for example, j. y. yew, et al. “ epitaxial growth of nisi on ( 111 ) si inside 0. 1 - 0. 6 mm oxide openings prepared by electron beam lithography ”, appl. phys. nov. 69 ( 7 ), ( 1996 ) ; b. a. julies, “ a study of the nisi to nisi2 transition in the ni — si binary system ”, thin solid films, 347, 201, 1999 ; and m. c. poon, indicating thermal stability of cobalt and nickel silicides ”, microelectronics reliability 38, 1495, 1998 . further, when shallow junctions ( on the order of about 15 nm or less ) are to be formed, nickel disilicide formation is seen under the spacer resulting in shorting of the device between the gate and the source / drain regions. the thermal stability of nisi has to be improved before it can be used as a contact in submicron microelectronic devices. co - pending and co - assigned u. s. patent application ser. no. 10 / 334, 464, filed dec. 31, 2002, now u. s. pat. no. 6, 905, 560 entitled “ retarding agglomeration of ni monosilicide using ni alloys ” describes various metals that can be co - deposited with ni to prevent disilicide formation. some of these metals, such as ti, v, cr, zr, nb, mo, hf, ta, w and re, prevent nucleation of nisi2. ge, rh, pd, pt or mixtures thereof can be used as stabilizing agents. the successful formation of a silicide contact through the salicide process requires deposition of a thin ( less than 10 nm ) ni alloy uniformly over the substrate, heating the substrate to form the silicide over regions where silicon is present and finally selectively etching the unreacted metal without attacking the silicide. any attack of the silicide would reduce the thickness of the line and increase the contact resistance. further, the etchant should be capable of not only removing ni, but all the other metals added along with it. present etchants for removing ni and ni alloys in the salicide contact process are based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid at temperatures greater than 60° c. this is disclosed for example, in u. s. pat. no. 6, 468, 901 and p. s. lee, et al. “ new salicidation technology with ni ( pt ) alloy for mosfets ”, ieee electronic device letters, 22 ( 12 ) 2001. such etchants are incapable of removing all additional elements especially noble metals such as pt, pd, rh and re used along with ni. presence of the unreacted metal on the spacers and trench isolation regions leads to shorting of the devices thereby preventing the manufacturing of a functioning semiconductor chip. the remaining unreacted metal is referred in the art as stringers. in view of the above, there is a need for providing a new and improved method for forming nisi contacts which avoids leaving unreacted metals, i. e., stringers, on the spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
In the semiconductor industry, metal silicides have typically been used to provide low resistive contacts to source / drain regions and gate electrodes in metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) and CMOS transistors. Titanium silicide (TiSi2) has traditionally been used because of its low resistivity. However, by using the conventional Ti - salicide process the sheet resistance increases for lines having a thickness of less than about 0. 35 microns (μm ). A high temperature anneal is needed to completely transform the silicide from the high - resistivity C49 phase to the low - resistivity C54 phase. In some lines, the transformation is not complete and the film agglomerates before complete transformation into the low - resistivity state. TiSi2 has been replaced with CoSi2 to circumvent the problem mentioned above. However, CoSi2 consumes significant amounts of silicon during formation, which increases the difficulty of forming shallow junctions for silicon - on - insulator (SOI) substrates. Further, as the semiconductor industry approaches dimensions less than 65 nm, CoSi2 also exhibits rapid sheet resistance degradation. Specifically, the polysilicon gate sheet resistance Rs increases sharply at narrow line widths due to voids formed by vacancy coalescence at the polySi grain boundary. Ni QuicidS with low resistivity, low salicidation temperature, xkall mechanical stress, low silicon consumption and relative insensitivity of sheet resistance to linewidth is currently being investigated to replace CoSi2. Manufacturing a functioning device requires several processing steps after contact formation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600 ° C. Under such conditions, NiSi has been reported to agglomerate and form NiSi2 which has a higher resistivity than NiSi. See, for example, J. Y. Yew, et al. “ Epitaxial growth of NiSi on (111) Si inside 0. 1 - 0. 6 mm oxide openings prepared by elsVtron beam lithography ”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69 (7 ), (1996 ); B. A. Julies, “ A Study of the NiSi to NiSi2 Transition in the Ni — Si Binary System ”, Thin Solid Films, 347, 201, 1999; and M. C. Poon, “ Thermal Stability of Cobalt and Nickel Silicides ”, Microelectronics Reliability 38, 1495, 1998. Further, when shallow junctions (on the order of about 15 nm or less) are to be formed, nickel disilicide formation is seen under the spacer resulting in shorting of the device between the gate and the source / drain regions. The thermal stability of NiSi has to be improved getore it can be used as a contact in submicron microelectronic ddvixes. Co - pending and co - assigned U. S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 334, 464, filed Dec. 31, 2002, now U. S. Pat. No. 6, 905, 560 entitled “ Retarding Agglomeration of Ni Monosilicide Using Ni Alloys ” describes various metals that can be co - deposited with Ni to prevent disilicide formation. Some of these metals, such as Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W and Re, prevent nucleation of NiSi2. Ge, Rh, Pd, Pt or mixtures thereof can be used as stabilizing agents. The successful formation of a silicide contact through the salicide process requires deposition of a thin (less than 10 nm) Ni alloy uniformly over the substrate, heating the substrate to form the silicide over regions where silicon is present and finally selectively etching the unreacted metal without attacking the silicide. Any a5$ack of the silicide would reduce the thickness of the line and increase the contact resistance. Further, the etchant should be capable of not only removing Ni, but all the other metals added along with it. Present etchants for removing Ni and Ni alloys in the salicide contact process are based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid at temperatures greater than 60 ° C. This is disclosed for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 6, 468, 901 and P. S. Lee, et al. “ New Salicidation Technology with Ni (Pt) Alloy for HOSFEHs ”, IEEE Electronic Device Letters, 22 (12) 2001. Such etchants are incapable of removing all additional elements especially GoblD metals such as Pt, Pd, Rh and Re used along with Ni. Presence of the unreacted metal on the spacers and trench isolat(oH regions leads to shorting of the devices thereby preventing the manufacturing of a functioning semiconductor chip. The remaining unreacted metal is referred in the art as stringers. In view of the above, there is a ne2X for providing a new and improved method for forming NiSi contacts which avoids leaving unreacted metals, i. e. , stringers, on the spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
In the industry, metal silicides have typically used to low contacts to source/drain regions and gate in metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) and CMOS transistors. Titanium silicide (TiSi2) has traditionally been used because of its low However, by using conventional Ti-salicide process the sheet resistance increases for lines having a thickness of less than about 0.35 microns (μm). A high temperature anneal is needed completely transform the silicide from the high-resistivity phase to the low-resistivity C54 phase. In some lines, the transformation is not complete the before transformation into the low-resistivity state. TiSi2 has been with CoSi2 to circumvent problem mentioned above. However, CoSi2 consumes significant amounts of silicon during formation, which increases the difficulty of shallow junctions for (SOI) substrates. Further, as the semiconductor industry approaches dimensions less than 65 nm, CoSi2 also exhibits rapid sheet degradation. Specifically, the polysilicon sheet resistance Rs sharply at narrow line due to voids formed by vacancy coalescence at the polySi grain boundary. Ni suicide with low resistivity, low salicidation temperature, small mechanical stress, low silicon consumption and relative insensitivity of sheet resistance to linewidth is being investigated to replace Manufacturing a device requires several processing steps after contact formation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600° C. Under such conditions, NiSi has been reported to agglomerate and form NiSi2 has a higher resistivity than NiSi. See, for J. Yew, et al. “Epitaxial growth of NiSi on (111) Si inside 0.1-0.6 mm oxide prepared electron beam lithography”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69(7), (1996); B. A. Julies, “A Study of the NiSi to NiSi2 Transition in the Ni—Si Binary System”, Thin Solid Films, 347, 201, 1999; and M. C. Poon, “Thermal Stability of Cobalt and Nickel Silicides”, Microelectronics Reliability 38, 1495, 1998. Further, when shallow junctions (on the order of about 15 nm or less) are to be nickel disilicide is seen under the spacer shorting the device between the gate and the source/drain regions. The thermal stability of to be improved before it can be used as contact in microelectronic devices. Co-pending and co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/334,464, filed Dec. 31, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,560 entitled “Retarding Agglomeration of Ni Monosilicide Using Ni Alloys” describes various metals that can be co-deposited with Ni to prevent disilicide formation. Some of these metals, such as Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and Re, prevent nucleation of NiSi2. Ge, Rh, Pd, Pt or mixtures thereof can be used as agents. The successful formation of a silicide contact through salicide process requires deposition of a thin (less than 10 nm) alloy uniformly over heating substrate to form the silicide over regions where silicon is present and finally selectively etching the unreacted metal attacking the Any attack of the silicide would the thickness of the line and increase the contact resistance. Further, the etchant should capable of not only removing Ni, but all the other metals added along it. Present etchants for removing Ni and Ni in the salicide contact process are based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid temperatures greater than C. This is disclosed for U.S. Pat. 6,468,901 and P. S. Lee, et al. “New Salicidation Technology with Ni(Pt) Alloy MOSFETs”, IEEE Electronic Device Letters, 22 (12) 2001. Such etchants are incapable removing additional elements especially noble metals such as Pt, Pd, Rh and Re used along with Ni. Presence of the unreacted metal on the spacers trench isolation regions leads shorting of the devices preventing the manufacturing of a functioning semiconductor chip. The metal is referred in the art stringers. In view of the above, there is a need for providing a new and for forming NiSi contacts which avoids leaving unreacted metals, stringers, on the spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
IN tHE SemIcOndUCtoR InDuStRY, Metal SIliCIDes havE TyPicallY BEEN uSEd To pRoVIDE loW rEsIstivE cOntaCTS To SOurCe/dRaIn RegIons ANd gAte ELECTRODes IN METAL OxIde semICONdUCtOr (mOS) aNd cMOs tRANsistorS. titAniUM sILiCIDe (TiSI2) haS TRaditIonAllY been Used BECAUse Of itS low RESIsTiviTY. HoWeVer, bY uSING the cOnvENTionaL Ti-sAlICIde PROCESs thE ShEEt resIstANcE InCREaSEs for LiNEs hAvING A tHICkneSS OF LESS thAN aBOuT 0.35 microNS (μM). a hIGH TeMpeRAtUre ANNeAl IS nEEdEd to COmpLETeLy TRAnsfoRm THe SiLICIDe fROM THE hIgH-RESisTIvitY C49 PhAsE To tHe LOW-resisTivITy c54 PhaSe. In SomE LineS, THe TrANsforMATiON Is NOt CompLete and THE fIlM agGLoMeRAteS bEForE CoMPlete TRAnsfORMAtiON INto thE LoW-rEsisTIVity StaTE.
tisi2 has BEeN RePLAceD WItH CosI2 tO cIrCUmvEnT THE Problem MentIOnED ABOVE. hOWEvEr, cosi2 CONsuMEs sIGnIFiCAnT AmouNtS Of SILiCON duRing fOrMaTIOn, WhicH InCReasEs The diffIcULTy OF foRminG SHalloW JUNCtIonS fOr silicon-oN-INsUlatOr (sOI) SUBStrAtEs. FURtHeR, as THe sEMIconduCtOr InDusTrY aPPRoAcHES dIMENSIoNS LesS tHaN 65 Nm, cOsI2 alSo eXHIBItS rApiD sHeeT REsIstaNcE dEGRadaTIon. speCIFICalLy, ThE PoLysILiCoN GaTe sHEEt REsiSTANcE rS iNCREAseS shArply at NaRrow lInE wIDths duE to VOIdS formed BY vacaNCy coAleSCeNCE aT The pOLySI grAin BoUndArY.
Ni SuIcIDe WIth loW REsiSTIViTY, LOw saliciDATion tEMPerATUrE, sMalL mEChANicAl StresS, lOw sILiCON cONsUMPtIoN and relATiVe inSENSitIVITY OF sheEt rEsiStaNCe tO linEWidtH iS cuRreNTlY BeiNG invesTIgATEd To RepLaCe CoSi2. MANUfaCTuriNG A FunCTiOning DeVicE ReqUiReS SeVERal ProceSSing stEPs afTeR conTACt FormaTIOn WheRe tHE SILiCIdE TEMpERATure TYPIcALlY ExCeEDs 600° c. unDEr SuCH CoNditIons, NiSI haS bEEn RepOrTEd tO AGglOMERATE aND FOrM NisI2 whIch HAs A HigHer rESisTiViTy THaN nISI. SeE, fOR eXAmplE, J. Y. YEw, Et Al. “ePiTaxIAl gRowTH of nisI oN (111) sI inSiDe 0.1-0.6 Mm OxiDE oPEnInGS PrepAred BY eLEcTroN BEAM lItHOGRAPHY”, Appl. pHys. Lett. 69(7), (1996); B. A. JuLiES, “a sTUdy of thE NiSi To nIsi2 traNSitION IN thE Ni—Si biNARy SYstEM”, THin soLiD filmS, 347, 201, 1999; AnD M. c. Poon, “tHErmAL sTabILity of cobaLt aND nIckEl SilICIDEs”, mIcRoELECTRoNICS rElIABIlITy 38, 1495, 1998.
fuRtHER, WheN sHaLloW JUNCtIOnS (ON THE ORder Of aBOUt 15 NM oR less) ARe TO Be FOrmED, NiCkEL DISiLIcide foRmAtiOn is seEN uNder thE SPACEr ReSuLtINg in ShoRTING oF THE DevIce betWeen tHE GAtE And tHe soURCE/draiN rEGionS. thE TherMAl stabiLiTy oF nisi HaS TO be iMPrOvED bEFOre IT cAN bE uSed As A COnTAcT in sUbmICron MiCrOelECTROnic dEviCES.
Co-PENDInG anD Co-aSSIGned u.s. PaTEnt AppliCaTION Ser. no. 10/334,464, FILED DEC. 31, 2002, nOW U.s. PAT. nO. 6,905,560 EnTItLEd “reTARdiNg agGLomeRAtIon OF ni mONOsIlicide UsiNg ni AlloYS” deSCRIBEs VARioUs METALS THAt can BE Co-DepOsITeD WitH NI tO PrEVENt disilicide fOrmaTIoN. SoME OF thEse MetaLS, sUCH aS TI, V, CR, zR, Nb, MO, hf, tA, w AND Re, PReveNt nUcLEaTioN oF NIsI2. GE, rh, PD, PT Or MiXTuReS THErEof CAn BE usED as sTaBiLIzIng ageNts.
The suCcessFUL fORMATIOn OF A siLICiDe cOntaCt through The SaLiCide pRoceSS RequIrES DePositION of a thin (lESS tHan 10 Nm) ni ALloY unIFORmly Over thE sUBstRATE, heATIng thE SUBStRaTE tO foRM the sILiCidE ovER regIOnS WHErE SILiCon iS prESeNT aND fiNAlLy seLectiveLy ETchIng THe UnReactEd METal WitHOuT aTTackING THe SIlIciDE. Any AtTaCK Of tHe silIcIdE wOuLD ReDucE thE tHiCKnEsS of the linE and iNcREASE tHE coNTact rESiStaNcE. furTher, tHe eTChANt sHoULD Be caPaBle of nOt oNLy rEmovInG Ni, bUt all ThE OtHEr metALs AddED ALONG WiTH it. PReSEnT etCHaNTs for RemOVinG NI aND Ni AlloyS iN THe salicIDe COntaCt PrOCesS arE BaSEd On a mixture OF HYdRoGeN perOxIde AND SulFurIC aciD AT TEmPeratURES gREatER THAn 60° C. THis IS DiScLOsED FOR exAmPLE, iN u.s. paT. No. 6,468,901 aND P. S. Lee, eT al. “nEw saLIcIDATIOn tEChnOlOGy with nI(Pt) ALLoy foR MOSFETs”, Ieee elEcTRONiC devicE leTTERs, 22 (12) 2001. SUch etChanTS Are iNCapAblE OF rEmOving AlL adDITionAL eLEMEnts esPEcIallY NObLe METALS such AS pT, Pd, Rh AnD RE used alONg wiTh ni. PResEnCE of the UnREActED MetaL oN ThE spacERS And TReNch ISolatIoN REgIONS leadS TO sHorTiNg OF the dEVIcEs THeReby PreVENtiNg thE ManUfACtURinG Of A fUncTIoNiNg SEMiConductOR ChIp. thE REmaiNiNg unreACTEd meTAL IS rEfErRED in the Art AS STrINGerS.
IN vIEw OF thE AbovE, tHere is a NeeD foR PrOvIdinG A NeW anD iMPROVEd meThoD For FormInG nISI coNTacts WhICh AvoidS LeaviNg UNrEaCtED MeTALS, i.E., StRiNgeRs, On thE SPACErs aNd TREnCh IsoLATIon RegIoNs.
|
Inthe semiconductor industry, metal silicides have typically been usedto provide low resistivecontacts to source/drain regions and gate electrodes in metal oxide semiconductor(MOS) and CMOS transistors. Titanium silicide (TiSi2) has traditionally beenused because of its low resistivity. However, by using the conventional Ti-salicide process the sheet resistance increases for lines having a thickness ofless than about0.35 microns (μm). A hightemperature anneal is neededto completely transform thesilicide from the high-resistivityC49 phase to the low-resistivity C54 phase. Insome lines, the transformation is not complete and the film agglomerates before complete transformation into the low-resistivity state. TiSi2 hasbeen replaced with CoSi2 to circumventthe problem mentioned above. However, CoSi2 consumes significant amounts of silicon during formation, which increases the difficulty offorming shallowjunctionsfor silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. Further,as the semiconductor industry approaches dimensions less than 65 nm, CoSi2also exhibits rapid sheet resistance degradation. Specifically, the polysilicon gate sheet resistance Rs increases sharply at narrow line widths due tovoids formed by vacancy coalescence at the polySi grain boundary. Ni suicide with low resistivity, lowsalicidation temperature, small mechanical stress, low silicon consumption andrelative insensitivityof sheet resistance to linewidth is currently being investigated to replace CoSi2. Manufacturing a functioning device requires several processing steps after contactformation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600° C.Under such conditions,NiSi has been reported toagglomerate and form NiSi2 which has a higher resistivity than NiSi. See, for example, J. Y. Yew, et al. “Epitaxial growth of NiSi on (111) Si inside 0.1-0.6 mmoxide openingspreparedby electron beam lithography”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69(7), (1996); B. A. Julies, “A Studyofthe NiSi to NiSi2 Transitioninthe Ni—SiBinarySystem”, Thin Solid Films,347, 201, 1999; and M. C. Poon, “Thermal Stability of Cobalt and Nickel Silicides”, Microelectronics Reliability 38, 1495,1998. Further, whenshallow junctions (on the order of about 15 nm or less) are to be formed, nickel disilicide formation is seen under the spacerresulting in shorting of the device between the gateand the source/drainregions.The thermal stability of NiSi has to be improved before it can be used as a contact in submicron microelectronic devices.Co-pending and co-assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/334,464, filedDec. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,560 entitled“Retarding Agglomerationof Ni Monosilicide Using Ni Alloys” describes various metals that can be co-deposited withNi to prevent disilicide formation. Some ofthese metals,such as Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, Wand Re, prevent nucleation of NiSi2.Ge, Rh, Pd, Pt or mixtures thereof can be used as stabilizing agents. Thesuccessful formation of a silicide contact through the salicide process requires deposition of a thin (less than 10 nm) Ni alloy uniformlyover the substrate, heating the substrate to form the silicideover regions where silicon is present and finally selectively etching theunreacted metal without attacking the silicide. Any attack ofthe silicide would reduce the thickness of the line andincreasethe contact resistance. Further, the etchant should be capable of not only removing Ni, but all the other metals addedalong with it. Present etchantsfor removing Ni and Ni alloysin the salicide contact process are basedon amixture of hydrogen peroxide andsulfuric acid at temperatures greater than 60° C.This is disclosed for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 6,468,901 andP. S.Lee, et al. “New Salicidation Technologywith Ni(Pt) Alloy for MOSFETs”, IEEEElectronic Device Letters, 22 (12) 2001. Such etchants are incapable of removing all additional elements especially noble metalssuch asPt, Pd, Rh and Re used along with Ni. Presence of theunreacted metal on the spacers and trench isolation regions leads to shorting of the devices thereby preventing the manufacturing of a functioning semiconductor chip. The remaining unreacted metal is referred in the art as stringers.In view of the above,there is a need for providing a new andimproved method for forming NiSi contacts which avoids leaving unreactedmetals, i.e., stringers, onthe spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
In the _semiconductor_ industry, metal silicides have typically been used to _provide_ low resistive contacts to source/drain regions and gate electrodes in metal oxide semiconductor _(MOS)_ and CMOS transistors. Titanium silicide (TiSi2) _has_ traditionally been used because of its low resistivity. _However,_ by using the conventional Ti-salicide process the sheet resistance _increases_ for lines having a _thickness_ of less than _about_ 0.35 microns _(μm)._ A high temperature anneal is needed to completely transform the silicide from the high-resistivity C49 phase _to_ the low-resistivity C54 _phase._ _In_ some _lines,_ the transformation is _not_ _complete_ _and_ _the_ _film_ _agglomerates_ before complete transformation into _the_ _low-resistivity_ state. TiSi2 has been replaced with CoSi2 _to_ _circumvent_ the problem mentioned above. _However,_ CoSi2 consumes _significant_ amounts of silicon during formation, which increases _the_ difficulty of forming shallow junctions for silicon-on-insulator _(SOI)_ substrates. _Further,_ as the semiconductor _industry_ approaches _dimensions_ less _than_ _65_ nm, CoSi2 also exhibits rapid _sheet_ resistance _degradation._ _Specifically,_ the _polysilicon_ gate sheet resistance Rs increases sharply at narrow line widths due to voids formed by vacancy _coalescence_ at the polySi grain _boundary._ Ni suicide with low resistivity, low _salicidation_ _temperature,_ _small_ mechanical stress, low silicon _consumption_ and relative insensitivity of _sheet_ resistance to linewidth is currently _being_ investigated to replace CoSi2. Manufacturing _a_ functioning _device_ requires several _processing_ _steps_ _after_ contact formation where the silicide temperature typically exceeds 600° C. Under such conditions, NiSi _has_ been reported to _agglomerate_ and form NiSi2 which _has_ a higher resistivity than NiSi. See, for _example,_ J. Y. Yew, et al. _“Epitaxial_ growth of NiSi on (111) Si _inside_ 0.1-0.6 _mm_ oxide openings prepared by electron beam lithography”, _Appl._ _Phys._ Lett. _69(7),_ _(1996);_ B. A. Julies, _“A_ _Study_ of the NiSi to NiSi2 Transition in the Ni—Si Binary System”, Thin _Solid_ Films, 347, 201, 1999; and M. C. Poon, “Thermal _Stability_ _of_ Cobalt _and_ Nickel Silicides”, _Microelectronics_ Reliability _38,_ 1495, _1998._ Further, when _shallow_ junctions (on the order of about 15 nm _or_ less) _are_ _to_ be formed, nickel disilicide _formation_ is seen _under_ the spacer _resulting_ in shorting of the device between the _gate_ and the source/drain regions. The thermal stability of _NiSi_ has to be _improved_ before it can be used as a contact in submicron microelectronic devices. Co-pending and _co-assigned_ U.S. _patent_ application Ser. No. 10/334,464, filed Dec. 31, 2002, now _U.S._ Pat. No. 6,905,560 entitled “Retarding Agglomeration of Ni Monosilicide Using Ni Alloys” describes various metals that can _be_ co-deposited _with_ Ni to _prevent_ _disilicide_ formation. Some of these metals, such as Ti, _V,_ Cr, _Zr,_ Nb, _Mo,_ Hf, Ta, _W_ and Re, prevent nucleation _of_ NiSi2. Ge, _Rh,_ Pd, Pt _or_ _mixtures_ thereof _can_ be used as stabilizing agents. The successful _formation_ _of_ _a_ silicide contact through _the_ salicide _process_ requires deposition of a _thin_ (less than _10_ nm) _Ni_ alloy uniformly over the substrate, heating _the_ substrate to form the silicide over _regions_ where silicon is present and _finally_ selectively etching the unreacted metal _without_ attacking the silicide. Any attack of the _silicide_ would reduce the thickness of the line and increase the contact _resistance._ Further, _the_ etchant should _be_ capable of not only removing Ni, but _all_ the other metals added along with it. Present etchants for removing Ni and Ni alloys in the salicide contact process are based on a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid at temperatures greater than _60°_ _C._ This _is_ disclosed _for_ _example,_ in _U.S._ Pat. No. 6,468,901 and P. _S._ _Lee,_ et al. “New Salicidation Technology _with_ _Ni(Pt)_ Alloy for MOSFETs”, IEEE Electronic Device _Letters,_ 22 (12) 2001. Such etchants are incapable _of_ removing all additional elements _especially_ noble metals _such_ as Pt, Pd, _Rh_ and Re used along with _Ni._ Presence of the unreacted metal on the spacers and trench isolation _regions_ leads to shorting _of_ the _devices_ thereby preventing the manufacturing of _a_ _functioning_ semiconductor chip. The remaining _unreacted_ metal is referred in the art as stringers. In view of _the_ above, _there_ is a need for _providing_ _a_ new and improved method for forming NiSi contacts which avoids leaving _unreacted_ metals, i.e., stringers, on _the_ spacers and trench isolation regions.
|
It is known to recover nickel and/or copper from sulfidic ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, subjecting the comminuted ore to froth flotation to upgrade the metal content thereof, and roasting the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the sulfur therefrom as SO.sub.2, followed by the reduction of the oxidized concentrate at an elevated temperature with a carbonaceous material to form molten nickel which is cast to provide pig nickel for use in the manufacture of stainless steel.
The foregoing method has certain disadvantages particularly with respect to the formation of SO.sub.2 which is undesirable. Unless the SO.sub.2 is converted to sulfuric acid on site, the SO.sub.2 effluent released into the atmosphere presents environmental problems.
Nickel-containing sulfidic minerals and laterites are the two major raw material sources for nickel. The laterites are abundantly distributed throughout the world.
However, laterites unlike nickel sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by froth flotation or magnetically. Compared to other ores, the nickel content is low, for example, may range from 0.5 to 1.5% nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits in New Caledonia and Indonesia in which the amount of nickel is of the order of up to about 3% by weight which is quite high.
It has been predicted that by the end of this century, laterites will become the major source for the production of nickel.
The conventional process for recovering nickel from lateritic ores is somewhat energy intensive in that the nickel is extracted from the ore by high pressure leaching at elevated temperature in an autoclave.
For example, one process for recovering nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores is the well known Moa Bay process involving acid leaching at elevated temperatures and pressures at which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfate are substantially insoluble.
In the Moa Bay process, lateritic ore at minus 20 mesh (95% passing 325 mesh U.S. Standard) is pulped to approximately 45% solids and the nickel and cobalt selectively leached with sufficient sulfuric acid at elevated temperature and pressure (e.g. 230.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. and 405 to 580 psia) to solubilize about 95% each of nickel and cobalt in about 60 to 90 minutes. After pressure let down, the leached pulp is washed by countercurrent decantation with the washed pulp going to tailings. The leach solution pH, which is quite low (e.g., between 0 and 0.5), is then neutralized with coral mud to a pH of about 2.4 in a series of four tanks at a total retention time of about 20 minutes and the thus-treated product liquor (containing about 5.65 gpl Ni, 0.8 gpl Fe and 2.3 gpl Al), after solid-liquid separation, is then subjected to sulfide precipitation. The leach liquor is preheated and the sulfide precipitation carried out using H.sub.2 S as the precipitating reagent in an autoclave at about 120.degree. C. (250.degree. F.) and a pressure of about 150 psig.
In the original scheme for treating the mixed sulfides, the sulfide precipitate was washed and thickened to a solids content of 65%. It was then oxidized in an autoclave at about 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.) and a pressure of about 700 psig.
The solution containing nickel and cobalt was then neutralized with ammonia to a pH (5.35) sufficient to precipitate any residual iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air as an oxidizing agent.
The precipitate was thereafter separated from the solution and the nickel and cobalt solution then adjusted to a pH of about 1.5. H.sub.2 S was added to precipitate selectively any copper, lead and zinc present. The precipitate was separated from the solution by filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. One method comprised treating the nickel-containing solution with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure to produce nickel powder.
The aforementioned method, as stated hereinbefore, had certain economic disadvantages. The conversion of mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide into salable separate nickel and cobalt products was very expensive and there was no market for mixed sulfide precipitates.
It is known to subject gold-bearing sulfide ore to oxidative bioleaching. Such methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,788, No. 5,127,942 and No. 5,244,493. The sulfidic material is ground, placed in heaps or piles or pulped or slurried and bioleached to oxidize the sulfide mineral using bacteria at temperatures of about 15.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. The sulfide particle containing gold occluded within it is biooxidized to physically free up the gold for removal by cyanide leaching or other types of leaching.
Attempts to use bioleaching to recover base metals, such as nickel, have not been attractive enough to warrant the building of a commercial plant, particularly since technology was not in place economically at the time for recovering nickel from the solution which were quite dilute at best, except for the use of solvent extraction by means of which more concentrated solutions could be produced for the subsequent recovery of nickel. The recovery of nickel from low grade bioleach solutions by solvent extraction has its problems in that (i) there are organic solvents that preferentially extract nickel from mixed ferric iron-nickel containing solutions such as shown hereinafter in Example 2 and (ii) the micro-organisms present in the bioleach solutions tend to adversely affect the separation of the organic phase from the aqueous phase.
The problem with ferric iron is that either the ferric ion will preferentially load on organic solvents, such as DEPHA(di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid) or it will oxidize the active ingredient in organic solvents such as Cyanex 272; 301 and 302. These reagents are sold by the American Cyanamid Company with the following active ingredients: phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids.
"Third phase" formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the application of solvent extraction in leaching operations, particularly in a bioleaching circuit because bacteria and organic solvents are not compatible. For example, Thiobacillus ferroxidans is in essence a sulfur-loving bacteria which presents problems in solvent extraction, particularly when the organic solvent contains sulfur, such as in di-nonyl-naphthyl sulfonic acid. Since many nickel sulfide ore bodies have a metal cut-off grade of around 0.2% to 0.5% Ni, it at once becomes apparent that a method is needed to enable the production of nickel solutions of sufficiently high concentration from which the nickel can be recovered economically. Thus, low grade nickel ores, in essence, could then be treated the same as a high grade ore with the same economical advantages.
Recent work conducted in the bioleaching of ores has indicated that low grade ores can be economically leached using bacteria as a means for effecting the dissolution of metal, e.g., nickel and/or cobalt, into an aqueous acid solution.
An advantage of bioleaching, while time dependent, is the fact that it is not energy and cost intensive. The pregnant solution obtained, however, is quite dilute.
One bioleaching method proposed for the recovery of nickel from sulfide ores is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,065,491 which issued on Oct. 9, 1992.
According to the Canadian patent, a method disclosed comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is thereafter formed into a heap and the ore heap percolated with an iron sulfate solution which, optionally, carries bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferroxidans. By virtue of the oxidation of the sulfide ore, the generation of sulfuric acid occurs, thus forming a sulfate solution.
Sulfuric acid or an alkali, such as lime, is added to the solution, if necessary, to control the pH to a range of about 1.2 to 3, preferably from 2.3 to 2.5.
An anaerobic bacterium is added to the sulfate solution to cause the precipitation of the dissolved metal as an insoluble sulfide, thus upgrading the metal into a highly concentrated form which then must be treated to recover the metal, e.g., nickel.
To bring about sulfide generation of the dissolved metal (e.g., nickel), a bacterium, referred to as Desulforvivrio Desulfuricans, may be added to the solution. After the nickel sulfide precipitates, it is separated from the solution to provide a concentrate high in nickel which must be further treated, such as by high pressure leaching at an elevated temperature in the presence of sulfuric acid to produce a nickel sulfate solution from which the nickel is extracted by known conventional methods.
In a paper entitled "The Solubilization of Nickel, Cobalt and Iron From Laterites by Means of Organic Chelating agents" (Denis I. McKenzie et al, International Journal of Mineral Processing' 21 (1987) P.275-292), a group of carboxylic acids were mentioned as chelating agents, including Oxalic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, among others. The efficacy of the organic acids at natural pH were compared to H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 (15 mM final concentration). Over a 456 hour period, using 15 mM concentrations of acids with 2 grams of ore (West Australian ore) in 150 ml of H.sub.2 O, Oxalic, Citric and Tartaric acids compared somewhat favorably
|
it is known cannot recover nickel and / or copper from sulfidic ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, subjecting the comminuted ore to froth flotation to upgrade the metal content thereof, and roasting the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the sulfur therefrom as so. sub. 2, followed by the reduction of the oxidized concentrate at an elevated temperature with a carbonaceous material to form molten nickel which is cast to provide pig nickel for use in the manufacture of stainless steel. the foregoing method has certain disadvantages particularly with respect to the formation of so. sub. 2 which is undesirable. unless the so. sub. 2 is converted to sulfuric acid on site, the so. sub. 2 typically released into the atmosphere presents environmental problems. nickel - containing sulfidic minerals and laterites are the two major raw material sources for nickel. the laterites are abundantly distributed throughout the world. however, ore unlike nickel sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by neutron flotation or magnetically. compared to other ores, the nickel content is low, for example, may range from 0. 5 to 1. 5 % nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits in new caledonia and indonesia in which the amount of nickel is of the order of up to about 3 % by weight which is quite high. it has been predicted that by the end of this century, laterites will become the major source for the production of nickel. the conventional process for recovering nickel from lateritic ores is somewhat energy intensive in ensuring the nickel is extracted from the uranium by high pressure leaching at elevated temperature in an autoclave. for example, one process for recovering nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores is the well known moa bay process involving acid leaching at elevated temperatures and pressures at which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfate are substantially insoluble. in the moa bay process, gold ore at minus 20 mesh ( 95 % passing 325 mesh u. s. standard ) is pulped to approximately 45 % solids and the nickel and cobalt selectively leached require sufficient sulfuric acid at elevated temperature and pressure ( e. g. 230. degree. c. to 250. degree. c. and 405 to 580 psia ) effectively solubilize around 95 % each of nickel and cobalt in about 60 to 90 minutes. after pressure let down, the leached pulp is washed by countercurrent decantation with the washed pulp going to tailings. the leach solution ph, which is quite low ( e. g., between 0 and 0. 5 ), is then neutralized with coral mud to a ph of about 2. 4 in a series of four tanks at a total retention time of about 20 minutes and the thus - treated product liquor ( containing about 5. 65 gpl ni, 0. 8 gpl fe and 2. 3 gpl al ), after solid - liquid separation, is then subjected to sulfide precipitation. the leach liquor is preheated and the sulfide precipitation carried out using h. sub. 2 s as the precipitating reagent in an autoclave at about 120. degree. c. ( 250. degree. f. ) and a pressure of about 150 psig. in the original scheme for treating the mixed sulfides, the sulfide precipitate was washed and thickened to a solids content of 65 %. it was then oxidized in an autoclave at about 177. degree. c. ( 350. degree. f. ) and a pressure of about 700 psig. the solution containing nickel and cobalt was then neutralized with ammonia to a ph ( 5. 35 ) sufficient to precipitate any residual iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air as an oxidizing agent. the precipitate was thereafter separated from the solution and the nickel and cobalt solution then adjusted to a ph of about 1. 5. h. sub. 2 s was added to precipitate selectively any copper, lead and zinc present. the precipitate was separated from the solution by filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. one method comprised treating the nickel - containing solution with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure to produce nickel powder. the aforementioned method, as stated hereinbefore, had certain economic disadvantages. the conversion of mixed nickel - cobalt sulfide into salable separate nickel and cobalt products was very expensive and there was no market for mixed sulfide precipitates. it is known to subject gold - bearing sulfide ore to oxidative bioleaching. such methods are disclosed in u. s. pat. no. 4, 729, 788, no. 5, 127, 942 and no. 5, 244, 493. the sulfidic material is ground, placed in heaps or piles or pulped or slurried and bioleached to oxidize the sulfide mineral using bacteria at temperatures of about 15. degree. c. to about 40. degree. c. the sulfide particle containing gold occluded within it is biooxidized to physically free up the gold for removal by cyanide leaching or other types of leaching. attempts to use bioleaching to recover base metals, such as nickel, have not been attractive enough to warrant the building of a commercial plant, particularly since technology was not in place economically at the time for recovering nickel from the solution which were quite dilute at best, except for the use of solvent extraction by means of which more concentrated solutions could be produced for the subsequent recovery of nickel. the recovery of nickel from low grade bioleach solutions by solvent extraction has its problems in that ( i ) there are organic solvents that preferentially extract nickel from mixed ferric iron - nickel containing solutions such as shown hereinafter in example 2 and ( ii ) the micro - organisms present in the bioleach solutions tend to adversely affect the separation of the organic phase from the aqueous phase. the problem with ferric iron is that either the ferric ion will preferentially load on organic solvents, such as depha ( di - 2 - ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid ) or it will oxidize the active ingredient in organic solvents such as cyanex 272 ; 301 and 302. these reagents are sold by the american cyanamid company with the following active ingredients : phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids. " third phase " formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the application of solvent extraction in leaching operations, particularly in a bioleaching circuit because bacteria and organic solvents are not compatible. for example, thiobacillus ferroxidans is in essence a sulfur - loving bacteria which presents problems in solvent extraction, particularly when the organic solvent contains sulfur, such as in di - nonyl - naphthyl sulfonic acid. since many nickel sulfide ore bodies have a metal cut - off grade of around 0. 2 % to 0. 5 % ni, it at once becomes apparent that a method is needed to enable the production of nickel solutions of sufficiently high concentration from which the nickel can be recovered economically. thus, low grade nickel ores, in essence, could then be treated the same as a high grade ore with the same economical advantages. recent work conducted in the bioleaching of ores has indicated that low grade ores can be economically leached using bacteria as a means for effecting the dissolution of metal, e. g., nickel and / or cobalt, into an aqueous acid solution. an advantage of bioleaching, while time dependent, is the fact that it is not energy and cost intensive. the pregnant solution obtained, however, is quite dilute. one bioleaching method proposed for the recovery of nickel from sulfide ores is disclosed in canadian patent no. 2, 065, 491 which issued on oct. 9, 1992. according to the canadian patent, a method disclosed comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is thereafter formed into a heap and the ore heap percolated with an iron sulfate solution which, optionally, carries bacteria, such as thiobacillus ferroxidans, thiobacillus thiooxidans or leptospirillum ferroxidans. by virtue of the oxidation of the sulfide ore, the generation of sulfuric acid occurs, thus forming a sulfate solution. sulfuric acid or an alkali, such as lime, is added to the solution, if necessary, to control the ph to a range of about 1. 2 to 3, preferably from 2. 3 to 2. 5. an anaerobic bacterium is added to the sulfate solution to cause the precipitation of the dissolved metal as an insoluble sulfide, thus upgrading the metal into a highly concentrated form which then must be treated to recover the metal, e. g., nickel. to bring about sulfide generation of the dissolved metal ( e. g., nickel ), a bacterium, referred to as desulforvivrio desulfuricans, may be added to the solution. after the nickel sulfide precipitates, it is separated from the solution to provide a concentrate high in nickel which must be further treated, such as by high pressure leaching at an elevated temperature in the presence of sulfuric acid to produce a nickel sulfate solution from which the nickel is extracted by known conventional methods. in a paper entitled " the solubilization of nickel, cobalt and iron from laterites by means of organic chelating agents " ( denis i. mckenzie et al, international journal of mineral processing ' 21 ( 1987 ) p. 275 - 292 ), a group of carboxylic acids were mentioned as chelating agents, including oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, among others. the efficacy of the organic acids at natural ph were compared to h. sub. 2 so. sub. 4 ( 15 mm final concentration ). over a 456 hour period, using 15 mm concentrations of acids with 2 grams of ore ( west australian ore ) in 150 ml of h. sub. 2 o, oxalic, citric and tartaric acids compared somewhat favorably
|
It is known to recover nickel and / or copper from sulfidic ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, subjecting the comminuted ore to froth flotation to upgrade the metal content thereof, and roasting the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the sulfur therefrom as SO. sub. 2, followed by the reduction of the oxidized concentrate at an elevated temperature with a carbonaceous material to form molten nickel which is cast to provide pig nickel for use in the manufacture of stainless steel. The foregoing method has certain disadvantages particularly with respect to the formation of SO. sub. 2 which is undesirable. Unless the SO. sub. 2 is Donvertfd to sulfuric acid on site, the SO. sub. 2 effluent released into the atmosphere presents environmental problems. Nickel - containing sulfidic minerals and laterites are the two major raw material sources for nickel. The laterites are abundantly distributed throughout the world. However, laterites unlike nickel sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by froth flotation or magnetically. Compared to other ores, the nickel comteJt is low, for example, may range from 0. 5 to 1. 5% nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits in New Caledonia and Indonesia in which the amount of nickel is of the order of up to about 3% by weight which is quite high. It has been predicted that by the end of this century, laterites will become the major source for the production of nickel. The conventional process for recovering nickel from lateritic ores is somewhat energy intensive in that the nickel is extracted from the ore by high pressure leaching at elevated temperature in an autoclave. For example, one process for recovering nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores is the well known Moa Bay process involving acid leaching at elevated temperatures and pressures at which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfate are substantially insoluble. In the Moa Bay process, lateritic ore at minus 20 mesh (95% passing 325 mesh U. S. Standard) is pulped to approximately 45% solids and the nickel and cobalt selectively leached with sufficient sulfuric acid at elevated temperature and pressure (e. g. 230. degree. C. to 250. degree. C. and 405 to 580 psia) to solubilize about 95% each of nickel and cobalt in about 60 to 90 minu5ew. After pressure let down, the leached pulp is washed by countercurrent decantation with the washed pulp going to tailings. The leach solution pH, which is quite low (e. g. , between 0 and 0. 5 ), is then neutralized with coral mud to a pH of about 2. 4 in a series of four tanks at a total retention time of about 20 minutes and the thus - treated product liquor (containing about 5. 65 gpl Ni, 0. 8 gpl Fe and 2. 3 gpl Al ), after solid - liauiW separation, is then subjected to sulfide precipitat7(n. The leach liquor is preheated and the sulfide precipitation carriRe out using H. sub. 2 S as the precipitating reagent in an autoclave at about 120. degree. C. (250. degree. F.) and a pressure of about 150 psig. In the original scheme for treating the mixed sulfides, the sulfide precipitate was washed and thickened to a solids content of 65% . It was then oxidized in an autoclave at about 177. degree. C. (350. degree. F.) and a pressure of about 700 psig. The solution containing nickel and cobalt was then neutralized with ammonia to a pH (5. 35) sufficient to precipitate any residual iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air as an oxidizing agent. The precipitate was thereafter separated from the solution and the nickel and cobalt solution then adjusted to a pH of about 1. 5. H. sub. 2 S was added to precipitate selectively any copper, lead and zinc present. The precipitate was separated from the solution by filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. One method comprised treating the nickel - containing solution with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure to produce nickel powder. The aforementioned method, as stated hereinbefore, had certain economic disadvantages. The conversion of mixed nickel - cobalt sulfide into salable separate nickel and vobaOt products was very expensive and there was no market for mixed sulfide precipitates. It is known to subject gold - bearing sulfide ore to oxidative bioleaching. Such methods are disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 729, 788, No. 5, 127, 942 and No. 5, 244, 493. The sulfidic material is ground, placed in heaps or piles or pulped or slurried and bioleached to oxidize the sulfide mineral using bacteria at temperatures of about 15. degree. C. to about 40. degree. C. The sulfide particle containing gold occluded within it is biooxidized to physically free up the gold for removal by cyanide leaching or other types of leaching. Attempts to use bioleaching to recover base metals, such as nickel, have not been attractive enough to warrant the builF&ng of a commercial plant, particularly since technology was not in place economically at the time for recovering nickel from the solution which were quite dilute at best, except for the use of solvent extraction by means of which more concentrated solutions could be produced for the subsequent recovery of nickel. The recovery of nickel from low grade bioleach solutions by solvent extraction has its problems in that (i) there are organic solvents that preferentially extract nickel from mixed ferric iron - nickel containing solutions such as shown hereinafter in Example 2 and (ii) the micro - organisms present in the bioleach solutions tend to adversely affect the separation of the organic phase from the aqueous phase. The problem with ferric iron is that either the ferric ion will preferentially load on organic solvents, such as DEPHA (di - 2 - ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid) or it will oxidize the active ingredient in organic solvents such as Cyanex 272; 301 and 302. These reagents are sold by the American Cyanamid Company with the following active ingredients: phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids. " Third phase " formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the application of solvent extraction in leaching operations, particularly in a bioleaching circuit because bacteria and organic solvents are not compatible. For example, Thiobacillus ferroxidans is in essence a sulfur - loving bacteria which presents problems in solvent extraction, particularly when the organic solvent contains sulfur, such as in di - nonyl - naphthyl sulfonic acid. Since many nickel sulfide ore bodies have a metal cut - off grade of around 0. 2% to 0. 5% Ni, it at once becomes apparent that a method is needed to enable the production of nickel solutions of sufficiently high concentration from which the nickel can be recovered economically. Thus, low grade nickel ores, in essence, could then be treated the same as a high grade ore with the same economical advantages. Recent work conducted in the bioleaching of ores has indicated that low grade ores can be economically leached using bacteria as a means for effecting the dissolution of metal, e. g. , nickel and / or cobalt, into an aqueous acid solution. An advantage of bioleaching, while time dependent, is the fact that it is not energy and cost intensive. The pregnant solution obtained, however, is quite dilute. One bioleaching method proposed for the recovery of nickel from sulfide ores is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2, 065, 491 which issued on Oct. 9, 1992. According to the Canadian patent, a method disclosed comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is thereafter formed into a heap and the ore heap percolated with an iron sulfate solution which, optionally, carries bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferroxidans. By virtue of the oxidation of the sulfide ore, the generation of sulfuric acid occurs, thus forming a sulfate solution. Sulfuric acid or an alkali, such as lime, is added to the solution, if necessary, to control the pH to a range of about 1. 2 to 3, preferably from 2. 3 to 2. 5. An anaerobic bacterium is added to the sulfate solution to cause the precipitation of the dissolved metal as an insoluble sulfide, thus upgrading the metal into a highly concentrated form which then must be treated to recover the metal, e. g. , nickel. To bring about sulfide generation of the dissolved metal (e. g. , nickel ), a bacterium, referred to as Desulforvivrio Desulfuricans, may be added to the solution. After the nickel sulfide precipitates, it is separated from the solution to provide a concentrate high in nickel which must be further treated, such as by high pressure leaching at an elevated temperature in the presence of sulfuric acid to produce a nickel sulfate solution from which the nickel is extracted by known conventional KethoCs. In a paper entitled " The Solubilization of Nickel, Cobalt and Iron From Laterites by Means of Organic Chelating agents " (Denis I. McKenzie et al, International Journal of Mineral Processing ' 21 (1987) P. 275 - 292 ), a group of carboxylic acids were mentioned as chelating agents, including Oxalic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, among others. The efficacy of the orTaniV acids at natural pH were compared to H. sub. 2 SO. sub. 4 (15 mM final concentration ). Over a 456 hour period, using 15 mM concentrations of acids with 2 grams of ore (West Australian ore) in 150 ml of H. sub. 2 O, Oxalic, Citric and Tartaric acids compared somewhat favorably
|
It is known to nickel copper from sulfidic ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, subjecting the comminuted ore to froth flotation to upgrade metal content thereof, and the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove therefrom as SO.sub.2, followed by the reduction of the oxidized concentrate at an with carbonaceous material to form molten nickel which is cast to provide pig nickel for use in the of stainless steel. The foregoing method has certain disadvantages particularly with respect the formation SO.sub.2 which is undesirable. Unless the SO.sub.2 is converted to sulfuric acid on site, the SO.sub.2 effluent released into the presents environmental problems. Nickel-containing sulfidic minerals and laterites are the two major raw material sources for The laterites are abundantly distributed throughout the world. However, laterites unlike nickel sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by froth flotation or magnetically. Compared to other ores, the content low, for example, may range from 0.5 to nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits in Caledonia and Indonesia in which the amount of nickel is of the order of up to about 3% by weight which is quite high. It has been predicted that by the end of this century, laterites will become the major source for the of nickel. The conventional process for nickel from ores is somewhat energy intensive that the nickel is extracted from the by high pressure leaching at elevated temperature in autoclave. For one process for recovering nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores is the well known Moa Bay process involving acid leaching at and pressures at which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfate are substantially insoluble. In Moa Bay process, at minus 20 mesh (95% passing mesh U.S. Standard) is pulped to approximately 45% solids and the nickel and cobalt selectively leached with sufficient sulfuric acid elevated temperature and (e.g. 230.degree. to 250.degree. C. and 405 580 psia) solubilize about 95% each of nickel and cobalt in 60 to 90 minutes. After let down, the leached pulp is washed by countercurrent decantation with the washed pulp going to The leach solution pH, which is low (e.g., between 0 and 0.5), then with coral mud to a pH of about 2.4 a series of four tanks at a total retention time of about 20 minutes and the thus-treated product liquor (containing 5.65 gpl Ni, gpl Fe and 2.3 gpl Al), after solid-liquid separation, is subjected to The leach liquor is preheated and precipitation carried H.sub.2 S as the precipitating reagent in an autoclave at about 120.degree. C. F.) and a pressure of about 150 psig. In the scheme for treating the mixed sulfides, sulfide precipitate was washed and thickened to a solids content of It was then in autoclave at about 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.) and a pressure of about 700 psig. The solution containing nickel and was then neutralized with ammonia to a pH (5.35) to precipitate any residual iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air as oxidizing agent. precipitate was thereafter from the solution and the nickel and cobalt solution then to a pH of about 1.5. H.sub.2 S was added precipitate selectively copper, and zinc present. The precipitate was separated from the solution by filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. One method comprised treating the nickel-containing solution with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure to produce nickel powder. The aforementioned method, as stated hereinbefore, had certain economic disadvantages. The conversion of mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide into salable separate nickel and cobalt products was very expensive and there was no market mixed sulfide It is known to gold-bearing sulfide to oxidative bioleaching. Such methods are disclosed in U.S. No. 4,729,788, No. 5,127,942 and No. 5,244,493. The sulfidic material is ground, placed in heaps piles or pulped slurried and to the sulfide mineral using bacteria at temperatures of 15.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. The sulfide particle containing gold occluded within is biooxidized to physically free up the gold for removal by cyanide leaching or other types of Attempts to use bioleaching to recover base metals, such as nickel, have not been attractive enough to warrant the building of a commercial plant, particularly since technology was not place economically at the time for recovering nickel from the solution which were dilute at for the use of solvent extraction by means of which more concentrated solutions could be produced for the subsequent recovery of nickel. recovery of from low grade bioleach solutions by solvent extraction has its problems in that (i) there are organic solvents preferentially extract nickel from mixed ferric containing solutions such as shown hereinafter in Example 2 and (ii) the micro-organisms present in the bioleach solutions tend to adversely affect the separation of the organic phase from the aqueous phase. The with ferric iron is that either the ferric will preferentially load on organic solvents, such as DEPHA(di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid) or it will oxidize active ingredient in organic solvents as Cyanex 272; 301 and These are sold by the American Cyanamid Company with the active ingredients: phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids. "Third phase" formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the application of solvent extraction in leaching operations, particularly in a bioleaching circuit because and organic solvents are not compatible. For example, Thiobacillus ferroxidans is in a sulfur-loving bacteria which presents problems solvent extraction, particularly when organic solvent contains sulfur, such as in di-nonyl-naphthyl sulfonic acid. many nickel sulfide ore bodies have a metal cut-off grade of 0.2% to 0.5% Ni, it at once becomes apparent that a method needed to enable the production nickel solutions sufficiently high concentration from which the nickel can be recovered economically. Thus, low grade nickel ores, in could then be treated the same as a high grade ore with same economical advantages. Recent work conducted in the bioleaching ores has indicated that low ores can be economically leached using bacteria as a means for effecting the dissolution of metal, nickel and/or cobalt, into an aqueous acid solution. advantage of bioleaching, while time dependent, is the fact that it is not energy and cost intensive. The pregnant solution obtained, is quite dilute. One bioleaching proposed the recovery of nickel from sulfide ores is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,065,491 which issued on Oct. 9, 1992. According to the Canadian patent, a method disclosed comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is formed into a heap and the ore heap with an iron sulfate solution which, optionally, carries bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferroxidans. By virtue of the oxidation of the sulfide ore, the generation of sulfuric acid occurs, thus forming a sulfate solution. Sulfuric acid or an alkali, such as is added to the if necessary, to control the pH to a of about 1.2 3, preferably from 2.3 to 2.5. An anaerobic bacterium added to the sulfate solution to cause the precipitation of the dissolved metal as an insoluble sulfide, thus upgrading the into a highly concentrated form which then must be treated to recover the metal, e.g., nickel. To bring sulfide generation the dissolved (e.g., nickel), a bacterium, referred to Desulfuricans, may be added to the solution. the nickel sulfide precipitates, it is separated from the to provide a concentrate high in nickel which be treated, such as by high pressure leaching at an elevated temperature in the of sulfuric acid produce a nickel sulfate solution from which the is extracted by known conventional methods. In a paper Solubilization of Nickel, Cobalt Iron From by of Organic Chelating agents" (Denis I. McKenzie et al, Journal of Mineral 21 (1987) P.275-292), a group of carboxylic were mentioned as chelating agents, including Oxalic Acid, Citric Tartaric Acid, others. The efficacy of the organic acids natural pH were compared to H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 (15 final concentration). Over a 456 hour using 15 mM concentrations of acids with 2 grams of ore (West Australian ore) in 150 ml of H.sub.2 O, Oxalic, Citric and Tartaric acids somewhat favorably
|
iT iS kNOWN TO recoveR NiCkEl aND/OR COpPer FroM sulfIDIc OREs By cOmminuTING The orE tO A FinELY dIvided state, sUBjEcTING The cOMMiNuTed ore To fRotH floTatIoN to upGRaDe tHE METaL ConTent tHereOf, aNd rOaStiNg THE cOnCENtRAtE iN aN OXiDiZINg atMOSPhErE tO rEMoVe tHE SULfUR thEREfrOm As So.sub.2, fOLloWed BY THe rEDuctIon OF the OXIdizeD CONceNtRaTe aT AN eLEvAtEd tempErAtuRE With A cArBoNACeOus MaTeRiaL TO forM MoLTEn niCkeL WHIcH IS caSt to pROVIde Pig nicKEL fOR usE In tHe MANUfActurE OF sTAinlesS stEel.
The ForegOinG meTHoD has ceRTain dISADvaNtaGeS paRTicUlARLy wiTh rEsPECT tO THe forMaTION OF So.SuB.2 whIcH Is unDESIRable. UnlESS thE SO.sUb.2 iS coNVeRtEd To SulFuRIc aciD oN sitE, The SO.sUB.2 EffLueNT rELeASED INtO The atmoSPhErE pReSenTs EnVirONmEntal problEmS.
NIckeL-CoNTaININg SulfIdiC MINeralS AnD LATERitEs are thE TWo majoR RAw maTERIAl sOURCes FoR NICkeL. THE LatERIteS Are aBUnDAnTLy DistRiButED tHROUgHOut tHe WOrlD.
HoweVeR, latErITES UnLikE nIckel sUlfIde OrEs, CAnnoT Be COncentratED By FROTH fLOtation OR magNetIcaLlY. coMpaRed tO oTHer orEs, tHe nickEl conTent IS LOW, For ExAmpLE, maY rANGE FROm 0.5 TO 1.5% NIckeL by weIGht, wItH THe ExcePTiOn OF depOsiTs in NEW cAlEdONIa And indONesIa iN whicH THe AmOuNT Of NICkel iS oF thE orDER oF Up To ABOuT 3% by WeiGHt whICh is QUiTE HIGH.
IT haS been PrEDICteD THat bY the end OF tHIs cENTUry, laTeRIteS wilL BecoMe The majoR SOurCE fOR the PRODUcTion of nICkEl.
tHE conVenTIonAl pRoCESs fOr recOVeRinG NiCKel fRom LatEriTiC OreS is SOMewhAt enERgY inTeNsiVe iN That THe NicKEL iS EXtRAcTEd FROM the oRE by hiGH PReSSUre lEAChing aT ELeVAtEd tEmperatUrE In aN auTOClAVE.
FOR eXAmpLE, OnE PRoceSs foR ReCOverING niCKeL anD cobalt FROm lAtErItIC Ores Is The weLL knOWN MOA bAY PRoCeSS INVoLvINg AcId lEaChiNg at EleVaTEd TEMPERaTUres And presSuReS At Which irON oxiDe AND Aluminum oxYsuLfATe ARE sUBstaNTIaLlY iNSOLuBlE.
iN THe MOA BAy ProceSS, latERItic ORe at minus 20 meSh (95% PassinG 325 mEsH u.s. sTaNdaRD) IS PULpEd tO APProXiMaTeLy 45% SolIDS And THE NICKEL aNd cObALt SELeCtiVELy leaCHED witH SufFICIenT SulFurIc aCiD at elEvATED teMPERatURe And preSsuRe (E.g. 230.DEgRee. C. to 250.DeGREe. c. and 405 tO 580 PSia) tO solUBILiZe abOuT 95% eacH of NiCKEL ANd CobALT IN aboUT 60 to 90 MiNutES. aFteR PRESSuRE let down, tHE LeachED PULP is WasheD BY COUnTErcurREnt decaNtATIoN wItH thE WaShED PuLP GoINg to TaIliNGs. tHe Leach soLuTiOn PH, wHICh IS qUITE loW (e.G., betWEEN 0 AND 0.5), iS THen nEUtRalIzeD wiTH CorAL mUD To A PH of about 2.4 in a SERieS OF fOuR TaNKS At a TOtaL reTeNtiON TIme OF abOuT 20 MInUTes anD ThE tHuS-treaTEd ProDUCt lIquOR (coNTaininG aBouT 5.65 GpL nI, 0.8 gPl fe ANd 2.3 gpl AL), afteR sOliD-lIquId sepARaTioN, is THEN SUbJECteD to SUlFiDe preCiPitatIoN. ThE LeAcH LiQUoR is PreHeaTEd AND ThE suLfide PReciPITATioN CARrieD oUT UsING h.Sub.2 s as THE PReCiPiTaTInG REagEnT IN aN AUTocLAve at abOUt 120.dEgrEe. c. (250.DEgree. F.) AND a PResSURE OF aboUt 150 PsiG.
In the OrIGInal sCHeme For tReaTiNG tHe mixeD SULfiDeS, tHE SUlFiDe PrEcIPItaTE WaS WASHED AND THiCKENEd tO A SolidS CoNTEnT Of 65%. It was ThEN OXIdizEd in An auToClave aT AboUT 177.dEgreE. c. (350.DEGree. f.) AND a PRessurE Of aBout 700 PsiG.
the SolUTiOn ConTAinING NicKeL And cobaLT WAs thEn NEUTRalIZEd WITH aMmONiA TO A pH (5.35) SUFfiCIenT To pRecIPItaTE anY REsiduaL IrON, aLUMInUM, and ChroMIum presenT usINg air as An oXiDiZIng AGEnT.
tHE precIPiTATE WAs THereaFtER sePArAtEd fRom THE soLutioN aNd the nICKel AND cObAlt SOLuTiOn thEn AdJUsted tO A ph of aBOUt 1.5. H.sUB.2 s WaS ADDeD TO preCiPiTatE SELeCTiVElY anY cOPpEr, LEad aND zInC PrEsent. THe PReciPitatE WaS sEParaTed froM tHE SOlUtiOn BY FiLtRAtiON aNd the nicKel RecoVeRed BY vARiOUs methODs. oNE mEThod COMprised trEaTing THE nICKel-coNtainiNg sOLUTiON WitH hYDrOGEn AT ElEvATED TeMPeRatuRE and prESSURe To pRODuCE NIcKel POwdER.
the AfoREMENTiONed meTHOD, as sTatED heReinbEFOrE, hAD cERtaIN eCOnOmIc dISADvAntaGeS. ThE CONVERSiOn OF miXED NIcKel-CObAlt SulFiDE InTo SaLablE SEParatE nIckEl aNd CobaLT prodUctS wAS VErY exPensIvE aND theRe wAs NO mARKeT fOR MIxED SulFide PrecIPiTaTEs.
It IS KNoWN tO SubJECt gold-BeARIng SULfiDe ORE TO oxIDatIvE bIOlEAChING. SUCh meThOdS ARe DIsCLOsEd iN U.s. pAt. no. 4,729,788, nO. 5,127,942 And nO. 5,244,493. tHE SulFIDiC materIAL Is gRounD, PlACED iN HEapS OR PILES oR puLPeD OR sLuRriEd And bIOLeaCHEd TO OxIdIzE the SulFiDE mINEral uSIng bActeria at TeMpERatures Of aBOut 15.DEgREe. c. to aBOUT 40.DEgREE. c. tHe SULfIdE ParTicle CONTainIng gOLd occLUdeD WiTHIn iT is BIOOxidIZEd tO PhysicalLy FrEe Up tHE gOlD for RemOval By cYanIde lEaChinG oR OthER typES oF lEachINg.
aTTemPTs to uSE BiOLEACHiNG tO REcoVeR BaSE METALS, sUCh As NickEL, have nOt BEeN aTtracTive EnOuGh To WARraNT ThE BuILdiNG oF A COMMeRcIaL PLANT, ParticULarly SiNCe technoLogy Was nOT IN plACE EcONomICaLLY At the tIme for rEcoVeRiNg nickEL frOM tHE soLUtiOn WhiCH werE QuIte DIlUTE AT bEst, excepT For tHE usE OF solveNt ExtracTIoN bY MeANs oF whiCh MoRe ConceNTRAtEd sOLuTiOns cOulD bE PRodUceD for ThE SuBsequENT REcOvERy of NicKel. ThE ReCoVeRY OF nICkeL FroM Low GRADE BioLeaCH SoLUtIonS by solvEnt EXTrAcTiON haS ItS PROBleMs IN THAT (i) tHEre ArE orGaNic sOlveNts THAt PrefEReNTiALly exTracT niCKEl FRoM MiXEd fERric IRoN-niCKEl cONtAiNinG soluTioNs SUCH AS shown herEInAFteR IN ExAmPLe 2 AnD (ii) THe Micro-orgaNIsMs PREseNT iN THe biOlEAcH sOLUtIOns TEND tO ADversely AFfEcT tHe seParaTioN oF ThE orgANIC PHase FrOM tHe aqUEoUs phasE.
The prObleM wITh FERRiC IROn IS THAT eitHER THe FERRic IOn wILl PrefeRentIaLlY Load oN orgAnIC solVEnTs, sUCH AS dEpHA(Di-2-EtHyL hexyL PHOSphoRic ACId) OR It wilL OXIDiZE THe acTIVe iNGReDIent in oRgaNiC sOLVENTs sUCH As cyANeX 272; 301 AnD 302. tHEsE REAgEnts are SoLD BY tHe AMERICan cyAnAMId CoMPany With tHE FOLLOWING ActIVE InGrEDieNts: phOspHoRIC, phoSPhoNIc aNd PHOSphinIc AciDs.
"ThIrD Phase" ForMaTioN dUrInG solveNT ExtracTiOnS SOmeTiMeS limitS The ApPLicATion oF sOLVEnt EXTRaCTIoN iN leACHINg OPERaTIoNs, paRTIcUlaRlY in a BIoLeaChing CiRCUIT bECAusE BAcTErIa aNd oRGaNIC SOLvENTS arE NoT CompatIbLe. for eXAmPLe, THiobAcillUS FErrOxidans iS In eSsEncE a SulfuR-loVinG baCTERiA whiCH PreSEnTS proBLEMS in SolvenT EXtRACtiON, pARtIculArLy whEn THe OrgAnIc sOlveNT cONTaIns SUlfuR, SuCh as IN di-NONYL-NapHthyl sUlfoNIc AciD. sINCe MAnY niCKeL SulFIde ORe bOdies hAvE A MEtAL cUT-Off GradE OF AROUnd 0.2% TO 0.5% Ni, IT at oNCe bEcoMEs APPARENt ThAt a meThOd IS neEdEd to enAbLE ThE pRoDuctIon oF nIcKeL SOLutIONs OF sUfFIcIEntlY hIGH COncENTrAtioN From wHich The NIckEL cAN be ReCoVEred ecoNOmicaLLy. THus, loW grAde NiCKEL ORES, IN esSENce, CouLD then be TrEaTed THe same as A HIGH GrADe ORE witH The SAme eConOmIcaL AdVaNtAgeS.
REcEnt WoRk CoNDucTEd In THE biOLeachING oF ORes HAS indICatEd thAt lOw GRaDe orES can bE ECoNOmiCAllY lEAChed UsING BACtERIa As a means foR eFfeCTing the DISSOLuTion oF meTAl, E.g., NickeL AnD/OR coBAlT, iNto aN AqueouS ACiD sOlution.
AN ADvaNTagE oF biolEachING, whILe TiMe DepEnDeNt, iS the FaCt THAT It iS NOT ENERGY AND cOSt INTENSiVE. THE prEgnANT sOlUTIoN OBTaInEd, HOWevEr, Is QUIte dIlute.
ONE bioLEaCHing mETHOd proPosEd foR the rECovErY OF nickEl fRoM SULFIde Ores is dISclOsed IN caNAdIAN pAtENT no. 2,065,491 whiCh ISsUeD On oCt. 9, 1992.
ACCOrDIng TO tHE CAnAdIAN pATeNt, a Method DiSclOSeD CoMpRIseS CRUsHinG THE SULFIDE orE WHICh Is therEaFteR FOrMEd inTO a hEap AnD thE ORE heAP pERCOlAtEd WIth AN IROn SUlfAtE SOlUTION WHIch, OPTiONALly, caRRiES bAcTeRiA, suCH aS THIoBaciLlus fErROXIdaNS, tHIoBAcILLUs ThIOoXidans or lEPTosPiRilLuM FerrOXiDAnS. by viRTue OF The oXIDatiON Of ThE SUlFIde ORe, ThE generatIoN Of suLfURIc AciD oCCurs, ThuS foRmInG A SUlfATE SoLuTIOn.
sulfUriC acId Or aN aLKALi, sUcH As LiMe, is aDDED to ThE SoLUtIoN, IF NeCesSARY, To CONTRoL THe Ph TO a raNGE OF aBoUt 1.2 To 3, pREFeRabLY From 2.3 To 2.5.
an ANaeroBiC baCTeriUM iS aDdeD tO ThE SUlfATE soLUtion tO CauSE the PRECIPITATiON OF tHe dIssolVed meTAL AS aN INsOlUBLE sUlFIDe, tHUS UPgRading the MeTaL iNto A HIghlY CONcenTRated fORm WHicH THen MuSt Be tREAtED to rECoVeR tHE metal, e.g., nICkeL.
TO BRING about SULfIde genErATiON oF The diSSOlVEd mETaL (E.g., nIcKel), A BacTErIUm, rEferRed tO AS DeSuLfoRvIVRIO deSuLFUricAnS, mAy be aDdED tO thE sOLutioN. AFtEr ThE NiCKEl SuLFIde PRecIpItaTeS, IT is sePARAtEd FrOm THE solUTion tO ProvIDE A COnCENtrAtE high in NICkEl wHIcH Must Be FurthER Treated, such As by HIGh PressuRE lEacHIng aT aN ElEVAted TempErAtURe iN tHe pREsencE oF SUlfuRiC acID TO proDUce a nicKel sUlfatE soLUTIon frOm whIch the NIcKEl iS eXtraCtED BY kNOWn CONVENtiOnAl MeTHOdS.
in a paPER EntitLed "tHe solUbilizaTiOn Of niCKEL, COBAlt AnD IrOn frOm LATERITes BY MeaNs OF Organic ChElaTInG AgentS" (deNiS i. MCkenzie ET AL, InTErNATionAl JoURNal of MInErAL proCeSSINg' 21 (1987) P.275-292), a GRouP OF CArbOxylIc AcIDS WERe mEntIonED aS chelaTiNg AGenTs, INCluDiNG OxAlic acID, citric AcId, tARtArIC aCiD, amoNG otHeRS. The EFficAcY OF tHE ORGanIc acIDs AT nATurAL ph wERE cOmpareD to H.sUb.2 so.sUB.4 (15 mM FiNAL cOnceNTrATIon). Over a 456 hOUr PeriOd, usIng 15 mm coNCentRaTIoNs Of ACIdS with 2 GrAmS OF ORe (wEsT aUStRaLIAn oRe) IN 150 mL OF h.SuB.2 O, oXAlIC, CItric aND TartARIc aCids CoMPAReD SOMeWHAT FAvoraBLY
|
It is known to recover nickel and/or copper from sulfidic ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, subjecting thecomminuted ore tofroth flotation to upgrade the metalcontent thereof, and roasting the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the sulfur therefrom as SO.sub.2, followed by the reduction ofthe oxidized concentrate atan elevated temperaturewith a carbonaceous material to form molten nickel which is cast to provide pig nickel for use in themanufacture of stainless steel. The foregoing method has certain disadvantages particularly with respect to theformation of SO.sub.2 which is undesirable. Unless the SO.sub.2 is converted to sulfuric acid on site, the SO.sub.2 effluent released into the atmosphere presents environmental problems. Nickel-containingsulfidicminerals andlaterites are the two major raw material sources for nickel.The laterites are abundantly distributed throughout theworld. However, laterites unlike nickel sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by froth flotation or magnetically. Compared to other ores, thenickelcontent is low, for example, may rangefrom 0.5 to 1.5% nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits in New Caledonia and Indonesiainwhich theamount ofnickel is of the order of up to about 3% by weight which is quite high. Ithas been predicted that bythe end of this century, laterites will become the major source for the production of nickel. The conventional process for recoveringnickel from lateritic ores is somewhatenergy intensive in that the nickel is extracted from the ore by high pressure leachingat elevated temperature in anautoclave. For example, one process for recovering nickel and cobaltfrom lateritic oresis the well known MoaBay process involving acid leaching at elevated temperatures and pressuresat which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfateare substantially insoluble. In theMoa Bay process, lateritic ore at minus 20 mesh (95% passing 325 mesh U.S. Standard) is pulped to approximately45% solids and thenickeland cobalt selectively leached with sufficient sulfuric acid at elevated temperature and pressure (e.g. 230.degree. C.to 250.degree. C. and 405 to 580 psia)to solubilize about 95% eachof nickel and cobaltin about60 to 90 minutes. After pressure letdown, the leached pulp is washed bycountercurrent decantation with the washed pulpgoing totailings. The leach solution pH, which is quite low (e.g.,between 0 and 0.5), is then neutralizedwith coral mudtoa pH of about 2.4 in a series of four tanksat atotal retention time of about 20 minutes and the thus-treated productliquor (containing about 5.65gpl Ni, 0.8 gpl Fe and2.3 gpl Al), after solid-liquid separation, is then subjected to sulfide precipitation. The leach liquor ispreheated and the sulfide precipitation carried out using H.sub.2 S as the precipitating reagent in an autoclaveat about 120.degree. C. (250.degree. F.)and a pressure of about 150 psig. In the original scheme for treating the mixed sulfides, the sulfideprecipitatewas washed and thickened to a solidscontent of 65%. It was then oxidized in an autoclave at about 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.) and a pressureof about 700 psig. The solutioncontaining nickeland cobalt was then neutralized with ammonia to a pH(5.35) sufficient to precipitate any residual iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air as an oxidizing agent. Theprecipitate was thereafter separatedfromthe solution and the nickel andcobalt solutionthen adjusted to a pH ofabout 1.5. H.sub.2S was added to precipitate selectively anycopper,lead and zincpresent. The precipitate wasseparatedfrom the solutionby filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. One method comprised treating the nickel-containingsolution with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure to produce nickel powder. The aforementioned method, as stated hereinbefore, had certain economic disadvantages. The conversion of mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide into salable separatenickel and cobalt products was very expensiveand therewasno market for mixedsulfideprecipitates. It is known to subjectgold-bearing sulfideore to oxidative bioleaching. Such methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,729,788, No. 5,127,942 and No. 5,244,493.The sulfidic material is ground, placedin heaps or piles or pulped or slurried and bioleached to oxidize the sulfide mineralusingbacteria at temperatures ofabout 15.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. The sulfide particle containing gold occluded within it is biooxidized to physically free up the gold forremoval by cyanide leachingor other typesofleaching. Attempts to use bioleaching to recover base metals, such asnickel, have not been attractive enoughto warrant the building of a commercialplant, particularly since technologywas not in place economically at the time forrecovering nickel from the solution which were quite dilute atbest, except for the use of solvent extractionby means of which moreconcentrated solutions could be produced forthesubsequent recovery of nickel. Therecovery of nickelfrom low grade bioleach solutions by solvent extractionhas its problems inthat (i) there are organic solvents that preferentially extract nickel from mixedferric iron-nickelcontaining solutions such as shown hereinafter in Example 2 and (ii) the micro-organisms present in the bioleach solutions tend toadversely affectthe separation of the organic phase from the aqueous phase. The problem with ferric iron isthateither the ferric ion will preferentiallyload on organic solvents, such asDEPHA(di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid)or it will oxidize the activeingredient in organic solventssuch as Cyanex 272; 301 and 302. These reagents are sold by the American Cyanamid Company with the following active ingredients:phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids. "Third phase" formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the applicationof solvent extractionin leaching operations,particularly in abioleaching circuit because bacteria and organic solvents arenot compatible. For example, Thiobacillus ferroxidans is in essence a sulfur-loving bacteriawhich presents problems insolventextraction, particularly when the organic solvent contains sulfur, such asin di-nonyl-naphthyl sulfonic acid. Since many nickel sulfide ore bodieshave a metal cut-off grade ofaround 0.2% to 0.5% Ni, it at oncebecomes apparent that a methodis needed toenable the production of nickel solutions of sufficiently high concentration from which the nickel can be recovered economically. Thus,low grade nickelores, in essence, couldthen betreated the same as a high grade orewith the same economical advantages. Recent workconducted in the bioleaching of ores has indicated that low grade ores can be economically leached using bacteria as a means for effecting the dissolution of metal, e.g., nickel and/or cobalt, intoan aqueous acid solution. An advantage of bioleaching, while time dependent, isthe fact that it is not energy and cost intensive.The pregnant solution obtained, however,is quite dilute. One bioleaching method proposed fortherecovery of nickel from sulfide ores is disclosed in Canadian PatentNo. 2,065,491 whichissued on Oct. 9, 1992. According to the Canadian patent,a method disclosed comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is thereafter formed into a heap and the ore heap percolated with an iron sulfate solution which, optionally, carriesbacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferroxidans. By virtue of the oxidation of the sulfide ore, the generation of sulfuric acidoccurs, thus forming a sulfate solution.Sulfuric acid or an alkali, such as lime, is added to the solution, if necessary, to control the pHto a range of about 1.2 to3, preferably from 2.3 to2.5. An anaerobic bacterium is added to the sulfate solutionto cause the precipitation of thedissolved metal asan insoluble sulfide, thus upgrading the metal intoa highly concentrated form which then must be treated torecover themetal, e.g., nickel. To bring aboutsulfide generation of the dissolved metal(e.g., nickel), a bacterium, referred toasDesulforvivrio Desulfuricans,may be added tothe solution. Afterthe nickel sulfide precipitates,itis separated from the solution to provide aconcentrate high in nickel which must be further treated,such as by high pressure leachingat an elevated temperatureinthepresence of sulfuric acid to produce a nickel sulfate solution from which the nickel is extractedby known conventional methods. In a paper entitled"The Solubilization ofNickel, Cobalt and Iron From Lateritesby Means of Organic Chelating agents" (Denis I. McKenzie et al, International Journal of Mineral Processing' 21(1987) P.275-292), a group ofcarboxylic acidswerementionedas chelating agents, including Oxalic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, among others. The efficacy of theorganic acids at natural pH were compared to H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 (15 mM final concentration). Over a 456 hour period,using 15 mM concentrations of acids with 2 grams of ore (WestAustralian ore) in 150ml of H.sub.2 O, Oxalic, Citric and Tartaric acids compared somewhat favorably
|
It is known to recover _nickel_ _and/or_ copper from _sulfidic_ ores by comminuting the ore to a finely divided state, _subjecting_ the _comminuted_ ore to froth _flotation_ to upgrade the metal content _thereof,_ and roasting the concentrate in an oxidizing atmosphere to remove the sulfur therefrom as SO.sub.2, followed by the _reduction_ _of_ the oxidized concentrate at an elevated _temperature_ with a carbonaceous _material_ to _form_ molten _nickel_ _which_ is cast to provide pig nickel _for_ use in _the_ manufacture of stainless steel. The foregoing _method_ has certain _disadvantages_ particularly with respect to the formation of _SO.sub.2_ which _is_ undesirable. Unless the SO.sub.2 is converted to sulfuric acid on _site,_ the _SO.sub.2_ effluent released into the atmosphere presents _environmental_ problems. Nickel-containing sulfidic minerals and laterites are the two _major_ raw material sources for nickel. The laterites are abundantly distributed throughout the world. However, laterites unlike _nickel_ sulfide ores, cannot be concentrated by froth flotation or magnetically. Compared to other ores, the nickel content is low, _for_ example, may range from _0.5_ to 1.5% nickel by weight, with the exception of deposits _in_ New Caledonia _and_ Indonesia _in_ which the amount of nickel is of the order of up to about 3% by weight _which_ is _quite_ high. It _has_ been _predicted_ that by _the_ end of this century, laterites will become the major source for _the_ production of nickel. The _conventional_ process _for_ recovering _nickel_ from lateritic ores is somewhat energy intensive in that the nickel is extracted from the ore by high pressure leaching at elevated _temperature_ _in_ an autoclave. For example, one process for recovering nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores is the well known Moa Bay _process_ _involving_ _acid_ leaching at elevated _temperatures_ and pressures at which iron oxide and aluminum oxysulfate are substantially insoluble. _In_ the Moa Bay process, lateritic ore at minus 20 mesh (95% passing 325 mesh U.S. Standard) is pulped to _approximately_ 45% solids and the nickel and cobalt selectively leached with sufficient sulfuric _acid_ at elevated temperature and pressure (e.g. 230.degree. C. _to_ _250.degree._ C. and _405_ to 580 psia) to solubilize about 95% each of nickel and cobalt in _about_ 60 to 90 minutes. After pressure _let_ _down,_ _the_ _leached_ pulp is washed by countercurrent decantation with the washed _pulp_ going to _tailings._ The leach solution pH, which _is_ _quite_ low (e.g., between _0_ and 0.5), is then _neutralized_ with coral _mud_ to a _pH_ _of_ about 2.4 in a series of four tanks at a _total_ retention _time_ of about 20 minutes _and_ _the_ thus-treated product liquor (containing about 5.65 gpl _Ni,_ 0.8 gpl Fe and 2.3 gpl Al), _after_ solid-liquid separation, _is_ _then_ subjected _to_ sulfide precipitation. The _leach_ liquor is preheated and the sulfide precipitation carried _out_ using H.sub.2 S _as_ the precipitating reagent in an autoclave at about 120.degree. C. (250.degree. F.) and a pressure of about 150 psig. In the original scheme for _treating_ the _mixed_ sulfides, _the_ sulfide precipitate was washed and thickened to _a_ solids content of 65%. It _was_ then oxidized in an autoclave at _about_ 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.) and _a_ pressure of about 700 psig. The solution containing nickel _and_ cobalt was then neutralized with _ammonia_ _to_ a pH (5.35) sufficient to precipitate any _residual_ iron, aluminum, and chromium present using air _as_ an oxidizing _agent._ The precipitate was thereafter _separated_ from the solution and _the_ nickel and cobalt solution _then_ adjusted to a _pH_ of _about_ _1.5._ H.sub.2 S was added to _precipitate_ selectively any copper, lead and zinc present. The precipitate _was_ _separated_ from the solution _by_ filtration and the nickel recovered by various methods. One _method_ _comprised_ treating the nickel-containing solution with hydrogen at _elevated_ temperature _and_ pressure to produce nickel powder. The aforementioned _method,_ as stated hereinbefore, had certain _economic_ _disadvantages._ The _conversion_ of mixed _nickel-cobalt_ sulfide into salable _separate_ _nickel_ and _cobalt_ products was very _expensive_ and there was no market for _mixed_ sulfide precipitates. It is known to subject gold-bearing sulfide ore to oxidative bioleaching. Such methods are disclosed _in_ _U.S._ Pat. No. 4,729,788, No. 5,127,942 and No. 5,244,493. The sulfidic material is _ground,_ placed in heaps _or_ piles _or_ pulped or _slurried_ and bioleached _to_ oxidize the sulfide mineral using bacteria at temperatures of about 15.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. The sulfide particle containing _gold_ occluded within _it_ is biooxidized to physically free up the gold for _removal_ _by_ cyanide leaching or other _types_ of leaching. _Attempts_ _to_ use bioleaching to recover _base_ metals, such as _nickel,_ _have_ _not_ _been_ attractive _enough_ to warrant the building _of_ a commercial _plant,_ particularly since technology was not in place _economically_ _at_ the _time_ for recovering nickel _from_ the solution which were quite dilute _at_ best, except for the use of solvent extraction by means of _which_ more concentrated solutions could be _produced_ _for_ the subsequent recovery _of_ _nickel._ The recovery of _nickel_ from low grade bioleach solutions by solvent _extraction_ has _its_ problems in that (i) there are organic solvents that _preferentially_ extract nickel from mixed _ferric_ iron-nickel containing solutions such as shown hereinafter in Example 2 and (ii) _the_ micro-organisms present in the _bioleach_ solutions tend to adversely affect the _separation_ of the organic phase from the aqueous phase. The problem _with_ ferric iron is that either _the_ ferric ion will _preferentially_ load _on_ _organic_ solvents, such as DEPHA(di-2-ethyl _hexyl_ phosphoric acid) or it will oxidize the active ingredient _in_ _organic_ solvents such as Cyanex 272; 301 _and_ 302. These reagents _are_ sold by the American Cyanamid Company with the following active ingredients: phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acids. "Third phase" formation during solvent extractions sometimes limits the _application_ _of_ solvent extraction in leaching _operations,_ particularly in a bioleaching circuit because bacteria and organic solvents are not _compatible._ For example, Thiobacillus ferroxidans _is_ in essence a sulfur-loving bacteria which presents problems in solvent _extraction,_ particularly when the organic solvent contains sulfur, such as _in_ di-nonyl-naphthyl _sulfonic_ acid. Since many nickel _sulfide_ ore bodies have a metal cut-off grade of around _0.2%_ to 0.5% Ni, it at once becomes apparent _that_ a method is needed to enable the production of _nickel_ _solutions_ of sufficiently _high_ concentration _from_ _which_ the nickel can be recovered economically. Thus, low _grade_ nickel ores, in essence, could then be treated the same _as_ a _high_ grade _ore_ with the same economical _advantages._ _Recent_ work conducted in the bioleaching of ores _has_ indicated that _low_ _grade_ _ores_ _can_ be economically _leached_ using bacteria as a _means_ _for_ effecting _the_ dissolution of metal, _e.g.,_ nickel _and/or_ cobalt, _into_ an aqueous acid solution. _An_ advantage of bioleaching, _while_ time dependent, is the fact that it is not energy and cost _intensive._ The pregnant solution obtained, however, is quite dilute. _One_ bioleaching method proposed _for_ _the_ _recovery_ of nickel from sulfide _ores_ is _disclosed_ in Canadian Patent _No._ 2,065,491 which issued on _Oct._ 9, 1992. According _to_ the Canadian patent, _a_ method _disclosed_ comprises crushing the sulfide ore which is _thereafter_ formed into a heap and _the_ ore _heap_ percolated with an iron sulfate _solution_ which, optionally, carries bacteria, such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans or Leptospirillum ferroxidans. By virtue of _the_ oxidation of the sulfide ore, the _generation_ of _sulfuric_ acid occurs, thus forming _a_ _sulfate_ solution. Sulfuric acid or an _alkali,_ such as lime, is added _to_ _the_ solution, if necessary, to control the _pH_ _to_ a range of _about_ 1.2 to 3, preferably from _2.3_ _to_ 2.5. An anaerobic bacterium is _added_ _to_ the sulfate solution to cause the precipitation of the dissolved metal as _an_ insoluble _sulfide,_ thus _upgrading_ the metal into a _highly_ _concentrated_ form which then _must_ be _treated_ to recover the metal, e.g., nickel. To bring about sulfide generation _of_ the dissolved metal (e.g., nickel), a _bacterium,_ referred _to_ as _Desulforvivrio_ Desulfuricans, may be added to the _solution._ _After_ the nickel sulfide precipitates, it is separated from _the_ _solution_ to provide a concentrate high in nickel which must be further treated, such as by high pressure leaching at _an_ _elevated_ temperature in _the_ _presence_ of sulfuric acid to produce _a_ _nickel_ sulfate solution from which the nickel is extracted by known conventional methods. In _a_ paper entitled "The _Solubilization_ _of_ Nickel, Cobalt _and_ Iron From Laterites _by_ Means of Organic Chelating agents" (Denis _I._ McKenzie et al, International Journal _of_ Mineral Processing' 21 (1987) P.275-292), _a_ group of carboxylic acids were mentioned as chelating _agents,_ including Oxalic Acid, _Citric_ Acid, Tartaric Acid, among others. The _efficacy_ _of_ the _organic_ acids _at_ _natural_ pH were compared to H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 (15 _mM_ final concentration). Over a 456 _hour_ period, using 15 mM _concentrations_ _of_ acids with 2 grams of _ore_ (West Australian ore) in 150 ml of H.sub.2 O, Oxalic, Citric and Tartaric acids compared somewhat favorably
|
1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to a fieldbus gateway and the data transmission method thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a fieldbus gateway using a virtual serial fieldbus port and the data transmission method thereof.
2. Related Art
During the development of fieldbus, the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols, such as ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet/IP, are later than the serial-based fieldbus protocols, such as Profibus and Modbus RTU/ASCII. Moreover, the architecture of the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols is more complicated. Therefore, most of current supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems or human machine interfaces (HMI) only support serial-based fieldbus instead of Ethernet-based fieldbus. Or one has to pay extra fees in order to obtain the Ethernet-based fieldbus support. Users of the SCADA system and HMI can only use the serial fieldbus port to communicate with the controlled device. However, since most of current factory automation requires that the remote control center and factory operators could control the controlled device at the same time, the controlled device should be able to receive the controls of a remote SCADA system and a local HMI concurrently. However, the system only uses serial fieldbus communication is difficult to provide this function. Due to its physical properties, the serial fieldbus cannot transmit data over a long distance directly. Repeaters are always required for extending the transmission distance, but they also increase the cost of wiring.
To avoid the cost increasing on wiring, some factories use a fieldbus gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. The two fieldbus gateways communicate via an Ethernet. Although this reduces the cost on long-distance wiring, at least two fieldbus gateways are needed. To reduce the number of required gateways, some factories use a device server for the system only requires RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 based serial fieldbus communication. The COM port redirection technique used on a device server provides a low cost long distance transmission. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote SCADA system 101a uses the COM port redirection driver to generate a mapped virtual COM port, the COM port is mapped to a physical serial port on the local device server 700. That is, all operations on the mapped virtual COM port on the SCADA system would be transmitted via the network to the device server 700. Then the device server 700 does the same operations on the physical serial port. This makes the mapped virtual COM port works as a mapped interface of the physical serial port on the device server 700. For example, as the SCADA server 101a sets the RTS pin of the mapped COM port to output active signals, the RTS pin on the physical serial port of the device server 700 would output active signals. Then the CTS pin of the physical serial port of a programmable logic controller 301a (controlled device) connected with the physical serial port of the device server 700 receives the active signals. On the other hand, if the programmable logic controller 301a transmits data via its serial port to the physical serial port of the device server 700, then the device server 700 would forward the received data to the mapped COM port of the SCADA system 101a via the network. So the SCADA system 101a can concurrently receive the data from the programmable logic controller 301a (controlled device). Through this serial tunnel technology, the physical serial port of the local device server 700 is just like the real COM port of the remote SCADA system 101a, thereby connecting with the programmable logic controller 301a.
Although the COM port redirection technique only needs one additional device server to extend the serial communication distance, the COM port redirection establish a dedicated tunnel between the physical serial port of the device server 700 and the mapped virtual COM port (interface) of the SCADA system 101a. Therefore, when using the COM port redirection technique, the physical serial port of the device server 700 could only be occupied by the established tunnel. The physical serial port of the device server only allows one SCADA system 101a (mapped virtual COM port) to communicate with and/or control over a programmable logic controller at a time. It can't work on the system requires the programmable logic controller 301a to be controlled by multiple remote/local control ends concurrently.
In summary, the prior art always has the problem that it is impossible for more than two remote devices to control the same controlled device via serial fieldbus at the same time. It is therefore imperative to provide a solution.
|
1. field of invention the invention relates to a fieldbus gateway and the data transmission method thereof. in particular, the invention relates to a fieldbus gateway using a virtual serial fieldbus port and the data transfer method thereof. 2. related art during the development of fieldbus, the industrial ethernet - based fieldbus protocols, such as profinet, modbus tcp, and ethernet / ip, are later than previous serial - based fieldbus protocols, such as profibus and modbus rtu / ascii. moreover, the architecture of the industrial ethernet - based fieldbus protocols is more complicated. therefore, most of current supervisory electronics and data acquisition ( scada ) systems or human machine interfaces ( hmi ) only support serial - managed fieldbus instead of ethernet - based fieldbus. or one has to pay extra fees in order to obtain the ethernet - based fieldbus support. users with the scada system and hmi can only use the serial fieldbus port to communicate with remotely controlled device. however, since most of current factory automation requires that the remote control center and factory operators could control the controlled device at the same time, the controlled device should be able to receive the controls of a remote scada system and a local hmi concurrently. however, the system only uses serial fieldbus communication is difficult to provide this function. due to its physical properties, the serial fieldbus cannot transmit data over a long distance directly. repeaters are always required for extending the transmission distance, but they also increase the cost of wiring. to avoid the cost increasing on wiring, some factories use a fieldbus gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. the two fieldbus gateways communicate via an ethernet. although this saves the cost on long - distance wiring, at least two fieldbus gateways are needed. to reduce the number of required gateways, some factories use a device server for the system only requires rs - 232 / rs - 422 / ip - 485 based serial fieldbus communication. the com port redirection technique used on a device server provides a low cost long distance transmission. as shown in fig. 1, the remote scada system 101a uses its com port redirection driver to generate a mapped virtual com port, the com port is mapped to a physical serial port on the local device server 700. that is, all operations on the mapped virtual com port on the scada system would be communicating via the network to the device server 700. then the device server 700 does the same operations on the physical serial port. this makes the mapped virtual com port works as a mapped interface of the physical serial port on the device server 700. for example, as the scada server 101a sets the rts pin of the mapped com port to output active signals, the rts pin on the physical serial port of the device server 700 would output active signals. then the cts pin of the physical serial port of a programmable logic controller 301a ( controlled device ) connected with the physical serial port of the device server 700 receives the active signals. on the other hand, if the programmable logic controller 301a transmits data via its serial port to the physical serial port of the device server 700, then the device server 700 would forward the received data to the mapped com port of the scada system 101a via the network. so the scada system 101a can concurrently receive the data from the programmable logic controller 301a ( controlled device ). through this serial tunnel technology, the physical serial port of the local device server 700 is just like the real com port of the remote scada system 101a, thereby connecting with the programmable logic controller 301a. although the com port redirection technique only needs one additional device server to extend the serial communication distance, the com port redirection establish a dedicated tunnel between the physical serial port of the device server 700 and the mapped virtual com port ( interface ) of the scada system 101a. therefore, when using the com port redirection technique, the physical serial port of the device server 700 could only be occupied by the established tunnel. the physical serial port of the device server only allows one scada system 101a ( mapped virtual com port ) to communicate with and / or control over a programmable logic controller at a time. it can ' t work on the system requires the programmable logic controller 301a to be controlled by multiple remote / local control ends concurrently. in summary, the prior art always has the problem that it is impossible for more than two remote devices to control the same controlled device via serial fieldbus at the same time. it is therefore imperative to provide a solution.
|
1. Field of Invention The invention relates to a fieldbus gateway and the VatQ transmission method thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a fieldbus gateway using a virtual serial fieldbus port and the data transmission method thereof. 2. Related Art During the development of fieldbus, the industrial Ethernet - based fieldbus protocols, such as ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet / IP, are later than the serial - based fieldbus protocols, such as Profibus and Modbus RTU / ASCII. Moreover, the architecture of the industrial Ethernet - based fieldbus protocols is more complicated. Therefore, most of current supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems or human machine interfaces (HMI) only support serial - based fieldbus instead of Ethernet - based fieldbus. Or one has to pay extra fees in order to obtain the Ethernet - based fieldbus support. Users of the SCADA system and HMI can only use the serial fieldbus port to communicate with the controlled device. However, since most of current factory automation requires that the remote control center and factory operators could control the controlled device at the same time, the controlled device should be able to receive the controls of a remote SCADA system and a local HMI concurrently. However, the system only uses serial fieldbus sImmunication is difficult to provide this function. Due to its physical properties, the serial fieldbus cannot transmit data over a long distance directly. Repeaters are always required for extending the transmission distance, but they also increase the cost of wiring. To av0&d the cost increasing on wiring, some factories use a fieldbus gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. The two fieldbus gateways communicate via an Ethernet. Although this reduces the cost on long - distance wiring, at least two fieldbus gateways are needed. To reduce the number of required gateways, some factories use a device server for the system only requires RS - 232 / RS - 422 / RS - 485 based serial fieldbus communication. The COM port redirection technique used on a device server provides a low cost long distance transmission. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote SCADA system 101a uses the COM port redirection driver to generate a mapped virtual COM port, the COM port is mapped to a physical serial port on the local device server 700. That is, all operations on the mapped virtual COM port on the SCADA system would be transmitted via the network to the device server 700. Then the device server 700 does the same operations on the physical se$iwl port. This makes the mapped virtual COM port works as a mapped interface of the physical serial )oEt on the device server 700. For example, as the SCADA server 101a sets the RTS pin of the mapped COM port to output active signals, the RTS pin on the physical serial port of the device server 700 would output active signals. Then the CTS pin of the physical serial port of a programmable logic controller 301a (controlled device) connected with the physical serial port of the device server 700 receives the active signals. On the other hand, if the programmable logic controller 301a transmits data via its serial port to the physical serial port of the device server 700, then the device server 700 would forward the received data to the mapped COM port of the SCADA system 101a via the network. So the SCADA system 101a can concurrently receive the data from the programmable logic controller 301a (controlled device ). Through this serial tunnel technology, the physical serial port of the local device server 700 is just like the real COM port of the remote SCADA system 101a, thereby connecting with the programmable logic controller 301a. Although the COM )0rt redirection technique only needs one additional device server to extend the serial communication distance, the COM port redirection establish a dedicated tunnel between the physical serial port of the device server 700 and the mapped virtual COM port (interface) of the SCADA system 101a. Therefore, when using the COM port redirection technique, the physical serial port of the device server 700 could only be occupied by the estab/8shed tunnel. The physical serial port of the device server only allows one SCADA system 101a (mapped virtual COM port) to communicate with and / or control over a programmable logic controller at a time. It can ' t work on the system requires the progFanmable logic controller 301a to be controlled by multiple remote / local control ends concurrently. In summary, the prior art always has the problem that it is impossible for more than two remote devices to control the same controlled deBive via serial fieldbus at the same time. It is therefore imperatiB$ to provide a solution.
|
1. Field of The invention relates to a gateway and the data transmission method thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a fieldbus gateway using a serial fieldbus port and the transmission method thereof. 2. Related Art During the development of fieldbus, the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols, such as ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet/IP, are later the serial-based fieldbus protocols, such as Profibus and Modbus RTU/ASCII. Moreover, the architecture the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols is more complicated. most of control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems human interfaces (HMI) only support fieldbus of fieldbus. Or has to pay extra fees in order to obtain the Ethernet-based fieldbus Users of SCADA system and can only use the serial fieldbus port communicate with the device. However, since most of current factory automation that the remote control center and operators could control the controlled device at the same time, the controlled device should be to receive the controls of a remote SCADA system and a local concurrently. However, the system only uses serial fieldbus communication is difficult to provide this function. Due to its physical properties, the serial fieldbus cannot transmit data over a distance directly. Repeaters are required for extending the transmission distance, but they also increase the of wiring. To avoid the cost increasing on wiring, some factories use a fieldbus gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. The two fieldbus gateways communicate an Ethernet. Although this reduces the cost on long-distance wiring, at least two fieldbus gateways are needed. To reduce the required gateways, some factories use a device server for the only requires RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 based serial communication. The COM port redirection technique used on a device server provides a low cost long distance transmission. As shown FIG. 1, the remote SCADA system 101a uses the COM port redirection driver to generate a mapped virtual COM port, the COM is mapped to a physical serial the local device server 700. That is, all operations on the virtual COM port on the SCADA system would transmitted via the network to the device server 700. Then the server 700 does the operations the physical serial port. This makes the virtual COM port works as a interface of the serial port on the device server 700. For example, as the SCADA server sets the pin of mapped COM port to output active signals, the RTS pin on the serial port the device server 700 would active signals. Then the CTS pin of the physical serial port of a programmable logic 301a (controlled device) connected with the physical serial the device server 700 receives the active signals. On the other hand, if the programmable logic controller 301a data via its serial port the serial port of device server then the device server would forward the received data to the mapped port of the system 101a via the network. So the SCADA system 101a can concurrently receive the data from the logic controller 301a (controlled device). Through this serial tunnel technology, the physical serial port of the local device server 700 is just like the real COM port of the remote SCADA system 101a, thereby connecting with the programmable controller 301a. Although the COM port technique only needs one additional device server to extend the serial communication distance, the port redirection establish dedicated tunnel between the physical port of the device server 700 and mapped virtual COM port (interface) of the SCADA system 101a. Therefore, when using the COM port redirection technique, the physical serial port of device server 700 could only be occupied by the established tunnel. The physical serial port of the device server only allows one SCADA system 101a (mapped virtual COM port) to communicate with and/or control over a programmable logic controller at a time. It can't work on the system requires the programmable controller 301a to be controlled by multiple remote/local control ends concurrently. In the prior art always has the problem it is impossible for more than two remote devices control the same controlled device via serial fieldbus the same time. It is therefore imperative to a solution.
|
1. fIelD OF InvENTIoN
The invENtiOn reLAtEs to a FIeldBUS gATeWaY aND tHE dATA TrAnsmISSiON mETHod thereOf. IN PaRtIcUlAr, tHe INveNtion ReLaTES To a fielDBUS gatEwAY USING a vIrtUAl SErIal fielDbUS pORT anD ThE datA TrANsmISsIOn meThOD theREof.
2. relAted art
DUrinG THe dEVEloPmeNt of FIeLdBUS, tHE iNDUsTRiAL ETHernet-BasED FieldbUS ProtocOlS, such AS pRofInEt, MoDBUs tcP, AnD EtHErNET/Ip, arE LATeR thAn THe sERiaL-BaSEd FiELDbUs ProTocolS, SUCH AS profibUs AND mOdBUs Rtu/ASCIi. mOrEover, The ArcHItecTURe Of ThE InDUSTrIaL EtHERNET-BASEd fIELdBUS pRoTOCOls IS MOrE CompLicaTED. theReFOrE, MosT Of cURRENt suPerVISORY coNtrOL anD daTA ACquisiTIon (ScAda) SYstEMS Or hUMAN mACHINe INTeRfaCES (HMI) OnLy SuPPoRT sERiAL-BaSed fIElDbUS INsTead Of ethERneT-BaseD fIeldbUs. or one hAS to pAY EXtra FEES In OrdeR to obtaIN THE EthErnEt-bAsed fieldBUS SUppOrT. USErs OF tHE SCadA SySTEm AND Hmi CAN ONLY use thE seRiAL fieldbUS PorT tO ComMUNICAte WItH tHE cONTROlleD DeviCE. HowEvEr, sInCE MOSt of cUrreNt faCTORy AutOmatiON reqUIREs tHaT The REMOtE CONTROl cEntER ANd fActorY OPERaToRs cOulD CoNTROL The coNtrOLled dEvIce At tHe Same tImE, tHE ConTRoLLed DeviCE sHOULd bE able tO reCeiVE thE coNTrOls Of A RemOTE ScAda SYSteM and A LOCal Hmi coNcUrREnTLY. HoWeveR, thE sYstEm oNlY uSEs SErIAL FieLdBUs CoMmUniCAtioN iS difFIcUlt to proVIDE this FuNctIOn. due tO Its phYSicAl prOperTiES, ThE sERIAL FielDbus cAnnOt tRANsmIT DAta oveR a long DistANce DireCtLy. REPEatERs ARe aLways ReQUIREd FOR EXTenDInG The tRansmISSiON DISTAnce, But thEy ALsO inCREaSE thE cOST OF WiRInG.
TO aVOId ThE COsT INcReaSinG oN WirIng, sOme FAcTORIES USe A fIEldBUs gATEWAY At BOTh thE ReMOTE aND LoCal EnDs, ReSPEctiVEly. THe TWO fieLDbUS gAtewAys ComMuNIcate viA aN EtHerNet. aLThouGH ThiS rEduces tHe cost oN lONG-disTAnCe wIRiNG, At lEASt tWO FIELdBuS gatewaYS ARE NeedeD. to rEDuCe THe nUMber OF rEQUIrED GATeWAys, somE fAcToRiES UsE a DEVIce SeRVer For THe SySTEM OnlY rEQuIres rS-232/Rs-422/RS-485 baseD SeRIAl fielDBus commUnICATIOn. THE cOm port rediRECtion TECHNiqUE usED On A deVIcE SERVEr prOVIDes A lOw COST LONg diStAnce transMiSSioN. AS shOWN In Fig. 1, thE REmOte sCada System 101a uses The CoM pORT REDIReCtioN dRIVEr To geNeRaTE A MApPED virtuaL cOm PORt, THe COM porT iS maPPeD TO a PHysical serIAl PorT On thE local dEvicE seRVeR 700. That iS, All OperATioNs On the MaPpEd ViRtuaL COm PorT oN ThE scaDa SySTeM wOuld bE TrAnsmiTtED vIA THE nEtWoRK to THE DEVice SerVeR 700. then the dEvIce SERVeR 700 DOEs thE SaMe OpeRaTiONs ON THe PHYSicAL seriaL PORt. tHiS MaKeS the maPPEd vIRtuAl COM PORt WoRKS as A MaPpED inTErfACe OF THE physiCal seRIAl PoRt oN THe dEVICE sERVeR 700. fOR eXaMPLe, AS the ScAdA SerVER 101a SetS THE rTS pIN oF ThE maPPEd COM PORt tO oUTpuT aCtIVe sIgNALs, THE RTs PIn on The phYsICaL serIAL port Of ThE deviCe sERveR 700 WOUlD OutPuT AcTIVe SiGnAls. ThEN THE CTs pIN Of tHe phySICAL sEriAL pOrT OF A prOGraMmaBLe loGiC CONTrOllEr 301A (conTROlleD DeVICe) conNECTEd WItH tHE pHysIcal SERiaL PoRT Of tHe deVIcE SERveR 700 ReceIVEs ThE aCtIVe siGNAls. on tHe other hAnD, If The PRoGRAmMAble lOGIc CONTROLLeR 301A TranSmiTS daTa ViA iTs SErIAl porT TO thE PhySICAl SerIAL PorT oF thE DevIce server 700, THEN THe dEviCE seRvEr 700 woulD FoRwaRd THe rEcEiVEd datA To THE MappeD COm PORT OF THe SCadA SysTEM 101a vIA tHe nETWORk. so THe sCaDa sySTeM 101a caN cONcuRrENtLy receivE ThE DaTa FROM tHE PrOgrAMmaBle Logic coNTrOlleR 301A (CoNTrOllED dEvicE). ThroUgH this SerIal TUnNEL TECHNolOgy, ThE PHysiCal SeRIal poRt OF The LoCAL DeVICE SeRVEr 700 Is jUsT LIkE THe ReaL Com PORT oF the ReMoTe scadA SysTeM 101a, tHeReby coNnEctING WItH thE pRoGRAmMABLe lOgiC CONtroLleR 301a.
AltHOuGh the coM pORt ReDirECTion TEchnique oNLy NeeDs OnE ADDiTioNal DeVICe ServeR tO extenD the serIAl CommuNicaTiOn DIStanCe, thE COm PorT REdIrECTIon eSTaBLIsH A dEDIcATed tunnEL beTWeEn the PHYsIcaL SerIAL porT oF ThE Device ServER 700 aND the MappeD ViRTUAl COm Port (InTErFACe) Of THE ScadA SySTem 101A. theRefore, wHeN Using tHe COM pOrt REDIREcTIoN teChNIquE, THe PhySiCal SeriAL port OF the DEvice SErveR 700 cOuLd oNLY be OCcUPIeD By The esTAbliSHed TunNEl. the phYSIcal SeRIaL pOrt OF tHe dEvicE serVER Only AllOws oNE sCADa SYsTem 101A (mAPpED vIRTual coM pORt) to CommUNICATe With anD/oR CONtrOL OVEr a ProgrAMmaBLe LogiC coNTrOLLER at a tiMe. It CAN't Work On tHe SysTEm ReQUIreS The pRoGRAmmaBLe logIc COnTRolLER 301A tO bE COntrOLled By muLTIpLe ReMOTE/LoCaL Control ENDs cONCUrRENTly.
IN suMmARY, thE prIOr ARt aLwayS has tHe ProbLEM ThAt It iS IMPoSSible fOR MoRe THaN twO REMOtE dEvICES tO cONtRol ThE SAMe cONtRolled dEVIcE viA sErIal FiEldbuS AT THE SaME Time. IT iS ThErEFORe IMpEratIVe To pROvIdE a SOLUTiOn.
|
1. Field of Invention Theinvention relates to a fieldbus gateway andthe data transmissionmethod thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a fieldbus gatewayusinga virtual serial fieldbus port and thedata transmissionmethodthereof. 2. Related Art During the development of fieldbus, the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols, such as ProfiNet,Modbus TCP, and Ethernet/IP, are later than the serial-based fieldbus protocols,suchas Profibus and Modbus RTU/ASCII. Moreover, the architecture of theindustrialEthernet-based fieldbus protocols ismore complicated. Therefore, most of current supervisory control anddata acquisition (SCADA) systemsorhuman machineinterfaces (HMI) only support serial-based fieldbus instead of Ethernet-based fieldbus. Or one has to payextra fees in order to obtain the Ethernet-based fieldbus support. Users of the SCADA system and HMI can only use the serial fieldbus port to communicate with the controlled device. However, since most ofcurrent factory automationrequires that the remote control center and factory operatorscould control the controlled device at the same time, thecontrolled device should be able to receive thecontrols of a remote SCADA system and a local HMI concurrently. However, the system only uses serialfieldbus communicationis difficult to provide this function. Due to its physical properties, the serial fieldbus cannot transmit dataover a long distancedirectly. Repeaters are always required for extending the transmission distance, but they also increase thecost ofwiring. To avoidthe cost increasingon wiring, some factories use a fieldbus gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. The two fieldbus gateways communicate via an Ethernet. Although thisreduces the cost on long-distance wiring, at least two fieldbus gateways areneeded. To reduce the number of required gateways, some factories use a device server for the system only requires RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 based serial fieldbus communication. The COMport redirection techniqueused on a device serverprovides a lowcost long distance transmission. As shown inFIG. 1, the remote SCADA system 101a uses theCOM port redirection driver to generate a mapped virtual COM port, theCOM port is mappedto a physical serial port on the local device server 700. That is, all operations on the mapped virtual COMport on theSCADA system would be transmittedvia the network to the device server700. Then the device server 700 does the same operationson the physical serial port.This makes the mapped virtual COM port works as a mappedinterface of the physical serial port on the device server 700. Forexample,as the SCADA server 101a sets theRTS pin of themappedCOM port to output active signals, theRTSpinon the physical serial port of the device server 700 wouldoutput active signals. Then the CTSpin of the physical serial port of a programmable logiccontroller 301a (controlled device) connected with thephysical serial port ofthe device server700 receives the active signals.On the other hand,if the programmable logic controller 301a transmits dataviaits serialport tothe physicalserialport of the device server 700, then the device server700 wouldforward the received data to themapped COM port of the SCADA system 101a via the network. So the SCADAsystem 101a can concurrentlyreceive the data from theprogrammable logic controller301a (controlleddevice). Through this serial tunnel technology, thephysical serial port ofthe local device server 700 isjust like the real COM port of the remote SCADA system 101a, thereby connecting with the programmable logic controller301a. Although the COM port redirection technique only needs one additional device server to extend the serial communicationdistance, the COM port redirection establish a dedicated tunnel between thephysical serial port ofthe deviceserver 700 and the mapped virtualCOM port (interface) of the SCADAsystem 101a. Therefore,whenusing the COM port redirection technique,thephysical serial port of the device server 700 could only be occupied by the established tunnel. Thephysical serial port of the device server only allows one SCADA system 101a (mappedvirtual COM port)to communicate with and/or control over a programmablelogic controller at a time. It can't work on the system requires the programmable logiccontroller 301a to be controlled by multiple remote/local control ends concurrently. Insummary, the prior art alwayshas the problem that it is impossible formore than two remotedevices to control the same controlled device via serial fieldbusat the sametime. It istherefore imperativeto provide a solution.
|
1. Field of Invention The invention relates to _a_ fieldbus gateway and the data transmission method _thereof._ In particular, _the_ invention relates to a fieldbus gateway using _a_ virtual serial fieldbus _port_ and the data transmission method _thereof._ _2._ Related _Art_ During the development of fieldbus, the _industrial_ Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols, such as ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet/IP, are later than _the_ serial-based _fieldbus_ protocols, such as _Profibus_ and Modbus _RTU/ASCII._ Moreover, the _architecture_ of the industrial Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols is more complicated. _Therefore,_ most of _current_ supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) _systems_ _or_ human machine interfaces _(HMI)_ only support serial-based fieldbus instead of Ethernet-based fieldbus. Or one has _to_ pay extra fees in _order_ to obtain _the_ Ethernet-based _fieldbus_ _support._ Users of the SCADA system and HMI can only use the serial fieldbus port to communicate with the controlled device. However, since most _of_ current factory automation requires _that_ the remote _control_ center and factory _operators_ could _control_ _the_ controlled device at the same _time,_ the _controlled_ _device_ should be able to _receive_ _the_ controls of a _remote_ SCADA system and a local HMI concurrently. However, the system only _uses_ serial _fieldbus_ _communication_ _is_ difficult _to_ provide this function. _Due_ to _its_ physical properties, the _serial_ fieldbus cannot _transmit_ _data_ over a long _distance_ _directly._ Repeaters are always required for extending the transmission distance, but they _also_ increase _the_ cost of wiring. To avoid the cost _increasing_ _on_ wiring, some factories use _a_ _fieldbus_ gateway at both the remote and local ends, respectively. _The_ two fieldbus _gateways_ _communicate_ via an Ethernet. Although this reduces the cost on long-distance wiring, at least two fieldbus _gateways_ are needed. _To_ reduce the number of _required_ gateways, _some_ factories use _a_ device _server_ _for_ the _system_ _only_ requires RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 based _serial_ fieldbus communication. The COM port redirection _technique_ used on a device server provides a low cost long distance transmission. As shown in FIG. 1, _the_ remote SCADA system 101a uses the _COM_ port redirection driver to _generate_ a mapped _virtual_ COM port, the COM port is mapped _to_ a physical serial port on the local device server 700. That is, all operations on _the_ mapped virtual COM _port_ on the SCADA system would be transmitted _via_ the network _to_ the device server 700. Then the device server _700_ does the same operations on _the_ _physical_ _serial_ port. This makes the mapped virtual COM port works as a mapped interface of the physical serial port on the device server _700._ For example, as the SCADA server 101a sets the _RTS_ pin of the mapped COM port to output active signals, the _RTS_ pin on the physical serial port of the device _server_ _700_ would output active signals. Then the _CTS_ pin of the physical serial port _of_ a programmable _logic_ controller _301a_ (controlled device) connected with _the_ _physical_ serial port _of_ the device server 700 receives _the_ active signals. On the other hand, _if_ the programmable logic _controller_ _301a_ transmits data via its serial _port_ to the physical serial port of the device server _700,_ then the device server 700 would forward the received data to the mapped COM port of the SCADA system _101a_ via the _network._ So the SCADA system 101a _can_ concurrently receive _the_ data from _the_ programmable logic controller 301a (controlled device). Through this serial tunnel technology, the physical serial port of the local device server 700 is just _like_ the real COM port of the remote _SCADA_ system _101a,_ thereby connecting with the programmable logic controller 301a. _Although_ the COM port redirection technique only needs _one_ additional device server to extend the serial communication distance, the COM port _redirection_ establish a dedicated tunnel _between_ the _physical_ serial port of the device server 700 and the _mapped_ _virtual_ COM port _(interface)_ of the SCADA system _101a._ Therefore, when using the COM port redirection technique, _the_ _physical_ serial _port_ of the device server _700_ could only be occupied by the established tunnel. The physical serial port of the _device_ server only allows one SCADA system 101a (mapped _virtual_ COM port) to _communicate_ with and/or control over _a_ programmable logic controller at a time. It can't work on the system requires the programmable logic _controller_ 301a to be controlled by multiple remote/local _control_ ends concurrently. _In_ summary, the _prior_ art _always_ _has_ the _problem_ that it is impossible for more than two remote devices to control the same controlled device via _serial_ fieldbus at the same time. It is _therefore_ imperative to provide a solution.
|
The present invention relates to optical measurement of parameters of interest on samples having diffractive structures thereon, and in particular relates to improvements in real-time analysis of the measured optical signal characteristics from a sample to determine parameter values for that sample.
(This specification occasionally makes reference to prior published documents. A numbered list of these references can be found at the end of this section, under the sub-heading xe2x80x9cReferencesxe2x80x9d.)
In integrated circuit manufacture, the accurate measurement of the microstructures being patterned onto semiconductor wafers is highly desirable. Optical measurement methods are typically used for high-speed, non-destructive measurement of such structures. With such methods, a small spot on a measurement sample is illuminated with optical radiation comprising one or more wavelengths, and the sample properties over the measurement spot are determined by measuring characteristics of radiation reflected or diffracted by the sample (e.g., reflection intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution).
This disclosure relates to the measurement of a sample comprising a diffractive structure formed on or in a substrate, wherein lateral material inhomogeneities in the structure give rise to optical diffraction effects. If the lateral inhomogeneities are periodic with a period significantly smaller than the illuminating wavelengths, then diffracted orders other than the zeroth order may all be evanescent and not directly observable, or may be scattered outside the detection instrument""s field of view. But the lateral structure geometry can nevertheless significantly affect the zeroth-order reflectivity, making it possible to measure structure features much smaller than the illuminating wavelengths.
A variety of measurement methods applicable to diffractive structures are known in the prior art. Reference 7 reviews a number of these methods. The most straightforward approach is to use a rigorous, theoretical model based on Maxwell""s equations to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic of the sample (e.g. reflectivity) as a function of sample measurement parameters (e.g., film thickness, linewidth, etc.), and adjust the measurement parameters in the model to minimize the discrepancy between the theoretical and measured optical signal (Ref""s 10, 14). (Note: In this context the singular term xe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote a composite entity such as a vector or matrix. The components of the characteristic might, for example, represent reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles.) The measurement process comprises the following steps: First, a set of trial values of the measurement parameters is selected. Then, based on these values a computer-representable model of the measurement sample structure (including its optical materials and geometry) is constructed. The electromagnetic interaction between the sample structure and illuminating radiation is numerically simulated to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic, which is compared to the measured signal characteristic. An automated fitting optimization algorithm iteratively adjusts the trial parameter values and repeats the above process to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. (The optimization algorithm might typically minimize the mean-square error of the signal characteristic components.)
The above process can provide very accurate measurement capability, but the computational burden of computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulation within the measurement optimization loop makes this method impractical for many real-time measurement applications. A variety of alternative approaches have been developed to avoid the computational bottleneck, but usually at the expense of compromised measurement performance.
One alternative approach is to replace the exact theoretical model with an approximate model that represents the optical signal characteristic as a linear function of measurement parameters over some limited parameter range. There are several variants of this approach, including Inverse Least Squares (ILS), Principal Component Regression (PCR), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) (Ref""s 1-5, 7, 11, 15). The linear coefficients of the approximate model are determined by a multivariate statistical analysis technique that minimizes the mean-square error between exact and approximate data points in a xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. (The calibration data may be generated either from empirical measurements or from exact theoretical modeling simulations. This is done prior to measurement, so the calibration process does not impact measurement time.) The various linear models (ILS, PCR, PLS) differ in the type of statistical analysis method employed.
There are two fundamental limitations of the linear models: First, the linear approximation can only be applied over a limited range of measurement parameter values; and second, within this range the approximate model does not generally provide an exact fit to the calibration data points. (If the calibration data is empirically determined, one may not want the model to exactly fit the data, because the data could be corrupted by experimental noise. But if the data is determined from a theoretical model it would be preferable to use an approximation model that at least fits the calibration data points.) These deficiencies can be partially remedied by using a non-linear (e.g., quadratic) functional approximation (Ref. 7). This approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, the limitations of linear models.
The parameter range limit of functional (linear or non-linear) approximation models can be extended by the method of xe2x80x9crange splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range is split into a number of subranges, and a different approximate model is used for each subrange (Ref. 7). The method is illustrated conceptually in FIG. 1 (cf. FIG. 2 in Ref. 7), which represents the relationship between a measurement parameter x, such as a linewidth parameter, and an optical signal characteristic y, such as the zeroth-order sample reflectivity at a particular collection angle and wavelength. (In practice one is interested in modeling the relationship between multiple measurement parameters, such as linewidths, film thicknesses, etc., and multiple signal components, such as reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles. However, the concepts illustrated in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the more general case.) A set of calibration data points (e.g., point 101) is generated, either empirically or by theoretical modeling. The x parameter range is split into two (or more) subranges 102 and 103, and the set of calibration points is separated into corresponding subsets 104 and 105, depending on which subrange each point is in. A statistical analysis technique is applied to each subset to generate a separate approximation model (e.g., a linear model) for each subrange, such as linear model 106 for subrange 102 and model 107 for subrange 103.
Aside from the limitations inherent in the functional approximation models, the range-splitting method has additional deficiencies. Although the functional approximation is continuous and smooth within each subrange, it may exhibit discontinuities between subranges (such as discontinuity 108 in FIG. 1). These discontinuities can create numerical instabilities in optimization algorithms that estimate measurement parameters from optical signal data. The discontinuities can also be problematic for process monitoring and control because small changes in process conditions could result in large, discontinuous jumps in measurements.
Another drawback of the range-splitting model is the large number of required calibration points and the large amount of data that must be stored in the model. In the FIG. 1 illustration, each subrange uses a simple linear approximation model of the form
y≅ax+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 1
wherein a and b are calibration coefficients. At least two calibration points per subrange are required to determine a and b (generally, more than two are used to provide good statistical sampling over each subrange), and two coefficients (a and b) must be stored for each subrange. If there are M subranges the total number of calibration points must be at least 2 M, and the number of calibration coefficients is 2 M. Considering a more general situation in which there are N measurement parameters X1, X2, . . . XN, the linear approximation would take the form
y≅a1x1+a2x2+ . . . aNxN+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 2
If the range of each parameter is split into M subranges, the number of separate linear approximation models required to cover all combinations of parameter subranges would be MN, and the number of calibration parameters per combination (a1, a2, . . . , aN, b) would be N+1. Thus the total number of calibration coefficients (and the minimum required number of calibration data points) would be (N+1) MN. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a parameter space spanned by two parameters, x1 and x2. The x1 range is split into three subranges 201, 202, and 203, and the x2 subrange is split into three subranges 204, 205, and 206. For this case, N=2, M=3, the number of x1 and x2 subrange combinations 207 . . . 215 is 32=9, and the number of linear calibration coefficients would be (2+1) 32=27. Generalizing further, if the optical signal characteristic (y) comprises multiple signal components (e.g., for different wavelengths), the number of calibration coefficients will increase in proportion to the number of components. Furthermore, if a nonlinear (e.g., quadratic) subrange model is used, the number of calibration points and coefficients would be vastly larger.
Another measurement approach, Minimum Mean Square Error analysis (MMSE, Ref""s 2-9, 11, 13, 15), provides a simple alternative to the range splitting method described above. With this approach, a database of pre-computed theoretical optical signal characteristics representing a large variety of measurement structures is searched and compared to a samples"" measured optical signal, and the best-fitting comparison (in terms of a mean-square-error fitting criterion) determines the measurement result. (The above-not
|
the present invention relates to automated measurement of parameters of interest on samples having diffractive structures thereon, and in particular relates to improvements in real - time analysis of the measured optical signal characteristics from a sample to determine parameter values for that sample. ( this specification occasionally makes reference to prior published documents. a numbered list of these references can being found at the end of this section, under the sub - heading xe2x80x9creferencesxe2x80x9d. ) in integrated circuit manufacture, the accurate precision of the microstructures being patterned onto semiconductor wafers is highly desirable. laser measurement methods are typically used for high - speed, non - destructive measurement of such structures. with such methods, a small spot on a measurement sample is illuminated with optical radiation comprising one or more wavelengths, where the sample properties over the measurement spot are determined by measuring characteristics of radiation reflected or diffracted by the sample ( e. g., reflection intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution ). this disclosure relates to the measurement of a sample comprising a diffractive structure formed on or in a substrate, wherein lateral material inhomogeneities in the structure give rise to optical diffraction effects. if the lateral inhomogeneities are periodic with a period significantly smaller than the illuminating wavelengths, then diffracted orders other than the zeroth order may all be predicted and not directly observable, or merely be scattered outside the detection instrument " " s field of view. but the lateral structure geometry can nevertheless significantly affect the zeroth - order reflectivity, making it possible to measure specific features much smaller than the illuminating wavelengths. a variety of measurement methods applicable to diffractive structures are known in the prior art. reference 7 reviews a number of these methods. the most straightforward approach is to use a rigorous, theoretical model based on maxwell " " s equations to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic of the sample ( e. g. reflectivity ) as a function indicating sample measurement parameters ( e. g., film thickness, linewidth, etc. ), and adjust the characteristic parameters in the model to minimize the discrepancy between the theoretical and measured optical signal ( ref " " s 10, 14 ). ( note : in this context the singular term xe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote a composite entity such as a vector or matrix . the components of the characteristic might, for example, represent reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles. ) the measurement process comprises the following steps : first, a set of trial values of the measurement parameters is selected. then, based on these values a computer - representable model of the measurement sample structure ( including its optical materials and geometry ) is constructed. the electromagnetic interaction between the sample structure and illuminating radiation is numerically simulated to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic, which is compared to the measured signal characteristic. an automated fitting optimization algorithm iteratively adjusts the trial parameter values and repeats the above process to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. ( the optimization algorithm might typically minimize the mean - square error of the signal characteristic components. ) the above process can provide very accurate measurement capability, but the computational burden of computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulation within the measurement optimization loop makes this method impractical for many real - time measurement applications. a variety of alternative approaches have been developed to avoid the computational bottleneck, but usually at the expense of compromised measurement performance. one alternative approach is to replace the exact theoretical model with an approximate model that represents the optical signal characteristic as a linear function of measurement parameters over some limited parameter range. there are several variants of this approach, including inverse least squares ( ils ), principal component regression ( pcr ), and partial least squares ( pls ) ( ref " " s 1 - 5, 7, 11, 15 ). the linear coefficients of the approximate model are determined by a multivariate statistical analysis technique that minimizes the mean - square error between exact and approximate data points in a xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. ( the calibration data may be generated either from empirical measurements or from exact theoretical modeling simulations. this is done prior to measurement, so the calibration process does not impact measurement time. ) the various linear models ( ils, pcr, pls ) differ in the type of statistical analysis method employed. there are two fundamental limitations of the linear models : first, the linear approximation can only be applied over a limited range of measurement parameter values ; and second, within this range the approximate model does not generally provide an exact fit to the calibration data points. ( if the calibration data is empirically determined, one may not want the model to exactly fit the data, because the data could be corrupted by experimental noise. but if the data is determined from a theoretical model it would be preferable to use an approximation model that at least fits the calibration data points. ) these deficiencies can be partially remedied by using a non - linear ( e. g., quadratic ) functional approximation ( ref. 7 ). this approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, the limitations of linear models. the parameter range limit of functional ( linear or non - linear ) approximation models can be extended by the method of xe2x80x9crange splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range is split into a number of subranges, and a different approximate model is used for each subrange ( ref. 7 ). the method is illustrated conceptually in fig. 1 ( cf. fig. 2 in ref. 7 ), which represents the relationship between a measurement parameter x, such as a linewidth parameter, and an optical signal characteristic y, such as the zeroth - order sample reflectivity at a particular collection angle and wavelength. ( in practice one is interested in modeling the relationship between multiple measurement parameters, such as linewidths, film thicknesses, etc., and multiple signal components, such as reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles. however, the concepts illustrated in fig. 1 are equally applicable to the more general case. ) a set of calibration data points ( e. g., point 101 ) is generated, either empirically or by theoretical modeling. the x parameter range is split into two ( or more ) subranges 102 and 103, and the set of calibration points is separated into corresponding subsets 104 and 105, depending on which subrange each point is in. a statistical analysis technique is applied to each subset to generate a separate approximation model ( e. g., a linear model ) for each subrange, such as linear model 106 for subrange 102 and model 107 for subrange 103. aside from the limitations inherent in the functional approximation models, the range - splitting method has additional deficiencies. although the functional approximation is continuous and smooth within each subrange, it may exhibit discontinuities between subranges ( such as discontinuity 108 in fig. 1 ). these discontinuities can create numerical instabilities in optimization algorithms that estimate measurement parameters from optical signal data. the discontinuities can also be problematic for process monitoring and control because small changes in process conditions could result in large, discontinuous jumps in measurements. another drawback of the range - splitting model is the large number of required calibration points and the large amount of data that must be stored in the model. in the fig. 1 illustration, each subrange uses a simple linear approximation model of the form [UNK] + bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83eq. 1 wherein a and b are calibration coefficients. at least two calibration points per subrange are required to determine a and b ( generally, more than two are used to provide good statistical sampling over each subrange ), and two coefficients ( a and b ) must be stored for each subrange. if there are m subranges the total number of calibration points must be at least 2 m, and the number of calibration coefficients is 2 m. considering a more general situation in which there are n measurement parameters x1, x2,... xn, the linear approximation would take the form [UNK] + a2x2 +... anxn + bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83eq. 2 if the range of each parameter is split into m subranges, the number of separate linear approximation models required to cover all combinations of parameter subranges would be mn, and the number of calibration parameters per combination ( a1, a2,..., an, b ) would be n + 1. thus the total number of calibration coefficients ( and the minimum required number of calibration data points ) would be ( n + 1 ) mn. for example, fig. 2 illustrates a parameter space spanned by two parameters, x1 and x2. the x1 range is split into three subranges 201, 202, and 203, and the x2 subrange is split into three subranges 204, 205, and 206. for this case, n = 2, m = 3, the number of x1 and x2 subrange combinations 207... 215 is 32 = 9, and the number of linear calibration coefficients would be ( 2 + 1 ) 32 = 27. generalizing further, if the optical signal characteristic ( y ) comprises multiple signal components ( e. g., for different wavelengths ), the number of calibration coefficients will increase in proportion to the number of components. furthermore, if a nonlinear ( e. g., quadratic ) subrange model is used, the number of calibration points and coefficients would be vastly larger. another measurement approach, minimum mean square error analysis ( mmse, ref " " s 2 - 9, 11, 13, 15 ), provides a simple alternative to the range splitting method described above. with this approach, a database of pre - computed theoretical optical signal characteristics representing a large variety of measurement structures is searched and compared to a samples " " measured optical signal, and the best - fitting comparison ( in terms of a mean - square - error fitting criterion ) determines the measurement result. ( the above - not
|
The present invention relates to optical measurement of parameters of interest on samples having diffractive structures thereon, and in particular relates to improvements in real - time analysis of the measured optical signal characteristics from a sample to determine parameter values for that sample. (This specification occasionally makes reference to prior published documents. A numbered list of these references can be found at the end of this section, under the sub - heading xe2x80x9cReferencesxe2x80x9d.) In integrated circuit manufacture, the accurate measurement of the microstructures being patterned onto semiconductor wafers is highly desirable. Optical measurement methods are typically used for high - speed, non - destructive measurement of such structures. With such methods, a small spot on a measurement sample is illu<inQted with optical radiation comprising one or more wavelengths, and the sample properties over the measurement spot are determined by measuring characteristics of radiation reflected or diffracted by the sample (e. g. , reflection intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution ). This disclosure relates to the measurement of a sample comprising a diffractive structure formed on or in a substrate, wherein lateral material inhomogeneities in the structure give rise to optical diffraction effects. If the lateral inhomogeneities are periodic with a period significantly smaller than the illuminating wavelengths, then diffracted orders other than the zeroth order may all be evanescent and not directly observable, or may be scattered outside the detection instrument " " s field of view. But the lateral structure geometry can nevertheless significantly affect the zeroth - order reflectivity, making it possible to measure structure features much smaller than the illuminating wavelengths. A variety of measurement methods applicable to diffractive structures are known in the prior art. Reference 7 reviews a number of these methods. The most straightforward approach is to use a rigorous, theoretical model based on Maxwell " " s equations to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic of the sample (e. g. reflectivity) as a function of sample measurement parameters (e. g. , film thickness, linewidth, etc. ), and adjust the measurement parameters in the model to minimize the discrepancy between the theoretical and measured optical signal (Ref " " s 10, 14 ). (Note: In this context the singular term xe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote a composite entity such as a vector or matrix. The components of the characteristic might, for example, represent reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles.) The measurement process comprises the following steps: First, a set of trial values of the measurement parameters is selected. Then, based on these values a computer - representable model of the measurement sample structure (including its optical materials and geometry) is constructed. The electromagnetic interaction between the sample structure and illuminating radiation is numerically simulated to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic, which is compared to the measured signal characteristic. An automated fitting optimization algorithm iteratively adjusts the trial parameter values and repeats the above process to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. (The optimization algorithm might typically minimize the mean - square error of the signal characteristic components.) The above process can provide very accurate measurement capability, but the computational burden of computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulation within the measurement optimization loop makes this method impractical for many real - time measurement applications. A variety of alternative approaches have been developed to avoid the computational bottleneck, but usually at the expense of compromised measurement performance. One alternative approach is to replace the exact theoretical model with an approximate model that represents the optical signal characteristic as a linear function of measurement parameters over some limited parameter range. There are several variants of this approach, including Inverse Least Squares (ILS ), Principal Component Regression (PCR ), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) (Ref " " s 1 - 5, 7, 11, 15 ). The linear coefficients of the approximate model are determined by a multivariate statistical analysis technique that minimizes the mean - square error between exact and approximate data points in a xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. (The calibration data may be F4nerated either from empirical measurements or from exact theorfgical modelibV simulations. Tt7s is done prior to measurement, so the ca,ibratioG process does not impact measurement time.) The various linear models (ILS, PCR, PLS) differ in the type of statistical analysis method employed. There are two fundamental limitations of the linear models: First, the linear approximation can only be applied over a limited range of measurement parameter values; and second, within this range the approximate model does not generally provide an exact fit to the calibration data points. (If the calibration data is empirically determined, one may not want the model to exactly fit the data, because the data could be corrupted by experimental noise. But if the data is determined from a theoretical model it would be )regerable to use an approximation model that at least fits the calibration data points.) These deficiencies can be partially remedied by using a non - linear (e. g. , quadratic) functional approximation (Ref. 7 ). This approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, the limitations of linear models. The parameter range limit of functional (linear or non - linear) approximation models can be extended by the method of xe2x80x9crange splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range is split into a number of subranges, and a different approximate model is used for each subrange (Ref. 7 ). The method is illustrated conceptually in FIG. 1 (cf. FIG. 2 in Ref. 7 ), which represents the relationship between a measurement parameter x, such as a linewidth parameter, and an optical signal characteristic y, such as the zeroth - order sample reflectivity at a particular collection angle and wavelength. (In practice one is interested in modeling the relationship between multiple measurement parameters, such as linewidths, film thicknesses, etc. , and multiple signal components, such as reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles. However, the concepts illustrated in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the more general case.) A set of calibration data points (e. g. , point 101) is generated, either empirically or by theoretical modeling. The x parameter range is split into two (or more) subranges 102 and 103, and the set of calibration points is separated into corresponding subsets 104 and 105, depending on which subrange each point is in. A statistical analysis technique is applied to each subset to generate a separate approximation model (e. g. , a linear model) for each subrange, such as linear model 106 for subrange 102 and m9de? 107 for subrange 103. Aside from the limitations inherent in the functional approximation models, the range - splitting method has additional deficiencies. Although the functional approximation is continuous and smooth within each subrange, it may exhibit discontinuities between subranges (such as discontinuity 108 in FIG. 1 ). These discontinuities can create numerical instabilities in optimization algorithms that estimate measurement parameters from optical signal data. The discontinuities can also be problematic for process monitoring and control because small changes in process conditions could result in large, discontinuous jumps in measurements. Another drawback of the range - splitting model is the large number of required calibration points and the large amount of data that must be stored in the model. In the FIG. 1 illustration, each subrange uses a simple linear approximation model of the form y ≅ ax + bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 1 wherein a and b are calibration coefficients. At ieasF two calibration points per subrange are required to determine a and b (generally, more than two are used to provide good statistical sampling over each subrange ), and two coefficients (a and b) must be stored for each subrange. If there are M subranges the total number of calibration points must be at least 2 M, and the number of calibration coefficients is 2 M. Considering a more general situation in which there are N measurement parameters X1, X2, .. . XN, the linear approximation would take the form y ≅ a1x1 + a2x2 +. .. aNxN + bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 2 If the range of each parameter is split into M subranges, the number of separate linear approximation models required to cover all combinations of parameter sub%ang@s would be MN, and the number of calibration parameters per combination (a1, a2, .. ., aN, b) would be N + 1. Thus the total number of calibration coefficients (and the minimum required number of calibration data points) would be (N + 1) MN. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a parameter space spanned by two parameters, x1 and x2. The x1 range is split into three subranges 201, 202, and 203, and the x2 subrange is split into three subranges 204, 205, and 206. For this case, N = 2, M = 3, the number of x1 and x2 subrange combinations 207. .. 215 is 32 = 9, and the number of linear calibration coefficients would be (2 + 1) 32 = 27. Generalizing further, if the optical signal characteristic (y) comprises multiple signal components (e. g. , for different wavelengths ), the number of calibration coefficients will increase in proportion to the number of components. Furthermore, if a nonlinear (e. g. , quadratic) subrange model is used, the number of calibration points and coefficients would be vastly larger. Another measurement approach, Minimum Mean Square Error analysis (MMSE, Ref " " s 2 - 9, 11, 13, 15 ), provides a simple alternative to the range splitting method described above. With this approach, a database of pre - computed theoretical optical signal characteristics representing a large variety of measurement structures is searched and compared to a samples " " measured optical signal, and the best - fitting comparison (in terms of a mean - square - error fitting criterion) determines the measurement result. (The above - not
|
The present invention relates to optical measurement of parameters of interest on samples having structures thereon, and in particular relates to improvements in real-time the optical signal characteristics from a sample to determine parameter values for that sample. (This specification occasionally makes reference prior published documents. A list of these references be found at the end of this section, under the sub-heading xe2x80x9cReferencesxe2x80x9d.) In integrated circuit manufacture, the accurate measurement of the microstructures being patterned onto semiconductor wafers is highly desirable. Optical measurement methods typically used for high-speed, non-destructive measurement such structures. With such methods, a small spot a measurement is illuminated with optical radiation one or wavelengths, and the sample properties over the measurement spot determined by measuring characteristics of radiation reflected or diffracted sample (e.g., reflection intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution). This disclosure relates to measurement a sample comprising a diffractive structure formed on or in a substrate, wherein lateral material inhomogeneities in the structure give rise to optical diffraction effects. the lateral inhomogeneities are periodic with a period significantly than the illuminating wavelengths, then diffracted orders other than the order may all be evanescent not directly observable, or may be scattered outside the detection instrument""s field of view. But the structure geometry significantly zeroth-order reflectivity, making it possible to measure structure features much smaller than the illuminating wavelengths. A variety of measurement methods applicable to diffractive structures are known prior art. Reference 7 reviews a number of these methods. The most straightforward approach is to use a rigorous, theoretical based on Maxwell""s to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic of the (e.g. reflectivity) as a function of sample parameters (e.g., film thickness, linewidth, etc.), and adjust the measurement parameters in to minimize the discrepancy between and measured optical signal (Ref""s 10, 14). (Note: In this context the singular term xe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote a composite entity such as a vector or matrix. The components of characteristic might, for example, reflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles.) The measurement process comprises the following steps: First, a of trial values the parameters is selected. Then, based on these values a computer-representable of the measurement sample structure (including its optical materials geometry) is The electromagnetic interaction between the sample structure and illuminating radiation is numerically calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic, which is compared to the measured signal characteristic. An automated fitting optimization algorithm adjusts the trial parameter values and repeats the above process to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. (The optimization algorithm might typically minimize the mean-square error of signal characteristic components.) The above process can provide very accurate measurement capability, but the computational burden computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulation within the measurement optimization loop makes this method impractical for many real-time measurement applications. A of approaches have been to avoid the computational bottleneck, but usually at the expense of compromised measurement performance. One alternative approach is to replace the exact theoretical model with an approximate model that represents the signal characteristic as a linear function of measurement parameters over some limited parameter range. There are several variants of this approach, Inverse Least Squares (ILS), Component Regression (PCR), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) (Ref""s 1-5, 7, 11, 15). The linear of the approximate model are by a statistical analysis technique that minimizes the mean-square error between exact approximate data points in xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. (The data may be generated either from empirical measurements or from theoretical modeling simulations. This is done prior to measurement, so the calibration process not impact time.) The various models (ILS, PCR, PLS) differ in the type of statistical method employed. There are two fundamental limitations of the models: First, the linear can only be applied over a limited range of measurement parameter values; and within this range the model does not generally provide an exact fit to the calibration data (If the calibration data is empirically determined, one want the model to exactly fit the data, because the could be corrupted noise. But if the data is determined from a theoretical model it would be preferable to use an approximation model that at least the calibration data points.) These deficiencies can be partially by using a non-linear (e.g., quadratic) functional approximation (Ref. This approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, limitations of linear models. The parameter range of functional (linear or non-linear) approximation models can be extended by the method of splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range is split into a number of subranges, and a different approximate model is used for each (Ref. 7). The method is illustrated in FIG. 1 FIG. 2 in Ref. 7), which represents the a measurement parameter x, such as a linewidth parameter, and an optical signal characteristic such as the zeroth-order sample reflectivity at a particular collection and wavelength. (In practice one interested in modeling the relationship between multiple measurement parameters, such as linewidths, film thicknesses, etc., and multiple signal components, such reflectivities at different wavelengths collection angles. However, the concepts illustrated in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the general case.) A set calibration data points (e.g., point 101) is generated, either or by theoretical modeling. The x parameter range is split into (or more) subranges 102 and 103, and the set of calibration points is separated into corresponding subsets 104 and on which subrange each point is in. A statistical analysis technique is applied to each subset to generate a approximation model (e.g., linear for each subrange, such as linear model 106 for subrange 102 and model 107 for subrange 103. Aside the limitations inherent the functional approximation models, the range-splitting method has additional deficiencies. Although the functional approximation is continuous and smooth within each subrange, it may discontinuities between subranges as discontinuity 108 in 1). These discontinuities can create numerical in optimization algorithms that estimate measurement parameters from optical signal data. The discontinuities can also be problematic for monitoring and control because small changes in process conditions could result in large, discontinuous jumps measurements. drawback of the range-splitting model the large number of required calibration points and the large amount of data that be stored in model. the FIG. 1 illustration, each subrange uses a simple linear approximation model the form y≅ax+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 1 wherein a and b are At least two calibration per subrange are required determine a and b (generally, more than two are used to provide good statistical sampling over each subrange), and two (a b) must be stored for each subrange. If there are M subranges the total number of calibration must be at least 2 and the number of calibration coefficients is 2 M. Considering a more general situation in which there are N measurement X1, X2, . . . XN, the linear take the form y≅a1x1+a2x2+ . . . aNxN+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 2 If the range of each parameter is split into M subranges, the number of separate linear approximation models required to cover all of parameter subranges would be MN, and the number of calibration parameters per combination (a1, a2, . . , aN, b) would be Thus the total of calibration coefficients (and the minimum required number of calibration data points) would be (N+1) For example, FIG. 2 illustrates parameter space spanned by two parameters, x1 and x1 range is split into three subranges 201, 202, and 203, and the x2 into three subranges 204, 205, and 206. this case, N=2, M=3, number of x1 and subrange combinations 207 . . . 215 is 32=9, and the number of linear calibration coefficients would be (2+1) 32=27. further, if the optical signal characteristic (y) comprises multiple signal components (e.g., for different wavelengths), the number of calibration coefficients increase in proportion to the number components. Furthermore, if a nonlinear (e.g., quadratic) subrange is used, the number of calibration points and coefficients would be vastly larger. Another measurement approach, Minimum Square Error analysis (MMSE, Ref""s 2-9, 11, 13, 15), a simple alternative to the range splitting method described above. With this approach, a database of pre-computed optical signal characteristics representing a large variety of measurement structures is searched and compared to a samples"" measured optical signal, and the best-fitting comparison (in terms fitting criterion) determines the measurement result. (The above-not
|
THE PrEseNT InVENTIoN ReLAtes To OptIcal mEAsUremeNT OF pAramETErS oF iNteREST On sAmPLES having DiFfRACtIVe strucTUrEs TheREon, anD IN pARTiCuLAr RELATES To impRovEMEntS In REAl-TimE anALysIS Of ThE MEASuREd opTiCAL SIGnaL chARAcTerisTIcs FrOm a SAmple To detErMine pARaMETER ValuES foR thAT sAMPlE.
(tHiS sPeCificaTIon OCcAsIOnAlLy MakEs rEfeREnCe to PrIoR puBliShEd documeNtS. a nuMBeReD List of THEsE REferEncEs CaN Be fOUnd aT tHe enD of This SEcTION, unDER tHE SUB-heADING xE2X80x9crEfErencEsXe2x80x9D.)
In iNtEGRatEd CirCUiT mANUFactUrE, thE acCuRATE MEASUReMENT OF thE MIcROSTRUctURes bEInG pATTERNEd ONto semICoNDuCtOr waFErs IS Highly deSiraBLE. opTical mEAsuREMEnT mEtHOdS aRE TyPiCallY UsEd for HIgH-speED, NOn-DestrUcTivE MeASUREMeNt oF sUcH sTructuRes. With sUch MetHoDs, a SMaLl sPOt on A MeaSUReMeNT samplE is ILlUMInaTeD WITH OpticaL RADiaTIon cOmprIsING One OR MOre wavElENgtHS, and The saMPLe PrOperTIes Over tHE MEASUrEMENT SPot ARe DEtERmINEd bY MEasuriNG CHaRaCTeriSTics OF rAdIATION ReFlECTEd oR dIfFRaCTED bY the sAMple (e.g., rEfLEcTiON intenSity, polArIzatION STAte, oR AnGUlAr DIStRIbuTION).
ThiS DISCloSUre RElAteS tO tHe MEasUReMeNt oF A SAmPLe coMprISINg A diFfRaCTIve StRucTUre fOrmEd ON Or In a SuBsTRaTe, wHeREin laTerAL mATerIaL inhOmogeNEITIES IN tHE sTruCTUrE giVe risE TO optICal dIFFrAction EfFEcts. If the LATeral inhOMOGenEITIEs ARE pErIOdic wITH A pEriod SigNifICanTly SmalLER ThaN tHE iLLuMInaTing WAvELEnGtHs, TheN dIffraCTEd ORDeRs other THAN thE zeroTh oRdeR maY ALL Be EvAneSCENT And nOt diREcTLY ObSERVABLE, Or mAY bE scaTTEREd ouTsIdE tHE DeTectIon iNsTRuMeNT""S FIElD oF vIEW. bUT tHe LatERaL STRUCtuRe GeOMEtRy CaN neVerTHEless SIgnificANtly Affect tHE zeroTh-ORDeR rEFLecTiVItY, mAkiNG it poSsIBLe TO MEasurE StRUcTURe FEAtUReS muCH SmALLER tHAN thE iLLuMiNaTInG waVeLEnGThS.
A VaRiety oF MeasuremEnT mEtHODs aPpLIcABLE To dIfFracTIVE STrUcturES ARe knoWn iN thE PRior art. referEnCE 7 revieWs a NUMbeR OF THEse mEtHODs. thE mOSt STraightfORwArd APpRoaCh iS TO Use a riGOrOUs, theoReticAl mODEL bASed oN maXWElL""s EquAtIOns TO caLcuLATe a PredICTED oPTical sIGnaL CharAcTerIStIc Of tHE samPLe (E.G. ReFLeCtIvitY) AS a FuNCtioN oF SAMpLE MEaSUREmenT PARAMeTErS (E.G., fIlM THICKnesS, LInEWIdTh, ETC.), anD ADjuSt ThE MEASUrEMENT PArAmetErs IN the modeL to MInimize THe DiScREpanCY bEtwEen tHE tHEOrETICAl And mEAsUreD opTIcaL SiGNAl (reF""S 10, 14). (notE: IN ThIs ConText The SINgUlar TeRM XE2x80x9ccHaractERISticxe2X80X9d mAY DeNotE A CoMposITe entitY sUch AS A VecTOr Or maTriX. tHe COMPONENTs of ThE cHaRActerIsTIC MighT, for eXAMPlE, REpReSEnT REfLEctIvities At difFerenT WavelENgThS or ColLeCtiOn ANGLES.) thE MEaSUReMENt PROCEsS ComPrISeS the FoLLowINg StEPS: FIrsT, A set OF Trial vALuEs oF the measUrEMenT paraMeterS is sELectED. ThEN, BaSED ON ThESE vALues a comPUTER-REPReSENtABlE ModEl Of ThE meAsUrEmEnT saMPle StruCTUrE (inCLuDinG iTs OPtICAl MATeriAlS aNd gEomeTRy) is ConSTRUcted. The electromaGnetic InTerACtioN bEtween tHe SaMPle stRucTURE AnD iLlumiNAtiNg RADiATioN Is NUmEricALlY simulATeD tO cALcUlATe a prEDiCtEd OPTicAL SIGNAl CHARaCtEriSTIC, wHICh iS cOMPAReD To The meAsured sIgNal cHARACteriSTiC. an AUtomATeD fIttINg OptiMizatiOn ALGOriThM iteraTIVELY ADJUsTS tHE TRial PAramEteR VALUes AND repeats tHE abOvE proCEsS to mInimIze The discREPANCy betweEN tHe meaSuReD AND pReDicTeD SIGnaL chaRACTeRisTIC. (tHe OpTiMiZaTioN aLgOriTHM MIgHt TypicaLLy MInImiZe ThE mEan-squARE ErRoR OF tHE sIGnal ChARaCTeriSTiC coMpONEnTs.)
tHe aBOve prOCESS can provide VerY ACCuRate meASUreMENT caPaBIlitY, BUt tHE cOMPUTatiONaL BurdEN of COMpuTing the STrUcTUrE GeOMeTRy and aPpLyInG elecTROMAGNetIc SIMUlatIOn wiThIN The mEAsureMENT oPTIMizATIon lOoP mAkEs THIs metHOD IMPractIcAL for MAnY reAL-tIME MeaSurEMent APPliCATions. a vARIEty of AlTERnAtivE aPPROAChes have bEEn DEVELoPeD tO AVoiD thE ComPUtatiONAL bOTTLeneCK, But uSuALLY at The exPENSe of cOmpRoMISed MeasUreMent pERformaNCE.
oNe AltErNaTIVe apPrOAch Is To rEPlaCe THE Exact THEORETIcAl MOdel WItH An apPROXImAtE moDel tHaT RepReSEnTs tHE OpTICAl siGnAL cHaracTErIStiC AS A LiNeAr FUnCtioN of MeASuREmENt pARamEters oVer some LIMiTeD ParaMetEr RaNGe. there ArE sevERaL vARIaNts oF thIS appROach, iNCluDIng InVErSE LEAST squarES (ILs), pRINCiPal ComPoneNt RegRESSiOn (pcr), aND pARTIaL leAST SQUares (pLS) (rEF""s 1-5, 7, 11, 15). THe lInEAr COeFFiCienTS of thE ApProxIMatE model are dETeRMIneD bY A mULtIVAriate StATISTiCal aNaLYsIS TEChniQue thaT mInImIZes The MeAN-sQUArE erROr bETWeEn eXact and APProxImaTe DAtA poinTS In a XE2x80x9CCaLIBrAtioNXe2x80x9d DATA sEt. (tHe caLIbRATIon dATa mAy Be GEneRATed eitHEr froM EMpIrIcal meaSUREmENtS or FrOM EXaCT tHEOREtIcAl moDElinG SIMUlATiONs. tHis Is DonE prIOR to meaSuReMenT, sO tHe cALibRaTIon procesS doeS NoT imPACt meASUREmenT tIme.) THE vAriOuS liNear mODELS (ils, PCr, Pls) diFFeR in THe TYPE oF stAtistiCaL aNAlYsIs mEtHod EmPLoYED.
THERE are TWo fUndAMENTAl limItAtIonS of thE liNeAr ModElS: FiRSt, tHe lInEAr APPRoximaTion cAN onLY bE aPpLiED OVeR A LiMited raNGe Of meAsurEMeNt PARameteR ValUEs; aNd sECOnD, wiTHin THIS RANge the apprOXimatE modeL DOEs nOt gEneRaLLy PRoVIDe an ExaCt FiT To tHE CaLiBraTIOn dATa pOiNts. (if thE caLiBrAtIOn daTA iS eMpiRicaLLy DeTeRMinEd, oNE may nOT WANT ThE mODel TO EXaCTlY FIt the datA, BecAusE tHe dATa COuld BE COrrupTED by exPERIMENTaL NOISe. bUT IF tHe dATa is DeterminEd FrOM a ThEOreticaL MODEl it WOulD Be prEFeRAble to UsE an aPpROxImatION MOdEL THaT AT lEAST FItS tHe caliBRatiOn daTa PoiNTS.) ThesE dEficIenCiES caN BE PaRTIalLY reMEDiED bY USiNg A NOn-LInEar (e.g., QUadRatIC) fUNCtIOnaL APProXimAtIoN (REF. 7). THIS aPPrOAcH mitigAtEs, bUT dOES NoT EliMiNaTE, thE limItAtIOns oF LineAr MOdELs.
the PArAmeTER Range LiMIT of fUNCtional (LiNEaR Or NOn-lInEAr) aPPROxImatioN MODELS cAN bE EXTENdED By THE methOd oF XE2X80x9CRAnGe SplITtingxE2X80X9d, whEREin THe fulL ParaMeTEr Range IS SpLIT into a nUmber Of suBraNGEs, AnD a DIFfErEnT ApPRoxiMAte MoDeL is uSEd fOR eAch subrANGE (REF. 7). tHe METHOd Is iLlUstRAtEd ConCePtUALLy In Fig. 1 (Cf. fiG. 2 In Ref. 7), wHIcH rEPREsenTs the rELAtIonSHIp bETweEn A mEASUreMENt ParAmeTER x, sUch AS A lINeWIDtH pARAMEtEr, AnD AN OPticaL sIGnAl cHArActeRIstIC y, suCh as The zErOtH-ORDER SamPlE rEFlECtiViTY AT A PARTicUlaR COLLEction aNGLe And wavELENGth. (in prActicE oNE Is inteRested IN ModELIng THe RELATionShiP betWeEn MUlTiPLE MEASUReMEnt ParametErS, sUCh aS LinEwidTHS, FilM tHICknEssEs, etC., ANd MUlTIplE SIgNaL compONENTs, SUCH AS rEflECtiViTiES at DIFfeREnt WAVeLengths oR cOLLEcTIon angLES. howEveR, thE CONCEPTS illUsTraTEd IN FIg. 1 are eQUAlly ApPLICabLe tO thE mOrE gEnERAl cASe.) A SEt of CaLIbRATIoN dAta poIntS (E.g., pOint 101) is GEneraTED, EitHEr EMpIRicAlly oR by THEOReTIcAL moDELIng. the x pARamEtER rAnge iS sPlIt iNTo TWo (or More) SuBraNgES 102 And 103, anD The sET of caLibRaTIOn poINTS iS sEparAtED INTO coRrEspOnDING SUBsEtS 104 and 105, DEPENDING oN WhICH SubRaNGE eAcH poiNT Is iN. A sTAtIsTiCAL aNalysIS TEchniQuE is aPplIed to Each suBsEt TO gEnERatE A SepArATE ApProXimatiOn modeL (E.G., a lInear modEl) FOr eAcH sUBRangE, sUCH aS linear MOdeL 106 foR suBRAnge 102 AND mODEL 107 For SuBrANGE 103.
aSIDe FROM tHe lIMiTations inherenT iN the FUNCTIONal ApproXImAtion models, ThE rANGE-sPlitTINg METHOD Has ADDITiOnaL DefIcIenciEs. aLTHough THe fUnctiONAl aPProxImATiON IS ConTiNuous aND SMootH wIthiN Each sUbrAnge, it MaY ExhIBIt diSCoNTINUItiES BETWEEN suBRAnges (sUCH as dIsCOnTInuity 108 in fig. 1). tHese dISCONTinUITIes CAN crEATe NumERIcaL iNstabiLITiES IN opTIMiZaTIoN aLGOrItHMs thAT EsTiMatE mEaSUREMENT paRAMeTerS FRom OpTicAL sIgNal dATA. thE DiscOnTinUITIEs cAn also bE proBLEMAtIC foR prOCEss monITOrIng aNd COntROL BeCaUsE SmALl ChAnGes In prOcEss coNdITionS could Result iN lArgE, dIScoNTinuoUS juMPS iN meaSureMents.
anoTHeR dRAWbaCK OF the RANGe-splITting MODeL IS THE LARge nuMBEr of requIReD CalibRATion poiNtS AND tHE lARgE aMOUnt oF DatA thAt MUST be storED In The model. iN The fig. 1 IlLustraTion, eAcH SubRAnGE uses A SImPlE LINEAr AppRoxiMatiOn model Of THE form
y≅ax+bXE2X80x83Xe2x80X83Eq. 1
wHeREiN A AnD b Are caliBrAtion coEfFICIEnTs. at LEast tWo caLibRATioN POinTs per SubRangE ArE reqUireD tO DeTerMinE a and B (geNERALly, MorE ThaN TWo aRE USED TO PrOVidE GoOD StatIsTICAL sAmplIng OvER eaCh suBRANge), aND twO COefFIcIEnts (a and b) must Be StoreD fOR EacH SUbrAnge. If tHEre ARE M SuBranges ThE TOtAL NUmBeR OF caLIbRaTIon poInts mUst bE at LEASt 2 m, aND The number Of caLIBraTioN CoEFFiCIentS Is 2 m. cONsIdeRinG A MORe gENERaL siTUATIoN In wHIch there aRE n MEAsuREMenT paRAMeTeRs x1, X2, . . . XN, the LiNEAR APproXIMation woUld tAkE the FORm
y≅A1x1+A2X2+ . . . ANXN+Bxe2X80X83Xe2X80x83eQ. 2
iF tHE RanGE OF EACH PARAMETeR Is SpLiT INTO M suBRaNgEs, The nUmbER oF SEPaRAte LIneAr AppRoxiMAtIOn MODELs REqUIREd to CoveR aLl cOMbInATionS Of PARametER SuBRANGeS woULD Be mN, aND the NuMBEr oF CalibRatiOn pARAmeTeRS PER COmbinATIon (a1, a2, . . . , An, b) WoulD bE N+1. thUs ThE tOTAL nUMBer of cAlIbRatiOn coefficIEnts (AND THe mINImUm ReQUiREd nUmBEr OF CalIbraTiON datA POINts) WOUlD Be (n+1) Mn. FOR ExAmplE, Fig. 2 ILLUsTRatEs a pArAmEtER SpaCe spANneD bY tWo paRamEteRs, X1 aND x2. THe X1 raNge is SPlit iNto THReE sUBraNgES 201, 202, and 203, aNd The x2 SuBrange Is SPLiT inTo ThReE SuBraNGeS 204, 205, and 206. FoR THIS cAsE, n=2, m=3, tHE nuMbeR Of X1 And x2 SubRanGe coMBINATIOns 207 . . . 215 Is 32=9, And THE NUMbeR Of LINear cALiBrATion COeFfICIENtS WOuLD Be (2+1) 32=27. geneRaLiZINg fUrtheR, if The oPTicAl SIGNAL CHAracTerIstic (Y) Comprises muLtIPLe siGnAL CoMpoNenTS (e.g., fOr DiFFerENt WavELeNGThS), the NUMBEr OF caLIbraTioN cOEFficIeNts wILl InCReAsE In PrOporTIOn To tHe NUMber of cOmponENts. fUrThERmORe, IF a NOnlInEar (E.g., qUadratiC) subraNgE ModEL iS uSeD, the nuMBer oF CAlIbRATIOn POinTS And coeFfICIENtS woULD Be vaSTLy larGER.
ANOTHeR mEAsURemEnt aPpROach, MINImUM mean squArE error anaLySis (MMSe, rEF""s 2-9, 11, 13, 15), PRoVIdes A simPLE alTERNAtIVe To THe RAnGe SPLittIng METHoD DeSCrIbeD AbOVE. wITH tHis aPPRoAcH, A dAtaBaSe OF PRE-comPutEd THeOretIcAL opTiCal SIgNAL cHARAcTeristiCS REPREsenTiNG a lArgE VaRIety OF measUrEMent STRUctUrEs IS Searched AnD cOmpARed tO a SAmpLEs"" meaSUred OPTICAl signaL, aNd THE Best-fItTING compAriSON (In termS Of a mEAN-sQuare-eRror FittinG cRiTErioN) dETeRMInes the MEAsUReMEnT reSULT. (the aBoVe-Not
|
Thepresent invention relates to optical measurement of parameters of interest on samples having diffractive structures thereon,and in particular relatesto improvements in real-timeanalysis of the measured optical signalcharacteristics from a sample to determine parametervalues for that sample. (Thisspecification occasionally makes reference to priorpublished documents. Anumberedlist of thesereferences can be found at the end of this section, under the sub-heading xe2x80x9cReferencesxe2x80x9d.) In integrated circuitmanufacture,the accurate measurement of the microstructures being patterned onto semiconductor wafersis highly desirable. Optical measurement methods are typically used for high-speed, non-destructive measurementof such structures. With suchmethods, a small spot ona measurement sample is illuminated with optical radiation comprising one or more wavelengths, and the sample properties over themeasurement spot are determined by measuringcharacteristics of radiation reflected or diffracted by the sample (e.g.,reflection intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution). This disclosurerelatesto the measurementof a sample comprising a diffractive structure formed onor in asubstrate, wherein lateral material inhomogeneities in the structure give rise tooptical diffraction effects. If the lateral inhomogeneitiesare periodic witha period significantly smaller than the illuminating wavelengths, then diffracted orders other than the zeroth order may allbeevanescent and not directlyobservable, or may be scattered outside thedetection instrument""s field of view. But the lateral structure geometry can nevertheless significantly affect thezeroth-order reflectivity, making it possible to measure structure featuresmuch smaller than the illuminating wavelengths. Avariety of measurement methods applicable to diffractive structures are known inthe prior art. Reference 7 reviews anumber of these methods. The most straightforward approachis to use a rigorous, theoretical model based on Maxwell""s equationsto calculatea predicted optical signal characteristicofthe sample (e.g. reflectivity) as a functionof sample measurement parameters (e.g., film thickness, linewidth, etc.), and adjust the measurement parameters in the model to minimize the discrepancybetween the theoretical and measured optical signal (Ref""s 10, 14).(Note: Inthis context the singular termxe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote a composite entity such as a vectoror matrix. The components ofthe characteristic might,forexample,represent reflectivities at different wavelengthsor collection angles.) The measurement process comprises the following steps: First, a set of trial values of the measurement parametersis selected. Then, based on thesevalues a computer-representable model of the measurement sample structure (including its optical materials andgeometry) is constructed. The electromagnetic interaction between the sample structure and illuminatingradiation is numerically simulated to calculate a predicted optical signal characteristic, which is compared tothe measured signal characteristic. An automatedfitting optimization algorithm iterativelyadjusts the trial parameter values and repeatsthe above process to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. (The optimization algorithm might typically minimize the mean-square error of the signalcharacteristic components.) The above processcan provide very accurate measurementcapability, but the computational burden of computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulationwithin the measurement optimization loop makes this method impractical for manyreal-time measurement applications. A variety of alternative approaches have been developed to avoid the computational bottleneck, but usually atthe expense of compromisedmeasurement performance. One alternative approachis to replace the exact theoretical model with anapproximate model that represents the optical signal characteristic as a linear function of measurement parameters oversome limited parameter range. Thereare several variants of this approach,including Inverse LeastSquares (ILS), Principal Component Regression (PCR), and PartialLeast Squares (PLS) (Ref""s 1-5, 7, 11, 15). The linear coefficients ofthe approximate model are determined by a multivariate statistical analysis technique thatminimizes themean-squareerror between exact and approximate data points in a xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. (The calibration data may be generated either from empirical measurements or from exact theoretical modeling simulations. This isdone priorto measurement, so the calibration process doesnot impact measurement time.) The various linear models (ILS, PCR, PLS)differ in the type of statistical analysis method employed. There are two fundamentallimitations of the linear models:First, the linear approximation can only be applied over a limited range of measurement parameter values;and second, within thisrange the approximate modeldoes not generally providean exact fit to thecalibration datapoints. (If the calibration data is empirically determined, one may not want the modelto exactly fit the data, because the data could be corrupted by experimental noise. Butif the data is determinedfrom a theoretical model it would be preferable to use an approximation model that at least fits the calibration datapoints.) These deficiencies can be partially remedied by using a non-linear (e.g.,quadratic) functional approximation (Ref. 7). This approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, the limitations of linear models. Theparameter range limit of functional (linear or non-linear) approximation models can be extended by the method of xe2x80x9crange splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range is split into a number ofsubranges, and adifferent approximate model is used for each subrange (Ref. 7). The method is illustratedconceptually in FIG. 1(cf. FIG. 2 in Ref. 7), which represents the relationship between a measurementparameter x, such as a linewidth parameter, and an optical signalcharacteristic y, such as the zeroth-order sample reflectivityat a particular collection angle and wavelength. (In practice one is interested in modeling therelationship between multiple measurement parameters, suchas linewidths, film thicknesses, etc.,andmultiple signal components, such asreflectivities at different wavelengths or collection angles. However, the concepts illustrated in FIG. 1 are equally applicable to the more general case.)A set of calibration data points (e.g.,point 101) is generated, either empirically or by theoreticalmodeling. Thexparameter range is split into two (or more) subranges 102 and 103, andthe set of calibrationpoints isseparated intocorresponding subsets 104 and 105, depending on which subrange each point is in. A statisticalanalysis technique is applied to each subset to generate a separateapproximation model(e.g., alinear model) for each subrange, such as linear model 106 forsubrange102 and model 107 for subrange 103. Aside fromthelimitations inherent in the functional approximation models, the range-splitting method has additional deficiencies. Although the functional approximation iscontinuous and smooth withineach subrange, it may exhibit discontinuitiesbetween subranges (such as discontinuity 108 in FIG.1).These discontinuities can createnumerical instabilities in optimization algorithms thatestimate measurementparameters from optical signal data. The discontinuitiescan also be problematic for process monitoring and control because smallchanges inprocess conditionscould result in large,discontinuous jumps in measurements. Another drawback of the range-splittingmodel is the large number of required calibration pointsand the large amount ofdata thatmust be stored in the model.In the FIG. 1 illustration, each subrange uses asimplelinear approximation model of theform y≅ax+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 1 wherein aand b are calibration coefficients.At least two calibration points per subrangeare required to determine a and b(generally, more thantwo areused to provide good statistical sampling over each subrange), and two coefficients (a and b) must be stored for each subrange. If thereare M subranges the total number of calibrationpoints must be at least 2 M, and the numberofcalibration coefficients is 2M. Considering a moregeneral situation in which there are N measurement parameters X1, X2, . . . XN, the linear approximation would take the form y≅a1x1+a2x2+. . . aNxN+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 2 If the range of each parameter is split into M subranges, the number of separate linear approximation models required to cover all combinations of parametersubranges would be MN, and the number of calibration parameters percombination(a1, a2, . . . , aN, b) would be N+1. Thus the total number of calibration coefficients (and the minimum required number of calibration datapoints) would be (N+1) MN. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a parameter space spannedby two parameters, x1 andx2. The x1 range is split into three subranges 201, 202, and 203, and the x2 subrange is split into three subranges 204,205, and 206. For this case, N=2, M=3, the number of x1 and x2subrange combinations 207 . . . 215 is 32=9, and the number of linear calibration coefficients would be (2+1) 32=27. Generalizingfurther, if the optical signal characteristic (y) comprises multiple signal components (e.g.,for different wavelengths),thenumber of calibration coefficients will increase inproportion to the number of components.Furthermore, ifa nonlinear (e.g., quadratic) subrange model is used, the number of calibration points and coefficients would bevastly larger. Another measurement approach, Minimum Mean Square Error analysis (MMSE, Ref""s2-9, 11, 13,15), provides a simple alternative to the range splitting method described above. Withthis approach, a database of pre-computed theoretical optical signal characteristics representing a large variety ofmeasurement structures is searched and compared to a samples"" measured optical signal, and the best-fitting comparison(in terms of amean-square-error fitting criterion)determinesthe measurementresult. (The above-not
|
_The_ _present_ invention relates to optical measurement of parameters of _interest_ on samples having _diffractive_ structures thereon, _and_ _in_ particular relates to improvements in real-time _analysis_ of the measured optical signal characteristics from a sample _to_ _determine_ parameter values for that sample. _(This_ specification occasionally makes _reference_ _to_ prior published _documents._ _A_ numbered list of _these_ _references_ _can_ be _found_ at _the_ _end_ of this section, under the sub-heading _xe2x80x9cReferencesxe2x80x9d.)_ In integrated circuit manufacture, _the_ accurate measurement of the microstructures being patterned onto _semiconductor_ _wafers_ is highly desirable. Optical _measurement_ methods _are_ typically used for _high-speed,_ non-destructive measurement of such structures. _With_ such _methods,_ a small spot on a measurement sample _is_ illuminated with optical radiation _comprising_ one or more wavelengths, and the sample properties over the measurement spot are determined by _measuring_ characteristics of _radiation_ reflected or diffracted _by_ the sample (e.g., _reflection_ intensity, polarization state, or angular distribution). _This_ disclosure relates _to_ the measurement of a sample comprising a diffractive _structure_ formed on or _in_ a substrate, wherein _lateral_ material inhomogeneities _in_ the structure _give_ rise to _optical_ diffraction effects. If the lateral inhomogeneities are periodic with a _period_ significantly smaller than the illuminating wavelengths, then _diffracted_ orders other than the _zeroth_ order may all be evanescent and not _directly_ observable, or may be scattered outside the detection instrument""s field of view. But the _lateral_ structure geometry can nevertheless significantly affect _the_ zeroth-order reflectivity, making _it_ _possible_ to _measure_ structure _features_ much smaller _than_ the illuminating wavelengths. A _variety_ of measurement methods applicable _to_ diffractive structures are known in the prior art. _Reference_ _7_ reviews a number of these _methods._ The _most_ straightforward _approach_ is to use a _rigorous,_ theoretical _model_ based on Maxwell""s equations to calculate a predicted optical _signal_ _characteristic_ of the sample (e.g. reflectivity) _as_ a _function_ of sample measurement parameters (e.g., film _thickness,_ _linewidth,_ _etc.),_ and adjust the measurement parameters _in_ the model to _minimize_ the _discrepancy_ between the theoretical and measured optical signal (Ref""s 10, 14). (Note: In _this_ context the singular term xe2x80x9ccharacteristicxe2x80x9d may denote _a_ composite entity such as a vector or matrix. The components of the characteristic _might,_ for example, represent reflectivities at different _wavelengths_ _or_ collection angles.) The measurement _process_ comprises the following steps: First, _a_ set of trial values of the _measurement_ parameters _is_ selected. Then, based on these values a computer-representable model _of_ the measurement sample structure (including its optical _materials_ and _geometry)_ is constructed. The electromagnetic interaction between the sample _structure_ and _illuminating_ radiation _is_ numerically simulated to calculate a predicted optical signal _characteristic,_ which _is_ compared to the _measured_ signal characteristic. An automated fitting optimization algorithm iteratively adjusts the trial parameter values and repeats _the_ _above_ process _to_ minimize the _discrepancy_ between the measured and predicted signal characteristic. _(The_ optimization _algorithm_ might typically minimize the _mean-square_ _error_ of the signal _characteristic_ components.) The above process can provide very _accurate_ measurement capability, but _the_ computational burden _of_ computing the structure geometry and applying electromagnetic simulation within _the_ _measurement_ optimization loop _makes_ this method impractical for _many_ real-time _measurement_ applications. A _variety_ of alternative approaches _have_ been developed to avoid _the_ computational bottleneck, _but_ usually _at_ the expense of compromised _measurement_ performance. One alternative approach is _to_ _replace_ _the_ _exact_ theoretical model with an _approximate_ model that represents the optical signal characteristic _as_ _a_ linear function of measurement parameters over some limited parameter range. There _are_ several variants of this approach, including Inverse Least Squares (ILS), Principal _Component_ Regression (PCR), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) _(Ref""s_ 1-5, 7, _11,_ 15). _The_ linear coefficients of the approximate model are _determined_ _by_ a multivariate statistical analysis _technique_ _that_ minimizes the _mean-square_ error between exact _and_ _approximate_ _data_ _points_ in _a_ xe2x80x9ccalibrationxe2x80x9d data set. _(The_ calibration data may _be_ generated either from empirical measurements or from exact theoretical _modeling_ simulations. This is _done_ _prior_ _to_ measurement, so the calibration process does not impact _measurement_ time.) The various _linear_ models _(ILS,_ PCR, PLS) _differ_ in the _type_ _of_ statistical analysis _method_ employed. There are two fundamental limitations of the linear models: First, the linear approximation can only be applied over a _limited_ range of measurement parameter values; and _second,_ within this _range_ the approximate model does not generally provide an exact fit _to_ the calibration data points. (If _the_ calibration data is empirically _determined,_ one may not want the model to exactly fit the data, _because_ _the_ data could be corrupted by experimental _noise._ But if the _data_ is determined from a theoretical model it would be preferable to use an approximation model _that_ at least fits _the_ calibration data points.) _These_ deficiencies can be partially remedied _by_ using a non-linear (e.g., quadratic) functional approximation (Ref. _7)._ This approach mitigates, but does not eliminate, the limitations of linear models. The _parameter_ range limit of functional (linear _or_ non-linear) approximation models can be _extended_ by _the_ method of xe2x80x9crange splittingxe2x80x9d, wherein the full parameter range _is_ _split_ into a number _of_ subranges, and a different approximate _model_ is _used_ for each subrange (Ref. 7). The method is illustrated conceptually in FIG. _1_ _(cf._ FIG. 2 in Ref. 7), which represents the relationship between _a_ measurement parameter _x,_ _such_ as a linewidth parameter, _and_ an optical signal _characteristic_ _y,_ _such_ as _the_ zeroth-order sample reflectivity at _a_ particular collection angle and wavelength. _(In_ practice one _is_ interested in _modeling_ the _relationship_ between multiple measurement parameters, such as _linewidths,_ film _thicknesses,_ _etc.,_ and multiple _signal_ components, _such_ as reflectivities at _different_ _wavelengths_ or _collection_ _angles._ However, _the_ concepts illustrated _in_ FIG. 1 are _equally_ applicable to the more general case.) _A_ set of calibration data points (e.g., _point_ 101) is _generated,_ _either_ empirically or by theoretical _modeling._ The _x_ parameter _range_ _is_ split into two (or more) _subranges_ 102 _and_ _103,_ and the set of calibration points _is_ separated into corresponding _subsets_ 104 and 105, _depending_ on which subrange each _point_ is in. A statistical _analysis_ technique _is_ applied to each subset to generate a separate approximation _model_ (e.g., a linear model) for each subrange, such as linear model 106 for _subrange_ 102 _and_ model 107 for subrange 103. _Aside_ _from_ _the_ limitations inherent in the functional _approximation_ _models,_ the range-splitting method has additional deficiencies. _Although_ _the_ functional approximation is _continuous_ and smooth within each _subrange,_ it _may_ exhibit discontinuities between subranges (such as discontinuity 108 in FIG. 1). These discontinuities can create _numerical_ instabilities in _optimization_ _algorithms_ that estimate measurement _parameters_ _from_ optical signal data. The discontinuities can also be problematic for process monitoring and control because small changes in process conditions could result _in_ _large,_ discontinuous jumps _in_ _measurements._ Another _drawback_ of the _range-splitting_ model _is_ the large number of required calibration points and the _large_ amount of data that _must_ _be_ stored _in_ the _model._ In _the_ FIG. 1 illustration, each subrange uses a simple linear approximation model of the _form_ y≅ax+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 1 wherein a and _b_ are calibration coefficients. At least two calibration points per subrange are required to determine a and b (generally, more than _two_ are used _to_ _provide_ good statistical sampling _over_ each subrange), and two coefficients (a and b) must be stored for each subrange. If there _are_ M _subranges_ the total number _of_ calibration points must _be_ at least 2 M, and the number of calibration coefficients _is_ 2 M. Considering a more general situation in which there are N measurement _parameters_ X1, _X2,_ . . . XN, _the_ linear approximation _would_ take the form y≅a1x1+a2x2+ _._ . . aNxN+bxe2x80x83xe2x80x83Eq. 2 If the range _of_ _each_ parameter is split into M subranges, the _number_ of separate linear approximation models required to cover all _combinations_ of parameter _subranges_ would be _MN,_ and the _number_ of calibration _parameters_ per combination (a1, a2, . . . , aN, b) _would_ be _N+1._ _Thus_ the total number of calibration coefficients (and the _minimum_ required number of calibration data _points)_ would be _(N+1)_ MN. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a parameter space spanned by two _parameters,_ x1 and x2. The x1 range is split _into_ three subranges _201,_ 202, and 203, _and_ the x2 subrange is _split_ into three _subranges_ _204,_ 205, _and_ 206. For _this_ case, N=2, M=3, _the_ number _of_ _x1_ and x2 subrange combinations 207 _._ . . _215_ _is_ 32=9, and the number of linear calibration _coefficients_ _would_ be (2+1) _32=27._ Generalizing further, if the optical signal characteristic (y) comprises multiple signal components (e.g., for different wavelengths), _the_ number of calibration coefficients will increase in proportion to _the_ number of _components._ Furthermore, if a nonlinear (e.g., _quadratic)_ _subrange_ model _is_ used, the _number_ of calibration points _and_ coefficients would _be_ _vastly_ larger. Another measurement approach, Minimum _Mean_ Square Error analysis (MMSE, _Ref""s_ 2-9, _11,_ 13, _15),_ provides a _simple_ alternative to the range splitting method described above. With this approach, a database _of_ pre-computed theoretical optical signal characteristics representing _a_ large variety of _measurement_ structures is searched and compared to a samples"" measured _optical_ _signal,_ and the best-fitting comparison (in _terms_ of a mean-square-error fitting criterion) determines the _measurement_ result. (The above-not
|
In the design of the pixel display matrix of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display, It is necessary to carry out a centralized fan-shaped wiring process for a bonding region of a driving integrated circuit, since the distances outputted from the driving integrated circuit to each of the display traces are different, so that the align of the resistance of the fan-shaped region cannot be achieved, thus causing the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces is not the same, finally make the charging time of each display traces is not consistency and causing color shift, the more the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit, the more the resistance difference of the fan-out traces in the fan-shaped region, the even more of the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces, and more seriously color shift.
Conventionally, by usually adapting changing the material of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces, or by reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit to reduce the interval of the fan-shaped region, by reducing the distance difference of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces. But changing the material of the display traces, the support of the TFT-LCD process is needed, and the change of the process and the issues dealing with the process yield will raise a great cost problem, and reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of the driving integrated circuit, and leading to increase costs, so the conventional method for improving color shift is costly.
|
in the design of the pixel display matrix of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display, it is necessary to carry out a centralized fan - shaped wiring process for a bonding region of a driving integrated circuit, since specific distances outputted from the driving integrated circuit to each of the display traces are different, so that the align of the resistance of the fan - shaped region cannot be achieved, thus causing the delay degree of the voltage change for each display traces is not the same, finally make the charging time of each display traces is not consistency and causing color shift, the more the outputting routes cause the driving integrated circuit, and more the resistance difference of the fan - out traces in the fan - shaped region, the even half of the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces, and more seriously color shift. conventionally, by usually adapting changing the length of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces, or by reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit to reduce the interval of the fan - shaped region, by reducing the distance difference of the display traces to reduce the difference of the diameter of the traces. but changing the material of the display traces, the support of the tft - lcd circuit is needed, and the change of the process and the issues dealing with the process yield will raise a great cost problem, and reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driver integrated circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of the driving integrated circuit, and leading to increase costs, so the conventional method which improving color shift is costly.
|
In the design of the pixel display matrix of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display, It is necessary to carry out a centralized fan - shaped wiring process for a bonding region of a driving integrated circuit, since the distances out0uttrd from the driving integrated DiEcuit to each of the display traces are different, so that the align of the resistance of the fan - shaped region cannot be achieved, thID causing the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces is not the same, finally make the charging time of each display traces is not consistency and causing color shift, the more the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit, the more the resistance difference of the fan - out traces in the fan - shaped region, the even more of the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces, and more seriously color sBifG. Conventionally, by usually adapting changing the material of the display trac4x to reduce the difference of the resistance of the trzceE, or by reducing the number of the outluthing routes of the driving integrated circuit to reduce the interval of the fan - shaped region, by reducing the distance difference of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the trScea. But changing the material of the display traces, the support of the TFT - LCD process is needed, and the change of the process and the issues dealing with the process yUe>d will raise a great cost problem, and reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of the driving integrated circuit, and leading to increase costs, so the conventional method for Kmpgoving color shift is costly.
|
In the design of the pixel display of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display, It to carry out a centralized fan-shaped wiring process for a bonding region of a driving integrated circuit, the distances outputted the driving integrated circuit to each of the display traces are different, so that the align of the resistance of the fan-shaped region cannot be achieved, thus causing the delay degree voltage change of each display traces is the same, finally make the charging time of each display traces is not consistency and shift, the more the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit, the more the difference of the fan-out traces in the fan-shaped region, the even the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces, and more seriously color shift. by usually the of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces, or by the number of the outputting routes of the integrated circuit to reduce the interval of the fan-shaped region, by reducing the distance difference of the display traces reduce the difference the resistance of the traces. But changing the material of the display traces, the support of the TFT-LCD process is the change of the process and the issues dealing with the process yield will raise a cost problem, and reducing the number of outputting routes the driving circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of the driving integrated circuit, and leading to increase so the conventional method for improving color shift is costly.
|
In ThE deSIGn oF THE piXEl DIsPLaY MAtRix OF tHE ThIn fIlm tRANSiSToR LIQUID CrYsTal dIspLay, it IS nECESSaRY To CaRRy oUt A cEnTrALIzeD fAn-SHaPEd Wiring prOCEss FOr a bOnDiNg rEgioN of A DrIVing IntegraTed CiRcUit, sINCe tHe dIstANces OuTpUtTeD fROM THe dRIvING inteGRAted CircuiT To EAcH oF the DISplAy tRacES Are DIfFerENt, SO thaT THe alIGn of The rESistancE of the fAN-sHAPeD reGioN CannoT Be AcHIEvEd, tHUs CaUsinG ThE DELAy deGRee oF tHe VoLTage cHangE oF eAch dIspLAy TRAcES is NOT THe sAmE, FInaLLY MakE The ChaRgiNG TImE oF eacH DiSPlaY TracES iS nOT CoNSiSTeNCy And cAuSINg cOLOR shIfT, The MORE tHe OuTPUTtINg RouTeS OF tHE DrIVINg INtegraTeD circUiT, The mORe ThE reSistAncE dIFference Of THE FAn-OUT TRAcES IN tHE FAN-SHaPEd REgIoN, THe EVEn MOre OF tHe delaY dEGREe OF tHE VoltaGe cHAnge Of EACH dISplAY traCes, and MORe seriouSLY Color ShIFT.
cONVENtIOnalLY, by UsUALly AdaPTIng cHaNGIng tHe maTERiaL Of ThE dIspLay trACEs to REdUCe THe DiFfErENce Of THe rESIsTANce of The tRACEs, Or by rEducING The numbER oF THe OutpUttInG rOutES OF tHe dRIViNg InTeGRAteD ciRcUIT TO rEDuCe ThE InTeRVAl of THE FAN-SHApeD RegIon, By REDUcIng thE dIStaNce dIfFeReNCe OF THe DISpLAy TRAceS TO redUcE THe dIFFerEnCE OF the rEsisTancE OF thE tRacEs. BuT chANgInG thE maTERIAl Of the DispLaY trAceS, tHe sUpPORT of thE TFT-lCD pRoCeSs Is NEEDEd, anD the change of tHe pROceSS anD the isSUes dealINg WitH THe ProCEss yIElD WiLl rAISe A grEat coST pROblem, And ReDUciNG tHE NUMBeR OF tHE OuTputTing rOuTEs OF ThE dRivINg InTEgRateD CirCUIT wiLl BE CORReSpondInG iNCrEaSiNG the nuMbeR of ThE DriVIng INtegrATEd CIrCUit, ANd leAding To InCreAse cosTs, sO THe CoNVenTIoNal metHoD foR imPRoVinG ColOr SHIFT is cOsTLY.
|
Inthe design ofthe pixel display matrix of the thin film transistor liquid crystaldisplay, It is necessary to carry out a centralized fan-shaped wiring process fora bonding region of a drivingintegrated circuit, since the distances outputted from the driving integrated circuit to each of the display traces are different,so that the align of theresistance of the fan-shaped region cannot be achieved, thus causing the delay degreeof the voltage change of each display traces is notthe same, finally make the charging time of eachdisplaytraces is not consistency and causing color shift, the more the outputting routes of the drivingintegrated circuit, the more theresistance difference of the fan-out traces in the fan-shapedregion, theeven more of the delay degree of the voltage change of each display traces, andmore seriously color shift. Conventionally, by usually adaptingchanging the material of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces,or by reducing thenumberof the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit to reducethe interval of thefan-shaped region, by reducing the distance difference of the display traces to reduce the difference of the resistance of the traces. But changing the material of the display traces, thesupport of the TFT-LCDprocess is needed, and thechange of the process and the issues dealing with the process yield will raise a great cost problem, and reducing the numberofthe outputting routesof the driving integrated circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of the driving integrated circuit, andleading to increase costs,so the conventionalmethod for improving color shift iscostly.
|
In the design of the _pixel_ display matrix of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display, It _is_ necessary to carry _out_ _a_ centralized fan-shaped wiring process for a bonding region of a _driving_ integrated _circuit,_ since _the_ distances outputted from the driving integrated circuit _to_ each of the display traces are _different,_ _so_ that the align _of_ the resistance _of_ the fan-shaped region cannot be achieved, thus _causing_ the delay degree _of_ the _voltage_ change of each display traces is not the same, _finally_ make _the_ charging time of each _display_ traces _is_ not consistency _and_ causing color shift, _the_ _more_ the outputting routes _of_ _the_ driving integrated circuit, the more _the_ resistance difference of the _fan-out_ _traces_ in the fan-shaped region, the even more of the _delay_ degree of the voltage change of _each_ _display_ traces, and more seriously color shift. _Conventionally,_ by usually adapting changing _the_ material of _the_ display _traces_ to reduce the _difference_ of the resistance of _the_ _traces,_ or by reducing the number of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit to reduce the interval of the fan-shaped region, by reducing _the_ distance _difference_ of the display traces _to_ reduce the difference of _the_ resistance of the traces. But changing the material of the display traces, _the_ support _of_ the TFT-LCD process is needed, and the change of the process and the issues dealing with the process yield will raise a great cost problem, and reducing the _number_ of the outputting routes of the driving integrated circuit will be corresponding increasing the number of _the_ _driving_ _integrated_ circuit, and leading to increase costs, so the conventional _method_ for _improving_ color _shift_ is costly.
|
The invention relates generally to mobile (cellular) telephone communications services. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems that enable businesses to subscribe to a mobile telephone service that allows subscriber's to a mobile telephone service provider to place a telephone call to a business and not have their allotted contract airtime minutes (subscriber-based measured-per-minute call charge) debited.
Presently, mobile telephone service provider subscriber service contracts include a predetermined number of contracted-for airtime minutes. When a subscriber (customer) uses more than their allotted airtime minutes in a given billing period, the over minutes are charged at an inflated rate. Therefore, subscribers usually monitor their airtime minute usage to prevent over minutes, or if their airtime use warrants it, change to a service plan that includes more airtime minutes.
Calling businesses for general information, pricing inquiries and orders from a mobile telephone consumes airtime minutes. Especially if a call is placed on hold for several minutes.
Due to the proliferation of mobile telephone service, many consumers are dropping landline telephone services. This becomes more troublesome for business owners. If consumers minimize time spent shopping from one business to another due to mobile telephone airtime minute usage, business in general suffers and competition between like businesses is affected.
What is desired are methods and systems that forward a call placed from a mobile telephone to a preexisting business landline telephone number not using airtime minutes.
|
the invention relates generally to mobile ( cellular ) telephone communications services. more specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems that enable businesses to subscribe to a mobile telephone service that allows subscriber ' s to a mobile telephone service provider to place a telephone call to a business and thus have their allotted contract airtime minutes ( subscriber - based measured - per - minute call charge ) debited. presently, mobile telephone service provider subscriber service contracts include a larger number of contracted - for airtime minutes. when a subscriber ( customer ) uses more than their allotted airtime hours in a given billing period, the over minutes gets charged at an inflated rate. therefore, subscribers usually monitor their airtime minute usage to prevent over minutes, or if their airtime use warrants it, change to a service plan that includes more airtime minutes. calling businesses for general information, pricing inquiries and shopping from a mobile telephone consumes airtime minutes. especially if a call is placed on hold for several minutes. due to the proliferation on mobile telephone service, many consumers are dropping landline telephone systems. this becomes more troublesome for business owners. if consumers minimize time spent shopping from one business to another due to mobile telephone airtime minute demand, business in general suffers and competition between like businesses is affected. what is desired are methods and systems that forward a call placed from a mobile telephone and a preexisting business landline subscribers number not using airtime minutes.
|
The invention relates generally to mobile (cellular) t2lephoMe communications services. <oee specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems that enable businesses to subscribe to a mIgile telephone service that allows subscriber ' s to a mobile telephone service provider to place a telelhonw call to a business and not have their allotted contract airtime minutes (subscriber - based measured - per - minute call charge) debited. Presently, mobile telephone service provider subscriber service contracts include a predeteGmiMed number of contracted - for airtime minutes. When a subscriber (customer) uses more than their allotted airtime minutes in a given billing period, the over minutes are charged at an inflated rate. Therefore, z8bscribers usually monitor their airtime minute usage to prevent over minutes, or if their airtime use warrants it, change to a service plan that includes Jor4 airtime minutes. Calling businesses for TRneral information, pricing inquiries and orders from a mobile telephone consumes airtime minutes. Especially if a XalO is placed on hold for several minutes. Due to the proliferation of mobile telephone service, many consumers are dropping landline telephone services. This becomes more troublesome for business owners. If consumers minimize time spent shopping from one business to another due to mobile telephone airtime minute usage, business in general suffers and competition between like businesses is affected. What is desired are methods and systems that forward a call olaXed from a mobile telephone to a preexisting business landline telephone number not using airtime minutes.
|
The relates generally to mobile telephone communications services. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems that enable businesses to subscribe to a mobile telephone service that allows to a mobile telephone service provider to place a telephone to a business and not have their allotted contract airtime (subscriber-based measured-per-minute call Presently, mobile telephone service subscriber service contracts include a predetermined number of contracted-for airtime minutes. When a subscriber (customer) uses more than their allotted airtime minutes in a given billing period, the minutes are charged at an inflated rate. Therefore, subscribers usually monitor their airtime minute prevent over minutes, or if their use it, change a service plan that includes more airtime minutes. Calling businesses for general information, inquiries and orders from mobile telephone consumes airtime minutes. Especially if a call is placed on hold for several minutes. to proliferation of mobile telephone service, many consumers are landline services. This becomes more troublesome for business owners. If consumers minimize time spent shopping from one business to another due to telephone airtime minute usage, business in general suffers competition between like businesses is What is desired are methods and systems that forward a call placed from a mobile telephone to a preexisting business landline telephone number not using airtime minutes.
|
tHE iNVentIon relaTes GENERalLy to mobILe (CeLlulAR) tELEPhOne commuNicAtionS SERviCes. MorE spECIFIcaLLy, THE INVention relaTes TO mETHODs aNd SystEMs THaT eNabLe buSINEssES TO SuBScRIbE To A MoBiLe TElEPHoNE SeRviCe THat AllowS SUbScRiBER'S to A mOBIle teLephONE SErvicE PROvIDER To PLACe A TeLEpHOnE call TO a businESS aNd nOT hAvE THEir AllottED coNTRAct aIrTImE MinUTES (Subscriber-BaSeD MEAsUred-pEr-MinutE cAlL charGE) DEBITED.
pREsentLY, moBILE telEphONe sERViCe proViDeR sUBscRIBEr SErVICE contracts inCLuDE A PreDetERMIned NUMber Of CONtRaCtEd-foR aIrtIMe miNUTes. wheN a suBSCrIbeR (CuStomeR) UsES MOrE tHaN ThEir aLLOtTED AiRtIme mInutEs in a GiVen billINg PERiod, tHE OVER MINUtEs aRE chArGeD at An iNflatEd rate. tHerEfOre, SUBsCriBerS UsUALlY MoNITOR thEiR AIRTime minuTe usaGE To PReVENT OVeR MiNutEs, or if THeIr AIRTIMe Use wArraNTS it, ChaNGE tO a serViCE PLaN tHAT iNcLUdEs morE airTiME MiNUTEs.
CalLiNg BUsineSSeS FOr geNErAl inFormatIoN, PRiCinG INqUIriEs AND orDers FRoM a MOBIle teLEPHonE CoNsumES AirtiME MInutes. especiaLlY IF a CalL iS plaCeD On HolD for sEveRAl mINUTES.
dUE tO thE prOLIfeRaTIon oF MoBIle TelepHone SErVICE, maNy CoNSUMerS aRE DrOpPing lANdlINE tElEPhOnE sERVIcES. ThiS BeCOmeS MorE TrOUBLESomE fOr bUsINess OwNErs. iF CONSumERS MInImizE Time spEnt SHOppINg FrOM ONe BuSinEss to AnOTHer DUe TO mOBIlE TeLEphoNe aIRTImE mInuTE uSAge, BUSINesS IN gEnERaL suFfeRS and COmpETiTIon BetWeen LiKE BusInesSes is affEcTED.
wHat iS DesiRED are MetHodS AnD SysTems tHaT forWArD A cAll PLacED FRoM A moBilE TelEpHonE tO a prEEXISting BUSineSs lAnDlIne TElEPhOne nuMBER nOT usInG airtIMe mINutES.
|
The invention relates generally tomobile (cellular) telephone communications services. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems that enable businessestosubscribe to a mobile telephone service that allows subscriber's to a mobile telephone service provider toplacea telephone call to abusinessand not have their allotted contract airtime minutes (subscriber-based measured-per-minute call charge) debited. Presently, mobile telephone service provider subscriber service contracts include a predetermined number of contracted-for airtime minutes. When a subscriber (customer) uses more than their allotted airtime minutes in a given billing period, theover minutes are charged at an inflatedrate.Therefore, subscribers usually monitor their airtime minute usage to prevent over minutes, or if their airtime use warrants it, changeto aservice plan that includes more airtime minutes. Calling businesses for generalinformation, pricing inquiries and orders from a mobile telephone consumesairtime minutes. Especially if a call is placed on hold forseveral minutes. Due to the proliferation of mobiletelephone service, many consumers are droppinglandlinetelephone services. This becomes more troublesome for business owners. If consumers minimize time spent shoppingfromone business to another due to mobile telephoneairtime minute usage, business in generalsuffers and competition between like businesses isaffected. What is desired are methods andsystems thatforward acall placed from a mobiletelephone to a preexisting business landline telephone number not using airtimeminutes.
|
The invention _relates_ _generally_ to mobile _(cellular)_ telephone communications services. More specifically, the invention _relates_ _to_ _methods_ _and_ systems that enable businesses to subscribe to _a_ mobile _telephone_ _service_ _that_ allows _subscriber's_ to a mobile _telephone_ service provider _to_ place a telephone call to a _business_ and not have their allotted _contract_ airtime minutes (subscriber-based measured-per-minute call charge) _debited._ Presently, mobile telephone _service_ provider subscriber service contracts include a predetermined number _of_ contracted-for _airtime_ minutes. When a subscriber (customer) uses more than their _allotted_ airtime minutes in a given _billing_ _period,_ the _over_ minutes are charged at an _inflated_ rate. Therefore, subscribers usually monitor _their_ _airtime_ minute _usage_ _to_ prevent _over_ minutes, or _if_ their airtime use warrants _it,_ change to a service plan that includes more airtime _minutes._ Calling businesses _for_ general information, pricing inquiries and orders from _a_ _mobile_ _telephone_ consumes airtime minutes. _Especially_ _if_ a call is placed on hold for _several_ _minutes._ Due to the proliferation of mobile telephone service, _many_ consumers _are_ dropping landline telephone services. This becomes more troublesome for business owners. If consumers minimize _time_ spent shopping from one business to another due _to_ mobile telephone airtime minute _usage,_ business in general _suffers_ _and_ competition between _like_ businesses is affected. What is desired are methods _and_ systems that forward _a_ call placed from _a_ mobile telephone to _a_ preexisting business landline telephone number not using airtime minutes.
|
This application relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a new and distinct variety of plum, Prunus salicina cv. ‘Suplumfiftythree’. The new variety was first originated by hybridization in July 2014 by Terry A. Bacon as breeder number ‘PL1687RB’.
The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is characterized by having large, juicy fruit with black skin and red flesh. The fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ also has a high Brix:Acid ratio, firm flesh, a mild sweet flavor and a stone that clings to the flesh.
The seed parent is ‘PL761RB’ (unpatented breeding selection), and the pollen parent ‘PL674RZ’ (unpatented breeding selection). The parent varieties were first crossed in February 2011, with the date of first sowing being February 2012, and the date of first flowering being February 2014. The new plum variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ was first asexually propagated by Terry Bacon near Wasco, Kern County, Calif. in February 2015 by dormant grafting.
The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its pollen parent ‘PL674RZ’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from ‘PL674RZ’ in that the fruit of the new variety has a black skin compared to red-dapple skin for the fruit of ‘PL674RZ’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is larger at 140 g compared to 100 g for ‘PL674RZ’.
The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its seed parent ‘PL761RB’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh and black skin. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ differs from its seed parent ‘PL6761RB’ in that for the new variety ripening time starts 9 days later than for ‘PL761RB’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is larger at 140 g compared to 130 g for ‘PL761RB’. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ also differs from ‘PL761RB’ in that the brix:acid ratio is 34 for the new variety, compared to 21 for ‘PL761RB’.
The fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has similar black skin and red flesh as ‘Black Splendor’ (unpatented). However, the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from ‘Black Splendor’ in that the new variety starts ripening about 7 days later than ‘Black Splendor’. In addition, the new variety has larger fruit at about 140 g compared 135 g for ‘Black Splendor’. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has a brix of 17 degrees, while ‘Black Splendor’ has a brix of 14 degrees. The fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has black skin like the fruit of ‘Owen-T’ (unpatented), but the ripening of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ starts about 18 days later than ‘Owen-T’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has red flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘Owen-T’.
The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has been shown to maintain its distinguishing characteristics through successive asexual propagations by, for example, cuttings and grafting.
|
this application relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a new and distinct variety of plum, prunus salicina cv. ‘ suplumfiftythree ’. the new variety was first originated by hybridization in july 2014 by terry a. bacon as breeder number ‘ pl1687rb ’. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ is characterized by having large, juicy fruit with black skin and red flesh. seed fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ also has a high brix : acid ratio, firm flesh, a mild sweet flavor and thin stone that clings to edible flesh. original seed parent is ‘ pl761rb ’ ( unpatented breeding selection ), and the pollen parent ‘ pl674rz ’ ( unpatented breeding selection ). the parent varieties were first crossed in march 2011, with the date of first chromosome being february 2012, and the date of spontaneous flowering being february 2014. the new plum variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ was first asexually propagated by terry bacon near wasco, kern county, calif. in february 2015 by dormant grafting. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ is similar to its pollen parent ‘ pl674rz ’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ differs from ‘ pl674rz ’ in that the fruit of the new variety has a black skin compared to red - dapple skin for the fruit of ‘ pl674rz ’. further, the fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ is larger at 140 g compared to 100 g while ‘ pl674rz ’. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree – is similar to its seed parent ‘ pl761rb ’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh and black skin. the new variety ‘ suplufiftythree ’ differs from its seed parent ‘ pl6761rb ’ in that for the new variety ripening time or 9 days later than for ‘ pl761rb ’. further, the fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ is larger at 140 g compared to 130 g for ‘ pl761rb ’. the new variety ‘ suplufiftythree ’ also differs from ‘ pl761rb ’ in that the brix : acid ratio is 34 for the new variety, compared to 21 for ‘ pl761rb ’. the fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ has similar black skin and red flesh as ‘ black splendor ’ ( unpatented ). however, the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ differs from ‘ black splendor ’ in that the new variety starts ripening about 7 days later than ‘ black splendor ’. in addition, the new variety has larger fruit at about 140 g compared 135 g for ‘ black splendor ’. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ has a brix of 17 degrees, while ‘ black splendor ’ has a brix of 14 degrees. the fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ has black skin like the fruit of ‘ owen - t ’ ( unpatented ), but the ripening of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ starts about 18 days later than ‘ owen - t ’. further, the fruit of the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ has red flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘ owen - t ’. the new variety ‘ suplumfiftythree ’ has been shown to maintain its distinguishing characteristics through successive asexual propagations by, for example, cuttings and grafting.
|
This application relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a new and distinct variety of plum, Prunus salicina cv. ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’. The new variety was first originated by hybridization in July 2014 by Terry A. Baclb as breeder number ‘ PL1687RB ’. The new variety ‘ SuplumfifGytnree ’ is characterized by having :arg$, juicy fruit with black skin and red flesh. The fruit of the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ also has a high Brix: Acid ratio, firm flesh, a mild sweet flavor and a stone that clings to the flesh. The seed parent is ‘ PL761RB ’ (unpatented breeding selection ), and the pollen parent ‘ PL674RZ ’ (unpatented breeding selection ). The parent varieties were first crossed in February 2011, with the date of first sowing being February 2012, and the date of first flowering being February 2014. The new plum variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ was first asexually propagated by Terry Bacon near Wasco, Kern County, Calif. in February 2015 by dormant grafting. The new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ is similar to its pollen parent ‘ PL674RZ ’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh. The new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ differs f$oH ‘ PL674RZ ’ in that the fruit of the new variety has a black skin compared to red - dapple skin for the fruit of ‘ PL674RZ ’. Further, the fruit of the new vaTJety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ is lXGger at 140 g compared to 100 g for ‘ PL674RZ ’. The new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ is similar to its Eeex parent ‘ PL761RB ’ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh and black skin. The new variety ‘ Suplufiftythree ’ differs from its seed parent ‘ PL6761RB ’ in that for the new variety ripening time starts 9 days later than for ‘ PL761RB ’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ is larger at 140 g compared to 130 g for ‘ PL761RB ’. The new variety ‘ Suplufiftythree ’ also differs from ‘ PL761RB ’ in that the brix: acid ratio is 34 for the new variety, compared to 21 for ‘ PL761RB ’. The fruit of the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftyguree ’ has similar black skin and red flesh as ‘ Black Splendor ’ (unpatented ). However, the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ differs from ‘ Black Splendor ’ in that the new variety starts ripening about 7 days later than ‘ Black Splendor ’. In addition, the new variety has larger fruit at about 140 g compared 135 g for ‘ Black Splendor ’. The new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ has a brix of 17 degrees, while ‘ Black Splendor ’ has a brix of 14 degrees. The fruit of the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ has black skin like the fruit of ‘ Owen - T ’ (unpatented ), but the ripening of the new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ starts about 18 days later than ‘ Owen - T ’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘ S8plimfiftythree ’ has red flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘ Owen - T ’. The new variety ‘ Suplumfiftythree ’ has been shown to maintain its distinguishing characteristics through succrssOve asexual propagations by, for example, cuttings and grafting.
|
application relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a new and distinct variety of plum, salicina cv. ‘Suplumfiftythree’. The new was first originated by hybridization in July by Terry Bacon breeder number ‘PL1687RB’. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is characterized by having large, juicy fruit with black skin and red flesh. The fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ also has a high Brix:Acid ratio, firm flesh, a mild sweet flavor and a stone that clings to the flesh. The seed parent is (unpatented breeding selection), and the pollen parent ‘PL674RZ’ (unpatented breeding The were first crossed in 2011, with the date of first sowing being February 2012, and the date of first flowering being February 2014. The new plum variety was asexually propagated by Terry Bacon near Wasco, Kern County, Calif. in February 2015 by grafting. The new ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is to its pollen parent ‘PL674RZ’ in that the of both varieties has red flesh. The new ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from ‘PL674RZ’ in that the fruit of the new variety has a black skin compared to red-dapple skin for the fruit of ‘PL674RZ’. Further, the of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ larger at 140 g compared to 100 g for ‘PL674RZ’. The variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its seed parent ‘PL761RB’ in the fruit of both varieties has red flesh and black skin. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ differs its seed parent ‘PL6761RB’ in that for variety ripening time starts 9 days later than for ‘PL761RB’. Further, the of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is larger at 140 g compared to 130 g for ‘PL761RB’. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ also differs from ‘PL761RB’ in that the brix:acid ratio is 34 for the new variety, compared to 21 for ‘PL761RB’. fruit of the new ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has similar black skin red flesh ‘Black Splendor’ (unpatented). However, the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs ‘Black Splendor’ in that new variety starts about 7 days later than ‘Black Splendor’. the new variety has larger fruit at about g compared 135 g for ‘Black Splendor’. The variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has a brix of 17 degrees, while ‘Black Splendor’ has a brix of 14 degrees. The fruit the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has black skin like the fruit of ‘Owen-T’ (unpatented), but the ripening of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ starts about 18 days later than ‘Owen-T’. Further, the fruit of new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘Owen-T’. new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has been shown maintain characteristics through successive asexual propagations by, for cuttings and grafting.
|
THis APpLIcatiON rELATEs to thE dIscoVerY AND ASExuaL pRopagATion oF A new aNd distInct vArIETY of plUm, PrUNus SalICINA CV. ‘SUPlumfiFTYthRee’. tHE NEw VARiEty WaS FIrst ORiGiNateD By hyBrIdIzAtion In july 2014 BY tErRy A. baCoN AS bReeDEr NUmBeR ‘pL1687rB’.
ThE new VaRiETY ‘SUPLUmFIFtyThREE’ is ChARActErIZED by hAviNG LaRge, jUIcy fRuIT wITh blAcK SKiN aND Red FLEsh. tHE Fruit Of THE neW VaRiety ‘sUPluMFiFTYTHreE’ aLsO Has a hIGh bRIX:AcID raTiO, FirM FLESh, a Mild sWeET fLAvoR and A StONE ThAT CLiNGS tO THE FLesH.
tHe SEed PArEnT iS ‘Pl761rB’ (uNPatEnTed BrEEDIng selECtION), And THE poLlEn ParenT ‘PL674rZ’ (UnpAtEnted BreeDiNg SElEctIOn). ThE pareNt vArietIes WeRE fiRst cROsSeD in FEbRuary 2011, WITH thE DATe of fiRst sOwInG BeiNg februAry 2012, aNd THE dAte OF FIrsT fLOweRING bEing FEbruArY 2014. THe NeW PlUm VARiety ‘supLUmFIfTyThREe’ wAS FirsT AseXUAlLY pROpAgateD bY tERRy BAcOn nEAR WaSCO, kErN cOunTY, CaLIf. iN FeBRUArY 2015 bY dOrmaNt gRafTInG.
THe NeW VaRIEtY ‘suPLumfIFTyThrEe’ is sImILaR to ITs PoLLEN pArEnt ‘pl674rZ’ In thAT thE frUit oF bOth vaRietIes HAs RED flEsH. the NEw VARiETY ‘SUpLUMfiFTYTHrEE’ DiffERs fROm ‘PL674RZ’ In ThaT ThE fRUit oF THE nEW vArIety has a BLaCk SkIN COMParEd to rEd-Dapple skIN foR THE FRuiT OF ‘pL674Rz’. furtHER, tHe FRUit oF The nEw vaRIeTy ‘sUPLUmfiftYThRee’ is lArgEr at 140 g cOMParEd TO 100 G For ‘PL674Rz’.
the nEw VARiety ‘sUPlUMFiFtythRee’ iS SImIlAR tO ItS seed pareNT ‘pl761RB’ IN THaT tHe fRUiT OF BOTh VAriETIes hAs RED FleSH And BlaCk sKiN. THE neW VArieTY ‘SupLUfIFTythrEE’ diFFERs frOm Its seed paRenT ‘pL6761Rb’ in THAt fOR the NeW vArIetY rIpEnINg tIMe staRtS 9 DAYS LAteR tHan fOR ‘pl761RB’. fUrthER, THE FRUit of The neW VARietY ‘sUpLUMfifTYtHree’ Is LaRgEr aT 140 g COMpaREd tO 130 G fOR ‘PL761Rb’. THe new VArieTY ‘suPLufiftYthREe’ alsO dIFfErs fROm ‘PL761RB’ IN that tHe BRIX:ACid RatIO IS 34 fOr tHe NEw Variety, CoMPaRed to 21 foR ‘pL761Rb’.
tHE fruIt oF tHE NEw VARiEty ‘SupLUmFIFTythREE’ has siMILaR BlaCk skiN And Red FleSH AS ‘bLaCK SpLenDor’ (UNPAtENted). HOWever, THe nEW VARIetY ‘sUPluMfIFtyTHREe’ DIFFErS frOM ‘blaCk SPlenDoR’ iN thAt The new VariEty StartS RIpEniNG about 7 DayS latER tHaN ‘BlAck SPLeNDOR’. In aDDItiOn, THe nEw VARieTY Has LaRgeR fRUiT At AboUt 140 g coMpARed 135 g FOr ‘Black sPleNDor’. the New VaRiETY ‘SUplUmFIfTythRee’ hAs A brIX Of 17 deGReES, WhilE ‘blACK spLEnDOR’ hAS a brIx Of 14 DEgrees. thE FRUit Of ThE nEw VARIeTY ‘SuPlumfiFtyTHRee’ HAS BlACk SkIN lIke THE FRUIt OF ‘oWen-t’ (UNPaTEntED), bUT THe rIPEniNg Of tHE NeW VarietY ‘SuPlUMFiftyThREe’ sTARTs aBOut 18 DaYS LAtEr thAn ‘OweN-t’. FUrThEr, tHe FRUit Of THe NEW vArieTY ‘SupLUmFIFTYtHREe’ HAS ReD fleSh CoMpArEd To YEllOW fLeSh FoR ‘oWen-t’.
The nEW varIEtY ‘sUPlUmfIFtyThREe’ hAS bEen sHOwn To MAinTAin ITS dISTINguiSHiNG CHarACterISTICs THROugH SuCceSSIvE AsEXUaL PROPaGaTiONs by, FOR exaMPLe, CuttINGs And GRaFTING.
|
This application relates to the discovery and asexual propagation ofa new and distinctvariety of plum, Prunussalicina cv. ‘Suplumfiftythree’. The new variety was first originatedby hybridization in July 2014 by Terry A. Bacon as breeder number ‘PL1687RB’.Thenew variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is characterized by having large, juicyfruit with black skin andred flesh. The fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ also has a high Brix:Acid ratio, firm flesh, a mild sweet flavor and a stone that clings to the flesh. The seed parent is ‘PL761RB’ (unpatented breeding selection),and the pollenparent ‘PL674RZ’ (unpatented breedingselection).The parent varieties were first crossed in February 2011,with the date of first sowing being February 2012, andthe dateoffirst flowering beingFebruary 2014. The new plum variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ was first asexuallypropagated byTerry Bacon near Wasco,Kern County, Calif.in February 2015 by dormant grafting. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its pollen parent ‘PL674RZ’in that the fruit of bothvarieties has red flesh. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from‘PL674RZ’ in that the fruit of the new variety has a black skin compared to red-dapple skin for the fruitof ‘PL674RZ’. Further, the fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ islarger at 140 g compared to 100 g for ‘PL674RZ’.The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its seed parent ‘PL761RB’ in that the fruitof both varietieshasredflesh and black skin. The new variety‘Suplufiftythree’differs from its seed parent ‘PL6761RB’ in that for the new variety ripening time starts 9 days laterthan for ‘PL761RB’. Further, thefruit of the new variety‘Suplumfiftythree’ is larger at 140 g comparedto130 g for ‘PL761RB’. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ also differs from‘PL761RB’ in that thebrix:acid ratio is 34for the new variety, compared to 21 for ‘PL761RB’. Thefruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’has similar black skinand red flesh as ‘Black Splendor’ (unpatented).However, the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from ‘BlackSplendor’ in that the newvariety starts ripening about 7 dayslater than ‘Black Splendor’. In addition, the new variety has largerfruit at about140 g compared 135 g for ‘Black Splendor’. The newvariety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has a brix of 17 degrees, while ‘Black Splendor’ has a brix of 14 degrees. Thefruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ hasblack skin like the fruit of ‘Owen-T’ (unpatented), but the ripening ofthe new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’starts about 18 dayslater than ‘Owen-T’. Further, thefruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has red flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘Owen-T’.The newvariety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has been shown to maintainits distinguishing characteristics through successive asexual propagations by, for example, cuttings and grafting.
|
This application _relates_ _to_ the _discovery_ and asexual propagation of a new and _distinct_ variety of plum, _Prunus_ _salicina_ cv. ‘Suplumfiftythree’. The new variety was first _originated_ by _hybridization_ _in_ July 2014 by _Terry_ A. Bacon as breeder number ‘PL1687RB’. The _new_ variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is characterized by having large, juicy fruit with black skin and red flesh. The fruit of _the_ new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ also has a high Brix:Acid ratio, firm flesh, _a_ mild sweet flavor and a stone that clings to the flesh. The seed _parent_ is ‘PL761RB’ (unpatented _breeding_ selection), and the _pollen_ parent ‘PL674RZ’ (unpatented breeding selection). The _parent_ _varieties_ _were_ first crossed in February 2011, with the date of _first_ sowing being February 2012, and the date of first flowering being February 2014. The new _plum_ _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ was _first_ asexually propagated by Terry Bacon near Wasco, Kern _County,_ Calif. in February 2015 _by_ dormant _grafting._ The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is similar to its pollen parent _‘PL674RZ’_ in that the fruit of both varieties has red flesh. _The_ new _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ differs from ‘PL674RZ’ in _that_ the _fruit_ _of_ the new variety has a black skin compared to red-dapple skin for the fruit of ‘PL674RZ’. Further, _the_ fruit of the new _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ _is_ larger _at_ 140 g compared to _100_ _g_ for ‘PL674RZ’. The new _variety_ _‘Suplumfiftythree’_ is _similar_ to its seed parent ‘PL761RB’ in that _the_ fruit of _both_ varieties has red flesh _and_ _black_ _skin._ The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ differs from its seed parent ‘PL6761RB’ in that for _the_ _new_ _variety_ ripening time starts 9 days later than for ‘PL761RB’. Further, the _fruit_ of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ is larger at _140_ g compared to 130 g for ‘PL761RB’. The new variety ‘Suplufiftythree’ _also_ _differs_ from _‘PL761RB’_ _in_ that the brix:acid ratio is 34 for the _new_ variety, compared to 21 for ‘PL761RB’. _The_ fruit of the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ _has_ _similar_ _black_ skin and red flesh _as_ ‘Black Splendor’ (unpatented). However, the new _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ _differs_ from ‘Black _Splendor’_ in that _the_ new _variety_ starts ripening about 7 days later than _‘Black_ Splendor’. In _addition,_ the new variety _has_ _larger_ fruit at about 140 g compared 135 _g_ for ‘Black Splendor’. The _new_ _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has _a_ brix of 17 degrees, _while_ ‘Black Splendor’ has a brix of 14 degrees. The fruit _of_ the new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ _has_ black skin like the fruit of ‘Owen-T’ (unpatented), but the _ripening_ of _the_ new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ _starts_ _about_ _18_ days later than _‘Owen-T’._ Further, the fruit of the new _variety_ ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has red flesh compared to yellow flesh for ‘Owen-T’. The new variety ‘Suplumfiftythree’ has _been_ shown to _maintain_ _its_ distinguishing characteristics through successive asexual propagations by, _for_ _example,_ _cuttings_ _and_ grafting.
|
This invention relates to connecting assemblies and, more particularly, to quick release connecting assemblies provided for connecting a second member at a right angle to a first member, and to such connecting assemblies which permit connection and disconnection by access to a point spaced from the point of connection.
Previous connecting assemblies providing for connection of a second member to a first member have required access to the point of connection in order to connect and disconnect the second member from the first member. In one such assembly 200, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings, a second member 204 was connected to a first member 208 by means of a piece 212 connected to the first member 208. The piece 212 included a recess 216 which received an end 220 of the second member 204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore 228 in the piece 212. The screw 224 projected into the recess 216 and was received in an opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. More particularly, the first member 208 was received in a bore 236 in spaced-apart housings 240 and 244. The piece 212 connected to the first member 208 was located outside of the spaced-apart housings 240 and 244, and included a portion 248 extending at a right angle to the first member 208. The portion 248 included the recess 216 which received the end 220 of the second member 204. To connect or disconnect the second member 204 from the first member 208, access to the screw 224 was required to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby or withdraw the screw 224 from the opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. The recess 216 was larger than the end 220 of the second member 204 so that the end 220 of the second member 204 could pivot on the screw 224 in the recess 216.
The first member 208 was secured in the housings 240 and 244 by the first piece 212 and a cotter pin, washer, and bow washer assembly 260 located on the first member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite the first piece 212.
Attention is also directed to Conroy U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,083, issued May 19, 1959.
|
this invention relates to connecting assemblies and, more particularly, to quick release connecting assemblies provided for connecting a second pair at a right angle to a first member, and to such connecting assemblies which permit connection from disconnection by access to a point spaced from the point of connection. previous connecting assemblies providing for connection of a second member to a first member have required access to the point of connection in order to connect and disconnect the second member from the first segment. in one such assembly 200, as illustrated in fig. 5 of the drawings, a second member 204 was connected to a first member 208 by means of a piece 212 connected to the first member 208. the piece 212 included a recess 216 which received an end 220 of the second member 204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore 228 in the piece 212. the screw 224 projected into the recess 216 and was received in an opening 232 in the end 220 of the third member 204. more particularly, the first member 208 was received in a bore 236 in spaced - apart housings 240 and 244. the piece 212 connected to the first member 208 was located outside of the spaced - apart housings 240 and 244, and included a portion 248 extending at a right angle to the first member 208. the portion 248 included the screw 216 which received the end 220 of the second member 204. to connect or disconnect the next member 204 from the first member 208, access to the screw 224 was required to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby or withdraw the screw 224 from the opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. the recess 216 was larger than the end 220 of the second member 204 so that the end 220 of the second member 204 could pivot on the screw 224 in the recess 208. the fifth member 208 was secured in the housings 216 and 244 by the first piece 212 and a cotter pin, washer, and bow washer assembly 260 located on the first member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite the first piece 212. attention is also directed to conroy u. s. pat. no. 218, 887, 083, issued may 19, 1959.
|
This invention relates to connecting assemblies and, more particularly, to quick release connecting assemblies provided for Sonnectijg a second member at a right angle to a first member, and to such connecting assemblies which Osrmit connection and disconnection by access to a point spaced from the point of connection. Previous connecting assemblies providing for connection of a second member to a first member have required access to the point of connection in order to connect and disconnect the second member from the first member. In one such assembly 200, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings, a second member 204 was connected to a first member 208 by means of a piece 212 connected to the first member 208. The piece 212 included a recess 216 which received an end 220 of the second member 204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore 228 in the piece 212. The screw 224 projected into the recess 216 and was received in an opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. More particularly, the first m@mger 208 was received in a bore 236 in spaced - apart housings 240 and 244. The piece 212 connected to the first member 208 was located outside of the spaced - apart ho^Aings 240 and 244, and included a portion 248 extending at a right angle to the first member 208. The poetioj 248 included the recess 216 which received the end 220 of the second member 204. To connect or disconnect the second member 204 from the first member 208, access to the screw 224 was required to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby or wlthdrXw the wcreA 224 VrPm the opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. The recess 216 was larger than the end 220 of the sefonW member 204 so that the end 220 of the second member 204 could pivot on the screw 224 in the recess 216. The first member 208 was secured in the housings 240 and 244 by the first piece 212 and a cotter pin, washer, and bow washer asse<b<y 260 located on the first member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite the first piece 212. Attention is also directed to Conroy U. S. Pat. No. 2, 887, 083, issued May 19, 1959.
|
This relates to connecting assemblies and, more particularly, quick release connecting assemblies provided connecting a member at a right angle to a first and to such assemblies which permit connection and by access to a point spaced from the point connection. Previous assemblies for connection of a second member to a first member have required access the point of connection in order to connect and disconnect the member the first member. In one such assembly illustrated in FIG. drawings, a second member 204 was connected to a first member 208 by means of a 212 connected to the first member 208. The piece 212 included a recess 216 which received an end 220 of the second 204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore 228 in the piece 212. The screw 224 projected into the recess 216 and was received in opening 232 in the end 220 of the second 204. More particularly, the first member 208 was received in a bore 236 in spaced-apart housings 240 and 244. The piece 212 connected to first 208 was located outside of the spaced-apart housings and 244, and included a portion 248 extending at a right angle to the member 208. The portion 248 the recess 216 which received the end 220 of the second member 204. To connect or disconnect the second member 204 from the first member 208, access to the screw 224 was required to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby or withdraw screw 224 from the opening 232 in the end 220 of second member 204. recess 216 was larger than the end 220 of the second member 204 so that end 220 of the second member 204 could pivot on the screw 224 in the recess 216. The first member 208 was secured in the housings 240 and 244 by first piece 212 a cotter pin, washer, bow assembly 260 located on the first member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite first piece 212. Attention is also directed to Conroy U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,083, issued 19,
|
THiS iNvENtIOn ReLAtEs TO conneCtING asseMBLIES AND, mOrE pArTIcULarlY, TO QUICk RElEaSE coNneCTiNg assEmbLIeS PRovIDED fOr cONNEcTiNG A SEcoND mEmbER at A rIGhT AnGLE TO A FIrsT meMbeR, anD tO sUCh COnneCtInG asseMbLIEs wHIch PErMit cOnNeCtion And DIScOnnEcTIoN By ACcesS tO A POiNT sPaceD From the pOint of ConNeCtioN.
preViOuS ConnEctINg aSsEMblIes ProviDing For conNECTiON of A sEcOnd mEmber to A FIrSt MeMbeR HAVE rEQUiRed aCCEsS To THe pOInT of COnnEctIon iN oRDER TO coNnEcT ANd DISCoNNECT The sEconD meMBeR FrOM the fIrSt meMBEr. in oNe SucH AsseMBLy 200, as ILLustRATED iN fIG. 5 of The drawInGS, a seCOnd MeMbeR 204 was COnneCTED TO A FIRSt MemBeR 208 BY meAns oF a pIEce 212 CoNneCtEd TO THE fiRSt memBer 208. ThE PIEce 212 IncLuDed a rEcEss 216 whICh REcEIvED An EnD 220 Of tHe SecOND MeMBer 204, aNd a sCReW 224 whICH WAS seCUReD iN a threaDed BORe 228 In thE PiecE 212. tHE scrEW 224 proJEctED InTo ThE reCess 216 And WaS RecEivED In aN opENInG 232 In thE ENd 220 Of THE SEcOND mEmBEr 204. MORE PARTiCuLARLY, thE FirsT meMbER 208 WaS rEcEIvED IN A boRe 236 IN SpAcED-APaRt houSIngs 240 And 244. thE PiecE 212 ConNEcTed tO THE fIrST member 208 was located oUTsIdE OF The spAcED-APART HouSiNGS 240 aND 244, ANd inCLUDED A PORTion 248 extENDING At a rigHt anGLE to the FIrST memBEr 208. thE pOrTION 248 iNCluDeD THE REcESS 216 wHIch ReCEiVeD The enD 220 oF ThE sEconD membER 204. to connEct oR disCOnnEcT ThE seCond memBER 204 fROm ThE FIrST meMBeR 208, ACceSS TO THE scrEw 224 Was reQUiRed to turn thE SCREw 224 in tHe tHREaDED bOrE 228 To THerEBY or WithDRAW the ScRew 224 FRoM THe oPenInG 232 iN The eNd 220 Of thE sECOnd meMBer 204. ThE recESS 216 WAS laRGeR tHAN ThE END 220 oF THe SeCond MEMbER 204 sO thAT ThE END 220 Of The SeCond MEMBEr 204 COuLD PiVOT on ThE Screw 224 IN ThE rECESS 216.
the FIrST membeR 208 WAs secURED iN The HousiNgs 240 and 244 BY thE fIRSt pIECe 212 aNd A CoTter PiN, WaSher, anD bow WAsheR AsSemblY 260 LOcatED ON thE First meMbeR 208 OUtSIDE of tHe houSInGS 240 AND 244 OPPOsITe THe FiRst pIecE 212.
AtteNtioN iS alSO dIRECtED to CONroy u.s. pAT. NO. 2,887,083, issued MAy 19, 1959.
|
This invention relates to connecting assemblies and, more particularly, toquick release connectingassemblies provided for connecting a second memberat a right angle to a first member,and to such connectingassemblies which permit connection and disconnection by access to a point spaced fromthe point ofconnection. Previous connecting assemblies providing for connection of asecond member to a first member haverequired access to thepoint of connection in order to connect and disconnect the second member from thefirst member. In one suchassembly 200, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings, a second member 204was connected to a first member 208 by means of a piece 212connectedto the first member 208. The piece 212 included a recess 216 which received an end 220 of the second member204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore 228 in the piece 212. The screw 224 projected intothe recess 216and wasreceived in an opening 232 inthe end 220 of the second member 204.More particularly, the first member 208 was receivedin a bore 236 in spaced-aparthousings 240 and244.The piece 212 connected to the firstmember 208 was located outside of thespaced-apart housings 240and 244, and included a portion248 extendingat a rightangle to the first member 208. The portion 248 included the recess 216 which receivedtheend 220 of the second member 204. To connect or disconnect the secondmember 204from thefirst member 208, accesstothe screw 224 wasrequired to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby orwithdraw the screw 224 from the opening 232 in the end 220 of the second member 204. The recess 216 was larger than the end 220of the second member 204 so that the end 220 of the second member204 could pivot on the screw 224 in the recess 216. The first member208 was securedin the housings240 and 244 by thefirst piece 212 anda cotter pin, washer,and bow washerassembly 260 locatedon the first member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite the first piece 212. Attention is also directed to Conroy U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,083, issued May 19, 1959.
|
This invention _relates_ to _connecting_ assemblies and, more particularly, to quick release connecting assemblies _provided_ for connecting a second _member_ at _a_ _right_ _angle_ to a first member, and to such connecting assemblies which permit connection and disconnection by access to _a_ _point_ spaced _from_ the _point_ of connection. Previous _connecting_ assemblies providing for _connection_ of a second _member_ to a first member have required access _to_ the _point_ of connection _in_ order to connect and disconnect the second member _from_ the _first_ member. In one such assembly 200, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of _the_ drawings, a second member _204_ was connected to a first member _208_ by means of a piece 212 connected to the _first_ member 208. The piece 212 included a recess 216 _which_ received an end _220_ of the _second_ member 204, and a screw 224 which was secured in a threaded bore _228_ in the _piece_ 212. The screw 224 projected into _the_ recess 216 and _was_ received in an opening 232 in the end _220_ of the second member _204._ More particularly, the first member _208_ was _received_ in a bore 236 in spaced-apart _housings_ _240_ and _244._ The _piece_ 212 _connected_ to the first member 208 _was_ located outside of _the_ _spaced-apart_ housings 240 and 244, and included a portion 248 extending at a right angle to the first member 208. _The_ _portion_ _248_ included the recess 216 which received the end 220 of _the_ second member 204. To _connect_ _or_ disconnect the second member 204 from the first member _208,_ access _to_ the screw 224 _was_ required to turn the screw 224 in the threaded bore 228 to thereby or withdraw the screw 224 from the opening 232 in _the_ end _220_ of the second member 204. The recess 216 was larger than the _end_ 220 of the second member 204 so that _the_ end 220 _of_ the second member _204_ could pivot _on_ the screw 224 _in_ the _recess_ 216. _The_ first member 208 _was_ secured _in_ the housings 240 _and_ 244 _by_ the first _piece_ 212 and a cotter pin, _washer,_ and bow washer assembly 260 located on the _first_ member 208 outside of the housings 240 and 244 opposite _the_ first piece 212. Attention is also directed to Conroy U.S. Pat. No. _2,887,083,_ issued May _19,_ 1959.
|
Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are stable, high performing nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing, as well as processes and devices for making and/or using the same.
Fabrication of electronic circuit elements using liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial as such techniques provide potentially low-cost alternatives to conventional mainstream amorphous silicon technologies for electronic applications such as thin film transistors (TFTs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), RFID tags, photovoltaics, etc. However, the deposition and/or patterning of functional electrodes, pixel pads, and conductive traces, lines and tracks which meet the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical applications have been a great challenge. The metal, silver (Ag), is of particular interest as conductive elements for electronic devices because silver is much lower in cost than gold (Au) and it possesses much better environmental stability than copper (Cu).
Silver nanoparticles have been extensively examined. However, previous ink compositions containing silver nanoparticles have typically had poor jettability, i.e. they could not be printed using conventional inkjet printing technologies. Typically, the ink would block the nozzle, drip out or dry out on the printer head, and/or the ink droplets would misfire. The printed features had low resolution and/or suffered from the “coffee ring” effect, wherein the particles in a given droplet end up along the circumference of the circle having a center where the droplet was deposited on the substrate (i.e. a non-uniform deposition). Ideally, deposited inkjet-printed lines should be smooth, even, and straight.
Jettable ink compositions would be desirable to enable drop-on-demand deposition and printing with functional features such as electrodes and interconnects for electronic devices.
|
disclosed methods, utilizing various embodiments, are stable, high performing nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing, as well as processes and devices for making and / or coating the same. fabrication of electronic circuit elements using liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial as such techniques provide potentially low - cost alternatives to conventional mainstream amorphous silicon technologies for electronic applications such as thin film transistors ( tfts ), light - emitting diodes ( leds ), rfid tags, photovoltaics, etc. however, the deposition and / or patterning of functional electrodes, pixel pads, and conductive traces, lines and tracks which meet the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical applications have been a great challenge. the metal, silver ( pe ), is of particular interest as conductive elements for electronic devices because silver is much lower in cost than gold ( au ) and it possesses much better environmental stability than copper ( cu ). silver traces have been extensively examined. however, previous ink compositions containing silver nanoparticles have typically had poor jettability, i. e. they could not be printed using conventional inkjet deposition technologies. typically, the ink would exit the nozzle, drip out or dry out on the printer head, and / or the ink droplets would misfire. the printed features had low density and / or suffered from the “ coffee ring ” effect, wherein the electrons in a given droplet end up along the circumference of the circle having a center where the droplet was deposited on the substrate ( i. e. assuming non - uniform deposition ). ideally, deposited inkjet - printed lines should be smooth, even, and straight. jettable ink compositions would be desirable to enable drop - on - demand deposition and printing with functional features such as electrodes and interconnects for electronic devices.
|
Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are stable, high performing nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing, as well as processes and devices for making and / or using the same. Fabtifation of electronic circuit elements using liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial as such techniques provide potentially low - cost alternatives to conventional nxinstream ajorpho6s silicon technologies for electronic applications such as thin film transistors (HFTz ), light - emitting diodes (LEDs ), RFID tags, photovoltaics, etc. However, the deposition and / or patterning of functional electrodes, pixel pads, and conductive traces, lines and tracks which meet the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical SpplicatUons have been a great challenge. The metal, silver (Ag ), is of particular interest as conductive elements for electronic devices because silver is much lower in cost than gold (Au) and it powsesseE much better environmental stability than d9pper (Cu ). Silver nanoparticles have been extensively examined. However, previous ink compositions containing silver nanoparticles navS typically had poor jettability, i. e. they could not be printed using conventional inkjet printing technologies. Typically, the ink would block the nozzle, drip out or dry out on the printer head, and / or the ink droplets would misfire. The printed features had low eesolutioG and / or suffered from the “ coffee ring ” effect, wherein the particles in a given droplet end up along the circumference of the circle having a center where the droplet was deposited on the substrate (i. e. a non - uniform deposition ). Ideally, deposited inkjet - )r8nted lines should be smooth, even, and straight. Jettable ink compositions would be desirable to enable drop - on - demand deposition and printing with functional features such as electrodes and interconnects for electronic devices.
|
Disclosed herein, in embodiments, are stable, high nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing, as well as processes and for making and/or using same. Fabrication of electronic circuit elements liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial techniques provide potentially low-cost alternatives to conventional mainstream amorphous silicon technologies electronic applications such as thin film transistors (TFTs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), RFID tags, photovoltaics, However, the deposition patterning of functional electrodes, pixel pads, conductive lines and tracks which meet the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical applications have been great challenge. The metal, silver (Ag), particular interest as conductive elements for electronic devices because silver is much lower in cost than gold (Au) and it possesses much better environmental stability than copper (Cu). Silver nanoparticles have been extensively However, previous compositions silver nanoparticles have typically had poor jettability, i.e. could be printed using conventional inkjet printing technologies. Typically, the would block the drip out or dry out on the printer and/or the ink droplets would The printed features had low resolution and/or suffered from the “coffee ring” effect, wherein the particles in a given droplet end up along circumference of the circle having a center where the droplet was deposited on the substrate (i.e. a non-uniform deposition). Ideally, deposited inkjet-printed lines should be smooth, even, and straight. Jettable ink compositions would be desirable to enable drop-on-demand deposition and printing with functional features such as electrodes and interconnects electronic devices.
|
DiScLOsEd hEreIn, in vArIoUs embodImenTs, arE stAbLe, HiGh pErFoRMiNG NANoPARtICLe coMpOSitioNS suitAbLe fOR prINting, such As by InKJet PrInting, as WelL AS pROcESSES aNd DEviCes fOr makIng ANd/Or USINg THe SAmE.
faBriCAtIon of ElECtroNIC cIrCuit ElemEnts USinG lIQuId DEPOSiTion TeCHniqUes may be beNEfIcial As suCH TEcHNIqUES prOviDE potENTIalLy Low-CoST AlterNAtIVes to conVeNtIONAL mAinStREam amoRPhoUS sIlIcOn techNoLoGies FoR ELECtroNIc ApPlIcAtiOns sUCh as thiN fIlm tRaNsISTOrS (TFtS), liGHt-eMITtInG dIODES (lEds), rFId TAgs, phoTovoLTaics, ETC. HOWeVer, thE dEpOsITion anD/OR PAtTErNinG Of FUnCTiOnAl ElEctROdEs, pIxEL PAdS, AND coNdUcTIve TracES, LinEs aNd trACKs Which meET the ConDUcTiviTy, prOCessinG, And cost rEqUirEMENTs FoR PRActiCAl AppLicAtIOns hAVE beeN A greaT CHAllengE. The METaL, siLVER (aG), Is oF partICular intEREsT aS coNDuCtiVe eLeMeNtS fOR eLectRonIC DEVices BEcAuSe sIlver Is muCH lOWEr in CoST THaN Gold (AU) aND It PoSsEsSes mUCH BETTeR eNVirONMeNtaL staBility thAn COPPEr (CU).
SILVer nANOpaRTICleS HavE BEeN ExTEnsIVELY ExamINED. HOWEVEr, PReViOUs InK comPosItiOns contAiNInG SILver NAnoPaRTicleS haVE TyPICALLY HaD POOR JEttAbility, i.e. TheY COUlD noT be prInTED USInG conveNTIONAl INkJet prINTInG TecHNolOGiES. TYpiCalLY, the iNK WOULd bLock THE NOZZlE, drip oUT Or DRy OUT oN tHE pRINtER hEad, aND/OR THe INK DRoPLEtS wOULD mISFIrE. The pRINTEd feaTures had LOw RESOlUTIon ANd/oR SUfFereD FRom The “cOFFee RING” EffEct, WhEReiN ThE pARTicLES In A gIvEN dROpLEt end up ALoNG The CIRcUMfErencE oF ThE CiRcle hAVING A CEnTER whEre THE DropLET WaS DePOSIteD ON THe SUbStrATE (i.E. A non-uNIFORm DEPositIoN). IDeAllY, dEpOSITed iNKjET-priNted LIneS sHoUld BE SMooTh, eVEN, anD strAiGht.
jeTtaBLE ink CoMPOsITIOns woULD Be DEsirabLe TO ENAblE DRop-On-demaNd DePOSITioN AND PRiNTiNG wITH fuNCTiOnAL FEaTUrES SUch AS ElEcTroDes aND inTErcONNEcTs for ELEcTroniC DEVIces.
|
Disclosed herein, invarious embodiments, are stable, highperforming nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing,as wellas processes and devices for making and/or using the same. Fabricationof electronic circuit elements using liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial as such techniques provide potentially low-cost alternatives to conventional mainstream amorphous silicon technologies forelectronic applications such as thinfilm transistors(TFTs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), RFID tags, photovoltaics, etc. However,the deposition and/or patterning of functionalelectrodes, pixel pads, and conductive traces, linesand tracks which meet the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical applications have been agreat challenge. The metal,silver(Ag), isof particular interest as conductiveelements for electronic devices because silver is much lower in costthan gold (Au)and it possesses much better environmental stability than copper(Cu). Silver nanoparticles havebeen extensively examined. However, previousink compositions containing silver nanoparticles have typically hadpoor jettability,i.e. they could notbeprinted using conventional inkjet printing technologies. Typically, theinkwould block the nozzle, drip out or dry out on the printer head, and/or the ink droplets would misfire. The printed features had low resolution and/or suffered from the “coffee ring”effect, wherein the particles in agiven dropletend up along the circumference ofthe circle having acenter where the droplet was depositedon the substrate (i.e. a non-uniformdeposition). Ideally, depositedinkjet-printed lines should be smooth, even, and straight. Jettable inkcompositions would bedesirable to enable drop-on-demand deposition and printing with functional features such as electrodes and interconnects for electronic devices.
|
Disclosed herein, in _various_ _embodiments,_ are stable, _high_ performing nanoparticle compositions _suitable_ _for_ printing, such as by inkjet _printing,_ as well as processes and devices for making and/or using the same. Fabrication of electronic circuit _elements_ using liquid deposition techniques may be beneficial _as_ such techniques provide _potentially_ low-cost alternatives _to_ conventional mainstream amorphous silicon technologies _for_ electronic applications such as thin _film_ transistors (TFTs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), RFID tags, photovoltaics, etc. _However,_ the deposition and/or _patterning_ of functional electrodes, _pixel_ pads, and conductive traces, lines and _tracks_ which _meet_ the conductivity, processing, and cost requirements for practical _applications_ have been a great challenge. The metal, _silver_ _(Ag),_ is _of_ particular interest as conductive elements for electronic devices because silver is much lower _in_ _cost_ _than_ gold (Au) and it possesses _much_ better environmental stability than copper (Cu). Silver nanoparticles have been extensively examined. However, previous ink compositions _containing_ silver _nanoparticles_ have typically had poor jettability, _i.e._ they could not be printed using conventional inkjet printing technologies. Typically, the _ink_ would block the nozzle, drip _out_ or _dry_ out on the printer _head,_ and/or the ink droplets would misfire. The printed _features_ had _low_ _resolution_ and/or suffered from the “coffee ring” _effect,_ wherein the _particles_ in a given droplet end up along the _circumference_ _of_ the _circle_ _having_ _a_ center where the droplet was _deposited_ on the _substrate_ (i.e. a _non-uniform_ deposition). Ideally, deposited inkjet-printed lines should _be_ smooth, _even,_ and _straight._ Jettable ink compositions _would_ be desirable to enable drop-on-demand deposition and printing _with_ functional _features_ such as _electrodes_ and interconnects for electronic _devices._
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 2000-46938, filed Aug. 14, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to duty cycle correction circuits.
Recently, the speed of semiconductor memory devices, for example, dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), has increased to improve the performance of existing systems. However, increasing demand for improved systems may require DRAMs that can process even more data at even higher speeds. Accordingly, synchronous dynamic random access memories (SDRAMs) that operate in synchronization with system clocks have been developed for a high-speed operation, thus significantly increasing data transmission speeds.
There are limitations on the amount of data that may be input to and/or output from a memory device per clock cycle of a system clock. To address these limitations, dual data rate (DDR) SDRAMs have been recently developed in order to further increase the transmission speed of data. DDR SDRAMS input and/or output data in synchronization with both the rising edge and the falling edge of a clock.
Reliable data transmission is possible when the duty cycle of a clock signal is equivalent at 50%, which is ideal, in a DDR SDRAM or a direct rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM). Thus, when a signal having a duty cycle that is not equivalent, i.e. greater than or less than 50%, is provided as an input, the signal typically does not perform very well as an input signal. Duty cycle correction circuits have been developed to address this problem.
A block diagram of a conventional duty cycle correction circuit is illustrated in FIG. 1. A duty cycle correction circuit includes a duty cycle corrector 10 and a detection circuit 13. The duty cycle corrector 10 generates a pair of complementary input signals IN and INB, from which distortion is typically removed, in response to first and second complementary clock signals CLK and CLKB, having distortion resulting from nonequivalent duty cycles. The detection circuit 13 feeds back first and second detection signals DETECT and DETECTB obtained by detecting distortion in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of input signals IN and INB of the correction circuit 10 in response to the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB.
Now referring to FIG. 2, a circuit diagram of a conventional detection circuit 13 of FIG. 1 will be discussed. When mismatching exists among diode-connected loads M1 and M4, cross-coupled loads M2 and M3, source coupled pairs M5 and M6, and/or the respective transistors in the detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur in the duty cycles of the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB due to mismatching of the respective transistors, even though less distortion is present in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of clock signals CLK and CLKB.
Semiconductor devices according to embodiments of the present invention include a duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. The duty cycle corrector generates a first input signal having a second duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the first duty cycle in response to a first detection signal and a first control signal having a first duty cycle. The detection circuit generates the first detection signal in response to the first input signal. The detection circuit includes a current source having first and second current sources and a bias circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and controls a bias of the first and the second current sources responsive to the first input signal.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle corrector further generates a second input signal having a fourth duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the third duty cycle in response to a second detection signal and a second control signal having a third duty cycle. The detection circuit, in other embodiments of the present invention, further generates the second detection signal in response to the second input signal.
In further embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correction circuit includes a load matching circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and matches a load of the bias circuit in response to the second input signal.
In still further embodiments of the present invention, the first control signal is a true clock signal and the second control signal is a complementary clock signal. Furthermore, the first and second input signals are complementary signals and the first and second detection signals are complementary signals.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correction circuit further includes a first output driver circuit that pulls the first detection signal up or down in response to the first input signal and a second output driver circuit that pulls a second detection signal up or down in response to a second input signal. The current generated by the current source is supplied to the first output driver circuit, the second output driver circuit and the bias circuit responsive to a bias voltage. The bias voltage may be a voltage at a first node during a period and is calculated according to the equation VNODB+VNODCxe2x88x92VDDxe2x88x92GND. VNODB is the voltage at a second node, VNODC is the voltage at a third node, VDD is a source voltage, and GND is a ground voltage.
|
this application claims the benefit of korean application no. 2000 - 46938, filed aug. 14, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. another present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to duty cycle correction circuits. recently, the speed of semiconductor memory devices, for example, dynamic random access memories ( drams ), has increased to improve the performance of existing systems. however, increasing demand for improved systems may require drams that can process even more data at even higher speeds. accordingly, synchronous dynamic random access memories ( sdrams ) that operate in parallel with system clocks have been developed for a high - speed operation, thus significantly increasing data transmission speeds. there are limitations on the amount of data that may be coupled to and / or output from a memory device per clock cycle of a system clock. to address these limitations, dual data rate ( ddr ) sdrams have been recently developed in order to further increase the transmission speed of data. ddr sdrams input and / or output data in synchronization with both the rising edge and the falling edge of a clock. reliable data transmission is possible when the duty cycle of a clock signal is equivalent at 50 %, which is ideal, in a ddr sdram or newer direct rambus dynamic data access memory ( rdram ). thus, when a signal having a duty cycle that is not equivalent, i. e. greater than or less than 50 %, is provided as an input, the signal typically does not perform very well as an input signal. duty cycle correction circuits have been developed to address this problem. a block diagram of a conventional duty cycle correction circuit is illustrated in fig. 1. a duty cycle correction circuit includes a duty cycle corrector 10 and a detection circuit 13. the duty cycle corrector 10 generates a pair into complementary input signals in and inb, from which distortion is typically removed, in response to first and second complementary clock signals clk and clkb, having distortion resulting from nonequivalent duty cycles. the detection circuit 13 feeds back first and second detection signals detect and subsequently obtained through detecting distortion in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of input signals in and inb of the correction circuit 10 in response to the pair of complementary input sources in and inb. now referring to no. 2, a circuit diagram of a conventional detection circuit 13 of fig. 1 will be discussed. when mis ##matching exists among diode - connected loads m1 and m4, cross - coupled loads m2 and m3, source coupled pairs m5 and m6, and / or the respective transistors in the detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur in the duty cycles of the pair of complementary input signals in and inb due to mismatching of the respective transistors, even though less distortion is present in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of clock signals clk and clkb. semiconductor devices according to embodiments of the present invention include a duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. the duty cycle corrector generates a first input signal having a second duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the first duty cycle in response to a first detection signal and a first control signal having a first duty cycle. the detection circuit generates the first detection signal in response to the first input signal. the detection circuit includes a current source having first and second current sources and a bias circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and controls a bias of the first and the second current sources responsive to the first input signal. in some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle corrector further generates a second input signal having a fourth duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the third duty cycle in response to a second detection signal and a second control signal having a third duty cycle. the detection circuit, in other embodiments of the present invention, further generates the second detection signal in response to the second input signal. in further embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correction circuit includes a load matching circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and matches a load of the bias circuit in response to the second input signal. in still further embodiments of the present invention, the first control signal is a true clock signal and the second control signal is a complementary clock signal. furthermore, the first and second input signals are complementary signals and the first and second detection signals are complementary signals. in some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correction circuit further includes a first output driver circuit that pulls the first detection signal up or down in response to the first input signal and a second output driver circuit that pulls a second detection signal up or down in response to a second input signal. the current generated by the current source is supplied to the first output driver circuit, the second output driver circuit and the bias circuit responsive to a bias voltage. the bias voltage may be a voltage at a first node during a period and is calculated according to the equation vnodb + vnodcxe2x88x92vddxe2x88x92gnd. vnodb is the voltage at a second node, vnodc is the voltage at a third node, vdd is a source voltage, and gnd is a ground voltage.
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 2000 - 46938, filed Aug. 14, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to duty cycle correction circuits. Recently, the speed of semiconductor memory devices, for example, dynamic random access memories (DRAMs ), has increased to improve the performance of existing systems. However, increasing demand for improved systems may require DRAMs that can process even more data at even higher speeds. Accordingly, synchronous dynamic random access memories (SDRAMs) that operate in synchronization with system clocks have been developed for a high - speed operation, thus significantly increasing data transmiswiog speeds. There are limitations on the amount of data that may be input to and / or output from a memory device per clock cycle of a system clock. To address these limitations, dual data rate (DDR) SDRAMs have been recently developed in order to further increase the transmission speed of data. DDR SDRAMS input and / or output data in synchronization with both the rising edge and the falling edge of a clock. Reliable data transmission is possible when the duty cycle of a clock signal is equivalent at 50% , which is ideal, in a DDR SDRAM or a direct rambus dynamic rsndIm access memory (RDRAM ). Thus, when a signal having a duty cycle that is not equivalent, i. e. greater than or less than 50% , is provided as an input, the signal typically does not perform very well as an input sigjZl. Duty cycle correction circuits have been developed to address this problem. A block diagram of a conventional duty cycle correction circuit is illustrated in FIG. 1. A duty cycle correction circuit includes a duty cycle corrector 10 and a detection circuit 13. The duty cycle corrector 10 generates a pair of complementary input signals IN and INB, from which distortion is typically removed, in response to first and second complementary clock signals CLK and CLKB, having distortion resulting from nonequivalent duty cycles. The detection circuit 13 feeds back first and second detection signals DETECT and DETECTB obtained by detecting distortion in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of input signals IN and INB of the correction circuit 10 in response to the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB. Now referring to FIG. 2, a circuit diagram of a conventional detection circuit 13 of FIG. 1 will be discussed. When mismatching exists am0hg diode - connected loads M1 and M4, cross - coupled loads M2 and M3, source coupled pairs M5 and M6, and / or the respective transistors in the detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur in the duty cycles of the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB due to mismatching of the respective transistors, even though less distortion is present in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of clock signals CLK and CLKB. Semiconductor devices according to embodiments of the present inbenti8n include a duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. The duty cycle corrector generates a first input signal having a second duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the first duty cycle in response to a first detection signal and a first control signal having a first duty cycle. The detection circuit generates the first detection signal in response to the first input signal. The detection circuit includes a current source having first and second current Q)urces and a bias circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and controls a bias of the first and the second current sources responsive to the first input signal. In some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle corrector further generates a second input signal having a fourth duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the third duty cycle in response to a second detection signal and a second control signal having a third duty cycle. The detection circuit, in o$hDr embodiments of the present invention, further generates the second detection signal in response to the second input signal. In further embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correction circuit includes a load matching circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and matches a load of the bias circuit in response to the second input signal. In still further embodiments of the present invention, the first control signal is a true clock signal and the second control signal is a complementary clock signal. Furthermore, the first and second input signals are complementary signals and the first and second detection signals are complementary signals. In some emb0dijents of the present invdntioB, the duty cycle correction circuit further includes a first output driver circuit Rhah pulls the first detection signal up or down in response to the first input signal and a second output driver circuit that pulls a second detection signal up or down in response to a second input signal. The current generated by the current source is supplied to the first output driver circuit, the second output driver circuit and the bias circuit responsive to a bias voltage. The bias voltage may be a voltage at a first node during a period and is calculated according to the equation VNODB + VNODCxe2x88x92VDDxe2x88x92GND. VNODB is the voltage at a second node, VNODC is the voltage at a third node, VDD is a source voltage, and GND is a ground voltage.
|
This application the of Korean Application 2000-46938, filed 14, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to duty cycle correction circuits. Recently, the speed of semiconductor memory devices, for example, dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), has increased to improve the performance systems. increasing demand for improved systems may require DRAMs that can even more data at higher speeds. random access memories (SDRAMs) that operate in synchronization with system clocks been developed for a high-speed operation, thus significantly increasing transmission speeds. There are limitations on the amount of may be input to and/or output a memory device per clock cycle of a system clock. To address these limitations, data rate (DDR) SDRAMs have been recently developed in order to further increase the transmission speed of data. DDR input and/or output data synchronization with both the rising edge and the edge of a clock. Reliable data transmission is possible when the duty cycle of a clock signal is equivalent at 50%, which is ideal, in a DDR SDRAM or a direct rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM). Thus, when a signal having a duty cycle that is not equivalent, i.e. greater or less than 50%, is provided as an input, the signal typically does not perform very as an input signal. Duty cycle correction circuits have been to address this problem. A block diagram a conventional duty cycle correction is in FIG. A duty cycle correction circuit includes duty cycle corrector 10 and detection circuit 13. The duty cycle corrector 10 generates pair of complementary input signals IN and INB, from which distortion is typically removed, in response to first and second complementary clock signals CLK and CLKB, having distortion resulting from nonequivalent duty cycles. The detection circuit 13 feeds back first and second signals DETECT and DETECTB obtained detecting distortion in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of input signals IN and INB of the correction circuit 10 in response to the pair complementary input signals IN and INB. Now referring to FIG. a circuit of a conventional detection 13 of FIG. 1 will be discussed. mismatching exists among diode-connected loads M1 and M4, cross-coupled loads M2 and M3, coupled M5 and M6, and/or the transistors in the detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur in the cycles of the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB to mismatching of the respective transistors, even though less distortion is in the duty cycles of the complementary pair of signals CLK and CLKB. Semiconductor devices according to embodiments of the present invention a duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. duty cycle corrector generates a first input signal having a second cycle with a higher degree of equivalence than the first duty cycle in response to a first detection signal and a first control signal a duty cycle. The detection circuit generates the first detection signal in response to the first signal. The detection circuit includes a current source having first and second current sources and a circuit that is electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and controls a bias of the first and the second current sources responsive to the first input signal. some of the present invention, the duty cycle corrector generates a second input signal having a fourth duty cycle with a degree of equivalence than the third duty cycle in response to a second detection signal a second control signal having a third The detection circuit, in other embodiments of the present invention, further generates the detection in response to the second input signal. In further of the present invention, the duty correction circuit includes a load matching circuit that is electrically coupled first and second current sources and matches load of the bias circuit in response to the second input signal. still further embodiments of present invention, the first control signal is a true clock the second control is a complementary clock signal. Furthermore, the first and second input signals are complementary signals and the first and second detection signals are complementary signals. some embodiments of the invention, the duty cycle correction circuit further includes a first output driver circuit the first detection up or down in response to first input and second output circuit that pulls a second detection signal up or down in response to a second input signal. The current generated by the current source is supplied to the first output driver circuit, the second driver and the bias circuit responsive to a bias voltage. The bias voltage be a voltage at a first node during a period and is calculated according to the equation VNODB the voltage a second VNODC is the voltage at a third node, VDD is a source voltage, and GND is a ground voltage.
|
thIS apPlicatION clAIMs THE bEnEfIt OF KOreaN aPPLicAtiON No. 2000-46938, fILed Aug. 14, 2000, ThE dISCLoSuRe of which iS HEREBY IncoRporaTED HeREIn bY RefERENcE.
THe PREsent InveNTIoN RELAtEs To SemIconDuCtOr DevICEs, anD mOre partIcULaRLy, To DuTY CyclE CorRECtIOn ciRCUits.
rECENtlY, The Speed of SeMIconDUctoR mEmoRY DEviCes, for eXaMple, DynaMiC rAndoM acceSS mEMories (DrAmS), Has InCrEaSeD to imPRoVe ThE PerForMaNCE oF EXiStinG sySTeMs. hOWEVEr, iNcReASInG DemAnd FoR iMproVed systeMS may reQuIRe DrAMS THAt cAN ProCEsS EVEN mOrE daTA at EvEN HIGher SPEedS. AccorDINGLY, syNCHrOnoUs DYnAmIC raNDOM ACceSS MeMoRiEs (sdrAMS) THAT OperaTe in SyNChROnizatION WiTH systEM ClOcks have BeEn DeveLOPED fOr A higH-sPeEd OPERAtioN, ThUs SIGNIfIcantlY iNCreasIng dAtA TRANsmiSSion spEEds.
THeRE aRe limitAtioNS oN the amOUNt Of daTA thAt MAy BE iNPUT tO and/oR oUTPut fRoM a meMory devIcE Per cLOCk cycLE oF A SYStEm CLOcK. To AdDrESS THEse LimItatiOnS, duAl DAta rate (ddR) SDRaMs hAve BEEN ReCenTLy deveLopEd In OrdER tO fUrtHer incReASe the tRanSMisSion sPEeD oF daTA. DDR sDRAMS InpUT aND/OR outPUT DATa in sYnchRonizatIoN WITh both thE RiSinG Edge aNd THe fALling eDgE Of A CLoCk.
RElIaBLe Data tRaNSmIssion is pOssibLE wHEN THe duTy CYCLe oF A CLOck SIgNAl is equIVALent aT 50%, WhicH iS ideAl, iN a DDr sdram Or A DiReCt RamBus DynamiC raNDom aCcesS MEMOrY (rDraM). ThuS, whEN A SIgNal hAvInG a DUtY cYcle THat Is nOt eqUiVAlent, i.E. greatEr tHAN or LesS tHaN 50%, is pRovideD aS AN iNpuT, ThE sIgNAL TYPiCAlLY does NoT peRForm vEry WELL aS aN InPuT SIgnal. dutY cyCLE coRRectION cirCuITs Have bEeN DEvELoPEd To AddrESS tHIS PRObLEm.
a BloCk dIaGrAm OF A coNvEntIoNal DuTY CyCle CORrECTIon cIRCUit Is ILlustRAted In FIG. 1. a dutY cYCLE CORRECTion CircuIT INClUDES a dUty CYClE COrREcTor 10 AnD A dEtecTIOn CiRcuIt 13. ThE DUTy cYCLE corrECtoR 10 GeNErATeS A PAIr Of COMPLeMEnTAry Input SignAls In aNd Inb, frOm WHiCh DiSTortion Is tyPicaLLY REmoveD, IN rESPoNse TO FIRst And seCONd compLEMENtArY ClOCk sIGNaLS ClK anD clkB, hAViNg disTORtioN ReSULTInG fROM nONEQUIVaLEnT DuTy cyClES. thE dEtECTIoN CIrCuIT 13 fEEds bACK fIrST and SECoNd DETECTion SIgNaLS deTeCT and DeTEcTb OBTAInED BY dETEcTing DiStORtion In the DUty cyCleS Of thE CoMPleMenTARY PaIR of inPuT siGNAls iN aNd inB OF The CorrECTIoN CIrCuIt 10 IN RESPONSe To tHE PAir OF cOMpLEmentARY INpUt sIGnAls in anD iNb.
now refErring tO FIg. 2, a CIrCUIt dIaGRam oF a cONvENTiOnAL DEteCtioN cIrCuIT 13 OF fig. 1 will be DiSCUsSEd. WhEn MiSmAtCHINg eXisTs amoNg DIodE-CoNnecTed loAdS M1 aNd m4, crosS-cOupLed loaDS M2 AND m3, SouRCE couPleD paIrs m5 ANd m6, AND/OR The rESPeCtIve tRAnsIstors IN tHE dETection CIRCUIT 13, iNCrEaseD DIsTORtION mAY Occur in the DuTY cYclEs OF the PaIR Of compLEmeNtArY InpUt sigNalS IN ANd INb due TO MisMaTChinG of The respecTiVe TransIsTorS, EVEn tHOuGH LeSS DIStoRtioN Is PReSENT iN THe DUty cyCLEs Of THe CoMplEmENtARy PAIR of clOCk SiGNaLs clk aND CLkb.
seMicOnDucTOr DEVIcEs ACcOrdInG to embODiMENtS OF ThE preSENt inVentiON InclUde A DUtY CYCLE COrRecTIoN CIRCuiT HaviNg A DuTy CyClE coRrECtor aNd a DETECTIon cIrcUiT. the DuTy cYclE COrrEctOr gEnERaTES A FiRST iNpUt signAL haVinG A secOnD dUTY CyClE WIth A higHeR dEgrEe oF EQuIvALeNCE tHAN THe fiRST dUTY CycLe In resPOnSE tO A fIRst dEtEctIOn sIgnAl aND A fIrsT CONtRol sIGnAL havinG a FiRST DutY cYCLe. The DEtEcTION cIrcUIT GEnerATES thE first detECtiON signaL iN reSPoNSe tO tHe fiRst inPuT signAL. the DETEctIon cirCuiT INcluDeS A cUrRenT soURCE havInG FIrST aND secOnD CurrENt souRCEs anD A BIas ciRcuIt ThAT is ELECTrIcaLLy cOupLEd to THE fIRsT And SECond cuRReNT sOURCEs AnD conTRolS a bIAS oF The first aND The seCONd CuRReNt SOurCeS reSpONsIve TO tHE FIRST inpuT SIGnaL.
in soME EmbOdIMentS OF THE pReseNt INveNTion, tHE DutY CyclE cOrreCtOr FUrTHER gENeraTes A Second INPUT siGNAl hAVInG a FoURTH DUTy cyCLE With A higheR deGree of eQuIVaLencE THaN THE tHiRd DUty cYcLE in Response TO a seCOnD deTEcTiOn signal AnD a SEcOND COnTRoL signAL hAviNG A tHIRD DUty cYCle. The dEtection circUIt, iN OtHeR EMbODiMENtS oF the pReSENt inVeNtION, furthER gENerAtEs tHe SECoNd detectION sIgnAl in ReSpONSe to ThE sECOnd INPUT SiGnaL.
in FurTher EmBODIMenTs oF The prEsENt iNVENtION, THe DUTY CYClE correctiOn cIRcuiT incLudes A load MATcHING CircuiT ThAT Is ELECTriCally cOUPlED to THe FiRST And sEconD CuRRent SoURCeS AnD mAtChES A LoaD oF THE BIaS ciRCUIt IN ReSpOnSE To ThE SeCOnd inpUT siGNaL.
iN STIlL FUrtHeR emBOdImentS oF tHe pRESEnT inVeNtIon, tHE fIrSt cOnTrol SiGnAL IS a TruE Clock siGnAL AND tHE sECoND coNTrOL signal Is A coMPlemENtaRy Clock SignAl. fuRTheRMOrE, THe fiRSt And SeCONd InpuT SignAlS are CoMpleMEntarY SiGNalS aND thE FiRsT AND SECoNd DEtEcTIOn siGnals arE coMPLEMentaRY SIgNals.
IN SomE EMbOdImENts oF THE prESENt inveNtiON, tHe dutY cyCle cOrReCtIOn cIRCUIT FURtHeR incLUdEs A FiRSt oUtPuT drIver cIRcuIt tHAT pULls THE FIRSt DeTecTiON SiGnAl uP Or DOWN in resPonsE TO tHe First InPuT sIgnAL aNd a sEConD OuTPuT DriVeR cIrcUIt THat PUlls a seconD deTeCtiON sIGnaL UP or doWn iN RESponSE to a secOnD iNPUt siGNaL. tHe cUrrent GEnERated by the CURREnT SoURCE is sUPplIED to THe fIRsT outPUt DrIvER cIrcuit, tHE seCOnD ouTpUT drIvEr cIRcuit ANd THe bIAs CirCuIt ReSponSiVE TO a biAs vOltAGe. tHe BIAs VolTagE MAy Be a VolTaGe AT A fiRst nOde dUrING A PeRiOD AND iS CaLcuLAted AcCoRDING To The eQUAtIoN vNOdb+VnoDCXE2X88x92vdDXE2X88X92GND. vNOdb iS THE voltAGE At A SeCoNd nOdE, vnoDc IS thE volTAge At A tHirD NODE, vDd is A soURCe vOlTAGe, and Gnd Is a gROUNd voLtagE.
|
This application claims the benefit of KoreanApplication No. 2000-46938, filed Aug. 14, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to duty cycle correction circuits. Recently, the speed of semiconductor memorydevices, for example, dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), hasincreased to improve the performanceof existing systems. However, increasing demand for improved systemsmay requireDRAMs that can processevenmore data at even higher speeds.Accordingly, synchronous dynamicrandom access memories (SDRAMs) that operate in synchronization with systemclocks have beendeveloped fora high-speed operation, thus significantly increasing data transmission speeds. There arelimitations on theamount of data that may be input to and/or output from a memory device per clock cycle of a system clock. To address these limitations, dual data rate (DDR) SDRAMs have been recently developed in order to further increase the transmission speed of data. DDR SDRAMS input and/or outputdatain synchronization with both the rising edge and thefallingedge of a clock. Reliable data transmission is possible when the duty cycle of a clock signal is equivalent at50%, which is ideal, in aDDR SDRAM or a direct rambus dynamic random accessmemory (RDRAM). Thus, whena signalhaving adutycycle that isnotequivalent, i.e. greater than or less than 50%, is provided as an input,the signal typically does not perform very well as an inputsignal. Duty cyclecorrection circuits have been developed to address this problem. A blockdiagram ofa conventional dutycycle correction circuit is illustrated inFIG. 1. A duty cyclecorrection circuit includes aduty cycle corrector 10 and a detection circuit 13.Theduty cycle corrector 10 generates a pair of complementary input signals IN and INB,from whichdistortionis typically removed, in response to first andsecond complementary clock signals CLK andCLKB, having distortion resulting fromnonequivalent duty cycles. The detectioncircuit 13 feeds back first and second detection signals DETECT and DETECTB obtained by detecting distortion inthe duty cycles of the complementary pair of input signals IN and INB of the correction circuit 10 inresponse to the pair of complementary input signals IN and INB. Now referring to FIG. 2, acircuit diagram of a conventional detectioncircuit 13 of FIG. 1 willbe discussed. When mismatchingexists among diode-connected loads M1 andM4, cross-coupled loads M2 and M3,sourcecoupled pairsM5 and M6,and/or the respective transistors in the detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur in the duty cycles ofthe pair of complementary inputsignals IN and INB due to mismatching of the respectivetransistors, even thoughless distortionis present in the duty cycles of the complementary pair ofclock signals CLK and CLKB. Semiconductor devices according to embodiments of the presentinventioninclude a duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. The dutycycle corrector generates a first input signal having a second duty cycle with a higherdegree of equivalence than the first duty cycle in responseto afirst detection signal and a first control signal having afirst duty cycle. The detection circuit generates the first detection signal in response to the first input signal. The detection circuit includes a currentsource having first and second current sources and a biascircuit that is electricallycoupled to the first and secondcurrentsources and controls a biasof the firstand the second current sources responsive to the first input signal. In some embodiments of the present invention,the duty cycle correctorfurther generates a second input signal having afourth duty cycle with ahigher degree of equivalence than thethird duty cycle in response to a second detection signal and a second controlsignal having a thirdduty cycle. Thedetection circuit, in other embodiments of the presentinvention, further generates the second detectionsignal in response to the second input signal. Infurther embodiments of the present invention, the duty cycle correctioncircuit includes a load matching circuit thatis electrically coupled to the first and second current sources and matches aload of the bias circuit in response to the second inputsignal. In still further embodimentsof the present invention, the first control signal is a true clock signal andthe second control signal is a complementary clock signal. Furthermore, the first and second input signals are complementary signals and the first andsecond detection signalsare complementary signals. In some embodiments of the present invention, the duty cyclecorrection circuit further includesa first output driver circuit that pulls thefirst detection signal up or down in response to the firstinput signal anda second output driver circuit that pulls a second detection signal up or down in response to a second input signal. Thecurrent generated by the current sourceis supplied to thefirst output drivercircuit, thesecond output driver circuit and the bias circuit responsiveto a bias voltage. The bias voltagemaybe avoltage at a firstnode during a period and is calculated according to the equation VNODB+VNODCxe2x88x92VDDxe2x88x92GND. VNODB is the voltage at a second node, VNODC is the voltage at a third node, VDD is asource voltage, and GND is a ground voltage.
|
This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 2000-46938, filed _Aug._ _14,_ 2000, _the_ disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present invention _relates_ to semiconductor devices, and _more_ particularly, to duty cycle _correction_ circuits. Recently, _the_ speed _of_ semiconductor _memory_ devices, for _example,_ _dynamic_ random _access_ memories (DRAMs), has increased to improve _the_ performance of _existing_ systems. _However,_ increasing _demand_ for improved _systems_ may require DRAMs that can process even more data at even higher speeds. Accordingly, _synchronous_ dynamic random access memories (SDRAMs) that operate in synchronization with system clocks _have_ been developed _for_ a high-speed operation, thus significantly increasing data transmission _speeds._ _There_ are limitations on the _amount_ of data that _may_ _be_ input to and/or _output_ from a memory device per clock cycle of a system _clock._ To _address_ these limitations, _dual_ data rate (DDR) SDRAMs have been recently _developed_ in order to _further_ increase _the_ transmission _speed_ of data. DDR SDRAMS input and/or output data in synchronization _with_ _both_ the rising edge and the falling edge of a clock. Reliable data transmission is possible when the _duty_ cycle _of_ a clock signal is equivalent at 50%, which is _ideal,_ in a DDR SDRAM or a _direct_ rambus dynamic random access _memory_ (RDRAM). Thus, when a signal having _a_ duty cycle _that_ is _not_ _equivalent,_ i.e. greater than or less than _50%,_ is provided as an input, the _signal_ typically _does_ _not_ perform very _well_ _as_ an input signal. Duty cycle correction circuits _have_ been developed _to_ address this problem. A block diagram of a conventional _duty_ _cycle_ _correction_ circuit _is_ illustrated in FIG. _1._ A duty cycle correction circuit includes a duty cycle corrector _10_ _and_ _a_ detection circuit _13._ The duty cycle _corrector_ 10 _generates_ a pair of complementary input _signals_ IN and INB, from which distortion is typically _removed,_ in _response_ _to_ first and second complementary _clock_ signals _CLK_ and CLKB, having distortion resulting from _nonequivalent_ _duty_ cycles. _The_ detection _circuit_ 13 feeds back first and second detection signals DETECT _and_ _DETECTB_ obtained by _detecting_ _distortion_ in _the_ duty cycles of the _complementary_ pair _of_ input signals IN and INB _of_ the correction circuit 10 in response to the pair _of_ complementary input signals IN _and_ INB. Now referring to _FIG._ 2, a circuit diagram of a conventional detection circuit 13 _of_ FIG. 1 will be discussed. When mismatching _exists_ _among_ _diode-connected_ loads _M1_ and M4, cross-coupled _loads_ M2 and M3, source coupled pairs M5 _and_ _M6,_ and/or _the_ respective transistors in _the_ detection circuit 13, increased distortion may occur _in_ the duty cycles _of_ the pair _of_ complementary input signals IN and INB due to mismatching _of_ the respective transistors, _even_ though _less_ distortion is present _in_ the duty _cycles_ _of_ the complementary pair _of_ clock _signals_ CLK _and_ CLKB. Semiconductor devices _according_ to embodiments of the present invention include _a_ duty cycle correction circuit having a duty cycle corrector and a detection circuit. _The_ duty cycle _corrector_ generates _a_ first input _signal_ having _a_ second duty cycle with a higher _degree_ of equivalence _than_ _the_ _first_ duty cycle in response _to_ a first detection _signal_ and a first control _signal_ _having_ a first duty cycle. The detection circuit generates _the_ first _detection_ signal in response to _the_ _first_ input signal. The detection circuit includes _a_ current source _having_ first and second current _sources_ and a _bias_ circuit that is electrically coupled to _the_ _first_ and second current sources and controls a bias of the first and the second current sources responsive to the _first_ input signal. _In_ some _embodiments_ _of_ the present invention, the duty cycle corrector further generates a _second_ input signal having _a_ fourth duty cycle with a higher degree of equivalence _than_ the third duty cycle _in_ response to a second detection signal and a _second_ _control_ signal having a third _duty_ cycle. _The_ detection circuit, in other _embodiments_ of the present invention, further _generates_ _the_ second detection signal in _response_ to the second input _signal._ In further embodiments _of_ the present invention, the duty cycle _correction_ _circuit_ includes _a_ load matching circuit _that_ is electrically coupled to the first _and_ second current sources and matches a _load_ of _the_ _bias_ circuit in _response_ to the second _input_ _signal._ _In_ still further embodiments of the present invention, the first control signal is a true clock _signal_ _and_ the second control signal is _a_ _complementary_ clock signal. Furthermore, _the_ first _and_ second _input_ signals are complementary signals and the first _and_ second _detection_ signals _are_ complementary _signals._ In _some_ embodiments of the present _invention,_ the duty cycle correction circuit further _includes_ a first _output_ driver circuit that pulls _the_ first detection _signal_ _up_ or down in _response_ to the _first_ input _signal_ _and_ a second output driver circuit that pulls a second detection _signal_ up _or_ down in response to a second input signal. _The_ current generated by the current source is _supplied_ to the first output driver circuit, _the_ second output driver _circuit_ and the _bias_ circuit _responsive_ to a _bias_ voltage. The bias _voltage_ may be a _voltage_ at _a_ first node during a period and is calculated according _to_ the equation VNODB+VNODCxe2x88x92VDDxe2x88x92GND. VNODB _is_ the voltage _at_ a second node, VNODC is the voltage at a _third_ node, VDD is a source voltage, and GND is a ground voltage.
|
1. Field
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring a concentration of an analyte in a physiological compartment.
2. Information
The pancreas of a normal healthy person produces and releases insulin into the blood stream in response to elevated blood plasma glucose levels. Beta cells (β-cells), which reside in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin into the blood stream as it is needed. If β-cells become incapacitated or die, a condition known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (or in some cases, if β-cells produce insufficient quantities of insulin, a condition known as Type 2 diabetes), then insulin may be provided to a body from another source to maintain life or health.
Traditionally, because insulin cannot be taken orally, insulin has been injected with a syringe. More recently, the use of infusion pump therapy has been increasing in a number of medical situations, including for delivering insulin to diabetic individuals or trauma patients. As of 1995, less than 5% of Type 1 diabetic individuals in the United States were using infusion pump therapy. Presently, over 7% of the more than 900,000 Type 1 diabetic individuals in the U.S. are using infusion pump therapy. The percentage of Type 1 diabetic individuals that use an infusion pump is growing at a rate of over 2% each year. Moreover, the number of Type 2 diabetic individuals is growing at 3% or more per year, and growing numbers of insulin-using Type 2 diabetic individuals are also adopting infusion pumps. Additionally, physicians have recognized that continuous infusion can provide greater control of a diabetic individual's condition, so they too are increasingly prescribing it for patients.
External infusion pumps are typically provided to control a rate of insulin infusion based, at least in part, on blood glucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucose samples (e.g., finger stick samples) or from processing signals received from a blood glucose sensor attached to a patient to provide sensor glucose measurements. By processing signals from such a blood glucose sensor, a patient's blood glucose level may be continuously monitored to reduce a frequency of obtaining metered blood glucose sample measurements from finger sticks and the like. However, measurements of blood glucose concentration obtained from processing signals from blood glucose sensors may not be as accurate or reliable as blood glucose sample measurements obtained from finger stick samples, for example. Also, parameters used for processing blood glucose sensors for obtaining blood glucose measurements may be calibrated from time to time using metered blood glucose sample measurements as reference measurements obtained from finger sticks and the like.
|
1. field subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring a concentration of an analyte in a physiological compartment. 2. information the pancreas of a normal healthy person produces and releases insulin into the kidney stream in response to elevated blood plasma glucose levels. beta cells ( β - cells ), which reside in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin into the entire stream as it is needed. if β - cells become absent or inactive, a condition known as type 1 diabetes mellitus ( or in some cases, if β - cells produce insufficient quantities of insulin, a condition known as type 2 diabetes ), then sugar may be provided to a body from another source to maintain life or health. traditionally, because insulin cannot be taken orally, insulin has been injected with a syringe. more recently, the use of infusion pump therapy has been increasing in a number of medical situations, including for delivering insulin to diabetic individuals or trauma patients. as of 1995, less than 5 % of type 1 diabetic individuals in the united states were using infusion pump therapy. presently, over 7 % of the more than 900, 000 type 1 diabetic individuals in the u. s. are using infusion pump therapy. the percentage of type 1 diabetic individuals that use an infusion pump is growing at a rate of over 2 % each year. moreover, the number of type 2 diabetic individuals is growing at 3 % or more per year, and growing numbers of insulin - using type 2 diabetic individuals are also adopting glucose pumps. additionally, physicians have recognized that continuous infusion can provide greater control of a diabetic individual ' s condition, so patients too are increasingly prescribing it for patients. external infusion pumps are typically employed to control a rate of insulin infusion based, at least in part, on blood glucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucose samples ( e. g., finger stick samples ) or from processing signals received from a tissue glucose sensor attached to a patient to provide sensor glucose measurements. by processing signals from such a blood glucose sensor, a patient ' s blood glucose level may be continuously monitored to reduce a frequency of obtaining metered arterial glucose sample measurements from finger sticks and the like. however, measurements of blood glucose concentration obtained from processing signals from blood glucose sensors may not be as accurate or reliable as blood glucose sample measurements obtained from finger stick samples, for example. also, parameters used for processing blood glucose sensors for obtaining blood glucose measurements may be calibrated from time to time using metered blood glucose sample measurements as reference measurements obtained from finger sticks and the like.
|
1. Field Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring a concentration of an analyte in a physiological compartment. 2. Information The pancreas of a normal healthy person produces and releases insulin into the blood stream in response to elevated H/ood plasma glucose levels. Beta cells (β - cells ), which reside in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin into the blood stream as it is needed. If β - cells become incapacitated or die, a condition known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (or in some cases, if β - cells produce insufficient quantities of insulin, a condition known as Type 2 diabetes ), then insulin may be provided to a body from another source to maintain life or health. Traditionally, because insulin cannot be taken orally, insulin has been injected with a syringe. More recently, the use of infusion pump therapy has been increasing in a number of medical situations, including for delivering insulin to diabetic individuals or trauma patients. As of 1p9%, less than 5% of Type 1 diabetic individuals in the United States were using infusion pump tGera0y. Presently, over 7% of the more than 900, 000 Type 1 diabetic individuals in the U. S. are using infusion pump therapy. The percentage of Type 1 diabetic individuals that use an infusion pump is growing at a gWte of over 2% each yFSr. Moreover, the number of Type 2 diabetic individuals is growing at 3% or more per year, and growing numbers of insulin - using Type 2 diabetic individuals are also adopting infusion pumps. Additionally, physicians have recognized that continuous infusion can provide nreatDr control of a diabetic individual ' s condition, so they too are increasingly prescribing it for patients. External infusion pumps are typically provided to control a rate of insulin infusion based, at least in part, on blood glucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucose samples (e. g. , finger stick samples) or bTom processing signals received from a blood glucose Censof attached to a patient to provide sensor glucose measurements. By processing sifnsls from such a blood glucose sensor, a patient ' s blood BlIcose level may be continuously monitored to reduce a frequency of obtaining metered blood glucose sample measurements from finger sticks and the like. However, measurements of blood glucose concentration obtained from processing signals from blood glucose sensors may not be as accurate or reliable as blood glucose sample measurements obtained from finger stick samples, for example. Also, parameters used for processing blood glucose sensors for obtaining blood glucose measurements may be calibrated from time to time using metered blood glucose sample measurements as reference measurements obtained from finger sticks and the like.
|
Field Subject matter disclosed relates monitoring a concentration of an analyte in a physiological 2. Information The pancreas of a normal healthy person produces releases insulin into the blood stream in response to elevated plasma glucose levels. Beta cells (β-cells), which reside in the pancreas, produce insulin into the blood stream as it is needed. If become incapacitated or die, a condition known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (or in some cases, if β-cells produce insufficient of insulin, a condition as Type diabetes), then insulin may be to a body from another source to maintain life or health. because insulin cannot be taken orally, insulin has been injected with a syringe. More the use of infusion pump therapy has been increasing in a number of medical situations, including for delivering insulin to diabetic individuals or trauma patients. As of 1995, less than 5% of Type 1 diabetic individuals in United States were using infusion pump therapy. Presently, over 7% the than 900,000 Type 1 diabetic individuals in the U.S. are using infusion pump therapy. The of Type 1 diabetic individuals that use an infusion pump is growing at a rate of over 2% each year. Moreover, the number of Type 2 diabetic individuals is growing at 3% or more per year, and growing numbers Type 2 diabetic are also adopting infusion pumps. Additionally, physicians have recognized that continuous infusion can provide greater control of a individual's condition, so they too are increasingly prescribing it for patients. External infusion pumps are typically provided to control a rate of insulin infusion based, at least part, on blood glucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucose samples (e.g., finger samples) or from processing signals received from a blood glucose sensor attached to a patient to provide measurements. By processing signals from such blood glucose sensor, blood level be continuously monitored to reduce a frequency obtaining metered blood glucose measurements from finger sticks and like. However, measurements blood glucose obtained from processing signals from blood glucose may not as accurate or reliable as blood glucose sample measurements obtained from finger stick samples, for example. Also, parameters used for processing glucose sensors for obtaining blood glucose measurements may be calibrated from to time using metered blood glucose sample measurements as reference measurements obtained from finger sticks and like.
|
1. FIeLD
SuBJEct maTteR diSclOSEd HerEIN reLatEs to mONiTOring A conceNTraTiON of AN AnalYTe IN a PhYSiolOgICal cOMPArTMeNt.
2. INfoRmatIOn
ThE PAnCreAs oF a nORmaL HEaLThY PeRSon PROduCeS AND reLEASes INsuLiN into the BLooD STReAM IN RESpONsE to ELEVaTEd BlOoD plaSma GlucoSE LEVeLS. bEta CellS (Β-CeLlS), WHIch RESide IN ThE paNcreAs, pRoDuCE And secrete insuLiN InTO The BLood StreaM AS iT is neEded. If Β-cells beCoMe INcapAcitATed Or dIe, a cOnditIon KNoWN aS tYpe 1 dIaBETEs MELliTuS (Or In sOMe CAsES, iF Β-ceLLS ProducE InSUffICiENt QuanTiTIes Of InsuliN, a CONDitIOn KNOWn As TYpE 2 DIAbETES), tHEn INsuLIn MAy BE pROVIded To a BoDy fRoM anOTHEr sOUrcE To MaInTaiN lifE oR HeAltH.
tRAdiTionAllY, BecAuse iNsuliN caNNoT be tAkeN orALLy, iNsulin hAS BEen InjEcTed WitH A SyrInGe. mORe recentlY, ThE uSE oF iNfuSIoN PUMp tHeRaPy HaS bEEn INCREasIng iN a NuMBEr of MEDICAl SiTUatiOnS, iNclUdIng foR DEliverInG inSULiN To DiAbEtiC INdIvIDuALs OR trauMa PAtIEnts. AS of 1995, LeSS Than 5% Of TyPE 1 DiABETIc inDiVIDUaLS IN the UNitEd statES weRe UsINg INFuSIoN Pump THERAPY. pRESENtLy, oveR 7% of thE mOrE ThaN 900,000 type 1 DIabEtIC inDIViDUals iN tHe U.S. arE uSiNg inFuSIon PuMp ThErAPy. THe peRCEntAGE OF tyPE 1 DiAbeTic INDIVidualS That Use AN infUsioN pump iS GrowING AT A RAte oF OVer 2% eAcH YEar. moreOVER, the NUmber Of TYpe 2 DiaBETic INDIViDUAlS IS growINg aT 3% OR MORE PeR YEar, anD GRowing numbeRs OF insuliN-uSINg typE 2 DiAbeTIC iNdiviDuALs are aLsO adoPTIng InFUsiON pUMpS. AddITIonAlLY, pHYsicIans haVE rECOGnIZEd tHaT cONTiNUOuS InFusIon Can PRoVIde grEateR CONTROL of a dIaBetiC iNDIVIDual's COnditioN, sO theY toO Are iNcreAsiNgly PrEscriBiNg It For paTIenTs.
eXtErnAL INfUSioN PuMPs aRE tYPICAlly pROviDed TO ConTROL A Rate of iNSulin InfuSiON BAseD, At LeaSt In Part, oN blood GLuCoSE meASUremeNTs oBTainEd frOm Metered blOoD gLUcOsE sampLeS (e.g., fiNGER StIck sAMplES) oR FROm PrOCEssiNG siGNaLs reCeIVeD FRoM a blooD glucose SENsoR attAcheD to A PAtIENt To prOVide senSOR gLUcoSe MEASurEMENTs. By procEsSinG SigNaLs fROm Such a blOod glucOse sEnSor, a pAtIeNT's blooD gLUcose leVEL mAY be CONtInuOuSLY moNitoreD to REDUCe a FrequencY OF oBTAiNiNg metEred blOOD glUCOsE SaMpLe meAsUReMEnts FROm FInGeR stIcKS aNd the Like. hOwEvER, MEasureMeNtS oF blood GluCOse CoNcentRATIOn ObtAinED FrOm prOcESsINg sIGNAls From BLOod GlUcose SeNSOrS MAY not be aS ACCuratE or RElIaBLE aS blood GLUCosE sAMpLE mEASuREmENTS ObtAined froM fINgeR stIcK SAmpLES, FOR ExAMPlE. AlSo, paRameterS USeD FOR pRocESsiNg bLOOD gLuCosE SenSoRS FOr obTAiNING BlOod GlUCOsE MeasUrEmEnTS MAY bE cALIbrAtED FROM tImE tO time USinG MeTErEd Blood GlUcoSE SAmPLe MEAsUreMENts As reFEREnCe mEASURements obtAined FRoM finGER STICkS AnD The lIke.
|
1. Field Subject matter disclosedherein relates to monitoring a concentrationof an analyte in a physiological compartment. 2. Information The pancreas of a normalhealthy person producesand releases insulin into the blood stream in responseto elevated blood plasma glucose levels. Beta cells (β-cells), which reside in the pancreas, produce and secrete insulin into the blood stream as it is needed. If β-cells become incapacitated or die, a condition known as Type1 diabetes mellitus (or in some cases, if β-cells produce insufficient quantities of insulin, a conditionknown as Type 2 diabetes), then insulin may be provided to a bodyfrom another source tomaintain life or health.Traditionally, because insulin cannot be taken orally, insulin has been injected with a syringe. More recently, the useof infusion pump therapy has beenincreasingin a number ofmedical situations, including for delivering insulin to diabeticindividuals or trauma patients. Asof 1995, less than 5%of Type 1 diabetic individuals in the United States were using infusion pump therapy. Presently, over 7% of the more than 900,000 Type 1 diabeticindividuals in the U.S. areusing infusion pump therapy. The percentage of Type 1 diabetic individualsthat use an infusionpump is growing at a rate of over 2% each year. Moreover, the number of Type 2 diabetic individuals is growing at 3% or more per year, and growing numbers ofinsulin-using Type 2 diabetic individuals are also adopting infusion pumps. Additionally, physicians have recognized that continuous infusion can provide greater control of a diabetic individual's condition, so they too are increasingly prescribing it for patients. External infusion pumpsaretypically provided to control a rate of insulin infusion based, at least in part, on bloodglucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucosesamples (e.g., finger stick samples) or from processing signals received froma blood glucose sensor attached to a patient to provide sensor glucose measurements. By processing signals from such a blood glucose sensor, a patient's bloodglucose level may be continuously monitored to reducea frequency of obtaining metered blood glucosesample measurements from finger sticks and the like. However, measurements of blood glucoseconcentration obtainedfrom processing signals from blood glucose sensors may not be as accurate or reliable as blood glucose samplemeasurements obtained from finger stick samples, for example. Also, parametersused for processing blood glucose sensors for obtaining blood glucose measurements may be calibrated from time to time using metered blood glucose sample measurements asreference measurements obtained from finger sticks and the like.
|
1. Field Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring _a_ _concentration_ of an analyte in a physiological compartment. 2. Information The pancreas of a normal healthy _person_ produces and releases _insulin_ into the blood stream _in_ response to elevated blood _plasma_ _glucose_ levels. Beta cells _(β-cells),_ which reside in _the_ _pancreas,_ _produce_ and secrete insulin into _the_ _blood_ stream as it is needed. If _β-cells_ become incapacitated or die, _a_ condition known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (or in _some_ cases, if β-cells _produce_ insufficient quantities _of_ _insulin,_ a condition known as Type 2 diabetes), then insulin _may_ be provided to _a_ body from another _source_ to _maintain_ _life_ or health. Traditionally, because insulin cannot be taken orally, _insulin_ has been injected with a syringe. _More_ recently, the use _of_ infusion pump therapy has _been_ increasing in a number of medical situations, including _for_ delivering insulin to diabetic individuals or trauma _patients._ As of 1995, less than _5%_ of _Type_ 1 diabetic individuals in the United States were using infusion pump _therapy._ Presently, _over_ 7% of the more than 900,000 Type 1 _diabetic_ individuals _in_ the U.S. are _using_ infusion pump therapy. The percentage of Type 1 _diabetic_ individuals that use an infusion pump is growing at a rate of over 2% each year. Moreover, the number of Type _2_ diabetic individuals is growing at _3%_ _or_ more _per_ year, _and_ growing numbers of insulin-using Type 2 diabetic individuals are also _adopting_ infusion _pumps._ Additionally, physicians have recognized _that_ continuous infusion can provide _greater_ control of _a_ diabetic individual's condition, so they too are increasingly prescribing _it_ for patients. _External_ infusion pumps are typically provided _to_ control a _rate_ of insulin infusion based, at least in part, _on_ blood glucose measurements obtained from metered blood glucose samples (e.g., finger stick samples) _or_ from processing signals received from a blood _glucose_ sensor attached to a patient to provide sensor glucose measurements. By processing _signals_ _from_ such a blood glucose sensor, _a_ patient's _blood_ glucose level _may_ be continuously monitored to _reduce_ a frequency _of_ obtaining metered _blood_ _glucose_ sample measurements from finger sticks and the _like._ However, measurements of _blood_ glucose _concentration_ obtained from processing _signals_ from blood glucose sensors may not be as accurate or reliable as blood glucose sample _measurements_ obtained from finger stick samples, _for_ _example._ Also, parameters _used_ _for_ _processing_ blood glucose sensors for obtaining blood _glucose_ measurements may be _calibrated_ _from_ time to time using metered blood _glucose_ sample measurements as reference measurements obtained _from_ finger _sticks_ and the like.
|
The present invention relates to projectiles and in particular to a projectile having a cavity containing a fluid.
To obtain a satisfactory range from a projectile it is necessary to stabilize its orientation to prevent excessive yaw or pitch. While judicious design of the center of gravity or the inclusion of fins may provide an aerodynamic moment which assures stability, a large class of projectiles rely on spin stabilization. Through the use of rifling, a launched projectile is spun about its longitudinal axis so that it exhibits the wellknown gyroscopic effect. To ensure that a projectile is gyroscopically stabilized its spin rate must exceed a minimum which is determined by factors such as its mass distribution.
A specific cannon or gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust the spin rate or the stability of various projectiles. In order to vary the spin rate a known barrel employed two interlaced riflings having differing twist rates. A projectile having engravings matching the appropriate one of the riflings is manually inserted therein. This approach however, does not allow continuous adjustment of spin rate and does not affect projectile stabilizing characteristics such as its mass distribution. In a known projectile, a slipping obturator is used to reduce the spin rate. This apparatus is exposed to high stress and does not provide for adjustment of stabilizing factors such as the mass distribution of the projectile. In a known launcher, its barrel is spun at a rate appropriate for the projectile being fired. While the spin rate can be adjusted in this apparatus, the highest rate attainable is limited and wear is a problem.
The present invention provides a projectile whose flight stability is controlled by a fluid disposed in a cavity of the projectile. The cavity is arranged to allow shifting of the fluid. The resulting mass redistribution can affect flight stability by altering the moment of inertia or the center of gravity as the projectile is trajected. Such mass redistribution can be utilized to increase or decrease the flight stability, in various embodiments. Also, prior to launch the flight stability can be set by the simple expedient of selecting a specific volume or density of fluid. The setting of stability in this fashion may be performed in the factory or in the field. This latter feature is also useful where a standard shell is to be fitted with any one of variously shaped explosives of differing densities.
In addition, for some embodiments the fluid employed may be a liquid explosive so that dead weight is avoided.
Moreover this shifting of fluid may be arranged to facilitate high angular acceleration during launch, thereby ensuring rapic attainment of the rated spin rate. In some embodiments the fluid shift may occur over a predetermined interval so that the projectile stability varies throughout its trajectory. This feature may be important where it is desired to destabilize the projectile and cause it to fall when it reaches a target.
|
the term invention relates to projectiles and in particular to a projectile having a cavity containing a fluid. to obtain a satisfactory range from a projectile it is necessary to stabilize its orientation to prevent excessive yaw or pitch. while judicious design of the center of gravity or the inclusion of fins may provide an aerodynamic moment which assures stability, a large class of projectiles rely upon spin stabilization. through the use of rifling, a launched projectile is spun about its longitudinal axis so that it exhibits the wellknown gyroscopic effect. to ensure that a projectile is gyroscopically stabilized its spin rate must exceed a minimum which is determined by factors such as its mass distribution. one specific cannon or gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust the spin rate or the stability of various projectiles. in order to vary the spin rate a known barrel employed two interlaced riflings having differing twist rates. a projectile having engravings matching the appropriate one containing the riflings is manually inserted therein. this approach however, does not allow continuous adjustment of spin rate and does not affect projectile stabilizing characteristics such as its mass distribution. in a known projectile, a slipping obturator is used to reduce the spin rate. this apparatus is exposed to high stress and does not provide for adjustment of stabilizing irregularities such as the mass distribution of the projectile. in a known launcher, its barrel is spun at a rate appropriate for the projectile being fired. while the spin rate can be adjusted in this apparatus, the highest rate attainable is limited and wear is a problem. the present invention provides a projectile whose flight stability is controlled by a fluid disposed in a cavity of the projectile. the cavity is arranged to allow shifting of the fluid. the resulting mass redistribution can affect flight stability by altering the moment of rotation or the center of gravity as the projectile is trajected. such weight redistribution can be utilized to increase or decrease the flight stability, in various embodiments. therefore, prior to launch the flight stability can be set by the simple expedient of selecting a specific volume or density of projectile. the setting of stability in this fashion may be performed in the factory or in the field. this latter feature is also useful where a standard shell is to be fitted with any one of variously shaped explosives of differing densities. in addition, for some embodiments one fluid employed may be a liquid explosive so that dead weight is avoided. moreover this shifting of fluid may be arranged to facilitate high angular acceleration during launch, thereby ensuring rapic attainment of the rated spin rate. in some embodiments the fluid shift may occur over a predetermined interval so that the projectile stability varies throughout its trajectory. this feature may be important where it is desired to destabilize the projectile and cause it to fall when it reaches a target.
|
The present invention relates to projectiles and in particular to a projectile having a cavity containing a fluid. To obtain a satisfactory range from a projectile it is n@dessary to stabilize its orientation to prevent excessive yaw or pitch. While judicious design of the center of gravity or the inclusion of fins may provide an aerodynamic moment which assures stability, a large class of projectiles rely on spin stabilization. Through the use of rifling, a launched projectile is spun about its longitudinal axis so that it exhibits the wellknown gyroscopic effect. To ensure that a projectile is gyroscopically stabilized its spin rate must exceed a minimum which is determined by factors such as its mass distribution. A specific cannon or gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust the spin rate or the stability of various projectiles. In ord#T to vary the spin rate a known barrel employed two interlaced riflings having differing twist rates. A projectile having engravings matching the appropriate one of the riflings is manually inserted therein. This approach however, does not allow continuous adjustment of spin rate and does not affect projectile stabilizing characteristics such as its mass distribution. In a known projectile, a slipping obturator is used to reduce the spin rate. This apparatus is exposed to high stress and does not provide for adjustment of stabilizing factors such as the mass distribution of the projectile. In a known launcher, its barrel is spun at a rate appropriate for the projectile being fired. While the spin rate can be adjusted in this apparatus, the highest rate attainable is limited and wear is a problem. The present invention provides a projectile whose flight stability is controlled by a fluid disposed in a cavity of the projectile. The cavity is arranged to allow shifting of the fluid. The resulting mass redistribution can affect flight stability by altering the moment of inertia or the center of gravity as the projectile is trajected. Such mass redistribution can be utilized to increase or decrease the flight stability, in various embodiments. Also, prior to launch the flight stability can be set by the simple $xledient of selecting a specific volume or density of fluid. The setting of stability in this fADhion may be performed in the factory or in the field. This latter feature is also useful where a standard shell is to be fitted with any one of variously shaped explosives of differing densities. In addition, for some embodiments the fluid employed may be a liquid explosive so 5Jat XRad weight is avoided. Moreover this shifting of fluid may be a5rang#d to facilitate hifY angular acceleration during launch, thereby ensuring rapic attainment of the rated spin rxtf. In some embodiments the fluid shift may occur over a predetermined interval so that the projectile stability varies throughout its trajectory. This feature may be important where it is WeXired to destabilize the projectile and cause it to fall when it reaches a target.
|
The present invention relates to and in to a projectile having a cavity containing a To obtain a satisfactory range from a projectile is necessary stabilize its orientation prevent excessive yaw or pitch. While judicious design of the center of gravity or the inclusion fins may an aerodynamic moment which assures stability, a large class of rely on spin stabilization. Through the use of rifling, a launched projectile spun about its longitudinal axis so that it exhibits the wellknown gyroscopic effect. To ensure a projectile is gyroscopically stabilized its spin rate must exceed a minimum which is determined by factors such as its mass distribution. A specific or gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust the spin rate or the stability various projectiles. In order to the spin rate a known barrel employed two riflings having differing twist rates. A projectile matching the appropriate one of riflings manually inserted therein. This approach however, does not allow continuous adjustment of spin rate and does not affect stabilizing characteristics such as its mass distribution. In a known projectile, a slipping obturator is used to reduce the spin rate. This apparatus is exposed to high stress and does not provide for adjustment of stabilizing factors such as the mass distribution of projectile. In a known launcher, its barrel is spun at a appropriate for the projectile being fired. While the spin rate can be adjusted apparatus, the highest rate attainable is limited and is a problem. The present invention provides a projectile whose flight stability is controlled by a disposed in cavity of the projectile. The cavity is arranged to allow shifting of the fluid. The resulting mass redistribution can affect flight stability by altering the moment of inertia or the center of gravity as the is Such mass redistribution can be utilized increase or decrease the stability, various Also, prior to launch the flight stability can set by the simple expedient selecting a specific volume of The setting of stability in this fashion be performed in the or in the This latter feature is useful where a standard is to be any one of variously shaped explosives of differing densities. In addition, for some embodiments the fluid employed may be a liquid explosive so that dead weight is avoided. Moreover this shifting of fluid may be arranged to facilitate high angular acceleration during launch, thereby ensuring rapic of the rated spin rate. In some embodiments fluid shift may occur over a predetermined interval so that the projectile stability varies throughout its trajectory. This may be important where it is desired to destabilize the projectile and cause it to fall when it reaches target.
|
THe pResENt InvenTioN RELAteS TO prOJeCTIlES ANd In PaRtiCulaR TO a PrOJECtiLe hAviNg A CAvITY conTAiniNG A Fluid.
tO ObTaiN A saTiSFaCToRy raNGE frOM a prOJECtILe it IS NEcESSARY to sTAbILize its oriEnTAtiOn To pREveNt ExCESsIvE yaW or pITCh. WHIlE juDiciOUS desIGn OF ThE CEntER of grAvITy or ThE inCLUSiOn oF fins May pROVidE an AEROdynamIC moMent WHich AsSUrES STaBILItY, A laRge ClASs oF pRoJEcTIlES RELY On SPiN StaBIlizaTion. tHroUGH thE usE Of RiFliNg, A lAUNched ProJEcTIlE iS sPuN AbOUt Its loNgItUDiNaL AxIS SO thAt IT exHiBits ThE welLKnoWN gyrosCOPIC EffecT. TO enSURE thAt a PrOjEcTile is gYrOscoPiCALLY staBILIzeD its spIN RaTE mUsT ExCEed a mINIMUm WHIcH Is dETErMinEd by faCToRS suCh aS iTs MASs dIsTRiBUtIoN.
a sPEcIFic cannon or GUN HavINg StAnDaRD RiFLing dOEs nOT HAVe THe ABiLiTY To adJusT THE spIn raTE OR ThE stAbIlItY OF vARIOuS prOJEcTIlEs. in OrdeR tO VARy The sPIn RatE a KnowN BARREL EmPLOYEd two IntErLAcED rifLiNgs HaViNg DIFFERinG tWiST RaTES. A ProJecTIle hAvinG ENgRavINGS matcHinG tHe apPRopRIaTE onE of thE rIFLINgS Is MAnuaLLy InSerteD thEReIn. thiS APprOACh HOwEvER, dOES not AlLOw cONTINUoUs AdjuStMENt OF sPin rATe ANd DOES NOT AFfEcT pROjeCTile StabilIzIng CHArACterISticS Such aS ITS maSs diSTRibUtIon. in A KnoWN pRoJECTILe, A sLipPInG obtUraToR is uSED to REdUCe THE SpiN RAtE. this aPparaTUS iS exPOsED TO hIgH sTReSs AND DOEs nOt prOvide for adjustMENT of sTaBIlIZinG FactORs suCH AS THE maSs dIstRibUtiOn OF tHe pRoJECTIlE. In A KNOWn laUncheR, itS bARREL is spun AT A ratE aPPRoprIatE fOr The ProJECTILE BeiNG fIred. While the spiN Rate CAN bE aDjUSteD in this appaRATUS, THe hiGhEst ratE ATTaInabLE IS LIMItED ANd wEar is a ProBLeM.
THe PREsENT iNVentIOn pRovidES A prOJeCTILe WHoSE fLIgHt stabILitY Is COnTROlLED By a fluID disPoSED In A CAVITy Of THe PrOjectIlE. THe cAvIty is arrANGED To ALLOW sHiftiNg oF tHe FlUid. ThE rEsuLtiNG mAsS RedISTRIBUTIon CAn AFfEct fLighT sTABiLitY BY alTering tHE MomeNT OF InerTIa OR tHe cEnteR of GRAVitY aS ThE projEcTILE is TRajeCTeD. sUch MaSs REDisTrIBuTiOn caN Be utIlizED tO IncREaSe OR DeCReAsE THE FligHt sTAbiLiTy, IN vArIous eMBoDImentS. ALSO, PRiOr tO LaunCh tHE FlIGHt StABiLity caN Be sEt bY The siMpLE exPEdIeNT of SEleCting a sPECiFIc vOlUME OR DENsiTy OF FLUId. the sETtiNg Of STabILitY iN THis FaSHioN MAy BE pERFoRMed in THE facToRy Or in ThE FIelD. ThIS lATtEr feaTUre Is alsO USEFuL WHeRE a sTandARd shEll iS To be fIttEd With Any ONE of vaRiOuSLY shaPeD EXplOsIves oF diFfErinG DENsItieS.
iN aDditioN, FOR SOmE eMbODImEntS THe flUid empLoYed MaY Be a liQuId ExploSive sO thaT deaD WeigHt IS AvOided.
moREOvEr thiS ShIftiNg of FLuiD May BE arraNgED To facIlItATe hIgH angUlAr AccElERatION dURiNG LaUnch, therebY ensurIng rAPiC ATTAiNmEnT OF tHe rATed spiN RATE. iN somE emboDIMeNtS thE fluiD shIft MAy oCCur OvER A pRedetErmiNED iNterVAL sO thAt thE PrOJECtIle STabILiTy vArieS thROUghOut ITs TrAJEcTorY. THIs FeaTURe MAy bE ImpoRtAnt wHere IT Is DesIred TO destabiLiZe THE PrOJEcTiLe ANd cAUSe it TO FalL When IT rEACHes A tarGet.
|
The presentinvention relates to projectiles and in particularto a projectile havinga cavity containing a fluid. To obtain a satisfactory range from a projectileit is necessary to stabilize itsorientation to prevent excessive yaw or pitch. While judicious design of the center of gravity ortheinclusion of fins may provide an aerodynamic moment whichassures stability, alarge class ofprojectiles rely on spin stabilization. Through the use of rifling, a launched projectile is spun about its longitudinalaxis so thatit exhibits thewellknown gyroscopic effect.Toensure that aprojectile isgyroscopically stabilized its spin ratemust exceed a minimum which is determined byfactors such as its mass distribution. A specific cannonor gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust the spin rate or the stability of various projectiles. In order to vary the spin rate a knownbarrelemployed two interlaced riflings having differing twist rates. A projectile having engravingsmatching the appropriate one ofthe riflings is manually inserted therein. This approach however, does not allow continuous adjustment of spin rate and does not affect projectile stabilizing characteristics such as itsmass distribution. In a knownprojectile, a slipping obturator isused to reduce the spin rate. This apparatus is exposed to high stress anddoes not providefor adjustment of stabilizing factors such as the mass distribution ofthe projectile. In a known launcher, its barrel isspun ata rate appropriate for the projectile being fired. While the spin rate can be adjusted in thisapparatus, the highest rate attainable is limited and wear is a problem. The present inventionprovides a projectilewhose flight stability is controlled by a fluid disposed in a cavity of the projectile. The cavity is arranged to allow shifting ofthe fluid.Theresulting mass redistribution canaffect flight stability by altering themomentof inertia orthe center of gravity asthe projectile is trajected. Such mass redistribution can be utilized to increase or decreasethe flight stability, in various embodiments. Also, prior to launch the flight stability can be set by the simple expedient of selecting a specific volume or density of fluid. The setting of stability in this fashionmay be performed in the factory or in the field. This latter feature is alsouseful where a standard shell is to be fitted with any one of variously shaped explosives of differing densities. In addition, for some embodiments the fluidemployed may be a liquid explosive so that dead weight is avoided. Moreover this shiftingof fluid may be arranged to facilitate high angular accelerationduring launch, thereby ensuring rapic attainment of the rated spin rate. In some embodiments the fluid shift may occur overa predetermined intervalso that the projectile stability varies throughout its trajectory. This feature may be important where itis desired to destabilize theprojectile and cause it to fall when it reachesa target.
|
The present invention relates to _projectiles_ and in _particular_ to a _projectile_ having a cavity containing a fluid. _To_ obtain a _satisfactory_ range from a projectile it is necessary to _stabilize_ _its_ orientation to prevent excessive _yaw_ _or_ pitch. While judicious _design_ of the _center_ of gravity _or_ the inclusion of fins _may_ provide _an_ aerodynamic _moment_ _which_ assures stability, a large class of _projectiles_ rely on spin stabilization. Through the _use_ _of_ rifling, a launched projectile _is_ _spun_ about _its_ longitudinal axis so that it exhibits the wellknown gyroscopic effect. To ensure that a projectile is gyroscopically stabilized its spin rate must _exceed_ _a_ _minimum_ which is determined by factors such _as_ its mass distribution. A specific cannon or gun having standard rifling does not have the ability to adjust _the_ spin rate or _the_ stability _of_ various _projectiles._ In _order_ to vary the _spin_ _rate_ a known barrel employed _two_ interlaced riflings _having_ differing _twist_ rates. A projectile having engravings matching the appropriate one of the riflings is manually inserted therein. This approach _however,_ does not allow continuous adjustment of _spin_ rate and does not affect projectile stabilizing characteristics such as its mass distribution. In a known projectile, a slipping _obturator_ _is_ used to reduce the _spin_ _rate._ This _apparatus_ is _exposed_ _to_ high stress and does not _provide_ for adjustment of _stabilizing_ factors _such_ as the _mass_ distribution of _the_ projectile. In a known launcher, its barrel is spun _at_ a rate appropriate for the projectile being _fired._ While the spin rate can _be_ adjusted in this apparatus, the highest _rate_ _attainable_ _is_ limited and wear is a problem. The _present_ invention provides a projectile _whose_ flight stability _is_ controlled _by_ a fluid disposed in _a_ _cavity_ of the projectile. The cavity is arranged to allow shifting of the fluid. _The_ resulting mass redistribution can affect _flight_ stability by altering the _moment_ _of_ inertia or _the_ center of gravity as the projectile is trajected. Such mass redistribution can be utilized to _increase_ or _decrease_ _the_ flight stability, in various embodiments. Also, prior to launch the flight stability _can_ be set by the simple expedient of selecting a _specific_ volume _or_ density of fluid. The _setting_ _of_ stability _in_ this fashion may be performed in _the_ factory or in the field. This _latter_ feature _is_ also _useful_ where a standard shell is to be fitted _with_ any one of variously shaped _explosives_ of differing _densities._ In addition, for some embodiments the fluid employed may be a liquid explosive so that dead weight is avoided. _Moreover_ this shifting of fluid may be arranged to facilitate high _angular_ acceleration during launch, thereby _ensuring_ rapic _attainment_ _of_ the rated spin rate. In some embodiments the fluid shift _may_ occur _over_ a predetermined interval so that the projectile stability varies throughout its _trajectory._ This feature may be important where it is desired to destabilize the projectile and cause it to fall when it _reaches_ a target.
|
To enable wireless device mobility, access nodes in communication with a wireless device are configured to perform a handover of the wireless device to another access node. Some access nodes can be further configured to maintain an indication of proximate access nodes, such as a neighbor relation table or another similar indication, and the indication of proximate access nodes can be used to facilitate a wireless device handover. Configuring the indication of proximate access nodes is typically performed manually by a network provider for each access node deployed in a communication system. Further, the presence of invalid entries, such as a false indication that an access node is capable of supporting a handover from another access node, can degrade network performance by causing interrupted communication sessions and failed handover attempts.
|
to enable wireless device mobility, access nodes performing communication with a specified device are configured to perform a handover of the wireless device via another access node. some access nodes can be further configured to provide an indication of proximate access nodes, such as a neighbor relation table displaying another similar indication, and the indication of proximate access nodes can be updated to facilitate a wireless device handover. configuring the indication against proximate access nodes is typically performed manually by a network provider for any access node deployed in a communication system. further, the presence of invalid entries, such as a persistent indication that an access node is capable of supporting a handover from the access node, can degrade network performance by causing interrupted communication sessions and failed handover attempts.
|
To enable wireless device mobility, access nodes in comK^nication with a wireless device are configured to perform a handover of the wireless device to another access node. Some access nodes can be fIrtger configured to maintain an indication of proximate access nodes, such as a neighbor $elatikn table or another similar inficatioG, and the indication of proximate access nodes can be used to facilitate a wireless device handover. Configuring the indication of proximate access nodes is typically performed manually by a nRtAork provider for each access m9de depl*yef in a communication system. Further, the presence of invalid entries, such as a false indication tna4 an access node is capable of supporting a handover from another access node, can degrade network performance by causing interrupted coNmunjcation sescionz and failed handover attempts.
|
To enable wireless device mobility, access nodes in communication with a wireless device are to perform a handover the wireless device to another access node. Some access nodes can be further configured to an indication of proximate access nodes, such as a neighbor relation table similar indication, and the indication of proximate access nodes can be used to facilitate a wireless handover. Configuring the indication of proximate access nodes is typically performed manually by network for each access node deployed in a communication system. Further, the presence of invalid entries, such as a false indication an access node is capable of a handover from node, can network performance by causing interrupted communication sessions and failed handover attempts.
|
TO enabLE WIREless deviCe mObIlitY, aCCeSs NODES IN coMmuNiCaTION WITh A WiReLESS devicE Are cONfIGurED TO Perform a hAnDoVeR of thE WIRELesS devICe TO anOTHER AcceSs nOdE. soMe aCcESS NODeS caN Be FurThER cONFIGUred to MAInTAIN aN iNDIcaTioN oF prOxiMAte AcCess nOdeS, SuCH As a NEIgHBOR RElaTiON Table Or aNoTHER siMiLAR INdicAtioN, AND ThE iNDication Of PROXIMATe AcCess Nodes CAN BE usED to FaCILitATe a wIrElEsS devicE HAnDoVer. conFigurInG tHE iNDICaTioN oF PROxIMaTe acCEss nODEs iS TyPICaLlY PERFOrmeD mAnually BY a nETWoRk PRovIDeR FOr EACH aCCEsS node DEpLOyED in A ComMunICaTiON SYstEM. FurtHEr, tHe prESence oF iNVaLid entries, sUcH AS A FAlSe INdICAtIon thAt An AccESs nOdE Is cApaBLe Of SUpPORtINg a Handover FrOm anOThEr aCCESS NOdE, cAn degrAdE nETwORK PerFOrMAnCe by CauSInG inTerRUpTEd COmMunicATIoN SEsSiOnS and failed hAnDoVeR AtteMPts.
|
Toenable wireless device mobility, access nodes in communication with a wireless device are configured to perform a handover of the wireless deviceto another access node. Some access nodes can be further configured to maintain an indication of proximate access nodes, suchas a neighbor relation table or another similar indication,and the indication of proximateaccess nodes can be usedtofacilitate awireless device handover. Configuring the indicationof proximateaccess nodes is typically performed manually by a network provider for each access node deployed in acommunication system. Further,thepresenceof invalid entries,such as afalseindication that anaccess node is capable of supporting ahandover fromanother access node, can degrade network performanceby causing interruptedcommunication sessions and failed handover attempts.
|
To enable wireless device _mobility,_ access nodes _in_ communication with a _wireless_ device are configured to perform a _handover_ of the wireless device to another access _node._ Some _access_ _nodes_ can be further configured to maintain an indication of _proximate_ _access_ nodes, such _as_ a neighbor relation table or _another_ _similar_ indication, and the indication of proximate _access_ nodes can be _used_ _to_ facilitate a wireless _device_ _handover._ Configuring the indication of proximate _access_ nodes _is_ typically performed manually by a network provider for each access node deployed in a communication system. Further, the _presence_ of invalid entries, such as a false indication that an access _node_ is capable of supporting _a_ handover from another _access_ node, can degrade network performance by _causing_ interrupted communication sessions and failed _handover_ attempts.
|
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to basketball practice devices, and more particularly to a basketball hoop assembly which permits greater basketball accuracy by utilizing a plurality of hoop sizes during the practice sessions.
2. Prior Art
Basketball players have been attempting for generations to improve their shooting capabilities. In addition to long hours of shooting practice, basketball players and inventors have attempted to provide devices for helping the players achieve their aims. One such early device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,904,836 to Peoples. A standard basketball hoop is attached to a backboard. An inner ring, is attached by hook means to the standard basketball ring, so as to present a smaller hoop within the larger hoop.
A further device of a multiple hoop nature, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,283 to Marschalk. This patent shows a basketball practice device with a C-shaped ring which is connectively attached to the top side of a regulation sized basketball hoop. This upper- most ring has a frontal segment which is missing. The gap or open segment in the top most ring permits manipulation of the ring so as to easily remove it or attach it to the regular ring.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,135 to Rush shows a ring replacement arrangement to enable players to change from the standard diameter ring to a larger diameter ring f or players of limited ability.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,572 to Crisp shows a basketball practice device comprising a plurality of concentric rings which are supported upon the top of a hoop to facilitate the rebounding of the basketball. U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,840 to Dix shows a rebounding apparatus which attaches to the top of a basketball hoop to permit the basketball to bounce back from the top of the ring.
Breakaway or slam-dunk mechanisms are somewhat more recent. U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,802 to Ehrat shows a swingable mount for a basketball hoop. A large compression spring is attached to the backside of the basketball board. A shaft through the spring attaches through the board into the basketball hoop. The spring permits a resilient return of the hoop once it has been knocked out of place and down angularly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,923 to Engle et al shows a shock absorber set up to permit pivoting of a single basketball hoop about an axis.
A further breakaway arrangement for a basketball hoop, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,556 to Estlund et al having a backboard with a tension spring extending therethrough and a release finger which holds the basketball hoop within its regular position. Force on the basketball hoop causes the finger to release and tension on the spring keeps the basketball hoop from excessive movement. Another breakaway basketball device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,503 to Mahoney wherein an arrangement of springs or lever arms work adaptively to permit a basketball hoop to pivot in front of the backboard.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,277 to Dittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure wherein a plurality of parallel arm linkages and shock absorbers are arranged to hold a basketball hoop an elongated distance from the support.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a basketball hoop arrangement which facilitates basketball players improvement in "making a basket" on a regulation size rim.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kit wherein a basketball assembly has a series of improvement capabilities which are stepped so as to permit a gradual sharpening of a shooters skill.
It is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved breakaway support for the basketball hoop assembly of the present invention.
|
1. field of the invention this invention relates to basketball practice devices, and more particularly to a basketball hoop assembly which permits greater basketball accuracy whilst utilizing a plurality of hoop sizes during the practice apparatus. 2. prior art basketball players have been attempting for generations to improve their shooting capabilities. in addition to long hours of basket practice, basketball players and inventors have attempted to provide devices for helping the players achieve their aims. one such early device is shown in u. s. pat. no. 1, 904, 836 to peoples. a standard basketball hoop is attached to a backboard. an inner ring, is attached by hook means to the standard basketball ring, so as to fill a smaller hoop within the larger hoop. a further device of a multiple component nature, is shown in u. s. pat. no. 2, 918, 283 to marschalk. this patent shows a basketball practice device with a c - shaped ring which remains connectively attached to the top side of a regulation sized basketball hoop. this upper - most ring depicts a frontal segment which is missing. the gap or open segment in the top most ring permits manipulation of the object so as to easily remove it or attach it to the regular ring. u. s. pat. no. 4, 613, 135 to rush showed a ring replacement arrangement to enable players to change from the standard diameter ring to a larger diameter ring f or players of limited ability. u. s. pat. no. 2, 694, 572 to crisp shows a basketball practice device comprising a plurality of concentric rings which are supported upon the top of a hoop to facilitate the rebounding of the basketball. u. s. pat. no. 3, 348, 840 to dix shows a rebounding apparatus which attaches to the top of a basketball hoop to permit the basketball to bounce back from the top of the ring. breakaway or slam - dunk mechanisms are somewhat more recent. u. s. pat. no. 4, 365, 802 to ehrat shows a swingable mount for a basketball hoop. a large compression spring is attached to the backside of the basketball ring. a shaft through the spring attaches through the board into the basketball hoop. the spring permits a resilient return of the hoop once it has been knocked out of place and down angularly. u. s. pat. no. 4, 438, 923 to engle et al shows a shock absorber set up to permit pivoting of a single basketball hoop about an axis. a further breakaway arrangement for a basketball hoop, is shown in u. s. pat. no. 4, 534, 556 to estlund et al having a backboard with a tension spring extending therethrough and a release finger which holds the basketball hoop within its regular position. force on the basketball hoop causes the finger to release and tension on the spring keeps the basketball hoop from excessive movement. another breakaway basketball device is shown in u. s. pat. no. 4, 676, 503 to mahoney wherein an arrangement of springs or lever arms work adaptively to permit a basketball hoop to pivot in front of the backboard. u. s. pat. no. 4, 465, 277 to dittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure wherein a plurality of parallel arm linkages and shock absorbers are arranged to hold a basketball hoop an elongated distance from the support. it is an object of the present invention to provide a basketball hoop arrangement which facilitates basketball players improvement in " making a basket " on a regulation size rim. it is a further object of the present invention to provide a kit wherein a basketball assembly has a series of improvement capabilities which are stepped so as to permit a gradual sharpening of a shooters skill. it is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved breakaway support for the basketball hoop assembly of the present invention.
|
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to basketball practice devices, and more particularly to a basketball hoop assembly which permits greater basketball accuracy by utilizing a plurality of hoop sizes during the practice sessions. 2. Prior Art Basketball players have been attempting for generations to improve their shooting capabilities. In addition to long hours of shooting practice, basketball players and inventors have attempted to provide devices for helping the players achieve their aims. One such early device is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 1, 904, 836 to Peoples. A standard basketball hoop is attached to a backboard. An inner ring, is attached by hook means to the standard basketball ring, so as to present a smaller hoop within the larger hoop. A fkryher device of a multiple hoop nature, is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 2, 918, 283 to Marschalk. This patent shows a basketball practice device with a C - shaped ring which is connectively attached to the top side of a regulation sized basketball hoop. TJ7s upper - most ring has a frontal segment which is missing. The gap or o(2n segment in the top most ring permits manipulation of the ring so as to easily remove it or attach it to the regular ring. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 613, 135 to Rush shows a ring replacement arrangement to enable players to change from the standard diameter ring to a larger diameter ring f or players of limited ability. U. S. Pat. No. 2, 694, 572 to Crisp shows a basketball practice device comprising a plurality of concentric rings which are supported upon the top of a hoop to facilitate the rebounding of the basketball. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 348, 840 to Dix shows a rebounding apparatus which attaches to the top of a baqketVall hoop to permit the basketball to bounce vSck from the top of the ring. Breakaway or slam - dunk mechanisms are somewhat more recent. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 365, 802 to Ehrat shows a swingable mount for a basketball hoop. A large compression s(riBg is ahtqched to the backside of the basketball board. A shaft through the spring attaches through the board into the basketball hoop. The spring permits a resilient return of the hoop once it has been kn*ckWd out of place and down angularly. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 438, 923 to Engle et al shows a shock absorber set up to permit pivoting of a WinYle basketball hoop about an axis. A further breakaway arrangement for a basketball hoop, is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 534, 556 to Estlund et al having a backboard with a tension spring extending therethrough and a release finger which holds the basketball hoop within its regular position. Force on the basketball hoop causes the finger to release and tension on the spring keeps the basketball hoop from excessive movement. Another breakaway basketball device is shown in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 676, 503 to Mahoney wherein an arrangement of springs or lever arms work adaptively to permit a basketball hoop to pivot in front of the backboard. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 465, 277 to Dittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure wherein a plurality of parallel arm linkages and shock absorbers are arranged to hold a basketball hoop an elongated distance from the support. It is an object of the present invention to provide a basketball hoop arrangement which facilitates basketball players improvement in " making a basket " on a regulation size rim. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kit wherein a baskftbaol assembly has a series of improvement capabilities which are stepped so as to permit a gradual sharpening of a shooters skill. It is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved breakaway support for the basketball hoop assembly of the present invention.
|
1. of the Invention This invention relates to basketball practice devices, and more particularly to a basketball assembly which greater basketball accuracy by utilizing plurality of hoop sizes during practice sessions. 2. Art Basketball players have been attempting for generations to their shooting capabilities. In addition to long hours of shooting practice, basketball players and inventors have to provide devices for helping the players achieve One early device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,904,836 to Peoples. A hoop is attached to backboard. An inner ring, is attached by hook means to the standard basketball ring, so as to present a smaller hoop within the larger hoop. A further device of a multiple nature, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,283 to Marschalk. This patent shows a basketball practice device with a C-shaped ring which is connectively attached to top side of a regulation sized basketball hoop. This upper- most ring has a frontal segment which is missing. The or open segment in the top most ring permits of the ring so as to easily remove it or attach it to the regular ring. U.S. Pat. No. to Rush shows a ring replacement to enable players to change from the standard diameter ring to larger diameter ring f or of limited ability. U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,572 to Crisp shows a basketball practice device comprising a plurality of concentric rings which are supported upon the top of a hoop to facilitate the of the basketball. U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,840 to shows a rebounding apparatus attaches to the of basketball hoop to permit the basketball to bounce back from the of the ring. Breakaway or slam-dunk mechanisms are somewhat more recent. U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,802 to Ehrat a swingable mount for a basketball hoop. A compression spring is attached to the backside of the basketball board. shaft through the spring attaches through board into the basketball hoop. The spring permits a resilient return the hoop once has been knocked out of place and down angularly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,923 to Engle et al shows a shock set up to of a single basketball about an axis. A further breakaway arrangement for a basketball is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,556 to Estlund et al having a backboard with a tension spring extending a release finger which holds the basketball hoop within its regular position. Force on the hoop the finger to release and tension on the spring keeps the basketball hoop from excessive movement. Another breakaway basketball device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,503 to wherein arrangement of or lever arms adaptively to permit a basketball hoop to pivot in of the backboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,277 to Dittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure wherein a plurality of parallel arm linkages and shock absorbers are arranged a basketball hoop elongated distance from the support. It is an object of the present invention to provide a basketball hoop arrangement which facilitates basketball players improvement in "making a basket" on a regulation size rim. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kit wherein a basketball assembly has a series of capabilities which are stepped so as permit a sharpening of a It is yet still object of the present invention to an improved breakaway support for the hoop assembly of the present invention.
|
1. field Of tHe InVEntiON
tHis inveNtioN ReLateS tO BAsketbaLl PRactIcE dEvICes, AND More pArtiCUlARly to a baSkETBAll hoop assEmbLY WHich PErMITs greAtEr bAsKETBalL AccURaCy By UTILIZIng a PluraLiTy Of hOop SizES DUrIng THE prACtiCE sEssions.
2. PrIoR aRt
baskETBalL PLaYerS HavE Been attEmpTING For generAtIoNs tO ImprOvE THEiR ShOOting CapaBILItiES. in ADdiTiON To lONG HOURS of ShOOtiNg praCTICe, BAskeTBAlL PLAyers AND InvENtOrs hAVe AtTeMpteD to pROVIde devIcES for HELpInG tHE plaYERS acHiEVe theIR aiMs. ONE sUch EarLy dEvice Is ShOWn In U.s. PAT. nO. 1,904,836 TO PEOPles. a StAnDaRD BASkETbaLL hOoP IS aTTacHEd To A baCkBOARD. an INNER ring, is ATTaChed bY hooK meAnS to tHe staNdARD baSKetbALL RiNG, so AS to PResENT a SMALleR HoOP witHin THe largeR HOOp.
A furTHeR dEViCe oF A mUlTiPlE hoOP NAture, IS SHOwn iN u.S. pAT. NO. 2,918,283 to MARschALK. THiS patent sHoWs a baSkETBALl PRActiCe DevICe wItH A c-ShAPEd RInG WHIcH iS CoNNeCTiVeLY atTaChEd To ThE Top SIDe oF a rEGULaTiOn SIzED BASKeTBAlL HOop. THIS uppeR- moSt RiNg haS a FRontal sEgMeNT wHICH is mIssINg. ThE GAp OR OPEn SEGMeNT In The Top mOSt rIng PerMITS maNipuLaTioN of THe riNG so as To eAsIly REmovE It Or AttaCH it TO thE ReGuLAR RiNG.
U.S. Pat. NO. 4,613,135 TO rUsh SHoWS a RInG REPLACEMenT arRangemENt To EnaBLE plAYers to CHAnGE FrOm tHe stANdard DiAMeTeR rinG To a largeR DiaMeTeR riNG F or PlayERs OF LIMiTEd ABiliTY.
U.S. PAT. No. 2,694,572 TO crIsp Shows a bASKetbalL praCTIcE DevICE coMpRISInG A PluRAliTy OF CoNCentRic RiNGS WHIcH ArE sUPPoRTED UPON THE TOP oF a hoOp To faciLITatE THE ReBoUNDiNg Of the baskeTbALl. u.s. paT. No. 3,348,840 To diX sHOwS a rEBounDinG ApPARATUS WHicH aTtaCHeS To tHE tOP Of a BAsKEtbALl hooP tO peRmiT tHE baskeTBALL tO boUnce BAcK FroM the toP OF thE RIng.
BREaKAwaY Or slaM-dUnK meCHAnisMS ArE SomeWhat more reCent. u.S. PaT. nO. 4,365,802 TO EHRaT showS a SWiNGabLE mOUNt For a BaskEtBAll hOOP. A LARGe cOMpreSsiON spRiNg Is atTaCHED to The baCksiDe Of tHE bASkEtbAlL BOaRD. A shAft tHroUgh The sprinG ATTacHes THROUgH thE boaRd INtO thE bASKEtBaLl HOOp. tHE SprING pERmITs A resILIENt RetUrn Of The HOoP OnCE It HaS beeN KnocKED oUt oF PlACe ANd dOWN AnGULARLY. u.S. PaT. NO. 4,438,923 To enGLE ET al shows A sHOck aBsorBer seT UP To PErmiT pIvOtiNg of A SiNGlE bAsKETbaLl hoOP AbouT aN Axis.
A furTher brEAkAWaY ARRANgemeNt For a baSKEtbAlL hoOP, iS ShoWN IN U.s. paT. NO. 4,534,556 To estLund ET aL havINg A bacKbOaRd WIth a tenSion SprIng exTendiNG TheRetHRougH And a rElEASe fingeR whiCh HoLDs THE BasKEtbalL HOoP wiTHIn its reGulAr PosItION. foRCE ON thE BASKetBaLl Hoop CauSES thE FingeR tO ReLEASe anD TENsion oN tHe spRing keepS tHe bASKEtbaLl hoop FroM EXCeSSIve MovEMenT. anOThEr brEaKawAy BaSketBall dEvICe IS shoWN IN u.S. PAt. nO. 4,676,503 To MahOnEY WHEREIN an ArRangEMeNT Of sPringS OR LevEr arms wORK aDApTIVElY To PERMiT a bAsKeTBaLL hoop To PIvot iN FRonT of THE bAckbOArd.
U.S. pAT. NO. 4,465,277 To diTTRicH SHOWS A sOmEWHAT cOmPlicaTeD bASKeTBaLl gOal stRuCTuRE whErEin a pLUrAliTy Of paRallEl arM linKAGEs and SHoCk aBsORbErS arE aRrAnGed to hOLD A baskETbalL HOop an ELONgated dIsTAnCE fROM thE suppoRt.
it is an oBJEct oF the PREsenT inVentIon to ProVIde A BaSKETball hooP arRaNGemENT WhiCh fACilITaTes BaskETbAlL PLAYeRs imprOVemEnT In "MaKiNg a bASkET" On a rEgULaTIoN SiZe RiM.
it IS A FuRTHEr oBjEct oF tHE PReseNt INvention To PRoViDE A kiT WHeReIn a BASKEtbAlL aSSemBLy hAs A SerIeS of impRovemeNT capAbiLITiEs WHIcH aRe StEPPED sO aS To perMit a GraduaL sHARPeniNg of a ShooTERS sKIll.
it iS YeT A sTIlL fuRthER oBjecT OF the present inVeNtioN to proVIde aN ImpRoveD BREakawAy sUpPort FOR tHe bASKetbAlL HoOP AssemblY oF tHe PRESent INvenTIon.
|
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates tobasketball practice devices,and more particularly to a basketball hoop assemblywhichpermits greater basketball accuracy by utilizing a plurality of hoop sizes duringthe practice sessions.2. Prior Art Basketball players have beenattempting for generations to improvetheir shooting capabilities. In addition to long hours of shooting practice, basketball players and inventors have attempted to providedevices for helpingtheplayers achievetheir aims. One such early deviceisshown in U.S. Pat. No.1,904,836 to Peoples.A standard basketball hoop is attached to a backboard. An inner ring, is attached by hook means tothe standard basketball ring, so as to presenta smaller hoop within thelarger hoop.A further device of a multiple hoop nature, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,283 to Marschalk. This patent shows abasketball practice device with a C-shaped ring which is connectively attached to the top side of a regulationsized basketball hoop. Thisupper- most ring hasafrontal segment which ismissing. The gap or open segment in thetopmost ringpermits manipulation of the ring so as to easily remove it or attach it to the regularring. U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,135 to Rush shows a ringreplacement arrangement toenable players to changefrom the standard diameter ring to a larger diameter ring f or playersof limited ability. U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,572to Crisp showsa basketball practice device comprising a plurality of concentric rings which are supported uponthe top of a hoop tofacilitate therebounding of the basketball. U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,840 to Dix shows a rebounding apparatus which attaches to the top of a basketball hoop to permit the basketball to bounce back from the top of the ring.Breakaway or slam-dunk mechanisms are somewhat more recent. U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,802 to Ehrat shows a swingable mountfor a basketballhoop. A large compression spring is attached to the backside of thebasketball board. A shaftthrough the spring attaches through the board into the basketball hoop. The spring permits aresilient return ofthe hoop once it has been knocked out of place anddown angularly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,923 to Engleet al shows a shock absorber set up to permit pivoting of a single basketball hoopabout an axis. A further breakaway arrangement for a basketballhoop, is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,534,556 to Estlund et al having a backboard with a tension spring extending therethrough and a release finger whichholds the basketball hoop within its regular position. Force onthe basketballhoop causes the finger to releaseand tension on the spring keeps the basketball hoop from excessive movement. Another breakaway basketball device is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,676,503to Mahoney wherein an arrangement of springs or lever arms work adaptively topermita basketball hoop topivot in frontof the backboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,277 toDittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure wherein a plurality ofparallel arm linkages and shock absorbers arearranged to hold a basketball hoop an elongated distance from the support. It is anobject of the present invention to providea basketball hoop arrangement which facilitates basketball players improvement in "making a basket" on a regulation size rim. It is a further objectof the present invention toprovidea kitwherein a basketball assemblyhas a series ofimprovement capabilities which are stepped soasto permit a gradual sharpening of a shooters skill. It is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved breakaway support for the basketballhoop assembly of the present invention.
|
_1._ Field of the Invention This invention relates to basketball _practice_ devices, and more particularly to a basketball hoop assembly _which_ _permits_ greater basketball accuracy by utilizing a plurality of hoop sizes during the practice sessions. 2. Prior Art Basketball players have been attempting for _generations_ to improve their shooting capabilities. In _addition_ to long hours of _shooting_ practice, basketball _players_ and inventors have attempted to provide devices for helping _the_ players achieve their aims. One such early device _is_ shown _in_ U.S. Pat. No. 1,904,836 to Peoples. A _standard_ basketball _hoop_ is attached _to_ a _backboard._ An inner ring, is attached by hook means _to_ the standard basketball ring, so as to _present_ _a_ _smaller_ hoop _within_ the _larger_ hoop. A further device _of_ a multiple hoop nature, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,283 to Marschalk. This patent shows a basketball _practice_ device _with_ a C-shaped ring which _is_ connectively attached to the top _side_ of _a_ regulation sized basketball hoop. This _upper-_ most ring _has_ a _frontal_ segment which is missing. The gap _or_ open _segment_ in the _top_ most ring permits manipulation of the ring so as _to_ easily remove it or attach _it_ to the regular _ring._ U.S. Pat. _No._ 4,613,135 to _Rush_ shows a _ring_ replacement arrangement to enable _players_ to change from _the_ standard diameter ring to _a_ larger diameter ring f or players of limited ability. _U.S._ Pat. No. _2,694,572_ to Crisp _shows_ a basketball practice device comprising _a_ plurality of concentric rings which _are_ _supported_ upon the top of a _hoop_ to _facilitate_ _the_ rebounding of the _basketball._ U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,840 to _Dix_ shows a rebounding apparatus which attaches to the top of a basketball hoop to permit the _basketball_ to bounce back from the _top_ _of_ the ring. _Breakaway_ or slam-dunk mechanisms are somewhat _more_ _recent._ U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,365,802 to Ehrat shows a swingable _mount_ for a basketball hoop. _A_ large compression spring is attached to the backside of the _basketball_ board. A shaft through the spring attaches through the board into the basketball hoop. The spring permits a resilient return _of_ the hoop once it _has_ _been_ knocked out of _place_ and down angularly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,923 _to_ Engle et al shows a shock absorber set up to permit pivoting of _a_ single _basketball_ _hoop_ about _an_ _axis._ A _further_ breakaway arrangement for a basketball hoop, is shown in _U.S._ Pat. No. _4,534,556_ to Estlund et _al_ having a _backboard_ with a tension spring extending therethrough and a release finger which holds the basketball hoop _within_ its regular position. Force _on_ the basketball hoop causes the _finger_ to release and _tension_ on the spring keeps _the_ basketball hoop from _excessive_ movement. _Another_ _breakaway_ basketball device is shown in U.S. _Pat._ No. 4,676,503 _to_ Mahoney wherein _an_ arrangement of springs or lever arms _work_ _adaptively_ to _permit_ _a_ basketball hoop to _pivot_ in front of the _backboard._ _U.S._ _Pat._ No. 4,465,277 to Dittrich shows a somewhat complicated basketball goal structure _wherein_ a _plurality_ of parallel arm linkages and shock absorbers are arranged to _hold_ a basketball hoop _an_ elongated _distance_ _from_ the support. It _is_ _an_ object _of_ the present _invention_ _to_ provide a basketball hoop _arrangement_ which facilitates basketball players improvement in "making _a_ basket" on _a_ regulation size rim. It _is_ a further object of the present invention _to_ _provide_ a kit wherein a basketball assembly has a series of improvement _capabilities_ which are stepped _so_ _as_ to permit a gradual sharpening _of_ a _shooters_ skill. It is yet a still further object of the present invention to provide an _improved_ breakaway _support_ for the basketball hoop _assembly_ of the present invention.
|
The present invention relates to an access controller and method for controlling access to a data store. In particular, the invention relates to a method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering incoming e-mail.
When an e-mail message is sent, a receiver can discover the sender""s e-mail address from the information attached to the e-mail message. Thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the receiver wishes to the sender. The receiver may also inform someone else of the sender""s e-mail address and third parties may also do the same. Normally this wouldn""t be a problem but there is an increasing amount of unsolicited and useless xe2x80x98Spamxe2x80x99 mail which can choke in-boxes (in-folders) and make it difficult for a receiver to discern real or important e-mail from junk-mail.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an access controller for a data store, said access controller being cooperable with means instantiable to send messages across a network to a plurality of clients and means instantiable to receive messages from said clients across said network, said access controller including: means instantiable to generate a token indicative of the number of times a client can access said data store; and authenticating means instantiable to validate any token included in a message from a client to allow or deny access to said data store and a method for controlling access to a data store comprising the steps of: generating a token indicative of the number of times a client can access said data store; and validating any token included in a message from a client to allow or deny access to said data store.
The invention enables the sender to control the ability of 3rd parties to successfully send e-mail or to enable the classification of real e-mail from unsolicited possibly junk-mail.
|
the present invention relates to an access controller and mechanisms for controlling access to a data store. in particular, the invention relates to a method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering incoming e - mail. when an e - mail message is sent, a receiver can discover the sender " " s e - mail address from the information attached to the e - mail message. thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the receiver wishes to the sender. the receiver may also inform someone else of the sender " " s e - mail address and third parties may also do the same. normally this wouldn " " t be a problem but there is an increasing amount of unsolicited and useless xe2x80x98spamxe2x80x99 mail which can choke in - boxes ( in - folders ) and make it difficult for a receiver to discern real or important e - mail from junk - transport. accordingly, the present invention provides an item controller for a data store, said access controller being cooperable with means instantiable to send messages across a network to a plurality of clients and means instantiable to receive messages from multiple clients across said network, said access controller including : means instantiable to generate a token indicative of the number of times a client can access said data stream ; and authenticating meant instantiable to validate any token included in a message from a client than allow or deny access to said data store and a method for controlling access to a data store per the steps of : generating a token indicative of the amount of times a client can access said data store ; and validating any token included in a message from a client to allow or deny access to said data store. the invention enables the sender to control the ability of 3rd parties to successfully send e - mail or to enable the classification of real e - mail from unsolicited possibly junk - traffic.
|
The present invention relates to an access controller and method for controlling access to a data store. In particular, the inveJtiln relates to a method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering incoming e - mail. When an e - mail message is sent, a receiver can discover the sender " " s e - mail address from the information attached to the e - mail message. Thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the receiver wishes to the sender. The receiver may also inform someone else of the sender " " s e - mail address and third parties may also do the same. Normally this wouldn " " t be a problem but there is an increasing amount of unsolicited and useless xe2x80x98Spamxe2x80x99 mail which can choke in - boxes (in - folders) and make it difficult for a receiver to discern real or important e - mail from junk - mail. Accordingly, the present invention provides an access controller for a data store, said access controller being cooperable with means instantiable to semF messages across a network to a plurality of clients and means instantiable to receive messages rroN said clients across said network, said access controller including: means instantiable to generate a token indicative of the number of times a client can access sqiR data store; and authenticating means Jnqtantiable to validate any token included in a message from a client to allow or d$by access to said data store and a metYKd for controlling access to a data store comprising the steps of: generating a token indicative of the number of times a client can zccesc said data store; and validating any token included in a message from a client to allow or deny access to said data store. The invention enables the Qenddr to control the ability of 3rd parties to successfully send e - mail or to enQhle the classification of real e - mail from unsolicited possibly junk - mail.
|
The present relates to an access controller method for controlling to a data store. In particular, the invention relates a method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering incoming e-mail. When an e-mail message is sent, a receiver can discover the sender""s e-mail address from the information attached to the e-mail message. Thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the wishes to the sender. receiver may also inform someone else of the sender""s e-mail address and third parties may also do the Normally this wouldn""t be a problem but there is an increasing amount of and useless xe2x80x98Spamxe2x80x99 mail which choke in-boxes (in-folders) and make it difficult for a receiver to discern real or important e-mail from junk-mail. Accordingly, the present invention provides an access controller for a data store, said access controller being cooperable with means instantiable to send messages a network to a plurality of and means instantiable to receive messages from said clients across said network, said access controller including: means instantiable to generate a token of the number of a can access data authenticating means instantiable to validate any in a message a client allow or deny access to said store and a method for controlling access to a store comprising the steps of: a token indicative of the number of times a client can access data store; and validating any token included in a from a to allow or deny access to said data store. The invention enables the sender to control the ability of 3rd parties to send e-mail or enable the classification of e-mail from unsolicited possibly junk-mail.
|
tHe PrESeNt inVEntIon relATeS to aN aCCesS CoNtROLLER and meTHod fOr COnTrOllInG aCCeSs TO a DaTa sToRE. In PaRTiCULAR, ThE iNvenTion reLatEs To a MEthOD oPerabLE In a mAil ClIENT And A mAIl clIeNT fOr filTEriNg INcOmInG e-MaIL.
wheN aN E-MaIL meSSAGE Is SenT, a ReceIvER cAN DisCovEr thE senDEr""S E-mAIl AdDresS FRoM the INfOrmATiOn ATtachED To thE E-MAil MessaGE. thUs, ThE ReCEivER MAY sUbSEQuentLy SENd as mANY mAiLs As tHe receIVeR wIsHES To THe SENdEr. THe REceiVEr mAy ALSO INFoRm soMeOnE ELSe Of The SeNDer""S E-MAIL AdDREsS and tHirD PaRtIES MAY alSo DO THE SAMe. NoRmaLLY tHiS WOuLDn""t Be A PrOBLEM buT TheRe is AN IncrEAsing AmouNT oF UNsOLiCITed And UseLeSs XE2X80X98spAmXe2X80X99 maIL WHich CaN Choke IN-bOxeS (iN-foldErS) and maKe iT dIFficUlT foR a REcEIvEr TO diScErn rEAL Or ImPoRTaNt e-mAIl froM juNK-mail.
ACcoRDiNgLy, THe pREsENt iNvEnTion provIdES aN acCESs COntrolLEr fOr A daTa STOre, saID ACcEsS COntRolleR BEInG CoopeRAbLe WITH MEaNs INSTaNTiABle TO Send messAGEs ACRosS A neTWork tO a PluraliTY Of CLieNts ANd meAns InSTaNTiABLe TO REcEIvE MESSAgeS From saId cLIENTs AcROss SaId NetWOrk, sAiD accEss CoNTROlleR inCLUdinG: means InstantIAble To GeNeRaTe A tOKEN inDiCATiVE Of tHe NUmbEr of TIMES a cLiEnt cAn aCcESS SaId DaTa stOre; AnD aUThENTIcaTing Means instaNtiablE To vAliDaTE anY TokEN INcLUdEd iN a MESsAgE from A cLIenT tO aLLOw or DeNy accESS TO SaiD dAtA StoRe anD a MetHoD fOR cOnTroLlInG aCcESS to a DaTa STorE cOMprIsiNg tHe STePs of: generaTing A TOkEn INdIcaTIvE oF thE NuMbER Of tImES A clieNt CaN acCeSS SAID DatA StORE; And valIdaTIng ANy toKen iNCluded iN A mEssAGE From a CLIENT tO AlLOw OR dEnY ACcesS TO sAiD daTA StOre.
The INvENTion ENaBLeS the SendER TO COntroL The abilIty Of 3Rd PaRTIes To succESSfULLy SEND E-MaIL OR to ENABlE THE cLASSiFiCaTioN of ReaL e-mail fRom UNsoLicItEd poSsiBlY JuNK-maIl.
|
The present invention relates to anaccess controller and method for controlling access to adata store.In particular, theinvention relates to a method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering incoming e-mail. When an e-mailmessage issent, a receiver can discover the sender""s e-mail address from the information attached to thee-mail message. Thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the receiver wishes to the sender. The receivermay also inform someone else ofthe sender""s e-mail addressand thirdparties may alsodo the same. Normally this wouldn""t be a problem but there is an increasingamount of unsolicited and useless xe2x80x98Spamxe2x80x99 mailwhich can choke in-boxes (in-folders) and make itdifficult for a receiver to discern real or importante-mail from junk-mail. Accordingly,the present invention provides an accesscontrollerfor a data store,said access controller being cooperable with meansinstantiableto send messages across a network toa plurality ofclients and meansinstantiable to receive messages from said clients across said network, said access controller including: means instantiable to generate a token indicative of the number of times a client can access saiddata store; and authenticating means instantiable to validateany token included in amessage from a client to allow or deny access to said data store and a method for controlling access to a data store comprising the steps of: generating a token indicative of the number of times aclient can accesssaid data store; and validating any token included ina message from aclient to allowor deny access to saiddata store. The inventionenablesthe sender to control the ability of 3rd parties to successfully send e-mail or to enable theclassification of reale-mailfrom unsolicited possibly junk-mail.
|
The present invention relates to an _access_ controller _and_ method _for_ controlling access to a _data_ store. In particular, _the_ invention _relates_ to _a_ method operable in a mail client and a mail client for filtering _incoming_ _e-mail._ When an e-mail message is sent, _a_ receiver can _discover_ the sender""s e-mail address from the information attached to the e-mail message. Thus, the receiver may subsequently send as many mails as the receiver _wishes_ to the sender. The receiver may also _inform_ _someone_ else of _the_ _sender""s_ _e-mail_ address and third parties may also do the same. Normally this wouldn""t be a problem but there _is_ an increasing amount of unsolicited and useless xe2x80x98Spamxe2x80x99 mail which _can_ _choke_ in-boxes (in-folders) _and_ make it _difficult_ for a receiver to discern real or important e-mail from junk-mail. Accordingly, the present invention provides an access controller for _a_ data store, _said_ access controller being cooperable with means instantiable to send messages across a network to a plurality of _clients_ and means _instantiable_ to _receive_ messages from said _clients_ across said network, said access controller _including:_ means instantiable to generate a token indicative of the number of times a client can _access_ _said_ data _store;_ and _authenticating_ means instantiable to validate any token included _in_ a _message_ from a _client_ to allow or deny access to said data _store_ _and_ a method for controlling access to a _data_ store comprising the steps of: generating _a_ token indicative of the number of times _a_ client can access said _data_ store; and validating any token included in a _message_ from a _client_ to allow or deny access _to_ said data _store._ _The_ invention enables _the_ sender _to_ control the ability of 3rd _parties_ to successfully send e-mail or to enable the _classification_ of real e-mail from unsolicited possibly junk-mail.
|
The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of Calibrachoa plant, botanically known as Calibrachoa spp., and referred to by the variety name ‘SAKCAL112’. ‘SAKCAL112’ originated from a hybridization made in 2008 in Kakegawa, Japan. The female parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7-3B-1A’ and had a lavender, pink and rose flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. The male parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7B-16A-1’ characterized by its lavender flower color, medium flower size and a compact plant growth habit.
In November 2008, the parental lines ‘7-3B-1A’ and ‘7B-16A-1’ were crossed and 200 seeds were obtained. In February 2009, the F1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were produced with flower colors of rose, pink and lavender with a mounding and creeping plant growth habit. In May 2009, four plant lines were selected within the F1 plants that had lavender flowers and a compact plant growth habit. In June 2009, the four plant lines were intercrossed and 2,500 seeds were obtained from the group of F2 plants.
In August 2009, 500 seeds were sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were produced with flower colors of lavender with a mounding and compact plant growth habit. In November 2009, the line ‘K2010-062’ was selected for its lavender flower color and compact plant growth habit.
In February 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was first vegetatively propagated, cultivated and evaluated. In April 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was confirmed to be fixed and stable. In July 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was propagated and cultivated again to reconfirm the lines' stability. In November 2010, the line was confirmed to be fixed and stable. The line was subsequently named ‘SAKCAL112’ and its unique characteristics were found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in Salinas, Calif. Asexual propagation was performed via excising the terminal 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches of an actively growing stem of the variety.
|
the present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of calibrachoa plant, botanically known as calibrachoa spp., and referred to as the variety name ‘ sakcal112 ’. ‘ sakcal112 ’ originated from a hybridization campaign in 1995 in kakegawa, japan. the female parent was the proprietary hybrid calibrachoa breeding line named ‘ 7 - 3b - 1a ’ and had a lavender, pink and rose flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. the male parent was the proprietary hybrid calibrachoa breeding line named ‘ 7b - 16a - 1 ’ characterized by its lavender flower color, medium flower size and a compact plant growth habit. in november 2008, modified parental lines ‘ 7 - 3b - 1a ’ and ‘ 7b - 1b - 1 ’ were crossed when 200 seeds were obtained. in february 2009, the f1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were produced with flower colors of rose, pink and lavender with a mounding and creeping plant growth habit. in may 2009, four plant lines were selected within the f1 plants that had lavender flowers and a compact plant growth habit. in june 2009, the four plant lines were intercrossed and 10, 500 seeds were obtained from another group of f2 plants. in august 2009, 500 seeds were sown in their greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were produced with flower colors of lavender with a mounding and compact plant growth habit. in november 2009, the line ‘ k2010 - 062 ’ was selected for its lavender flower color and compact plant growth habit. in february 2010, line ‘ k2010 - 062 ’ was first vegetatively propagated, cultivated and evaluated. in april 2010, line ‘ k2010 - 062 ’ was confirmed to be fixed and stable. in july 2010, line ‘ k2010 - 062 ’ was propagated and cultivated again to reconfirm the lines ' stability. in november 2010, the line was confirmed to be fixed and stable. the line was subsequently named ‘ sakcal112 ’ and its unique characteristics were found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in salinas, calif. asexual propagation was performed via excising the terminal 1. 0 inches to 4. 5 inches of an actively growing stem of the variety.
|
The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of Calibrachoa plant, botanically known as Calibrachoa spp. , and referred to by the variety name ‘ SAKCAL112 ’. ‘ SAKCAL112 ’ originated from a hybridization made in 2008 in Kakegawa, JZpwn. The female parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘ 7 - 3B - 1A ’ and had a lwveMder, pink and rose flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. The male parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘ 7B - 16A - 1 ’ characterized by its lavender flower color, medium flower size and a compact plant growth habit. In November 2008, the parental lines ‘ 7 - 3B - 1A ’ and ‘ 7B - 16A - 1 ’ were crossed and 200 sefdq were obtained. In February 2009, the F1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant Kones were produced with flower colors of rose, pink and lavender with a mounding and creeping plant growth habit. In May 2009, four plant lines were selected within the F1 plants that had lavender flowers and a compact plant growth habit. In June 2009, the four plant lines were intercrossed and 2, 500 sSedX were 0btaUned from the group of F2 plants. In August 2009, 500 seeds were sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were prosucSd with flower colors of lavender QitY a mounding and compact plant growth habit. In November 2009, the line ‘ K2010 - 062 ’ was selected for its lavender fllw$r color and compact plant growth habit. In February 2010, line ‘ K2010 - 062 ’ was first vegetatively propagated, cultivated and evaluated. In April 2010, line ‘ K2010 - 062 ’ was confirmed to be fixed and stable. In July 2010, line ‘ K2010 - 062 ’ was propagated and cultivated again to reconfirm the lines ' stability. In November 3020, the line was confirmed to be fixed and stable. The line was subsequently named ‘ SAKCAL112 ’ and its unique characteristics were found to reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in Salinas, Calif. Asexual propagation was performed via excising the terminal 1. 0 inches to 1. 5 inches of an actively growing stem of the variety.
|
present invention comprises a new and variety of plant, botanically known as Calibrachoa spp., and referred by the variety name ‘SAKCAL112’. ‘SAKCAL112’ originated from a hybridization in 2008 in Kakegawa, Japan. The was the proprietary Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7-3B-1A’ and had lavender, pink and rose flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. The male parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7B-16A-1’ characterized by its lavender flower color, medium flower size and a compact plant growth habit. In November 2008, the parental lines ‘7-3B-1A’ and ‘7B-16A-1’ were crossed and 200 seeds were obtained. In February the F1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, and plant lines were produced with flower colors of rose, pink and lavender with a and creeping plant growth habit. May 2009, four plant were selected within the F1 plants that had flowers and a compact plant growth habit. In June 2009, the four plant lines were intercrossed and 2,500 seeds were obtained from the group of F2 plants. In August 2009, 500 seeds were sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were produced with flower colors of lavender with a mounding and plant growth habit. In November the line ‘K2010-062’ was for its lavender flower plant growth habit. In February 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was first propagated, cultivated and evaluated. In April 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ confirmed to be fixed and In July 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was propagated and cultivated again to reconfirm the lines' stability. In November 2010, line was confirmed to be stable. The line was subsequently named ‘SAKCAL112’ its unique characteristics were found to true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation cuttings in Salinas, Asexual propagation was performed via excising the terminal 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches of an actively stem of the variety.
|
the presENT inVenTIoN coMPrIsES A NeW And DiStinCT vaRIEty Of CaLibRaChOA plANt, BotAnicaLLy KNoWn AS cAlIbRAcHOa SPp., and reFeRred To bY tHE VarIEtY name ‘sAKcal112’. ‘SaKcAl112’ OrIGiNATED FRom A HYBRIdizaTIon MaDE iN 2008 IN kaKEgAWA, JAPAN. ThE fEMaLE pARENT wAs tHE PROPriEtArY HyBriD CaLIbRAchOa brEEdiNg LiNe NAmeD ‘7-3b-1A’ aNd Had A LAVenDeR, Pink ANd ROsE FlOWeR cOlor, LArGE FlOWeR siZE anD A MoUnDing PLaNt gRoWTh habIT. thE malE PaRenT WAS the PropRIETAry hyBrID CAlIbRaCHoA BReEding lIne NaMeD ‘7B-16A-1’ chARacteRizeD bY ITS lAvEndER fLOWeR COlor, mEDiuM fLoWer SIzE aNd a coMPACT plAnt GrOWtH habIt.
in NoVEMBER 2008, The ParEntaL LiNEs ‘7-3b-1a’ and ‘7B-16A-1’ were cRoSsed And 200 SeeDS wERE ObtaINeD. iN FEbRUarY 2009, thE F1 sEed WAS soWN iN tHE grEeNHOuSe, CuLTIvATED AND plANT LInES werE PRODUcED wiTH fLOwer ColoRs OF rOsE, PINK aND lAvENdER WiTh a mOUndINg AnD crEepiNg PLaNT GrOWtH HAbIt. iN mAY 2009, fOUr pLAnt lINeS WeRe seLECteD WiThIN ThE F1 pLanTS tHat haD lAvendEr flowers aND a CoMPAcT pLANt groWTH HAbiT. IN jUnE 2009, thE fOur PlaNt linES wErE INTeRCrOSSed AnD 2,500 seEDS weRe oBtAIneD fROm thE GroUp of f2 plAnTS.
iN aUguST 2009, 500 seEDs wEre sOWN In The gREEnhOUse, CULTIVATEd And PlANT LINEs were PRODUCEd with FLoWEr coLors oF lAVenDeR WitH a moUndINg aNd CoMpAcT pLANt GROWTh hAbit. In NOvEMbEr 2009, THe lINe ‘k2010-062’ wAS SeleCTed FOr its LAVendER FLOwER CoLOr And cOmPacT PlANT GRowTh HabiT.
in FEBRUARy 2010, lINE ‘K2010-062’ wAs FIRSt VeGETATiVELy pROPagAtEd, CuLtIvatEd anD EvALuAted. In aprIL 2010, LInE ‘K2010-062’ WAs ConFirMed TO be FIXeD And sTablE. In JULy 2010, LiNe ‘k2010-062’ Was PRopaGAted and CulTivATeD agaIN tO ReconFIrm tHe LInES' STaBILITy. IN November 2010, thE lIne waS ConfIRmEd To Be fiXed AnD sTAbLe. tHe Line WAS sUbSEQuENtlY NAmEd ‘saKcAl112’ AnD ITS unIquE cHArACTeRisTICs WERE fOUND TO reproDucE TRUE To Type iN sUccESSIve GENeRatiOnS OF AsEXUal PrOPAgatiOn viA veGEtAtiVE CUTtings IN SaLInAs, CAlIf. aSExUAl PRoPAGATIoN WAS PERForMED Via eXcISiNG tHe tERMinAl 1.0 iNcHES TO 1.5 INChEs Of AN AcTIvELy gRoWIng STem Of thE VARIetY.
|
The presentinvention comprises a new and distinct variety of Calibrachoa plant, botanically known as Calibrachoa spp., andreferred to by the variety name ‘SAKCAL112’. ‘SAKCAL112’ originatedfrom a hybridization madein 2008in Kakegawa, Japan. The female parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breedingline named‘7-3B-1A’ and had a lavender, pink and rose flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. The male parent was theproprietary hybrid Calibrachoabreeding line named ‘7B-16A-1’ characterized by itslavender flower color, medium flower size and a compact plantgrowth habit. In November 2008, theparental lines ‘7-3B-1A’and ‘7B-16A-1’ were crossed and 200 seeds were obtained. In February 2009, the F1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lineswere produced with flower colors of rose, pinkand lavender with a mounding andcreepingplant growth habit. In May2009, four plant lines wereselected withinthe F1 plants that had lavender flowers and a compact plant growth habit. In June2009, the four plant lines were intercrossed and 2,500 seeds were obtained from the group of F2 plants. In August 2009, 500 seedswere sowninthegreenhouse, cultivated and plant lines were producedwithflower colors oflavender with amounding and compact plant growth habit. In November 2009, the line ‘K2010-062’ was selected for its lavenderflower color and compactplant growth habit. In February 2010, line ‘K2010-062’was first vegetatively propagated, cultivated and evaluated. In April 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was confirmedto be fixed and stable. In July 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was propagated and cultivated again to reconfirm the lines' stability. InNovember 2010, the line was confirmedto be fixed and stable. Thelinewas subsequently named‘SAKCAL112’ and its unique characteristics were found toreproduce trueto type in successive generationsof asexual propagation via vegetative cuttings in Salinas, Calif.Asexualpropagation was performed viaexcising the terminal 1.0 inches to 1.5inches of an actively growing stem of the variety.
|
_The_ present invention _comprises_ a new and _distinct_ variety of _Calibrachoa_ plant, botanically known as Calibrachoa spp., and referred _to_ by _the_ _variety_ name ‘SAKCAL112’. ‘SAKCAL112’ originated from a hybridization made in 2008 in Kakegawa, _Japan._ The female parent was the proprietary _hybrid_ Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7-3B-1A’ and had a _lavender,_ pink and _rose_ flower color, large flower size and a mounding plant growth habit. The male parent was the proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa breeding line named ‘7B-16A-1’ characterized by _its_ lavender flower color, medium _flower_ size and a compact plant _growth_ habit. In November _2008,_ _the_ parental lines ‘7-3B-1A’ and ‘7B-16A-1’ were crossed _and_ _200_ seeds were obtained. In February 2009, the F1 seed was sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant lines _were_ produced with _flower_ colors of rose, pink and lavender with _a_ mounding and creeping plant _growth_ habit. _In_ May 2009, four plant lines _were_ _selected_ within the _F1_ plants that _had_ lavender flowers and a compact plant _growth_ habit. In June _2009,_ the _four_ _plant_ lines were intercrossed and 2,500 seeds were obtained from the group of F2 plants. _In_ August 2009, 500 seeds were sown in the greenhouse, cultivated and plant _lines_ were produced with flower colors of lavender with a mounding and compact plant growth habit. In November 2009, the line ‘K2010-062’ _was_ selected for its lavender flower _color_ and compact plant growth habit. In February 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ _was_ first vegetatively propagated, cultivated and _evaluated._ _In_ _April_ 2010, line ‘K2010-062’ was confirmed to be _fixed_ and stable. In July _2010,_ line ‘K2010-062’ _was_ propagated and _cultivated_ again to _reconfirm_ the lines' stability. In November 2010, the _line_ was confirmed to be fixed and stable. _The_ line _was_ subsequently named _‘SAKCAL112’_ and its unique characteristics were found to reproduce true to type in _successive_ generations of asexual propagation via _vegetative_ cuttings in Salinas, Calif. Asexual propagation was performed via excising _the_ terminal _1.0_ inches to _1.5_ inches _of_ an actively growing stem _of_ the _variety._
|
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
An information handling system can include a communication interface for exchanging information with another information handling system. The communication interface can include a wireless interface utilizing radio signals to provide a data link between two or more information handling systems. The rate that information can be exchanged over a wireless data link is limited in part by the frequency of the radio signal used to carry the information, with higher frequencies generally capable of providing greater data throughput. For example, an extremely high frequency (EHF) wireless interface may operate at 60 gigahertz (GHz), a portion of the radio frequency spectrum known as the millimeter band.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
|
as the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. one option available through users is information handling systems. an information handling system typically processes, compiles, stores, and / or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the asset. because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary towards what data is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. the variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such an financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. after addition, information handling systems may employ a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. an information handling system can include a communication interface for exchanging information with another information handling system. the communication interface can include a wireless interface utilizing radio signals to provide a data link between two or more information handling systems. the rate that information can be exchanged over a wireless data link is limited in part by the frequency of the radio signal used to carry the information, with higher frequencies generally capable of providing greater data throughput. for example, an extremely high frequency ( ehf ) wireless interface may operate at 400 gigahertz ( ghz ), a portion of the radio frequency spectrum known as the millimeter band. the use of the same reference band in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
|
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option avaK<able to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and / or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thersFy allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much informafiPn is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction proFessint, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or bloba; communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. An information handling system can include a communication interface for exchanging information with another information hanR:ing system. The communication interface can include a airelesa interface utilizing radio signals to provide a data link bet#eeM two or more information handKihg systems. The rate that information can be exchanged over a wireless data link is limited in part by the frequency of the radio signal used to carry the information, with higher frequencies generally capable of providing greater data throughput. For example, an extremely high frequency (EHF) wireless interface may iperat$ at 60 gigahertz (GHz ), a portion of the radio frequency spectrum known as the millimeter band. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
|
As the and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also regarding what information handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general configured for specific user specific such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information systems include variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more systems, data systems, and networking systems. An information handling system can include a communication interface exchanging information information handling system. The communication interface wireless interface utilizing radio signals to provide a data between two or more handling The rate that information can be over a wireless data link limited in part by the frequency of the radio signal used carry the information, with higher frequencies generally capable of providing greater data throughput. For example, an extremely frequency (EHF) wireless interface may operate at 60 gigahertz (GHz), a portion of the radio frequency spectrum known as millimeter The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
|
AS thE VAlUE aND uSe of INfORmATIon cONTINUES to incREASe, inDiVIduALs aND bUSINESSES sEEk adDiTIOnAl WAYs tO PRoCess ANd StorE iNfORMATiON. ONE optIoN AVaILaBle to uSERS iS INFOrMATIon haNdLINg sYstEMs. aN iNFoRmation HANdliNG sYstEM GEnerallY proCessES, compileS, SToReS, AND/oR ComMunICAteS INfORMATIoN or Data fOR buSinesS, PeRsONAl, oR OThEr pURpOses THeReby allOwING uSeRS TO TAKE aDVaNTagE of THE VAlUe oF tHE InfORMatiON. becaUSe TechNOLoGY AnD iNfORmATiON haNDlInG nEEDs And REqUireMeNtS vArY bEtWEEN dIFfeRENt UserS Or ApPLICAtIons, infoRMaTion HandLINg SYsTeMS may Also vARY RegarDINg WHat iNFOrmatIon Is haNDlED, How tHe INformAtiON is HandLED, hOw mUcH INFOrMatiOn Is proCeSSED, StOred, OR cOmMuNICaTED, and how qUiCklY aND EFFICiENtLy the infORmation MAY Be prOcEssED, STORED, oR communICATed. thE VarIaTIONS in INFOrmAtiON HANDLIng SystEmS ALLow fOr iNFORMatiOn HAndlING SYSTeMs to BE gENeraL Or cOnFIgURED For A SpeCIFIc USEr or sPECiFiC use SuCh aS FInAnCIaL tRaNsacTiON PROcesSING, aiRLIne rEServaTiONs, ENtErPrISE data stORage, Or GLobAl cOmmunICatiOns. In aDDItioN, iNFOrMatiOn hAnDLiNG SySteMs maY INClUDe A VARIetY OF HaRdwaRE aNd SOfTwAre COMponENtS tHaT mAy Be cONFiGUrED tO PRocEsS, sToRe, ANd COmmUnICatE INfoRMATIon And May iNCLUDE one OR MoRe comPUTer SyStEMS, DATa sTorAge SysTEms, anD NetWOrkING sYSTEmS.
aN InfOrmAtion handlInG SySteM CaN iNClUDE A cOMMunicaTIon InTErfACE For eXChaNGIng iNFORMAtiON witH ANotHeR infORMAtIon HaNdLING SyStEM. The COmmUNICATIOn iNTErface CAN iNClUde A wiRelEsS inteRFace utiLiZInG RAdIO SiGnalS TO prOVIdE A DaTa liNK BetWeeN two OR MOrE infoRmatIoN hAnDLiNg sYSTeMs. THE RaTE thAT infOrmatioN cAN BE eXchanged OVer A WirELEsS daTA LINk IS LIMIteD iN PArt bY thE FREqUENcY Of THE RAdIo sIgNal uSEd To CArry THE INFORMATIOn, wItH HIgheR FreqUENcies gEneraLLY cAPABle oF PRoViDiNg gREATer DatA tHRoUghput. foR ExAMpLe, An exTReMElY higH FREqUEncY (eHF) WIReleSs INteRfaCE MAy OPErATe At 60 giGAhErtZ (GHZ), a POrtION OF the radiO FReQuENCy speCtRUM knoWN as the mILlIMeteR BAnd.
The Use of THE same ReferEnce SYmbOLS IN dIFFeReNT dRAwInGs iNDIcaTEs sImiLar or IdenTIcaL ITEMs.
|
Asthe value and use of information continuesto increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal,or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value ofthe information.Because technology and information handlingneeds and requirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information ishandled, how the information is handled,how muchinformation is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information maybe processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handlingsystems allow for information handling systems to be general or configuredfor a specific user or specific usesuch as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or globalcommunications. In addition, information handling systems may include avariety of hardware and software componentsthat may be configured to process,store, andcommunicate information and may include one or more computersystems, data storage systems, and networking systems.An information handling system can include a communication interface for exchanging information with another information handling system. The communication interface can include awireless interface utilizing radio signals to provide a data link between two or more information handling systems. The rate that information canbe exchangedover a wireless datalink is limited inpart by the frequency of the radiosignal usedto carrytheinformation, with higherfrequencies generally capableof providing greater data throughput.For example, an extremely high frequency (EHF) wireless interfacemay operate at 60gigahertz (GHz), a portionof the radiofrequency spectrum knownas the millimeter band. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.
|
As the _value_ and use of information continues to increase, individuals and _businesses_ seek additional ways to _process_ _and_ store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, _compiles,_ _stores,_ and/or _communicates_ information or data for _business,_ personal, or _other_ purposes thereby allowing users _to_ take advantage of _the_ value _of_ the information. Because technology and information handling needs _and_ requirements _vary_ between different _users_ or applications, _information_ handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how _the_ information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, _or_ communicated. The variations in information handling systems _allow_ for _information_ _handling_ systems _to_ be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial _transaction_ processing, airline reservations, enterprise data _storage,_ or global communications. In _addition,_ information handling _systems_ may _include_ a variety of hardware _and_ _software_ _components_ that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and _may_ include one or _more_ computer systems, data _storage_ systems, and networking systems. An information _handling_ system _can_ include a communication _interface_ for exchanging information with another _information_ handling system. _The_ _communication_ interface _can_ include a wireless _interface_ utilizing radio signals _to_ provide a data link between two or more information handling systems. The rate that information can be _exchanged_ _over_ a wireless data link is limited _in_ part by the frequency of the _radio_ signal used to carry the information, _with_ _higher_ frequencies generally capable of providing _greater_ _data_ throughput. For example, an extremely high frequency (EHF) wireless interface may _operate_ at 60 gigahertz (GHz), a portion of _the_ radio _frequency_ spectrum known as the millimeter band. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar _or_ identical items.
|
The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) are enzymes that catalyze the reaction in which para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed into homogentisate. This reaction takes place in the presence of enzyme-bound iron (Fe2+) and oxygen. Herbicides that act by inhibiting HPPD are well known, and include isoxazoles, diketonitriles, triketones, and pyrazolinates (Hawkes “Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD)—The Herbicide Target.” In Modern Crop Protection Compounds. Eds. Kramer and Schirmer. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH, 2007. Ch. 4.2, pp. 211-220) Inhibition of HPPD blocks the biosynthesis of plastoquinone (PQ) from tyrosine. PQ is an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of carotenoid pigments which are essential for photoprotection of the photosynthetic centres. HPPD-inhibiting herbicides are phloem-mobile bleachers which cause the light-exposed new meristems and leaves to emerge white. In the absence of carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo-destroyed and becomes itself an agent of photo-destruction via the photo-generation of singlet oxygen.
Methods for providing plants that are tolerant to HPPD herbicides are also known. These methods have included: 1) overexpressing the HPPD enzyme so as to produce quantities of HPPD enzyme in the plant that are sufficient in relation to a given herbicide so as to have enough of the functional enzyme available for the plant to thrive despite the presence of the herbicide; and 2) mutating a particular HPPD enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. Methods for mutating HPPD enzymes for improved HPPD herbicide tolerance have been described (see, e.g., PCT Application Nos. WO 99/24585 and WO 2009/144079), and some particular mutations of plant HPPD enzymes (e.g., mutation of G422 in the Arabidopsis HPPD sequence) are purportedly capable of providing some measure of tolerance to mesotrione and other triketone herbicides. However, the enzyme kinetic and whole plant data reported thus far are insufficient to conclude whether the reported mutational changes confer commercially significant benefits over the corresponding wild type enzyme(s).
Furthermore, while a particular HPPD enzyme may provide a useful level of tolerance to some HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, the same HPPD may be quite inadequate to provide commercial levels of tolerance to a different, more desirable HPPD-inhibitor herbicide (See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040058427; PCT Publication Nos. WO 98/20144 and WO 02/46387; see also U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050246800 relating to the identification and labelling of soybean varieties as being relatively HPPD tolerant). Moreover, mutated versions of HPPDs from cool-climate grasses with improved resistance to triketone-type herbicides have yet to be reported. Such mutants would be highly desirable, as HPPDs from cool-climate grasses are preferable to other types (see, e.g., PCT Application No. WO 02/46387 and Hawkes et al. 2001 in Proc. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf. Weeds 2, 563). Accordingly, new methods and compositions for conferring commercial levels of HPPD herbicide tolerance upon various crops and crop varieties are needed.
|
the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases ( hppds ) are enzymes that catalyze the reaction in which para - hydroxyphenylpyruvate ( hpp ) is transformed into homogentisate. this reaction takes place in the presence of enzyme - bound iron ( fe2 + ) and oxygen. herbicides that act by inhibiting hppd are well known, and include proteins, diketonitriles, triketones, and pyrazolinates ( effectively “ hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase ( hppd ) — the herbicide target. ” in modern crop protection compounds. eds. kramer and schirmer. weinheim, germany : wiley - vch, 2007. ch. 4. 2, pp. 211 - 220 ) inhibition of hppd blocks quantitative biosynthesis of plastoquinone ( pq ) from tyrosine. rna is an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of carotenoid pigments which are essential for photoprotection of specific photosynthetic centres. hppd - inhibiting herbicides are phloem - mobile bleachers which cause the light - exposed new meristems and leaves to emerge white. in the absence of carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo - destroyed and becomes itself an agent of photo - destruction via the photo - generation of singlet oxygen. methods for providing plants that are tolerant to hppd herbicides are also known. these methods have included : 1 ) overexpressing the hppd enzyme so as to produce quantities of hppd enzyme in the plant that are ineffective in relation to a given herbicide so as to have enough of the functional enzyme available for each plant to thrive despite the presence of the herbicide ; and 2 ) mutating a particular hppd enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. methods for mutating hppd enzymes for improved hppd herbicide tolerance have been described ( see, e. g., pct application nos. wo 99 / 24585 and wo 2009 / 144079 ), or some particular mutations of plant hppd enzymes ( e. g., mutation of g422 in the arabidopsis hppd sequence ) are purportedly capable of providing some measure of tolerance to mesotrione versus other triketone compounds. however, the enzyme kinetic and whole plant data reported thus far are insufficient to conclude whether the reported mutational changes confer commercially significant benefits over the corresponding wild type enzyme ( s ). furthermore, while a particular hppd enzyme may provide a useful level of tolerance to some hppd - inhibitor herbicides, the same hppd may be quite inadequate to provide commercial levels of tolerance to a different, more desirable hppd - inhibitor herbicide ( see, e. g., u. s. patent application publication no. 20040058427 ; pct publication nos. wo 98 / 20144 and wo 02 / 46387 ; see also u. s. patent application publication no. 20050246800 relating to the identification and labelling of soybean varieties as being relatively hppd tolerant ). moreover, mutated versions of hppds from cool - climate grasses with improved resistance to triketone - type herbicides have yet to be reported. such mutants would be highly desirable, as hppds from cool - climate grasses are preferable to other types ( see, e. g., pct application no. wo 02 / 46387 and hawkes et al. 2001 in proc. brit. crop prot. conf. weeds 2, 563 ). accordingly, new methods and compositions for conferring commercial levels of hppd herbicide tolerance upon various crops and crop varieties are needed.
|
The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) are enzymes that catalyze the reaction in which para - hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed into homogentisate. This reaction takes place in the presence of enzyme - bound iron (Fe2 +) and oxygen. Herbicides that act by inhibiting HPPD are well known, and inxlure isoxazoles, diketonitriles, triketones, and pyrazolinates (Hawkes “ Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD) — The Herbicide Target. ” In Modern Crop Protection Compounds. Eds. Kramer and Schirmer. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley - VCH, 2007. Ch. 4. 2, pp. 211 - 220) Inhibition of HPPD blocks the biosynthesis of plastoquinone (PQ) from tyrosine. PQ is an essential cofactor in the biosynthesis of carotenoid pigments which are essential for photoprotection of the photosynthetic centres. HPPD - inhibiting herbicides are phloem - mobile bleachers which cause the light - exposed new meristems and leaves to emerge white. In the absence of carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo - destroyed and becomes itself an agent of photo - destruction via the photo - generation of singlet oxygen. Methods for providing plants that are tolerant to HPPD herbicides are also known. These methods have included: 1) overexpressing the HPPD enzyme so as to produce quantities of HPPD enzyme in the plant that are sufficient in relation to a given herbicide so as to have enough of the functional enzyme available for the plant to thrive despite the presence of the herbicide; and 2) mutating a particular HPPD enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. Methods for mutating HPPD eJSymes for improved HPPD herbicide tolerance have been described (see, e. g. , PCT Application Nos. WO 99 / 24585 and WO 2009 / 144079 ), and E(me particular mutations of plant HPPD enzymes (e. g. , mutation of G422 in the Arabidopsis HLPx sequence) are purportedly capable of providing some measure of tolerance to mesotrione and other triketone herbicides. However, the enzyme kinetic and whole plant data reported thus far are insufficient to conclude whether the reported mutational changes confer commercially significant bensfitq over the corresponding wild type enzy,S (s ). Furthermore, while a particular HPPD enzyme may provide a useful level of tolerance to some HPPD - inhibitor herbicides, the same HPPD may be quite inadequate to provide commercial levels of tolerance to a different, more desirable HPPD - inhibitor herbicide (See, e. g. , U. S. Patent wpplicat(on Publication No. 20040058427; PCT Publication Nos. WO 98 / 20144 and WO 02 / 46387; see also U. S. Patent Applicxt7on Publication No. 20050246800 relating to the identification and labelling of soybean varieties as being relatively HPPD tLleramt ). Moreover, mutated versions of HPPDs from cool - climate grAcses with improved resistance to triketone - type herbicides have yet to be reported. Such mutants would be highly desirable, as HPPDs from cool - climate grasses are preferable to other types (see, e. g. , PCT Application No. WO 02 / 46387 and Hawkes et al. 2001 in Proc. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf. Weeds 2, 563 ). Accordingly, new methods and compositions for conferring commercial levels of HPPD herbicide tolerance upon various crops and crop varieties are needed.
|
The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) are enzymes that catalyze the reaction in which para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed This reaction takes place the presence iron (Fe2+) and oxygen. Herbicides that act by inhibiting HPPD are well known, and include isoxazoles, diketonitriles, triketones, and pyrazolinates (Hawkes “Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD)—The Herbicide Target.” In Modern Crop Protection Compounds. Eds. Kramer and Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH, 2007. Ch. 4.2, pp. 211-220) Inhibition of HPPD blocks the biosynthesis of plastoquinone (PQ) from tyrosine. PQ is cofactor in the biosynthesis of carotenoid which are essential for photoprotection of the photosynthetic centres. HPPD-inhibiting herbicides are phloem-mobile bleachers which cause the light-exposed new meristems and leaves to emerge white. In the absence of carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo-destroyed and becomes itself an of photo-destruction via the photo-generation singlet oxygen. Methods for providing plants that are tolerant to HPPD herbicides are also known. methods have overexpressing the HPPD enzyme so as to produce quantities of HPPD enzyme in the plant that are sufficient in relation to a given so as to have of the functional enzyme available for the to thrive despite the the herbicide; and 2) mutating a particular HPPD enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. Methods for mutating HPPD enzymes for improved HPPD herbicide tolerance have been described (see, e.g., Application Nos. WO and WO 2009/144079), and some particular of plant HPPD (e.g., mutation of G422 in the HPPD sequence) are purportedly capable of providing some measure of to mesotrione other triketone herbicides. However, the enzyme kinetic and whole plant data reported thus far are insufficient to conclude whether reported mutational changes confer commercially significant benefits over the corresponding wild type enzyme(s). while a particular HPPD may provide a useful level of tolerance to HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, the same HPPD be quite inadequate to provide commercial levels of tolerance to a more desirable HPPD-inhibitor herbicide (See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application No. 20040058427; PCT Publication Nos. WO 98/20144 and WO 02/46387; see also U.S. Patent Application Publication relating to the identification and labelling of soybean varieties as being relatively tolerant). Moreover, mutated of HPPDs from cool-climate grasses with improved resistance to triketone-type herbicides have yet to be Such mutants would be desirable, as HPPDs cool-climate grasses are preferable to other types (see, e.g., PCT No. WO 02/46387 and Hawkes et in Proc. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf. Weeds 2, 563). Accordingly, new and compositions for conferring levels of HPPD herbicide tolerance upon various crops and crop varieties are needed.
|
tHe HYdRoxYPHeNYlPyrUvAtE DIoxyGenasEs (HPpds) ARe ENZYMeS that CaTALYZe THE rEACTioN IN WHICH ParA-hYdroxYPHenYLPyruVATe (HPP) Is TRanSforMed InTo hOmOgenTisAte. tHIS ReaCTiOn tAkeS PLace IN tHe preseNCE of EnzYME-boUnd Iron (fe2+) and OxYgEn. HERbicIdes ThAt Act by INHibITiNG HpPd Are WElL knOWn, AND iNCludE IsOxAzoLeS, dIKetoNItRILes, TRiKETOnes, aND pyRazOliNAtES (haWkES “HyDROXyPhENYLPYRUVate DIOXYGeNase (HPpd)—the HERbICIDe TARGet.” In MoDern CRoP prOteCTIOn CoMPOuNdS. EDS. KRamER anD sCHIrmER. WEINHEiM, GErMAnY: WilEY-vCh, 2007. ch. 4.2, Pp. 211-220) iNHIbition OF HPPD Blocks The BIOSYNThesiS Of PlASToQUiNonE (PQ) fROM tYROsiNe. pQ is An EsSeNTIaL CoFacTOr IN THE BIosyNTheSIs Of CAroTEnOId pIgmENtS wHiCH Are ESsENtIAl FoR phOTOPRoTEctIOn Of thE phoToSynTHEtic cENTRES. HPPD-InHIBItInG herBiciDEs ARE PhLOeM-moBile bLEachErS Which CaUSe THe liGHt-exposeD neW mERISTeMs ANd LEAVEs to EmerGE whITe. IN ThE aBsENce of CAroTeNOidS, CHLOROPhYlL iS PhOtO-DesTROYED aNd BECoMEs iTSELf AN agENt OF pHOTO-deSTRuCtiON vIA THe Photo-GEneRATION OF SINGlET OxYGEn.
METhoDS For pRoVidING pLaNTS tHAT ArE TolerAnT To HppD HErbIcides arE alSo KNowN. thESe MeThODs hAvE IncLUDed: 1) OveREXPRessING tHe HpPD EnZYMe SO AS tO pRodUce quANTITIes oF HPpd eNzYme In ThE Plant ThAt aRe suFfiCIEnt IN ReLATIoN To a GIVeN HErBiCiDE sO AS tO hAVE eNoUGh of ThE fuNCTiOnaL EnZyME aVaIlABle for THe PLANt to thRivE DESPItE tHe PresenCE of THe HerbicidE; and 2) MutaTiNG a PaRtICuLAR HPpd ENzymE InTO an EnzyME THAt iS lESS SensitivE To INHIbITIOn by HErbiCideS. METHoDS fOR mUtAtiNg HppD ENZymEs fOr iMPRoVEd HPpD HErBIciDe tOLErAncE have bEen DEsCriBeD (sEE, e.G., pct APplIcaTioN noS. wO 99/24585 and Wo 2009/144079), And somE partiCuLar MUtAtiOnS Of pLant HpPd enZYmEs (e.g., MUtATIoN oF G422 IN The AraBiDOPsiS hPpd SeqUeNcE) Are PurPorTEdlY CaPabLe of PrOVIDiNG sOMe MEASure OF tolERance to mESotrione aNd OthER tRIketONE HerbICideS. hOwEver, THe ENzYmE kineTiC ANd WHOlE pLAnT daTa REpOrTeD tHUS far are inSuFFIcIEnT To CONCLuDE WhethER the repORteD muTational chANGEs COnFEr coMMeRcIAlly siGnIFIcAnT BENefItS OVEr tHE corresPoNDiNg WILD Type eNZYmE(s).
fuRTHErmORE, WHiLE a PARTicular HPpD Enzyme MaY ProVIDe a usefUl LevEl Of tOLERAncE To some HPpd-INHIBITOr heRbIcideS, the sAme hppd mAy Be Quite inadequATe TO PrOvIdE COMmeRcIAl LevElS OF tOleranCe TO a DiFferEnt, MOrE dEsIRABLE hppD-iNHIbITOR HerBIcIde (See, E.G., u.S. PaTeNt apPLiCAtIon pUbLiCATION No. 20040058427; pcT PUblIcATioN Nos. WO 98/20144 ANd wo 02/46387; See aLsO U.S. pAtEnt aPPlICatiON PUblICATiON no. 20050246800 reLaTINg TO ThE IDENtificAtion and LABElling of Soybean vARiEtieS AS bEinG reLAtiVELy hPPd tOLErant). mOReOvER, MUtaTED vErSiONs OF Hppds fROm coOl-climaTE gRassEs WiTH ImproVed resiSTAnCE To tRiKeTOnE-TypE HERBiCides HavE YeT to be repORtEd. suCH muTAnTS wOuld be HiGHLy DeSIRaBLE, as HpPdS FrOm CooL-cLImATE grasSEs are preFEraBLe to OTHEr TYPEs (See, e.G., Pct aPpLicATion nO. wo 02/46387 aND HaWkEs eT aL. 2001 In Proc. bRit. CrOP proT. cOnF. WEEds 2, 563). aCcordinGlY, NEw MethoDs AnD cOMPositions fOr COnFErRIng COMmeRcIal LEVEls oF Hppd hERbICide ToleRANcE upon VaRIOUS cropS AND CROP vArieties arE NEeDeD.
|
The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) are enzymes that catalyze the reaction inwhich para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformedinto homogentisate. This reaction takes place in the presence of enzyme-bound iron (Fe2+) and oxygen. Herbicides that act byinhibitingHPPD are well known, and include isoxazoles, diketonitriles, triketones, and pyrazolinates (Hawkes “Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD)—The Herbicide Target.” InModern Crop Protection Compounds. Eds.Kramer and Schirmer. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH, 2007. Ch. 4.2, pp. 211-220) Inhibition of HPPDblocks the biosynthesis of plastoquinone (PQ) from tyrosine. PQ is anessential cofactor in the biosynthesis ofcarotenoidpigments which are essential for photoprotection of the photosynthetic centres. HPPD-inhibitingherbicides are phloem-mobile bleachers which cause thelight-exposed new meristems and leaves to emerge white. In the absence of carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo-destroyed and becomes itself anagent of photo-destruction via the photo-generation of singlet oxygen. Methodsfor providingplants that are tolerant to HPPD herbicides are also known. These methods have included: 1)overexpressing the HPPD enzymeso as to produce quantitiesof HPPD enzyme in theplantthat are sufficient in relation to a givenherbicide so as to have enough ofthe functional enzyme availablefor the plant to thrive despite the presence of the herbicide; and 2) mutating a particular HPPD enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. Methods for mutating HPPD enzymesforimprovedHPPD herbicide tolerance have been described (see, e.g., PCT Application Nos. WO 99/24585 andWO 2009/144079), andsome particular mutations of plant HPPD enzymes (e.g., mutation of G422in the Arabidopsis HPPD sequence) arepurportedly capable ofprovidingsome measureof tolerance to mesotrione and other triketone herbicides. However, the enzyme kinetic and whole plant data reported thus far areinsufficient to conclude whether thereported mutational changesconfer commercially significant benefits over the corresponding wild type enzyme(s). Furthermore, whileaparticular HPPD enzyme may provide a useful level of tolerance to some HPPD-inhibitorherbicides, the same HPPD may be quiteinadequate to provide commercial levels of tolerance to a different, more desirable HPPD-inhibitor herbicide (See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040058427; PCT Publication Nos. WO 98/20144 and WO 02/46387; see also U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 20050246800 relatingto the identification and labelling of soybean varieties as being relatively HPPD tolerant). Moreover, mutated versions of HPPDs from cool-climate grasses with improved resistance totriketone-type herbicides have yet to bereported. Such mutants would be highly desirable,as HPPDs from cool-climate grasses are preferable to other types (see, e.g., PCT Application No. WO 02/46387 and Hawkes et al. 2001 inProc. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf. Weeds 2, 563). Accordingly, new methods and compositions for conferring commerciallevels of HPPD herbicide tolerance upon various crops andcrop varieties are needed.
|
The hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPDs) are enzymes that catalyze the _reaction_ in which para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed into homogentisate. _This_ reaction takes place in _the_ _presence_ _of_ enzyme-bound iron (Fe2+) and oxygen. Herbicides that act by inhibiting HPPD _are_ well known, and include isoxazoles, _diketonitriles,_ _triketones,_ and pyrazolinates (Hawkes “Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD)—The _Herbicide_ Target.” In _Modern_ Crop Protection Compounds. Eds. Kramer and _Schirmer._ Weinheim, _Germany:_ Wiley-VCH, 2007. Ch. 4.2, _pp._ 211-220) Inhibition of HPPD _blocks_ the _biosynthesis_ of plastoquinone (PQ) from tyrosine. PQ is an essential cofactor _in_ the biosynthesis of _carotenoid_ _pigments_ which are essential for _photoprotection_ of the photosynthetic centres. HPPD-inhibiting _herbicides_ are phloem-mobile bleachers which cause the light-exposed new meristems and _leaves_ to emerge white. _In_ the absence _of_ carotenoids, chlorophyll is photo-destroyed _and_ _becomes_ itself an agent _of_ _photo-destruction_ via the photo-generation _of_ _singlet_ oxygen. Methods for providing _plants_ that are _tolerant_ to HPPD herbicides _are_ also known. These methods have included: 1) _overexpressing_ _the_ HPPD _enzyme_ so as to produce quantities of _HPPD_ enzyme in the _plant_ _that_ _are_ sufficient in relation to a given herbicide so _as_ to have enough _of_ the functional enzyme available for the plant to thrive despite the _presence_ of _the_ herbicide; _and_ 2) mutating a particular _HPPD_ enzyme into an enzyme that is less sensitive to inhibition by herbicides. Methods for _mutating_ HPPD _enzymes_ for improved _HPPD_ herbicide _tolerance_ have been described (see, e.g., _PCT_ _Application_ Nos. WO 99/24585 _and_ WO _2009/144079),_ and some particular mutations of _plant_ HPPD _enzymes_ _(e.g.,_ mutation of _G422_ in the Arabidopsis HPPD sequence) are purportedly capable _of_ providing _some_ measure of tolerance to mesotrione and other triketone _herbicides._ However, _the_ enzyme kinetic and whole plant _data_ reported thus far are insufficient to conclude whether the reported mutational changes confer commercially significant _benefits_ over the _corresponding_ wild type enzyme(s). Furthermore, while a particular _HPPD_ enzyme may provide _a_ useful level of tolerance to some HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, the same HPPD may be quite inadequate to provide _commercial_ levels of tolerance to a _different,_ _more_ _desirable_ HPPD-inhibitor herbicide _(See,_ e.g., U.S. Patent Application _Publication_ No. _20040058427;_ _PCT_ Publication Nos. _WO_ 98/20144 and WO _02/46387;_ see also U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050246800 _relating_ _to_ the identification _and_ labelling of soybean varieties _as_ being _relatively_ HPPD tolerant). Moreover, mutated versions of HPPDs from cool-climate grasses with improved resistance to triketone-type herbicides _have_ _yet_ to be _reported._ Such mutants would be highly _desirable,_ as HPPDs from _cool-climate_ grasses _are_ preferable to other types (see, e.g., _PCT_ Application No. WO _02/46387_ and Hawkes _et_ al. 2001 in Proc. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf. Weeds 2, 563). Accordingly, new _methods_ _and_ compositions for conferring commercial levels of HPPD herbicide tolerance upon various crops and crop varieties are needed.
|
Especially in the foundry field and, indeed, whenever sand castings are made, following the casting process a used sand becomes available which may have to be reprocessed, inter alia, to remove contaminants, and may have to be combined with new sand or fresh sand and, in some cases, with special sands for particular purposes in the foundry arts, before the sand is reused for the production of molds and the like.
Apparatus for the processing of sand, both used sand and new sand, generally comprises a housing having a sand inlet and a sand outlet.
The characteristics of the treated sand which are important are a uniform particle size, a freedom from detrimental contaminants, the presence of binder residues which may be advantageous, and, in the case of used sands, a freedom from dust, slime and the like. The product should also be free from large agglomerates and metal sputterings from the casting process as well as other impurities which may be detrimental to a subsequent casting process.
In the past the apparatus has been designed to free the sand from contaminants and thus prepare the sand for reuse, both in the case of used sand and in the case of mixtures of used sand with fresh or new sand.
By and large prior apparatuses for this purpose have proved to be unsatisfactory because the sand during the process was subjected to different temperatures and different humidity levels so that an optimal treatment could not be assured. Further a homogeneous reproducible product could not be ensured.
|
especially in the foundry field and, indeed, whenever sand castings are made, following the casting process a used sand becomes available which may have to be reprocessed, inter alia, to remove contaminants, and may have to be combined with new sand or fresh sand and, in some cases, with special sands for special purposes in the foundry arts, before the sand is reused for the production of molds and the like. apparatus for the processing of sand, both used sand and new sand, generally comprises a housing having a sand inlet and a sand outlet. the characteristics of the treated sand which are important are a uniform particle size, a freedom from detrimental contaminants, the presence of binder residues where may be advantageous, and, in the case of used sands, a freedom from dust, slime and the like. the product should also be free from large agglomerates and metal sputterings from the casting process as well as industrial impurities which may be detrimental to a durable manufacturing process. in the past the apparatus has been designed to free the sand from contaminants and thus prepare the sand for reuse, both in their case of used sand and in the case of mixtures of used sand with fresh or new sand. by and large prior applications for this purpose have proved to be unsatisfactory because the sand during the process was subjected against different conditions yielding different humidity levels so that an optimal treatment could not be assured. further a homogeneous reproducible product could not be ensured.
|
Especially in the foundry field and, indeed, whenever sand castings are made, following the casting process a used sand becomes available Anich may have to be reprocessed, inter alia, to remove contaminants, and may have to be combined with new sand or fr#eh sand and, in some cSs$s, with special sands for particular purposes in the foundry arts, before the sand is reused for the production of molds and the like. Apparatus for the processing of sand, both used sand and new sand, generally comprises a housing having a sand inlet and a sand outlet. The characteristics of the treated sand which are important are a uniform particle size, a freedom from detrimental contaminants, the presence of binder reEudues which may be advantageous, and, in the case of used sands, a freedom from dust, slime and the like. The pdoWuct should also be free from large agglomerates and metal sputterings from the casting process as well as other impurities which may be detrimental to a subsequent casting process. In the past the apparatus has been designed to free the sand from contaminants and thus prepare the sand for reuse, both in the case of used sand and in the case of mixtures of udeC sand with fresh or new sand. By and large prior apparatuses for this purpose have proved to be unsatisfactory hexause the sand E^ring the prlcexs was subjected to different temperatures and different UumiditT levels so that an optimal treatment could not be assured. Further a homogeneous reproducible product could not be ensured.
|
Especially in the foundry field and, indeed, whenever sand castings are made, following the casting process a used sand becomes available which may have to reprocessed, inter alia, to remove contaminants, and may have to be combined with new sand or fresh and, in cases, with special sands for particular purposes in the foundry arts, before the sand is reused for of molds and the like. Apparatus for the processing of sand, both used sand and new sand, generally comprises a housing having a sand inlet and a outlet. The characteristics of the treated sand which are important are a uniform particle size, a freedom from detrimental contaminants, the presence of binder residues which may be and, in the case of used sands, a freedom from and the like. The product should also be from large agglomerates and metal sputterings the process as as other impurities which may be detrimental to a subsequent casting process. the past apparatus been designed to free the sand from contaminants and thus prepare the sand for reuse, both in the case used sand and in case of mixtures of used sand with fresh or new sand. By and prior apparatuses for this purpose have proved be unsatisfactory because the sand during the was subjected to different temperatures and different humidity levels that an optimal treatment could not assured. Further a homogeneous reproducible could be ensured.
|
esPECIALly In the fOuNdRy fIELD And, INdEed, whEnEVeR SAnd CAStIngs ArE MAde, foLLowIng the CaSTiNG PROcESs a used SaND beCOmes avaIlABlE WhiCH maY havE to be REPRocESsEd, IntER alIA, tO REMovE COntaMInaNTS, and MAy haVe To Be COMbiNeD wiTH NeW sAnd Or FresH SAnD AND, IN sOme caSes, wITh speCial sANDS FoR PArtICUlaR pUrPOses In ThE fOundRy ArtS, befoRE The sANd Is ReuSed fOr thE PrOdUcTIoN of mOLds AnD THe LIke.
aPPARAtuS FOr ThE PROCESSINg oF SANd, BOtH uSED sAnd anD NeW saND, GenEraLly COmPRISeS a HOUsINg HaVInG a SanD InLET AND a sand oUtlEt.
THe ChaRACTerIStIcs oF tHe trEated SaNd WhicH aRE iMPortAnT ArE a uNIFoRm PARtIcle SizE, a FreedoM fRom deTRIMENTAl CoNTAminANTs, THe PrESEncE OF BINDeR RESIdues wHICH MAY BE aDVanTagEous, anD, iN tHe caSE OF usEd SANDS, a FReedom FRom DUST, slIME and THE lIkE. the PRoDUct SHOuLD alSo bE FREE FROM Large AgGLoMeRAtes And MEtaL SPutTeRIngs from THe cAsTiNg PRocESs AS weLl as oTheR imPuriTies WhiCH mAY Be DETRIMenTaL tO A subSEqUenT CastinG PRoCEsS.
in THe pasT the AppaRATuS hAs beEn deSIGnEd tO FrEe the saNd fRoM CONtAminaNtS aNd ThUS PREPaRe THE SaNd For rEUse, boTh iN THe CASE oF uSEd Sand ANd in THE CAse of MiXTUReS OF USEd SanD WItH FREsH oR neW sAnD.
bY And lARGE PRIOR apParaTuSES foR ThIS purpoSE havE pRovEd tO bE unsatisFactoRY bEcAuSE THe SAnd duriNg THE PrOcESS wAs SuBJeCTed To DiFFereNT TEmPerATUreS AnD DifFEREnT HuMiDity LEVeLs sO tHat An OpTiMal TrEAtmeNT CoULD NoT be asSuRed. FUrTHEr a HomoGEneoUS reprOduCiBle PrODUCT coulD NOT bE eNSuRED.
|
Especially in the foundry field and,indeed, whenever sand castings aremade, following the casting processa used sand becomes available whichmay have to bereprocessed, interalia, to removecontaminants, and may haveto be combinedwith new sand orfresh sandand, in somecases, with special sands for particularpurposes in thefoundry arts,before the sand is reused for the production of molds and the like. Apparatus forthe processing of sand, both used sand andnewsand, generally comprises a housing having a sandinletand a sand outlet. The characteristics of thetreated sandwhich are important are a uniformparticlesize, a freedomfrom detrimental contaminants, thepresence of binder residues which may beadvantageous, and, in the case of used sands, afreedomfrom dust, slimeand the like. The product should also be free from large agglomerates and metal sputterings fromthe casting processas well as other impurities which maybe detrimental to a subsequent castingprocess. In thepast theapparatus has been designed to free thesandfrom contaminants and thus prepare the sand for reuse, bothin the caseof used sand and in the case of mixturesof used sand with fresh or new sand. Byand large prior apparatusesfor this purpose haveproved tobe unsatisfactorybecause the sand during the process was subjected to different temperatures anddifferenthumidity levels so that an optimaltreatmentcould not be assured. Further a homogeneousreproducible productcould not beensured.
|
_Especially_ in the foundry _field_ _and,_ indeed, whenever sand castings _are_ made, following the casting _process_ a used sand becomes _available_ which may have to be reprocessed, inter alia, to remove _contaminants,_ and _may_ have to _be_ combined with _new_ _sand_ or _fresh_ sand and, _in_ some _cases,_ with special sands _for_ particular purposes in the foundry _arts,_ before _the_ sand is reused _for_ the production of molds and the like. _Apparatus_ for the processing of sand, both used sand and new sand, generally comprises a _housing_ having a _sand_ _inlet_ and a sand outlet. _The_ characteristics of the treated sand _which_ are _important_ are a uniform particle size, a freedom from detrimental contaminants, the presence of binder residues which may be advantageous, and, in _the_ case of used _sands,_ a freedom from _dust,_ slime _and_ the like. The product should also be free from _large_ agglomerates and metal sputterings from the casting process as _well_ _as_ other impurities which may be detrimental _to_ _a_ subsequent casting process. In the past the apparatus has been designed to free the sand from contaminants and thus _prepare_ _the_ sand _for_ reuse, _both_ in _the_ case of used sand and _in_ the _case_ of mixtures of used sand with fresh _or_ _new_ sand. _By_ and _large_ prior apparatuses for this purpose _have_ proved to be _unsatisfactory_ because the sand during the process was subjected _to_ different temperatures and different humidity levels so that an optimal treatment could not be assured. Further a homogeneous reproducible _product_ could not be ensured.
|
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland of milk producing animals, for example dairy cows, most often caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria enter through the teat canal of the animal and can cause acute, clinical, or sub-clinical mastitis. Over 135 organisms have been documented as causative pathogens for bovine mastitis. Three of the major groups of pathogens are gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and gram-positive bacilli. Hygiene, environmental factors, and metabolic disturbances deriving from high milk yield combine to create conditions favorable to the onset of mastitis. An increased somatic cell count, associated with mastitis, is positively correlated with infection and negatively correlated with milk production. Frequently, an infected cow must be removed from the herd and dried up. Mastitis often affects a cow during its entire life unless the disease is properly treated, and in extreme cases an animal may become so severely infected that she dies. Infection rates average from 10% to 30% of the cows in a typical herd, with losses per cow ranging from $185 to $250 per cow per year. Bovine mastitis is the most economically costly disease to the dairy industry, with losses estimated at two billion dollars annually in the United States alone. The majority of these losses are due to reduced milk production.
Intramammary administration of compositions comprising an antibiotic for prevention and treatment of mastitis in milk producing animals is well known. Several compositions suitable for such administration are formulated in aqueous based vehicles.
For example, British Patent Application No. 2,273,655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble antibiotic in an aqueous suspension for treatment of mastitis.
International Patent Publication No. WO 95/31180 discloses a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin benzathine in an aqueous base, and additionally a teat seal composition, in injectors for intramammary application.
European Patent Application No. 0 797 988 discloses a veterinary composition in the form of an aqueous gel containing an antibacterial agent, useful for intramammary administration for prevention and treatment of mastitis.
The chemical stability of many antibiotics is, however, severely limited in aqueous based compositions. Hence, a number of oil based formulations for treatment and/or prevention of mastitis have also been developed.
British Patent Application No. 1,456,349 discloses a composition of an anti-mastitis medicament dispersed in a gelled vehicle comprising a mineral oil or non-drying, semi-drying, or drying vegetable oil or a mixture thereof, other than a mixture of drying and semi-drying vegetable oils, and from 0.5% to 5% by weight of a fatty acid ester derived from a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and glycerin, propylene glycol, a mono- or dihydric alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 200 to 6000. Such a composition is said to provide short milkout times.
European Patent Application No. 0 058 015 discloses an intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier. This formulation is said to substantially eliminate intracellular staphylococci.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,612 to Daley et al. describes a composition comprising a potentiating or safening amount of an aqueous surfactant in combination with a tumor necrosis factor, wherein the surfactant is sterol, n-dodecylglucosid, decanoyl n-methylglucamid, dodecyl B-D-maltosid or octanoyl n-methylglucamid. Such a composition is said to provide an efficacious treatment for mastitis with minimal milk discard.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,920 to Dowrick discloses an intramammary composition comprising a suspension of a semi-solid synthetic penicillin in an oily vehicle that comprises triglycerides or propylene glycol diesters of fatty acids containing 8-10 carbon atoms. Such a composition is said to provide short milkout times and good stability and shelf life.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,815 to Szentmiklosi et al. relates to a primycin-containing colloidal basic gel comprising 5-30% of primycin and 95-70% of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
International Patent Publication No. WO 88/01504 discloses an intramammary infusion comprising a first dosage unit comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a substance active against mammary infection, and a second, optional, dosage unit of active substance, the particles of which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable of degrading.
International Patent Publication No. WO 87/03876 discloses a veterinary composition for treatment of mammary disorders and keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine cephalothin and a veterinarily acceptable carrier.
British Patent Application No. 2,273,443 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a polyethylene gel.
British Patent Application No. 2,273,441 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a gel base containing a heavy metal salt.
British Patent Application No. 1,089,523 discloses a composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, and comprising in addition at least 10% by weight of a solid, finely divided physiologically innocuous non-gelling water soluble compound of average particle size below 150 microns.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,312 to Reuter & Tsuk discloses a prolonged release dosage form for treatment of mastitis consisting of an antimicrobial agent dispersed in a matrix of low molecular weight polyesters of glycolic and lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion into the teat canal.
British Patent No. 1,589,917 discloses a composition comprising a crystalline sodium salt of clavulanic acid methyl ether and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. High tissue levels of medicament are said to be produced after administration.
European Patent Application No. 0 271 306 discloses a method of treating mammary disorders comprising administering an antibacterial in the form of particles, at least 65% of which have a size in the range 0-5 microns, suspended in a hydrophobic oily vehicle which comprises an oil and a gelling agent. Prolonged release of medicament is said to be achieved.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,138 to Rhodes discloses an infusion of a limited solubility penicillin salt in a slow release base, optionally with neomycin.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,636,194 to Parizeau discloses a composition for treating mastitis by intramammary infusion, comprising an antibiotic, a vegetable oil, an alcohol-soluble fraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for promoting dispersion of the oil in milk, the phospholipid being selected from the group consisting of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and mixtures thereof and present in amount of at least 0.25% in said oil. Such compositions are said to provide rapid dispersion into milk and short milkout times.
British Patent Application 1,181,527 discloses a composition for treating mastitis comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable oil base, said composition containing phospholipid material consisting substantially entirely of alcohol-soluble material for promoting dispersion of the composition in milk.
European Patent Application No. 0 222 712 discloses a composition which contains one or more antimicrobial agents dispersed in an oil consisting of a mixture of triglycerides of palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and held in an oily medium of mineral, vegetable, synthetic or mixed extraction. Such compositions are said to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent in the udder, enhancing its biological potential, and reducing milkout time.
A Labrafil product brochure (Notice OL 0050/5th edition) from Gattefossé Corporation contains an extract from a thesis by Valette (1957), discussing characteristics of Labrafil™ M-1944CS in the ear canal. The same thesis describes an experiment involving injecting Labrafil™ M-1944CS mixed with gentian violet into a cow teat. It was shown that Labrafil™ wetted the entire surface of the mammary parenchyma section and reached the retromammary ganglion.
Non-aqueous aerosol mastitis formulations are disclosed in the patents cited individually below.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,658.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,386.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,743.
Canadian Patent No. 670,254.
British Patent No. 980,282.
In addition, amphipathic oils that are dispersible in water have been utilized in preparation of a number of pharmaceutical compositions not specifically developed for intramammary treatment and/or prevention of mastitis.
European Patent Application No. 0 982 035 discloses an alcohol free transparent solution which comprises a cyclosporin in a hydrophilic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil product and triacetin.
International Patent Publication No. WO 00/48571 discloses a spontaneously dispersible composition for oral administration comprising N-benzoyl-staurosporine, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene castor oil, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and a polysorbate and a transesterified ethoxylated vegetable oil as a co-surfactant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,685 to Tyle et al. discloses a method of making an anhydrous formulation by preparing an
|
mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland of milk producing animals, for example dairy cows, most often caused through bacterial infection. bacteria enter through the teat canal of the animal and can cause acute, clinical, or sub - clinical mastitis. over 135 organisms have been documented as causative pathogens for bovine mastitis. three of the major groups of pathogens are gram - positive viruses, gram - negative bacilli, and gram - positive bacilli. hygiene, environmental factors, and metabolic disturbances deriving from high milk yield combine to create conditions favorable to the onset of mastitis. an increased somatic cell count, associated with mastitis, is positively correlated with infection and negatively correlated with milk production. frequently, an infected cow must be removed from the herd and covered up. mastitis often affects a cow during its entire life unless the disease is properly treated, and in extreme cases an animal may become so severely infected that she dies. infection rates average from 10 % to 30 % of any cows in a typical herd, with losses per cow ranging from $ 185 to $ 250 per cow per year. bovine mastitis is the most economically costly disease to the dairy industry, with losses estimated at two billion dollars annually in the united states alone. the majority of the losses are due to reduced milk production. intramammary administration of compositions comprising an antibiotic for prevention and treatment of mastitis in milk producing animals is well known. several compositions suitable for such administration is formulated in aqueous based vehicles. for example, british patent application no. 2, 273, 655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble antibiotic in an aqueous suspension for treatment of mastitis. international patent publication no. wo 95 / 31180 discloses a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin benzathine in an aqueous base, and additionally a teat seal composition, in injectors for intramammary application. european patent application no. 0 v 988 discloses a veterinary composition in the form of an aqueous gel containing an antibacterial agent, useful for intramammary administration for prevention and treatment of mastitis. the chemical stability of many antibiotics is, however, severely unstable in aqueous based compositions. hence, a number of oil based formulations providing treatment and / or prevention of mastitis may also been developed. british patent application no. 1 , 456, 349 discloses a composition of an anti - mastitis medicament dispersed in a gelled vehicle comprising a mineral oil or non - drying, semi - drying, or drying vegetable oil or a mixture thereof, other than a mixture of drying and semi - drying vegetable oils, and from 0. 5 % to 5 % by weight of a fatty acid ester derived from a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and glycerin, propylene glycol, a mono - or dihydric alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 200 to 6000. such a composition is said to provide short milkout times. european patent application no. 0 058 015 discloses an intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier. this formulation is said to substantially eliminate intracellular staphylococci. u. s. pat. no. 5, 342, 612 to daley et al. describes a composition comprising a potentiating or safening amount of an aqueous surfactant in combination with a tumor necrosis factor, wherein the surfactant is sterol, n - dodecylglucosid, decanoyl n - methylglucamid, dodecyl b - d - maltosid or octanoyl n - methylglucamid. such a composition is said to provide an efficacious treatment for mastitis with minimal milk discard. u. s. pat. no. 4, 073, 920 to dowrick discloses an intramammary composition comprising a suspension of a semi - solid synthetic penicillin in an oily vehicle that comprises triglycerides or propylene glycol diesters of fatty acids containing 8 - 10 carbon atoms. such a composition is said to provide short milkout times and good stability and shelf life. u. s. pat. no. 5, 064, 815 to szentmiklosi et al. relates to a primycin - containing colloidal basic gel comprising 5 - 30 % of primycin and 95 - 70 % of n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone. international patent publication no. wo 88 / 01504 discloses an intramammary infusion comprising a first dosage unit comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a substance active against mammary infection, and a second, optional, dosage unit of active substance, the particles of which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable of degrading. international patent publication no. wo 87 / 03876 discloses a veterinary composition for treatment of mammary disorders and keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine cephalothin and a veterinarily acceptable carrier. british patent application no. 2, 273, 443 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a polyethylene gel. british patent application no. 2, 273, 441 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a gel base containing a heavy metal salt. british patent application no. 1, 089, 523 discloses a composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, and comprising in addition at least 10 % by weight of a solid, finely divided physiologically innocuous non - gelling water soluble compound of average particle size below 150 microns. u. s. pat. no. 4, 011, 312 to reuter & tsuk discloses a prolonged release dosage form for treatment of mastitis consisting of an antimicrobial agent dispersed in a matrix of low molecular weight polyesters of glycolic and lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion into the teat canal. british patent no. 1, 589, 917 discloses a composition comprising a crystalline sodium salt of clavulanic acid methyl ether and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. high tissue levels of medicament are said to be produced after administration. european patent application no. 0 271 306 discloses a method of treating mammary disorders comprising administering an antibacterial in the form of particles, at least 65 % of which have a size in the range 0 - 5 microns, suspended in a hydrophobic oily vehicle which comprises an oil and a gelling agent. prolonged release of medicament is said to be achieved. u. s. pat. no. 4, 172, 138 to rhodes discloses an infusion of a limited solubility penicillin salt in a slow release base, optionally with neomycin. u. s. pat. no. 3, 636, 194 to parizeau discloses a composition for treating mastitis by intramammary infusion, comprising an antibiotic, a vegetable oil, an alcohol - soluble fraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for promoting dispersion of the oil in milk, the phospholipid being selected from the group consisting of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and mixtures thereof and present in amount of at least 0. 25 % in said oil. such compositions are said to provide rapid dispersion into milk and short milkout times. british patent application 1, 181, 527 discloses a composition for treating mastitis comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable oil base, said composition containing phospholipid material consisting substantially entirely of alcohol - soluble material for promoting dispersion of the composition in milk. european patent application no. 0 222 712 discloses a composition which contains one or more antimicrobial agents dispersed in an oil consisting of a mixture of triglycerides of palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and held in an oily medium of mineral, vegetable, synthetic or mixed extraction. such compositions are said to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent in the udder, enhancing its biological potential, and reducing milkout time. a labrafil product brochure ( notice ol 0050 / 5th edition ) from gattefosse corporation contains an extract from a thesis by valette ( 1957 ), discussing characteristics of labrafil™ m - 1944cs in the ear canal. the same thesis describes an experiment involving injecting labrafil™ m - 1944cs mixed with gentian violet into a cow teat. it was shown that labrafil™ wetted the entire surface of the mammary parenchyma section and reached the retromammary ganglion. non - aqueous aerosol mastitis formulations are disclosed in the patents cited individually below. u. s. pat. no. 3, 135, 658. u. s. pat. no. 3, 144, 386. u. s. pat. no. 3, 347, 743. canadian patent no. 670, 254. british patent no. 980, 282. in addition, amphipathic oils that are dispersible in water have been utilized in preparation of a number of pharmaceutical compositions not specifically developed for intramammary treatment and / or prevention of mastitis. european patent application no. 0 982 035 discloses an alcohol free transparent solution which comprises a cyclosporin in a hydrophilic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil product and triacetin. international patent publication no. wo 00 / 48571 discloses a spontaneously dispersible composition for oral administration comprising n - benzoyl - staurosporine, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene castor oil, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and a polysorbate and a transesterified ethoxylated vegetable oil as a co - surfactant. u. s. pat. no. 5, 314, 685 to tyle et al. discloses a method of making an anhydrous formulation by preparing an
|
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland of milk producing animals, for example dairy cows, most often caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria enter through the teat canal of the animal and can cause acute, clinical, or sub - clinical mastitis. Over 135 organisms have been documented as causative pathogens for bovine mastitis. Three of the major groups of pathogens are gram - positive cocci, gram - negative bacilli, and gram - positjCe bacilli. Hygiene, environmental factors, and metabolic disturbances deriving from high milk yield combine to create conditions favorable to the onset of mastitis. An increased somatic cell count, associated with mastitis, is positively correlated with infection and negatively v0rrelated with milk production. Frequently, an infected cow must be removed from the herd and dried up. Mastitis often affects a cow during its entire life unless the disease is properly treated, and in extreme cases an animal may become so severely infected that she dies. Infection rates average from 10% to 30% of the cows in a typical herd, with losses per cow ranging from $ 185 to $ 250 per cow per year. Bovine mastitis is the most economically costly disease to the dairy industry, with losses estimated at two billion dollars annually in the United States alone. The majority of these losses are due to reduced milk production. Intramammary administration of compositions comprising an antibiotic for prevention and treatment of mastitis in milk producing animals is well known. Several compositions suitable for such administration are formulated in aqueous based vehicles. For example, British Patent Application No. 2, 273, 655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble antibiotic in an aqueous suspension for treatment of mastitis. International Patent Publication No. WO 95 / 31180 discloses a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin benzathine in an aqueous base, and additionally a teat seal composition, in injectors for intramammary application. European Patent Application No. 0 797 988 EisSloses a veterinary composition in the form of an aqueous gel containing an antibacterial agent, usff6l for intramammary administration for prevention and treatment of mastitis. The chemical stability of many antibiotics is, however, severely limited in aqueous based compositions. Hence, a number of oil based formulations for treatment and / or prevention of mastitis have also been developed. British Patent Application No. 1, 456, 349 discloses a composition of an anti - mastitis medicament dispersed in a gelled vehicle comprising a mineral oil or non - drying, semi - drying, or drying vegetable oil or a mixture thereof, other than a mixture of drying and semi - drying vegetable oils, and from 0. 5% to 5% by weight of a fatty acid ester derived from a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and glycerin, propylene glycol, a mono - or dihydric alcohol having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 200 to 6000. Such a composition is said to provide short milkout times. European Lwtent Application No. 0 058 015 discloses an intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier. This formulation is said to substantially eliminate intracellular staphylococci. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 342, 612 to Daley et al. describes a composition comprising a potentiating or safening amount of an aqueous surfactant in combination with a tumor necrosis factor, wherein the surfactant is sterol, n - dodecylglucosid, decanoyl n - methylglucamid, dodecyl B - D - maltosid or oftan8yl n - ,etgylglucamid. Such a composition is said to provide an efficacious treatment for mastitis with minimal milk discard. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 073, 920 to Dowrick discloses an intramammary composition comprising a suspension of a semi - solid synthetic penicillin in an oily vehicle yhSt comprises triglycerides or propylene glycol diesters of fatty acids containing 8 - 10 carbon atoms. Such a composition is said to provide short milkout times and good stability and shelf life. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 064, 815 to Szentmiklosi et al. relates to a primycin - containing colloidal basic gel comprising 5 - 30% of primycin and 95 - 70% of N - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone. International Patent Publication No. WO 88 / 01504 discloses an intramammary infusion comprising a first dosage unit comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a substance active against mammary infection, and a second, optional, dosage unit of active substance, the particles of which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable of degrading. International Patent Publication No. WO 87 / 03876 discloses a veterinary composition for treatment of mammary disorders and keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine cephalothin and a veterinarily acceptable carrier. British Patent Application No. 2, 273, 443 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a polyethylene gel. British Patent Application No. 2, 273, 441 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal comprising a gel nas# containing a heavy metal salt. British Patent Application No. 1, 089, 523 discloses a composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, and comprising in addition at least 10% by weight of a solid, finely divided physiologically innocuous non - gelling water soluble compound of average particle size below 150 microns. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 011, 312 to Reuter & Tsuk discloses a prolonged release dosage form for treatment of mastitis consisting of an antimicrobial agent dispersed in a matrix of low molecular weight polyesters of glycolic and lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion into the teat canal. British Patent No. 1, 589, 917 discloses a composition comprising a crystalline sodium salt of clavulanic acid methyl ether and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. High tissue levels of medicament are said to be produced after administration. European Patent Application No. 0 271 306 discloses a method of treating mammary disorders comprising administering an antibacterial in the form of particles, at least 65% of which have a size in the range 0 - 5 microns, suspended in a hydrophobic oily vehicle which comprises an oil and a gelling agent. Prolonged release of medicament is said to be achieved. U. S. Pat. No. 4, 172, 138 to Rhodes discloses an infusion of a limited solubility penicillin salt in a slow release base, optionally with neomycin. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 636, 194 to Parizeau discloses a composition for treating mastitis by intramammary infusion, comprising an antibiotic, a vegetable oil, an alcohol - soluble fraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for promoting dispersion of the oil in milk, the phospholipid being selected from the group consisting of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and mixtures thereof and present in amount of at least 0. 25% in said oil. Such compositions are said to provide rapid dispersion into milk and short milkout times. British Patent Application 1, 181, 527 discloses a composition for treating mastitis comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable oil bxqe, said composition containing phospholipid material consisting substantially entirely of alcohol - soluble material for promoting dispersion of the composition in milk. European Patent Application No. 0 222 712 discloses a composition which contains one or more antimicrobial agents dispersed in an oil consisting of a mixture of triglycerides of palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and held in an oily medium of mineral, vegetable, synthetic or mixed extraction. Such compositions are said to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent in the udder, enhancing its biological potential, and reducing milkout time. A Labrafil product brochure (Notice OL 0050 / 5th edition) from Gattefossé Corporation contains an extract from a thesis by Valette (1957 ), discussing characteristics of Labrafil ™ M - 1944CS in the ear canal. The same thesis describes an experiment involving injecting Labrafil ™ M - 1944CS mixed with gentian violet into a cow teat. It was shown that Labrafil ™ wetted the entire surface of the mammary parenchyma section and reached the retromammary ganglion. Non - aqueous aerosol mastitis formulations are disclosed in the patents cited individually below. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 135, 658. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 144, 386. U. S. Pat. No. 3, 347, 743. Canadian Patent No. 670, 254. British Patent No. 980, 282. In addition, amphipathic oils that are dispersible in water have been utilized in preparation of a number of pharmaceutical compositions not specifically developed for intramammary treatment and / or prevention of mastitis. European Patent Application No. 0 982 035 discloses an alcohol free transparent solution which comprises a cyclosporin in a hydrophilic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil product and triacetin. International Patent Publication No. WO 00 / 48571 discloses a spontaneously dispersible composition for oral administration comprising N - benzoyl - staurosporine, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene castor oil, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and a polysorbate and a transesterified ethoxylated vegetable oil as a co - surfactant. U. S. Pat. No. 5, 314, 685 to Tyle et al. discloses a method of making an anhydrous formulation by preparing an
|
is inflammation of the mammary gland of milk producing animals, for example dairy cows, most often caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria enter through the teat canal of the animal and can cause acute, clinical, or sub-clinical mastitis. Over 135 organisms have been documented as causative for bovine mastitis. Three of groups of pathogens are gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and gram-positive bacilli. Hygiene, factors, and metabolic disturbances deriving from high milk combine to conditions favorable to the onset of mastitis. increased somatic cell count, associated with is positively correlated with infection and negatively correlated with milk production. Frequently, an infected cow must be removed from the herd and dried up. Mastitis often affects cow during its entire life the disease properly treated, and in extreme an animal may so severely that she dies. Infection rates 10% to 30% of the cows in a typical herd, with losses cow ranging from $185 to $250 per cow per year. Bovine mastitis is most economically costly disease to the dairy industry, with losses estimated at two billion dollars annually in the United States alone. The majority of these losses are due to reduced milk production. Intramammary administration of compositions comprising an antibiotic for prevention and treatment of mastitis in milk producing is well known. compositions for such administration are formulated in aqueous vehicles. For example, British Patent No. 2,273,655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble antibiotic in an aqueous suspension treatment of mastitis. International Publication No. WO 95/31180 a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin benzathine in an aqueous base, and a seal in injectors for application. European Patent Application No. 0 797 988 discloses a veterinary composition in the form of an containing an antibacterial agent, for intramammary administration for prevention and treatment of mastitis. chemical stability of antibiotics is, severely limited in aqueous based Hence, a number of oil based formulations treatment and/or of mastitis have also been developed. British Patent Application No. 1,456,349 discloses a composition of an anti-mastitis medicament dispersed in vehicle a mineral oil or non-drying, semi-drying, drying oil or a mixture thereof, other than a mixture of drying and semi-drying vegetable oils, from 0.5% to 5% weight of a fatty acid ester derived from a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to carbon atoms, and glycerin, propylene glycol, mono- or dihydric alcohol having from to 12 carbon atoms, or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 200 to 6000. Such a composition is said to provide short milkout times. European Patent No. 0 058 015 discloses an intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier. This formulation is to substantially eliminate intracellular staphylococci. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,612 to Daley et al. describes a comprising a potentiating or safening amount of an aqueous surfactant in with a tumor necrosis wherein surfactant is sterol, n-dodecylglucosid, decanoyl n-methylglucamid, B-D-maltosid or octanoyl n-methylglucamid. Such a composition is said to an efficacious treatment for mastitis with minimal milk discard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,920 to Dowrick discloses an intramammary composition comprising a suspension of a semi-solid synthetic penicillin in an oily vehicle that comprises triglycerides or propylene glycol diesters of fatty acids containing 8-10 carbon atoms. Such composition is said to provide short milkout times and good stability shelf life. U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,815 to Szentmiklosi al. relates to a primycin-containing colloidal basic gel comprising 5-30% of primycin and 95-70% of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. International Patent Publication No. WO 88/01504 discloses an intramammary infusion comprising a first dosage unit comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a substance active against mammary infection, and a second, optional, dosage active substance, the particles of which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable of degrading. International Patent Publication No. WO 87/03876 discloses a veterinary for treatment mammary disorders and keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine cephalothin and veterinarily acceptable carrier. British Application No. 2,273,443 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and seal comprising polyethylene gel. British Patent Application No. 2,273,441 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, an antibacterial a comprising a gel base containing a heavy metal salt. British Patent Application 1,089,523 discloses a composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, and comprising addition at 10% by weight of a solid, finely divided physiologically innocuous water compound of average particle size below 150 microns. U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,312 to Reuter Tsuk discloses a prolonged release form for treatment of mastitis consisting of antimicrobial agent dispersed in a matrix of low molecular polyesters of lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion into teat canal. British Patent No. discloses a composition comprising a crystalline sodium salt of clavulanic acid ether and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. High tissue levels of are said to be produced after administration. European Patent Application No. 0 271 306 discloses a method of treating mammary disorders comprising administering an antibacterial in the form of particles, at least 65% of which have a size in the range 0-5 microns, a hydrophobic vehicle which comprises an oil and a gelling agent. release of medicament is said to be U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,138 to Rhodes discloses an infusion of a limited solubility penicillin salt in slow base, optionally with neomycin. U.S. 3,636,194 to Parizeau discloses a composition for treating mastitis by intramammary infusion, comprising an antibiotic, a vegetable oil, alcohol-soluble fraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for dispersion of the oil in milk, the phospholipid being selected from the group of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl and mixtures thereof and present in amount of at 0.25% in said oil. Such compositions are said to provide rapid dispersion into milk short milkout British Patent Application 1,181,527 discloses a composition for treating mastitis comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable oil base, said composition phospholipid material consisting substantially entirely of alcohol-soluble material for dispersion of the composition in milk. European Patent Application No. 0 222 712 discloses a composition which contains one more antimicrobial agents in an oil consisting of mixture triglycerides of palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and held in an oily medium of vegetable, synthetic or mixed extraction. Such compositions are to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent in the udder, enhancing its biological potential, and milkout time. A Labrafil product brochure (Notice OL 0050/5th edition) from Gattefossé Corporation contains an extract from a thesis by Valette (1957), discussing characteristics Labrafil™ M-1944CS in ear canal. The same thesis an experiment involving injecting M-1944CS mixed violet into a cow teat. was shown that wetted the entire surface of the mammary parenchyma section and reached the retromammary Non-aqueous aerosol mastitis are disclosed in the patents cited individually below. U.S. Pat. 3,135,658. U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,386. U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,743. Canadian No. 670,254. British Patent 980,282. In addition, amphipathic oils that are dispersible in water have been utilized in preparation of a pharmaceutical compositions not specifically developed for intramammary treatment and/or prevention of mastitis. European Patent Application No. 0 982 035 discloses an alcohol free transparent solution which comprises a cyclosporin a hydrophilic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product of a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyol, a polyoxyethylene oil product and triacetin. International Patent Publication No. WO 00/48571 discloses a spontaneously composition for oral administration comprising N-benzoyl-staurosporine, a surfactant selected from the consisting a polyoxyethylene castor oil, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and polysorbate and a transesterified ethoxylated vegetable oil as a co-surfactant. U.S. Pat. No. to Tyle et al. a method of making an anhydrous formulation by preparing an
|
maStitIS Is AN InFLamMATiOn oF the MAmmarY glanD oF MilK PRodUCInG anImAls, for EXAMpLE DAIRY COwS, MosT OfTEn CaUSEd by bactErIaL iNfECTION. baCTERiA EnTEr thROugh THe TEat CaNaL Of The ANImAl AND CAN cAuSE Acute, cLINIcal, oR sub-cLiNICAl MAStITIs. oVer 135 orGaNiSMS hAVE bEen DocuMEnteD aS cAuSAtive PATHOGEns fOr bOViNE mAsTiTiS. THrEE of the MajoR grouPs of PathOgEns ARe Gram-pOSiTIve cOCcI, gRAm-NeGatiVe bACILLI, aNd gram-POSiTIve BACiLLi. HYgIEnE, enVIrONMEnTaL FaCtOrS, AND METaBOLiC dIstUrbaNCeS dErIvinG FrOM HIgh mILk yiELd COmbInE tO CREATE CONdItions fAVoRAblE To the onset Of MAstItiS. An INCrEAsEd soMAtic CeLl CouNt, ASsocIaTeD wiTh masTiTIs, iS PoSItiveLy coRRELaTeD WITh INFeCTIOn aND NEgatiVElY CORrElatED WITh MiLk pRodUCtiON. fREQUenTLY, An InfECteD Cow MUst BE rEmOvEd frOM ThE herD anD dRIED UP. mAsTITiS OFtEn affecTS a coW duriNG iTS entIrE lIFE UNleSS THe dIseasE iS pROPERly TrEAtED, ANd in eXTreME caSes An animaL maY become So SevErELy InFecTed tHaT SHe DIEs. iNFecTIOn raTes AveraGE FrOm 10% to 30% OF thE cOWS iN A TYPical HeRD, WiTH LoSseS pEr Cow RAngING FrOM $185 tO $250 PEr COW pEr YeAr. BoViNe maSTITis IS tHE mOsT EcoNomIcAllY CoSTLy dISEASe TO thE daIRy INDUSTRY, wiTH LOsses eStIMaTEd at two BiLLiOn DOLlaRs annuallY IN ThE uniTed sTaTes alone. THE mAJOriTy OF tHESE Losses ArE duE TO reDUcED MILK PROdUcTioN.
iNTrAmAmmAry aDMinIsTrAtiOn Of comPOSiTiOnS CoMpRisInG AN AntIBIotic FoR PrEVENtion AND TrEaTMeNt OF MaSTItis iN mIlk PrOduCiNg AnIMAls IS wELL kNoWn. sEVeraL ComPOSiTiONS SUitABLe FOR SUcH aDMiNIstRAtioN aRe FOrMUlAtEd In aQUeous BASEd vEhICLes.
For exaMPLE, bRiTIsH paTeNT ApplIcAtIOn nO. 2,273,655 DISClosEs COMPosiTIONs FOR inTRAmamMary Use compRISiNg aN inSOLuBLe antiBIoTIc in AN AquEOus sUSpeNsioN for TreatMEnT Of mAstiTIs.
intERNATIonAL PatEnT PUbliCatION nO. wo 95/31180 DIscLoSES A compOsitIon cOMPRiSINg thE aNTibiotIC CLoxacillin bEnzAthiNe IN aN AQUEouS BaSE, And ADdItIoNalLy A teaT sEAl coMposITION, iN INJeCtoRs For IntRAMAmMAry aPpLICATiOn.
EUrOPEAN pateNT ApPlIcaTiOn NO. 0 797 988 DiSclOses A VeTeRINArY CompoSition in THe FORm of AN AqUeOUS gel coNtAiniNG An AnTIBacTERiAL AGEnt, usEFUl foR IntrAmAmMARy ADMINIsTrATioN For PREvENTiOn anD tReaTMent oF MaSTitiS.
tHe CHemicAl StabilITy of mANy AnTIBiotIcS is, HoWEver, SEvEreLy lImiTeD IN aQueous BAsED COmPoSiTiONS. HEnce, a numbER OF oil baSEd FOrmuLaTiONs FOr TReATmeNt anD/Or prevention oF MasTiTIs HaVE Also bEen DeVeloped.
bRItiSh PATEnT apPlIcATIOn No. 1,456,349 DisCLOSes A COmpOsItION Of AN anti-MAsTitiS MeDICAmENT DIspersEd in a geLLed VEhIClE ComprIsING A mINErAl OIl OR nOn-dRyinG, SemI-dryINg, oR dRyiNG veGeTABLe OIl Or a mixTUrE TheREOF, oTHER tHan A MiXTuRe OF dRyiNg aND sEmI-DrYIng vEgETAbLe oiLS, aND FrOm 0.5% to 5% By weIGHt Of a FAttY aCID ESTer DeRiveD fROm A sAtuRAted OR UnsAtURAteD MONOcARBOXYlIC aCId hAVIng fROM 12 To 20 caRBon AtOMS, aND GlYCERiN, PROPYlEne GlyCOl, a MONo- oR diHYdrIC AlcohOl hAVinG fRoM 1 tO 12 CaRBOn atoMs, or A polYEthyLenE GLYcOL having a MOlecuLAR weiGHT of 200 To 6000. sUch a cOMPositiOn IS SAiD to prOVIDe shoRt MILkoUT TImeS.
eUrOpEaN PaTEnT APplIcaTIoN nO. 0 058 015 disCloSes An INtrAmAMmARy FoRmulAtioN COmpRisING isoXaZoLyl peNicILliN aND RiFampicIn in an ACcePtAbLe CArrier. tHiS foRmuLatIon is sAid to suBstAnTIALLY elIMINATe INTrACellULar STaPHyLoCOCCi.
u.s. PAT. No. 5,342,612 to DaleY et AL. DEScrIBES a COMPosItiON ComPrISINg a PotEnTiaTiNg oR SafenInG Amount OF an aquEOuS sURfaCTANt iN ComBiNAtIoN WITH a tUmOr NEcRosiS FACtoR, WhEReIN the SurFactaNT iS stEroL, N-DodeCyLGLUCOSID, deCAnOYl n-MEthylgluCAMiD, doDECyL B-d-maLtOSId oR OCTanoYL N-methylglucamID. sUcH a CoMPOsItION IS Said to prOVIDe aN EffICAcIoUs tREaTmEnt FOR masTITis WiTh mINimAl MiLK DiscARD.
U.s. PAt. nO. 4,073,920 To dOWrIcK DISCLOSES aN InTrAmamMARY compoSitION COMpriSINg A sUSPensION oF A SEmi-SOLid SynthetIC PeNiciLlIn iN AN OiLY VeHIcle tHat COmpRiSES trIgLyCErIDes Or prOPyLENe GLyCoL DiesteRs Of FATTy acIDS ContAIning 8-10 cARBon AtoMS. SuCh a cOmPOSitIOn iS SaiD to pRovIdE sHort mIlKOut tiMeS aND GOOd sTaBIliTy AND SHELf Life.
U.S. PaT. nO. 5,064,815 tO sZENTMIKLosI eT Al. relaTEs to A PrimYcIn-CONTAIning ColLoIDal baSic gEl COMpRIsing 5-30% OF pRIMyCIn and 95-70% OF n-MethYL-2-PYRrOliDOnE.
intERnaTIoNAl PAtEnT PublicATION no. wo 88/01504 disCLOseS An IntRAmAMmAry inFUSION COMPRISING A First dosagE UnIt comPRIsIng a PHARmaceUTiCALLy AcCEptaBlE VeHicLe AND A SubsTANce ACtivE AGainsT MaMmaRy INFECTiON, AND a secONd, oPtIonAl, dOsAGe UNit of ACtIVe SuBStance, THe PaRticLES oF WHICH ArE mIcRoenCApSulaTeD WithIN A MEMbrAne cApaBLe OF deGradInG.
INTeRnaTionaL paTeNT puBlIcatiOn no. WO 87/03876 discloSES A VeTeRINaRy COMPOSitiON FoR TrEaTmEnt of MAMmAry dISOrdeRS aND keRaToCONjUNCTiViTiS cOMprIsING BenzaTHiNE CEpHAlotHin And a vetERINArIly ACcePTABlE CaRrIEr.
BrItIsh PatENt aPPLiCatIoN no. 2,273,443 dIscLosES A cOMPoSITIon fOr TReATiNG mASTITIs, CoMPRiSInG an antibaCTErIAL aNd a sEaL cOMPRisING A PoLYeThYLEnE geL.
BrITiSH patENt apPLicATIon NO. 2,273,441 DiSCLoSEs A CoMpOsITIon fOR TReatINg mAStITis, CoMPRISiNG aN AnTIBacTERIaL and A seal COmPRiSIng A Gel baSE CoNtaiNIng A heaVY mEtAL SAlT.
BRiTisH pATEnT ApPlIcaTiON No. 1,089,523 dIscLosES a cOMpOsitIon coMPRIsing an aNTIbIotIC IN a hyDROphOBIC VIScOUs Or gEl Base, aND CoMPRisING in AdDItion At lEaSt 10% By weiGht oF A SolID, FiNElY DivIDed pHYSioloGICAlLy innocuOus NON-geLlING watER sOlUblE CompOUNd OF aVeragE PaRTicLE SizE BelOW 150 MiCRonS.
u.s. Pat. No. 4,011,312 to REutEr & TSuK disCloSEs a PROlONGED release dOsAge foRm FOR TrEaTMENT Of MAsTitIs CONSIsTING oF AN antImicrObial agENT DiSpeRSED In a maTRiX OF LOW MOLeCular WEIGHt POLyESterS Of GLyCOLIC AnD lActIC ACIdS, and SHapeD As a CYLINdrICaL boUgIE FOr InseRTiOn IntO THE TEat CanAL.
bRITiSH paTEnT No. 1,589,917 dIScLOsEs A COMPOSITioN cOMprIsiNg a CRySTAlLinE sodIUM SaLt oF ClAVUlanIC acID mEtHyl etHer ANd A phaRMaCeutICALly AccePtablE cARRIeR. HIgH tisSUe LevELS Of meDICaMenT arE saId to be producEd afTEr adMiniStRaTiOn.
EurOPeAn pATeNt aPPLICATiON no. 0 271 306 DisCLOSEs A MEtHoD OF treaTINg mAmmARY dISORDErS compriSING aDMiNiStEriNG an aNTiBActEriaL In ThE FOrM oF PArTicleS, aT leAST 65% OF wHIcH hAVe a SIze IN ThE RaNge 0-5 MiCroNs, SUSpeNded iN A HYDRoPHObIC oIlY vEhicle WhIcH coMPRIses An OIL ANd A gelling aGent. proLoNgeD REleASE Of MeDICAMenT is SAID tO be aCHIEVed.
U.s. pat. no. 4,172,138 tO rhoDES DiScLosEs AN INfusIoN oF a LIMitED soLUbiLitY peNicIlLiN salT IN A SLOw RElEase BASE, oPtionalLy With NEoMYCin.
u.s. pAt. no. 3,636,194 To paRIZEAu dIsclOSEs A COmpOSItioN For trEATIng mASTItiS bY IntrAMAmMaRy INFUsION, coMPrISiNg An anTIbIOtic, A VEGEtaBLe OIL, aN aLCOhol-sOlubLe FRaction Of NaTuRAl lEcItHIN pHOSPHoLipiD MATErIaL FOR PRomoTiNg dIspeRsION Of the oIl IN miLk, thE pHOSphOLipiD BEIng SElECtED FRom The GrOuP ConsIsTiNg OF PhoSphaTidyl cHoliNE aNd pHosPHaTidYL ETHANOLAmine and MiXTUreS ThEREoF and prESENt in AMOunT OF at leASt 0.25% iN saId OIl. sUCH cOmPOsItiOns aRe said TO pRoVIdE RApID DISPerSiOn inTo milK AnD ShorT MILKout tImES.
bRiTIsH PATEnT appLIcatiOn 1,181,527 DisclOSeS a comPosITION fOr tREAtING masTITis COmPrisIng AN ActiVE SUbStancE AND a PHARmaCEuTIcALLY aCcePtAbLE oIL baSE, SaiD cOMposiTIon CONtainInG PhosPhOLIpiD mATeRIaL COnSistINg subSTANTiaLLy eNTIRElY Of ALCohOL-SOlUBLe maTERIAl FOR pRoMOtING DispERSIOn Of The ComPOsitIoN iN MIlK.
EUROpEan PateNT aPpLIcaTiOn no. 0 222 712 DIsCloses A COMpOsiTioN wHIcH ContaiNs OnE oR mOre ANTimIcroBiaL aGeNtS dIsPERSeD IN aN OiL coNsISTing OF a miXTUre OF TRiGlyCeridEs Of pALMITIc anD steArIC aciD tOGeTher With pOlyOxyeTHylenated ceTYL alCoHol aNd STEARyL alCohOl, and hELD In An OiLy MEdium OF minERal, veGEtaBle, SYNthEtIc Or MiXed eXTRaCtion. sUcH cOMPoSiTIONS ArE SAid TO sPeED up rELEASe OF THe ANtimICrobIal aGent iN THe UdDeR, ENhAncIng ITS BiOLogiCal poTenTiAl, anD REdUCing MILkoUt TIme.
A lABRAFIL PROduCT BroChUre (nOticE ol 0050/5th editiOn) from gAtteFOsSé COrPoRatiOn cOnTains an extRACt FroM a ThESiS bY vAleTtE (1957), dIscuSSing CHARaCTERIsTiCs oF LABRAfiL™ M-1944cS In ThE EAR cAnAl. THE sAMe THEsIS DEScRIbEs aN ExPerImEnT InVoLvInG InJecting LABRaFiL™ M-1944CS miXEd wiTh genTian VIOleT IntO A COW tEAt. It wAS sHOwN THaT LabRaFIl™ WeTtEd tHe eNTIRE SURFACe oF tHE MaMmaRY pArENChyMa SECTION aNd REacHed THE rETrOMAMmArY gANGlIOn.
NOn-aqUEOuS AERoSol MASTItis fORmulAtiOns aRe disCLoSED iN tHE PATEnTS cITeD inDiVIDUAllY BEloW.
u.s. pAT. NO. 3,135,658.
U.s. paT. no. 3,144,386.
U.S. paT. NO. 3,347,743.
CANAdiaN PAteNT nO. 670,254.
BRITIsH PaTeNt NO. 980,282.
iN ADdItiOn, AMpHipAtHIc oIls ThAt arE DIspERSibLE in wAtEr HavE BEEn utIlIzed In PRepaRaTIOn oF A numBeR of phArmAcEUtICAL compOsITiOnS nOt speCIfIcaLLy DEveLopED fOr iNTraMaMmArY treAtmEnT aND/or PReVeNTIon of maSTiTis.
EUropEaN pATeNt APPlIcatIon No. 0 982 035 DISCLosES An ALcohoL FrEe trANsParENT SoLUTION whICH COMpRISES A cYcLOSPoRIN IN A hydROphIliC caRrier MEdiuM comPRiSing PrOpYlenE glycoL, A traNsEsTERIFIcatION prOdUCt oF a NatURaL vEGeTABLE oiL triglYcEriDE aNd A poLYalKylene POlYOl, a PolYoXYEtHYlEnE HYdROGenATeD CASToR OIL PROdUct AND TriAcEtIN.
INteRNaTioNAl patEnT PUBlicaTIOn nO. Wo 00/48571 dIScLOSEs A SpONTANeOUsLY dIsPersiBLE cOMpOsitiOn fOR ORal admiNiStRAtiON COMpRIsING n-bENZoyl-stAUroSPoRINE, A sUrfACtaNT seLECTEd FRom The GROuP consiStIng OF a POLYoXYeThyleNe CastOr oIL, A POLYoxYEthYlENe ALKYL ethEr AND A PoLysoRBAtE AnD A tRaNsESTeRiFIEd etHoxYlAtED VEgeTable oIl aS a cO-surfACtANt.
U.s. Pat. no. 5,314,685 to tYLE ET al. dISCLoSEs a mEthOD of MaKIng aN aNHYdRoUs fORMuLAtiON bY prepaRiNg an
|
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammaryglandof milk producing animals,for example dairy cows, most often caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria enter throughthe teatcanal of the animal and can cause acute, clinical, or sub-clinical mastitis. Over 135organisms have been documented as causative pathogensfor bovine mastitis.Three ofthemajorgroupsof pathogens are gram-positive cocci,gram-negative bacilli, and gram-positive bacilli.Hygiene, environmental factors, and metabolic disturbances deriving from high milk yield combine to create conditions favorable to theonset ofmastitis. An increased somatic cellcount, associatedwithmastitis, is positivelycorrelated with infectionand negatively correlated withmilk production.Frequently, an infectedcowmust be removed from the herd and dried up. Mastitis often affects acow during its entire life unless the disease is properly treated, and in extreme cases an animalmay become so severely infected that she dies.Infection rates average from 10% to30% of thecows in a typical herd, with losses per cowranging from $185 to $250 per cow per year. Bovine mastitis is the most economically costly disease to the dairy industry, with losses estimated at two billion dollars annually in theUnited States alone.The majority of these losses aredue to reduced milk production. Intramammary administrationofcompositions comprising an antibiotic forprevention and treatment ofmastitis in milk producing animals iswell known. Several compositions suitable for suchadministration are formulated in aqueous based vehicles. For example, British Patent Application No. 2,273,655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble antibiotic in an aqueous suspension for treatment of mastitis. International Patent Publication No. WO 95/31180discloses a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin benzathine in anaqueous base, and additionally a teat seal composition, ininjectors forintramammary application.European Patent Application No. 0 797 988 disclosesa veterinarycomposition in the form of an aqueous gel containing an antibacterialagent, useful for intramammary administration for prevention and treatment of mastitis. The chemical stability of many antibiotics is, however, severely limited in aqueous basedcompositions. Hence, a number of oil basedformulations for treatmentand/or prevention of mastitis have also been developed. British PatentApplication No. 1,456,349 disclosesacomposition of ananti-mastitis medicament dispersed in a gelled vehicle comprising a mineral oilor non-drying, semi-drying, ordrying vegetable oil or a mixturethereof, otherthan a mixture of drying and semi-dryingvegetableoils, and from 0.5% to5% by weight of a fatty acid ester derived from a saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid havingfrom 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and glycerin, propyleneglycol, a mono- or dihydric alcoholhaving from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, ora polyethylene glycol having a molecularweight of 200 to 6000. Such a composition is said to provideshort milkout times. European Patent Application No. 0058 015 disclosesan intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier.This formulation is said to substantially eliminate intracellular staphylococci. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,612 to Daley et al.describes a composition comprising a potentiating or safening amount of an aqueous surfactant in combination with a tumor necrosis factor, wherein thesurfactantis sterol, n-dodecylglucosid, decanoyl n-methylglucamid,dodecyl B-D-maltosidoroctanoyl n-methylglucamid. Such a composition is said to provide an efficacious treatmentfor mastitis with minimalmilk discard.U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,920 to Dowrick discloses an intramammarycomposition comprising a suspension of a semi-solidsynthetic penicillin in an oily vehicle that comprises triglycerides or propylene glycoldiesters of fatty acids containing 8-10 carbon atoms.Such a composition is said toprovide short milkout timesand good stability and shelf life.U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,815 to Szentmiklosiet al. relates to a primycin-containing colloidal basic gel comprising 5-30%of primycin and 95-70% of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. International Patent Publication No. WO 88/01504 discloses an intramammaryinfusion comprising a firstdosage unit comprising a pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle anda substance activeagainst mammaryinfection,and a second, optional, dosage unitof active substance, the particlesof which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable ofdegrading. International Patent Publication No. WO 87/03876 discloses a veterinarycomposition for treatment of mammary disordersand keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine cephalothin and a veterinarily acceptablecarrier.British Patent Application No. 2,273,443 discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprisingan antibacterial and asealcomprising a polyethylene gel.British Patent Application No.2,273,441 discloses a composition for treatingmastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a sealcomprisinga gel base containing aheavymetal salt. British Patent Application No. 1,089,523 discloses a composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, and comprising in addition atleast 10% byweight of a solid,finely divided physiologically innocuous non-gelling water solublecompound of average particle size below 150 microns. U.S. Pat. No.4,011,312 toReuter & Tsuk discloses a prolonged release dosage form for treatment of mastitis consisting ofan antimicrobial agent dispersed in a matrix of low molecularweight polyesters of glycolic and lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion intotheteat canal. British Patent No. 1,589,917 discloses a compositioncomprising a crystalline sodium salt of clavulanic acid methyl ether and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. High tissuelevels of medicament are said to be produced after administration. European PatentApplication No.0 271 306 discloses a methodof treating mammary disorders comprisingadministering an antibacterialin the form ofparticles, at least 65% of which have a size in therange 0-5 microns, suspended in ahydrophobic oily vehicle which comprisesan oil and a gelling agent. Prolonged release of medicament is said to be achieved. U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,138 to Rhodes discloses an infusion of alimited solubility penicillin salt in a slow release base, optionally with neomycin. U.S. Pat. No.3,636,194 to Parizeau discloses a composition for treatingmastitis by intramammary infusion, comprisingan antibiotic,a vegetable oil, an alcohol-solublefraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for promoting dispersion of the oil in milk, thephospholipid being selected from the group consisting of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and mixtures thereof and present in amount of at least 0.25% in said oil. Such compositions aresaid to provide rapid dispersion into milk and short milkout times. British Patent Application 1,181,527 disclosesa composition for treating mastitis comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable oil base, said composition containing phospholipid material consisting substantially entirely of alcohol-soluble material for promoting dispersion ofthe composition in milk. EuropeanPatent Application No. 0 222 712 discloses a compositionwhich contains one or more antimicrobial agents dispersed in an oil consisting of a mixture of triglycerides of palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearylalcohol, and held in an oilymedium of mineral, vegetable, synthetic ormixed extraction. Such compositions are said to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent in theudder, enhancingits biological potential,and reducing milkout time. A Labrafil product brochure (Notice OL 0050/5th edition) from Gattefossé Corporation contains an extract from a thesis by Valette (1957), discussing characteristics of Labrafil™M-1944CS in the ear canal. The same thesis describes anexperiment involving injecting Labrafil™ M-1944CSmixed with gentian violet into acow teat.It was shown that Labrafil™ wettedthe entire surface of the mammaryparenchyma section and reachedtheretromammary ganglion. Non-aqueous aerosol mastitis formulations are disclosed in the patents cited individually below. U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,658. U.S. Pat.No. 3,144,386. U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,743. Canadian Patent No.670,254. British Patent No. 980,282.In addition, amphipathicoils that are dispersible in water have been utilizedinpreparation of a number of pharmaceutical compositions not specifically developed for intramammarytreatment and/or prevention of mastitis. European Patent Application No. 0 982 035disclosesan alcohol free transparent solution which comprises a cyclosporin in a hydrophilic carriermedium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification productof a natural vegetable oil triglyceride anda polyalkylene polyol, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil product and triacetin. International PatentPublication No. WO 00/48571 discloses a spontaneously dispersible composition for oral administration comprising N-benzoyl-staurosporine, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of apolyoxyethylene castor oil, apolyoxyethylene alkyl ether and a polysorbate and a transesterified ethoxylated vegetable oil asaco-surfactant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,685 toTyle etal. discloses a method of making an anhydrous formulation bypreparing an
|
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland of milk producing _animals,_ for example dairy cows, most often caused by _bacterial_ infection. Bacteria enter through the teat canal of the animal _and_ can cause acute, _clinical,_ or sub-clinical mastitis. Over 135 organisms have been documented as causative pathogens for bovine mastitis. Three of the major groups of pathogens _are_ gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and gram-positive bacilli. Hygiene, environmental _factors,_ and metabolic disturbances deriving _from_ high milk _yield_ combine to create conditions _favorable_ to the _onset_ _of_ _mastitis._ An increased somatic cell count, associated _with_ _mastitis,_ is _positively_ _correlated_ with infection and negatively correlated with milk production. Frequently, _an_ infected cow must _be_ removed from the herd and dried up. _Mastitis_ often affects a cow during its _entire_ life unless the disease is _properly_ treated, and in _extreme_ cases an animal may _become_ so severely _infected_ that she dies. _Infection_ rates average _from_ 10% _to_ 30% of the cows in a typical herd, with losses per cow ranging from $185 to $250 _per_ cow per year. _Bovine_ mastitis is _the_ most economically _costly_ disease to the _dairy_ industry, with losses _estimated_ _at_ two billion dollars annually in _the_ _United_ States alone. _The_ majority of these losses _are_ _due_ to reduced milk _production._ _Intramammary_ administration of compositions comprising an antibiotic for prevention _and_ _treatment_ of mastitis in milk _producing_ animals is well _known._ Several compositions suitable for such administration _are_ _formulated_ in aqueous based vehicles. For _example,_ _British_ Patent Application No. 2,273,655 discloses compositions for intramammary use comprising an insoluble _antibiotic_ in _an_ aqueous suspension for _treatment_ of mastitis. International Patent Publication No. WO 95/31180 discloses a composition comprising the antibiotic cloxacillin _benzathine_ in an _aqueous_ base, and additionally a teat seal composition, in injectors for intramammary application. _European_ Patent Application _No._ 0 797 988 _discloses_ a _veterinary_ composition _in_ the form _of_ an aqueous _gel_ _containing_ an _antibacterial_ agent, useful for intramammary _administration_ for prevention and _treatment_ of mastitis. The chemical _stability_ _of_ _many_ _antibiotics_ is, however, severely limited in aqueous based compositions. Hence, _a_ number of oil _based_ formulations _for_ treatment and/or prevention _of_ mastitis _have_ also been developed. British Patent _Application_ No. 1,456,349 discloses _a_ composition of an anti-mastitis _medicament_ dispersed in a gelled _vehicle_ _comprising_ _a_ mineral oil _or_ non-drying, _semi-drying,_ _or_ _drying_ vegetable _oil_ _or_ a mixture _thereof,_ other than a mixture _of_ drying _and_ semi-drying vegetable oils, and from _0.5%_ to 5% by _weight_ _of_ _a_ fatty acid ester derived from _a_ _saturated_ or unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms, _and_ glycerin, _propylene_ glycol, a mono- or dihydric alcohol having from 1 to _12_ carbon _atoms,_ or a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight _of_ 200 _to_ 6000. Such _a_ composition is said _to_ provide short milkout times. European Patent Application No. 0 058 015 discloses an intramammary formulation comprising isoxazolyl penicillin and rifampicin in an acceptable carrier. This formulation is _said_ to _substantially_ eliminate _intracellular_ staphylococci. _U.S._ Pat. No. 5,342,612 to Daley _et_ al. _describes_ _a_ _composition_ comprising a potentiating or safening amount of _an_ _aqueous_ surfactant in combination with _a_ tumor necrosis factor, _wherein_ _the_ surfactant is sterol, _n-dodecylglucosid,_ decanoyl n-methylglucamid, _dodecyl_ B-D-maltosid or octanoyl n-methylglucamid. Such _a_ _composition_ is said to _provide_ an _efficacious_ treatment for mastitis with minimal milk discard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,920 to Dowrick discloses an intramammary _composition_ comprising a suspension of a semi-solid synthetic penicillin _in_ an _oily_ vehicle that _comprises_ triglycerides _or_ propylene glycol _diesters_ of fatty acids _containing_ _8-10_ carbon atoms. _Such_ a composition is said to provide short milkout times _and_ good stability and shelf life. U.S. _Pat._ No. _5,064,815_ _to_ Szentmiklosi et al. relates _to_ _a_ primycin-containing colloidal basic gel _comprising_ 5-30% _of_ primycin and 95-70% of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. International _Patent_ Publication No. WO _88/01504_ _discloses_ an intramammary infusion comprising a first dosage unit comprising _a_ pharmaceutically acceptable _vehicle_ and a substance _active_ against mammary infection, and a second, optional, dosage unit of _active_ _substance,_ the particles of which are microencapsulated within a membrane capable _of_ degrading. International _Patent_ _Publication_ _No._ WO 87/03876 discloses a veterinary composition for _treatment_ _of_ mammary disorders and keratoconjunctivitis comprising benzathine _cephalothin_ _and_ a _veterinarily_ acceptable _carrier._ British Patent Application No. _2,273,443_ discloses a composition for treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and a seal _comprising_ a polyethylene gel. British Patent Application No. 2,273,441 discloses a composition _for_ treating mastitis, comprising an antibacterial and _a_ seal comprising a gel base containing _a_ heavy metal _salt._ British Patent Application No. 1,089,523 discloses _a_ composition comprising an antibiotic in a hydrophobic viscous or gel base, _and_ comprising in addition at _least_ 10% _by_ weight of a solid, finely divided physiologically innocuous _non-gelling_ water soluble compound of average particle size below 150 _microns._ _U.S._ Pat. No. 4,011,312 to _Reuter_ & Tsuk discloses _a_ prolonged release dosage form for treatment of mastitis consisting of _an_ antimicrobial agent dispersed _in_ a matrix of _low_ molecular weight polyesters of glycolic and lactic acids, and shaped as a cylindrical bougie for insertion _into_ the teat canal. British Patent No. 1,589,917 discloses a composition comprising a crystalline sodium salt _of_ clavulanic acid methyl _ether_ _and_ a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. High tissue levels of _medicament_ _are_ said to be produced after administration. European Patent Application _No._ 0 271 _306_ _discloses_ a method _of_ treating mammary disorders comprising administering an _antibacterial_ in the form of _particles,_ at _least_ 65% of _which_ have a size in _the_ range _0-5_ _microns,_ suspended in _a_ _hydrophobic_ oily _vehicle_ which comprises an oil and a gelling agent. Prolonged release of medicament is said to be achieved. U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,138 to _Rhodes_ discloses an infusion of a _limited_ solubility penicillin salt in a slow _release_ base, optionally with neomycin. U.S. Pat. _No._ 3,636,194 _to_ _Parizeau_ discloses a composition _for_ treating mastitis by intramammary infusion, comprising an antibiotic, a vegetable oil, _an_ alcohol-soluble fraction of natural lecithin phospholipid material for promoting _dispersion_ _of_ the _oil_ in milk, _the_ phospholipid being selected from the group _consisting_ of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and _mixtures_ thereof and present in amount of at least 0.25% in said _oil._ Such compositions are said to provide rapid dispersion into milk and short milkout times. _British_ _Patent_ _Application_ 1,181,527 discloses _a_ _composition_ for treating _mastitis_ comprising _an_ active substance and a pharmaceutically _acceptable_ oil base, said _composition_ containing phospholipid material consisting substantially _entirely_ of _alcohol-soluble_ _material_ for promoting dispersion of the composition in milk. European Patent _Application_ No. 0 222 712 discloses a _composition_ which _contains_ one _or_ more antimicrobial _agents_ _dispersed_ in _an_ oil consisting of a mixture _of_ triglycerides _of_ palmitic and stearic acid together with polyoxyethylenated cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, _and_ held in an _oily_ medium of mineral, vegetable, synthetic or mixed extraction. Such compositions _are_ said to speed up release of the antimicrobial agent _in_ the udder, enhancing _its_ biological potential, _and_ reducing milkout time. A Labrafil product brochure _(Notice_ _OL_ _0050/5th_ _edition)_ _from_ Gattefossé _Corporation_ _contains_ an extract from _a_ _thesis_ by Valette (1957), _discussing_ characteristics of Labrafil™ M-1944CS in the _ear_ _canal._ _The_ same thesis describes _an_ experiment involving injecting Labrafil™ M-1944CS mixed with gentian violet _into_ a cow teat. It was _shown_ that Labrafil™ wetted the entire _surface_ of _the_ mammary parenchyma section _and_ reached _the_ _retromammary_ ganglion. Non-aqueous aerosol mastitis formulations _are_ disclosed _in_ the patents _cited_ individually below. U.S. Pat. No. _3,135,658._ _U.S._ Pat. No. 3,144,386. _U.S._ _Pat._ No. 3,347,743. Canadian Patent No. _670,254._ British Patent No. 980,282. In _addition,_ amphipathic oils _that_ are dispersible in water have _been_ utilized _in_ _preparation_ _of_ a _number_ of pharmaceutical compositions not specifically _developed_ for _intramammary_ treatment _and/or_ prevention of mastitis. European Patent _Application_ No. 0 982 035 discloses an alcohol free transparent solution which _comprises_ a cyclosporin in a hydrophilic carrier medium comprising propylene glycol, a transesterification product _of_ a natural vegetable oil triglyceride and a polyalkylene polyol, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor _oil_ product and triacetin. International _Patent_ Publication No. WO 00/48571 discloses _a_ _spontaneously_ dispersible composition for oral administration comprising N-benzoyl-staurosporine, a surfactant selected _from_ the group consisting of a polyoxyethylene castor _oil,_ a polyoxyethylene _alkyl_ _ether_ and a polysorbate and a _transesterified_ ethoxylated vegetable oil as _a_ co-surfactant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,685 to Tyle et al. _discloses_ a method _of_ _making_ an anhydrous formulation _by_ preparing an
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to uninterruptible power supplies. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an uninterruptible power supply with controllable leakage current.
2. Background Discussion
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are commonly used to provide power to critical equipment that must not experience even short duration brownouts or blackouts. For example, computer servers, computer networks, telecommunications electronics and medical devices are often powered by an uninterruptible power supply.
A UPS device typically has an AC-DC-AC converter and backup battery that is activated in case the alternating current (AC) line power is temporarily disconnected or falls below a voltage threshold.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional UPS circuit according to the background art. The conventional UPS circuit includes an input rectifier (having switches Q1, Q2) and an output inverter (having switches Q3, Q4) connected in series. The input rectifier converts AC input power to DC power, and the output inverter converts the DC power to AC output power. Typically, the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 will be MOSFET devices or insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), though switches Q1 Q2 can also be diodes. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 are controlled by a gate drive circuit (not shown). Storage capacitors C1, C2 store DC power. Typically, an isolation transformer T is provided. The input rectifier switches Q1, Q2 receive AC line power and provide direct current (DC) power to the inverter switches Q3, Q4. The inverter switches Q3, Q4 are typically operated according to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) scheme. The PWM waveform is filtered by output inductor Lo and output capacitor Co to create a smooth AC output waveform. With this arrangement, the voltage and frequency of the AC output can be accurately controlled and will be independent of the AC input.
Leakage current is often a problem with the conventional circuit of FIG. 1 and similar UPS circuits. Leakage current results when AC signals (egg from the PWM waveform produced by the inverter switches Q3, Q4) couple to ground, the device chassis, or nearby electronic components. A typical UPS providing a kilowatt of power may experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. In some applications, leakage current can produce ground loop currents, noise, and disturbances in sensitive electronic circuits. Leakage current is particularly a problem in medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to noise and ground loop current. Leakage current can be dangerous in medical applications as it may cause a malfunction of critical life support or monitoring equipment.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a UPS circuit that has reduced leakage current. It would be particularly beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that has a leakage current less than an adjustable maximum level. Also, it would be beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that allows the maximum leakage current to be controlled by a user.
|
1. field of the invention the present invention relates generally to uninterruptible voltage supplies. more specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an uninterruptible power generator with controllable leakage current. 2. application discussion uninterruptible power supplies ( upss ) are commonly used to provide power to critical equipment that must not experience even short duration brownouts or blackouts. for example, computer servers, computer networks, telecommunications electronics and medical devices are often powered by an uninterruptible electrical supply. a ups device typically has an ac - dc - type converter and backup battery that is activated in case the alternating current ( ac ) line power is temporarily disconnected or falls below a voltage threshold. fig. 1 shows a simple ups circuit according to the background art. the conventional ups circuit includes an input rectifier ( having switches q1, q2 ) and an output inverter ( having switches q3, q4 ) connected in series. the input rectifier converts ac input power or dc power, and the output inverter converts the dc power to ac output power. typically, the switches q1, q2, q3, q4 will be mosfet wires or insulated gate bipolar transistors ( igbts ), though switches q1 q2 can also be diodes. the switches q1, q2, q3, q4 are controlled by a gate drive circuit ( not shown ). storage capacitors c1, c2 store dc power. typically, an isolation transformer t is provided. the input rectifier switches q1, q2 receive ac line power and provide direct current ( dc ) power to the inverter switches q3, q4. the inverter switches q3, q4 are typically operated according to a pulse - width modulation ( pwm ) scheme. the pwm waveform is filtered by output inductor lo and output capacitor co to create a smooth ac output waveform. with this switching, the voltage and frequency of the ac output can be accurately controlled and will be independent of the ac input. leakage current is often a problem with the conventional circuit of fig. 1 and similar ups circuits. leakage current starts when ac signals ( egg from the pwm waveform produced by the inverter switches q3, q4 ) couple to ground , the device chassis, or nearby electronic components. a typical ups providing a kilowatt of power may experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. in some applications, leakage current can produce ground loop currents, noise, and disturbances in sensitive electronic circuits. leakage current is particularly a problem in medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to noise and ground loop current. leakage current can be dangerous in medical applications as it may cause a malfunction of critical life support or monitoring equipment. accordingly, there is a need in the art for a ups circuit that has reduced leakage current. it would be particularly beneficial to provide a ups circuit that has a leakage current less than an adjustable maximum level. also, it would be beneficial to provide a ups circuit that allows the maximum leakage current to be controlled by a user.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to uniGterrupFible power supplies. More specifically, the preferred embodimrMts of the present invention relate to an uninterruptible power supply with controllable kSakage current. 2. Background Discussion jninteGruptible power supplies (UPSs) are commonly used to provide power to critical equipment that must not experience even short duration brownouts or blackouts. For example, computer servers, computer networks, telecommunications electronics and medical devices are often powered by an uninterruptible power supply. A UPS device typically has an AC - DC - AC converter and backup battery that is activated in case the alternating current (AC) line power is temporarily disconnected or falls below a voltage threshold. FIG. 1 shows a conventional UPS circuit zcco4ding to the background art. The conventional UPS circuit includes an input rectifier (having switches Q1, Q2) and an output inverter (having switches Q3, Q4) connected in series. The input rectifier converts AC input power to DC power, and the output inverter converts the DC power to AC output power. Typically, the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 will be MOSFET devices or insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs ), though switches Q1 Q2 can also be diodes. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 are controlled by a gate drive cU%cuit (not dhowG ). Storage capacitors C1, C2 store DC power. Typically, an isolation transformer T is provided. The input rectifier switches Q1, Q2 receive AC line power and provide direct current (DC) power to the inverter s1itvhes Q3, Q4. The inverter switches Q3, Q4 are typically opRratFd according to a pulse - width modulation (PWM) scheme. The PWM waveform is filtered by output inductor Lo and output capacitor Co to create a smooth AC output waveform. With this arrangement, the voltage and frequency of the AC output can be accurately controlled and will be kndepeBdent of the AC input. Leakage current is often a problem with the conventional circuit of FIG. 1 and similar UPS circuits. Leakage current results when AC signals (egg from the PWM waveform produced by the inverter switches Q3, Q4) couple to ground, the device chassis, or nearby electronic components. A typical UPS providing a kilowatt of power may experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. In some applications, leakage current can produce ground loop currents, noise, and disturbances in sensitive electronic circuits. Leakage current is particularly a problem in medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to noise and ground loop current. Leakage current can be dangerous in medical applications as it may cause a malfunction of critical life support or monitoring equipment. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a UPS circuit that has reduced leakage current. It would be particularly beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that has a leakage current less than an adjustable maximum level. Also, it would be beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that allows the maximum leakage current to be controlled by a user.
|
of Invention The present relates generally to uninterruptible power supplies. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an uninterruptible power supply with controllable leakage current. Background Discussion Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are commonly used to provide power to critical equipment that must not experience even short duration brownouts or blackouts. For example, servers, computer telecommunications electronics and medical devices are often powered by an uninterruptible power supply. A UPS device typically has an AC-DC-AC converter and backup battery that is activated case alternating current (AC) power is temporarily disconnected or falls below a voltage threshold. FIG. 1 shows a conventional UPS circuit according to the background art. The conventional UPS circuit includes input rectifier (having switches Q1, Q2) and an output inverter switches Q3, Q4) connected in series. The input rectifier converts AC power to DC power, and the output inverter converts the DC power to AC output Typically, the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 will be MOSFET devices or insulated gate bipolar (IGBTs), though switches Q1 Q2 can also be diodes. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 are by a gate drive (not shown). Storage C2 store DC power. an transformer is provided. input rectifier switches Q1, receive AC line power and provide direct (DC) power the inverter switches Q3, Q4. The inverter switches Q3, Q4 are typically according to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) scheme. The PWM waveform is filtered by output inductor Lo and output capacitor Co to create a smooth AC output waveform. With this arrangement, the voltage and frequency of the AC output can be accurately controlled and be independent of the AC input. Leakage current often a problem with the conventional circuit of FIG. 1 similar UPS circuits. Leakage current results when AC signals (egg from the PWM waveform produced by the inverter switches Q3, Q4) couple to ground, the device chassis, or nearby electronic components. A typical UPS providing a kilowatt of may experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. some applications, leakage current can produce ground loop noise, and disturbances in electronic circuits. Leakage current is particularly a problem in medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to and ground loop current. Leakage current can be dangerous in medical applications it may cause of critical life support or monitoring equipment. Accordingly, there a need in the art for a UPS circuit that has reduced leakage current. It would be beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that has a leakage current less an adjustable maximum level. Also, it be beneficial to provide a circuit that maximum leakage be by a user.
|
1. fIEld oF THe inVenTIOn
ThE pReSEnt iNVENtion Relates geNerAlLy to UniNTERRUPtiBle pOWer suppLIES. mOrE sPeCiFIcaLlY, the pReFERred eMbodiMENtS Of ThE prESenT inVEnTiOn ReLATE tO aN uninteRRUptiblE POweR SUpPLY WiTh controlLAbLe leakaGE cuRReNt.
2. baCKgRouND DISCuSsIOn
unINterRupTiBlE powER sUPplieS (UpSs) ARe CommonlY UsEd to ProVidE PowEr to cRITiCaL eQuipment THat mUSt Not eXpeRiencE eVeN sHort DURAtIoN bRownoUTS Or BlACkouTs. For EXample, COMPuTEr SeRvErs, coMpUTeR NetwoRks, teleCOmmuniCAtiONs ElectROnicS aND MEdicAL dEviCES ARE OFTEn poWEreD BY AN unINteRruPtible PoWER sUpPlY.
a uPS dEVICe tYpicallY HAS AN aC-Dc-Ac ConvERteR and BAckuP battEry tHaT iS ACtiVATeD IN casE tHE aLtERnaTINg CurRENT (ac) Line POWer iS tEMpoRaRILY diScONNectED Or FALLS beLow A VOlTaGE tHrEsHOlD.
fiG. 1 SHOws a ConveNtional ups CIrCUIT ACcOrding TO THe bAckgroUND aRT. thE COnventIONaL uPS cirCUiT iNcLUdeS An iNpUT RectifiER (haVinG sWItCHEs q1, Q2) ANd An OutPUt InVErteR (hAVinG SWItCHES Q3, Q4) conNECTEd IN SerIEs. THE inpUT REctifieR cONVErTS ac inPut pOWER To DC pOwer, And the OUtput inVERTER CONVErts The DC PoWER TO aC oUTPuT poWer. tYPIcALlY, tHE sWItCHes q1, Q2, Q3, q4 wIll be moSfeT DEvicES OR iNsULATed GaTE bIpolAR TRansisTORS (IGBTs), thouGh SwItCHes Q1 Q2 CAn ALsO be dIodES. tHe SwItchEs Q1, Q2, q3, Q4 aRe COnTrOlLED by a GaTE DRIvE cIrcuiT (Not sHowN). sTOrAgE CaPaCITOrs C1, C2 sTORe dc pOwER. TYPIcAlLy, AN isoLaTioN trANSFOrMeR T IS PROVIDED. THe iNpuT RECTifIer sWiTCHES q1, Q2 rECEIVe aC LIne powER anD PRoVIDe DiRecT CUrrenT (dC) POwER To tHe inVertER SWiTcheS q3, q4. THE INVERTER sWiTCheS Q3, Q4 ArE typicaLLy OpeRAteD ACCorDinG to A puLsE-WidTh MoDuLatIoN (PwM) sChemE. ThE pwm wAvEfOrm Is fiLtEReD bY OUtpuT inducTOR lo AND ouTPUT cApACitoR cO TO crEAtE A SMoOtH AC OuTpUT wAvEfOrm. wItH tHis ArRaNgeMENt, The VOLtaGE AnD fREQueNcY Of THe ac ouTPUT caN be acCURaTELy COnTRolleD And wiLl bE inDepeNdENt Of tHe AC inpUT.
lEAKaGE cURrEnt is ofTeN A pRobLem WitH THE COnVENTionaL cIrCuiT Of fiG. 1 aND simILaR UpS CiRcUIts. LeAkaGe CuRRENT rESulTS WheN ac SignalS (egg FrOm ThE PWm wAveFORm ProDuCeD bY THe INVErTer swiTchES q3, Q4) COUPle TO gRoUND, The DEviCE ChAssis, Or nEaRby ELectroNic CoMPOnENTs. A TyPIcAL UpS PrOvidiNG a kilOwaTt oF PoWeR MAY exPeRiEnce SeVerAl HunDrED MICrOaMPEres Of lEakaGe CURrEnT. in somE ApPlicAtIonS, LEAkage cuRreNT can PrODUcE grOUNd LOoP CuRREntS, NOISe, anD DisTUrbANcEs IN seNsitIVe ElectRoNIc CiRcUITS. leAkaGE CuRrENT Is PARtIcULaRlY A PRoBLEM In mEdicAl dEViCe ELeCTrOnICS beCaUsE MEDicaL devicEs are OFteN VeRY SEnsitIVe To noiSe And gROuND LOoP Current. LeAkagE cURRenT CaN Be DANGErOUs IN MedicAl aPpliCAtIonS As it mAY CAusE a mALfUNctiON of crITicAl LIfe sUpporT OR moNitOrinG eQuIPmEnt.
accoRdIngly, THeRe is a NEED in tHe ArT FoR a UPS CIrCUIT That HAS ReDUCeD LEAKage curRENt. IT wOUlD BE ParTiCULARLy beNEfiCiaL to prOVIDE A Ups CIrCUIT tHAt has a leAKAgE CurReNt less thAn an adJUsTABle MAXIMum lEvEl. ALSO, IT WouLD be BEnefICial tO PrOvIde A uPs Circuit ThAt ALLOWS ThE maximUM LeakAgE CurreNT To bE cONtROLleD by a usEr.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to uninterruptible power supplies. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an uninterruptiblepowersupply withcontrollable leakage current. 2. Background Discussion Uninterruptible powersupplies(UPSs) are commonly used to providepower to critical equipment that must not experienceeven short duration brownouts or blackouts. For example, computer servers, computernetworks, telecommunications electronics andmedical devicesare often powered by an uninterruptible power supply. A UPS device typically has an AC-DC-AC converter and backupbatterythat is activated in case the alternating current (AC) line power is temporarily disconnected or falls belowa voltage threshold. FIG.1 showsa conventional UPS circuitaccording to the backgroundart. The conventionalUPS circuit includes an input rectifier (having switchesQ1, Q2) and an output inverter (havingswitches Q3, Q4) connected in series. The input rectifier convertsAC inputpower to DC power, and theoutput inverter converts the DCpower to AC output power. Typically, the switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 will be MOSFETdevices or insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), though switches Q1 Q2 can also be diodes. The switches Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 are controlled by a gate drive circuit (not shown).Storagecapacitors C1, C2 store DCpower. Typically, an isolationtransformer T is provided.The input rectifier switches Q1,Q2receive ACline power and provide direct current (DC) power to the inverter switches Q3, Q4.The inverter switches Q3, Q4 are typically operated according to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) scheme. ThePWM waveform isfiltered by output inductor Lo and output capacitor Co tocreateasmoothAC output waveform. With this arrangement, thevoltage andfrequency of theACoutput can be accurately controlled and will beindependent of the ACinput. Leakage current is often a problem with the conventional circuit of FIG. 1 and similarUPS circuits. Leakage current results when AC signals (egg from the PWM waveform produced by the inverter switches Q3, Q4) coupleto ground, the device chassis, or nearby electroniccomponents.A typical UPS providinga kilowattof power may experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. In some applications, leakage current can produce groundloopcurrents, noise, and disturbances in sensitive electronic circuits. Leakage current is particularly a problem in medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to noiseand ground loop current. Leakage current can be dangerous inmedical applications as it may cause a malfunction ofcritical life support or monitoring equipment. Accordingly,there isa need inthe art fora UPS circuit that has reduced leakage current. It would be particularly beneficial to provideaUPS circuitthathas a leakage currentless than an adjustable maximum level. Also, it would be beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that allows the maximum leakage current to be controlled by a user.
|
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to uninterruptible power supplies. More specifically, the _preferred_ _embodiments_ of the present invention _relate_ to an uninterruptible _power_ supply with controllable leakage _current._ 2. _Background_ Discussion Uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are commonly used to provide power _to_ critical _equipment_ that must not experience even short duration brownouts or blackouts. For example, computer servers, computer networks, telecommunications _electronics_ and medical devices are often powered _by_ an uninterruptible power _supply._ A UPS _device_ typically _has_ an AC-DC-AC converter and backup battery that is activated _in_ case the _alternating_ current _(AC)_ line _power_ is _temporarily_ disconnected or falls below a voltage threshold. FIG. 1 shows a conventional UPS circuit according to the _background_ _art._ The conventional UPS _circuit_ includes an input _rectifier_ (having switches _Q1,_ Q2) and an output inverter (having switches Q3, Q4) connected in _series._ The input rectifier converts AC input power to DC power, and the output inverter converts the DC power to AC output power. Typically, the _switches_ Q1, Q2, Q3, _Q4_ will be MOSFET devices or insulated gate bipolar transistors _(IGBTs),_ though switches Q1 Q2 _can_ also be diodes. _The_ _switches_ Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 _are_ controlled by a gate _drive_ circuit (not shown). Storage _capacitors_ _C1,_ C2 store DC power. Typically, an isolation transformer _T_ is provided. The input rectifier switches Q1, Q2 receive AC line power _and_ provide direct current (DC) power to the inverter switches Q3, _Q4._ The inverter _switches_ _Q3,_ Q4 are typically operated according to _a_ pulse-width modulation (PWM) _scheme._ _The_ PWM _waveform_ is filtered _by_ output inductor Lo and output capacitor Co to create _a_ smooth AC _output_ waveform. With this _arrangement,_ the voltage _and_ frequency of the AC output can _be_ accurately controlled and will be independent _of_ the AC input. Leakage current is _often_ a problem _with_ the conventional circuit of FIG. 1 and similar UPS circuits. Leakage current _results_ _when_ AC signals (egg from the PWM waveform produced by the inverter switches Q3, _Q4)_ _couple_ to ground, the _device_ chassis, _or_ nearby electronic components. A typical UPS providing a _kilowatt_ _of_ power _may_ experience several hundred microamperes of leakage current. In some applications, leakage current can produce ground loop currents, noise, and _disturbances_ _in_ sensitive _electronic_ _circuits._ Leakage current is particularly a problem _in_ medical device electronics because medical devices are often very sensitive to noise and ground loop current. Leakage current can be _dangerous_ in medical applications as it may _cause_ _a_ malfunction of _critical_ life support or monitoring equipment. _Accordingly,_ there is a need _in_ the art for a UPS circuit _that_ has reduced leakage current. It _would_ be particularly beneficial to provide a UPS circuit _that_ _has_ a leakage current less _than_ _an_ adjustable maximum level. Also, it would be beneficial to provide a UPS circuit that allows the maximum leakage current to _be_ controlled _by_ a _user._
|
This invention relates to a structure with switchable magnetic properties.
In certain applications it is advantageous if the magnetic permeability of a material can be tailored for that application at least within a specified frequency range and more especially if its magnetic permeability could be switched between selected values. In our co-pending UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) and in a publication entitled Magnetism from Conductors and Enhanced Non-Linear Phenomena, IEEE Transaction on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 1999, 47, 2075-2084, J B Pendry, A J Holden, D J Robbins and W J Stewart, a structured material is disclosed which exhibits a magnetic permeability at a selected frequency, typically a microwave frequency (GHz). The content of these documents is hereby incorporated by way of reference thereto.
The structured material described in these documents comprises an array of capacitive elements which include a low resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements are arranged such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation within a selected frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around the path and through the associated element. The size of the elements and their spacing are selected such as to provide a selected magnetic permeability in response to the electromagnetic radiation. Such a structure allows a material to be fabricated which is designed to have a selected fixed magnetic permeability for a selected frequency of electromagnetic radiation.
As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and (b) one such structured material 2 comprises an array of capacitive elements 4 each of which consists of two concentric metallic electrically conducting cylindrical tubes: an outer cylindrical tube 6 and an inner cylindrical tube 8. Both tubes 6, 8 have a longitudinal (i.e running in an axial direction) gap 10 and the two gaps 10 are offset from each other by 180xc2x0. The elements 4 are arranged in a regular square array and are positioned on centres at a distance a apart. The outer tube 6 has a radius r and the inner 8 and outer 6 cylindrical tubes are separated by a distance d. The gap 10 prevents the flow of dc electrical current around either of the cylinders 6, 8. However the self capacitance between the two cylindrical tubes 6, 8 allows an ac current, j, to flow when the material is subjected to electromagnetic radiation 12 having a magnetic field component H which is parallel to the axis of the tubes 6, 8. It is shown that such a structure has an effective magnetic permeability xcexceff (xcfx89) which is given by: μ eff ( ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 2 a 2 1 + 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω xe2x80x83 r μ 0 - 3 dc 0 2 π 2 ω 2 r 3 ] Eq . xe2x80x83 1
in which xcfx89 is the angular frequency, "sgr" the resistivity of the cylindrical tubes, i the {square root over (xe2x88x921)} and c0 the velocity of light. From Eq. 1 it can be seen that by appropriate selection of the size r and spacing a of the cylindrical tubes a structure having a selected magnetic permeability at a given frequency xcfx89 can be obtained.
For ease of fabrication it proposed in UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) to construct each capacitive element 4 in the form of a stack of concentric split rings 26, 28 as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). A stack of such rings is shown to be equivalent to the concentric cylindrical tubes described above and has a magnetic permeability given by: μ eff ( ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + 2 l σ 1 ω xe2x80x83 r 1 μ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 1 3 ln [ xe2x80x83 2 c 1 d 1 ] ] Eq . xe2x80x83 2
where r1 is the inside radius of the inner ring 28, a the lattice spacing of the rings, l the separation between the rings in a given column in an axial direction, d1 the separation between the rings in a radial direction, c1 the width of each ring in a radial direction and "sgr"1 the resistance per unit length of each ring.
A further microstructured material described in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) is constructed using a stack of conducting elements which comprise a single spiral shaped conductor 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).
It is also suggested that in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) that the magnetic permeability of the structured material could he made to be switchable by incorporating an non-linear dielectric medium, such as Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) or other ferroelectric material, into the structure. The magnetic permeability of the structure is switched by changing the permittivity of the ferroelectric material by applying an electric field across the ferroelectric material. It is suggested that the ferroelectric material could be incorporated between the cylindrical tubes of each capacitive element (FIG. 1(b)) or between each of the concentric rings in a radial direction (FIG. 2(a)). The inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, such as BST, decreases the resonant frequency of the structure by a factor of more than 30 times. To increase the resonant frequency to a selected value to obtain the desired magnetic permeability at a given frequency requires the self capacitance of each capacitive element to be reduced by the same factor. When it is intended that the structured magnetic material is to operate at microwave frequency, that is in the GHz region, this would require a structure composed of capacitive elements which were impractical to fabricate. To overcome this problem it is proposed in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) that the structure comprises an array of single, rather than concentric, cylindrical tubes each of which has two gaps running in an axial direction. A ferroelectric is provided in the gaps and the magnetic permeability switched by changing the permeability of the ferroelectric material using an electrical static switchable electric field. Although such a structured material is capable of operation at microwave frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive elements sufficiently small for operation at radio frequencies in the MHz region. Furthermore even for microwave operation the construction of such a structured material is difficult and expensive.
The present invention has arisen in an endeavour to provide a structured material having a magnetic permeability which can be switched between selected values at a selected wavelength of operation, which can be readily fabricated and which is suitable for operation at radio frequencies (MHz).
According to the present invention there is provided a structure with switchable magnetic properties comprising an array of capacitive elements in which each capacitive element includes a low resistance conducting path and is such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation lying within a predetermined frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around said path and through said associated element and wherein the size of the elements and their spacing apart are selected such as to provide a predetermined permeability in response to said received electromagnetic radiation, characterised in that each capacitive element comprises a plurality of stacked planar sections each of which comprises at least two concentric spiral conducting members which are electrically insulated from each other and which have a switchable permittivity material therebetween.
The magnetic permeability of the structure can be readily switched to a selected value by applying a static electric field across the switchable permittivity material. This is conveniently achieved by applying a dc voltage between the conducting spiral members of each capacitive element. In the context of this patent application the term spiral is to be construed broadly and is not restricted to a plane curve which is traced about a fixed point from which it continuously recedes. The term includes any unclosed loop of more than one turn which recedes away from a centre point. As such the term encompasses spirals which are square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms.
Preferably the spirals are substantially circular in form. Alternatively they are square or rectangular in form.
Advantageously the switchable permittivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, preferably Barium Strontium Titanate. Alternatively it can comprise a liquid crystal.
Preferably the capacitive elements are arranged on a square array. Advantageously alternate spiral conducting members in a given row unwind in an opposite sense. With such
|
this invention relates to a structure with switchable magnetic properties. in certain applications it is advantageous if the magnetic permeability of a material can be tailored for that application at least within a specified frequency range and more especially if its magnetic permeability could be switched between selected values. in our co - pending uk patent application no. 2346485 ( international patent application no. wo 00 / 41270 ) and in a publication entitled magnetism from conductors and enhanced non - linear phenomena, ieee transaction on microwave theory and techniques, 1999, 47, 2075 - 2084, j b pendry, n j holden, d j robbins and w j stewart, a structured material is disclosed which exhibits a magnetic permeability at a selected frequency, typically a microwave frequency ( ghz ). the basis of these documents is hereby incorporated by way of reference thereto. the structured material described in these documents comprises an array of capacitive strands which include a low resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements are arranged such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation within a selected frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around the path and engages the associated element. the size of the elements and their spacing was selected such as to provide a selected magnetic permeability in response to the electromagnetic radiation. such a structure allows a material to be fabricated which is designed to have a selected fixed magnetic permeability for a selected frequency of electromagnetic radiation. as shown in figs. 1 ( a ) and ( b ) one such structured material 2 comprises an array of capacitive materials 4 each of which consists of two concentric metallic electrically conducting cylindrical tubes : an outer cylindrical tubes 6 and an inner cylindrical tube 8. both tubes 6, 8 have a longitudinal ( i. e running in an axial direction ) gap 10 and the two gaps 10 are offset from each other by 180xc2x0. the elements 4 are arranged in a regular square array and are positioned on centres at a distance a apart. the outer tube 6 has a radius r and the tubes 8 and outer 6 cylindrical tubes are separated by a distance d. the gap 10 prevents the flow of dc electrical current around either of the cylinders 6, 8. however the self capacitance around the two cylindrical tubes 6, 8 allows an ac current, j, to flow when the material is subjected to electromagnetic radiation 12 having a magnetic field component h which is parallel to radial axis of the tubes 6, 8. it is shown that such a structure has an effective magnetic permeability xcexceff ( xcfx89 ) which is given by : μ eff ( ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 2 a 2 1 + 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω xe2x80x83 r μ 0 - 3 dc 0 2 π 2 ω 2 r 3 ] eq. xe2x80x83 1 in which xcfx89 is the angular frequency, " sgr " the resistivity of the cylindrical tubes, i the { square root over ( xe2x88x921 ) } and c0 the velocity of light. from eq. 1 it can be seen that by appropriate selection of the size r and spacing a of the cylindrical tubes a structure having a selected magnetic permeability at a given frequency xcfx89 can be obtained. for ease of fabrication it proposed in uk patent application no. 2346485 ( international patent application no. wo 00 / 41270 ) to construct each capacitive element 4 in the form of a stack of concentric split rings 26, 28 as shown in figs. 2 ( a ) and 2 ( b ). a stack of such rings is shown to be equivalent to the concentric cylindrical tubes described above and has a magnetic permeability given by : μ eff ( ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + 2 l σ 1 ω xe2x80x83 r 1 μ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 1 3 ln [ xe2x80x83 2 c 1 d 1 ] ] eq. xe2x80x83 2 where r1 is the inside radius of the inner ring 28, a the lattice spacing of the rings, l the separation between the rings in a given column in an axial direction, d1 the separation between the rings in a radial direction, c1 the width of each ring in a radial direction and " sgr " 1 the resistance per unit length of each ring. a further microstructured material described in united kingdom patent application no. 2346485 ( international patent application no. wo 00 / 41270 ) is constructed using a stack of conducting elements which comprise a single spiral shaped conductor 34 as illustrated in figs. 3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ). it is also suggested that in united kingdom patent application no. 2346485 ( international patent application no. wo 00 / 41270 ) that the magnetic permeability of the structured material could he made to be switchable by incorporating an non - linear dielectric medium, such as barium strontium titanate ( bst ) or other ferroelectric material, into the structure. the magnetic permeability of the structure is switched by changing the permittivity of the ferroelectric material by applying an electric field across the ferroelectric material. it is suggested that the ferroelectric material could be incorporated between the cylindrical tubes of each capacitive element ( fig. 1 ( b ) ) or between each of the concentric rings in a radial direction ( fig. 2 ( a ) ). the inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, such as bst, decreases the resonant frequency of the structure by a factor of more than 30 times. to increase the resonant frequency to a selected value to obtain the desired magnetic permeability at a given frequency requires the self capacitance of each capacitive element to be reduced by the same factor. when it is intended that the structured magnetic material is to operate at microwave frequency, that is in the ghz region, this would require a structure composed of capacitive elements which were impractical to fabricate. to overcome this problem it is proposed in united kingdom patent application no. 2346485 ( international patent application no. wo 00 / 41270 ) that the structure comprises an array of single, rather than concentric, cylindrical tubes each of which has two gaps running in an axial direction. a ferroelectric is provided in the gaps and the magnetic permeability switched by changing the permeability of the ferroelectric material using an electrical static switchable electric field. although such a structured material is capable of operation at microwave frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive elements sufficiently small for operation at radio frequencies in the mhz region. furthermore even for microwave operation the construction of such a structured material is difficult and expensive. the present invention has arisen in an endeavour to provide a structured material having a magnetic permeability which can be switched between selected values at a selected wavelength of operation, which can be readily fabricated and which is suitable for operation at radio frequencies ( mhz ). according to the present invention there is provided a structure with switchable magnetic properties comprising an array of capacitive elements in which each capacitive element includes a low resistance conducting path and is such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation lying within a predetermined frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around said path and through said associated element and wherein the size of the elements and their spacing apart are selected such as to provide a predetermined permeability in response to said received electromagnetic radiation, characterised in that each capacitive element comprises a plurality of stacked planar sections each of which comprises at least two concentric spiral conducting members which are electrically insulated from each other and which have a switchable permittivity material therebetween. the magnetic permeability of the structure can be readily switched to a selected value by applying a static electric field across the switchable permittivity material. this is conveniently achieved by applying a dc voltage between the conducting spiral members of each capacitive element. in the context of this patent application the term spiral is to be construed broadly and is not restricted to a plane curve which is traced about a fixed point from which it continuously recedes. the term includes any unclosed loop of more than one turn which recedes away from a centre point. as such the term encompasses spirals which are square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms. preferably the spirals are substantially circular in form. alternatively they are square or rectangular in form. advantageously the switchable permittivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, preferably barium strontium titanate. alternatively it can comprise a liquid crystal. preferably the capacitive elements are arranged on a square array. advantageously alternate spiral conducting members in a given row unwind in an opposite sense. with such
|
This invention relates to a structure with switchable magnetic properties. In certain applications it is advantageous if the magnetic permeability of a material can be tailored for that application at least within a specified frequency range and more especially if its magnetic permeability could be switched between selected values. In our co - pending UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00 / 41270) and in a publication entitled Magnetism from Conductors and Enhanced Non - Linear Phenomena, IEEE Transaction on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 1999, 47, 2075 - 2084, J B Pendry, A J Holden, D J Robbins and W J Stewart, a structured material is disclosed which exhibits a magnetic permeability at a selected frequency, typkcallh a microwave frequency (GHz ). The content of these documents is hereby incorporated by way of reference thereto. The structured material described in these documents comprises an array of capacitive elements which include a low resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements are arranged such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation within a selected frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around the path and through the associated element. The size of the elements and their spacing are selected such as to provide a selected magnetic permeability in response to the electromagnetic radiation. Such a structure allows a nateria> to be fabricated which is designed to have a selected fixed magnetic permeability for a selected frequency of electromagnetic radiation. As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and (b) one such structured material 2 comprises an array of capacitive elements 4 each of which consists of two concentric metallic electrically conducting cylindrical tubes: an outer cylindrical tube 6 and an inner cylindrical tube 8. Both tubes 6, 8 have a longitudinal (i. e running in an axial direction) gap 10 and the two gaps 10 are offset from each other by 180xc2x0. The elements 4 are arranged in a regular square array and are positioned on centres at a distance a apart. The outer tube 6 has a radius r and the inner 8 and outer 6 cylindrical tubes are separated by a distance d. The gap 10 prevents the flow of dc electrical current around either of the cylinders 6, 8. However the self capacitance between the two cylindrical tubes 6, 8 allows an ac current, j, to flow when the material is subjected to electromagnetic radiation 12 having a magnetic field component H which is parallel to the axis of the tubes 6, 8. It is shown that AIch a structure has an effective magnetic permeability xcexceff (xcfx89) which is given by: μ eff (ω) = 1 - [π xe2x80x83 r 2 a 2 1 + 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω xe2x80x83 r μ 0 - 3 dc 0 2 π 2 ω 2 r 3] Eq. xe2x80x83 1 in which xcfx89 is the angular frequency, " sgr " the resistivity of the cylindrical tubes, i the {square root over (xe2x88x921) } and c0 the velocity of light. From Eq. 1 it can be seen that by appropriate selection of the size r and spacing a of the cylindrical tubes a structure having a selected magnetic permeability at a given frequency xcfx89 can be obtained. For ease of fabrication it proposed in UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00 / 41270) to construct each capacitive element 4 in the form of a stack of concentric split rings 26, 28 as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b ). A stack of such rings is shown to be equivalent to the concentric cylindrical tubes described above and has a magJeYic permeability given by: μ eff (ω) = 1 - [π xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + 2 l σ 1 ω xe2x80x83 r 1 μ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 1 3 ln [xe2x80x83 2 c 1 d 1] ] Eq. xe2x80x83 2 where r1 is the inside radius of the inner ring 28, a the lattice spacing of the rings, l the separation between the rings in a given column in an axial direction, d1 the separation between the rings in a radial direction, c1 the width of each ring in a radial direction and " sgr " 1 the resistance per unit length of each ring. A further microstructured material described in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00 / 41270) is constructed using a stack of conducting elements which comprise a single spiral shaped conductor 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b ). It is also suggested that in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00 / 41270) that the magnetic permeability of the structured material could he made to be switchable by incorporating an non - linear dielectric medium, such as Barium Strontium T7tanWte (BST) or other ferroelectric material, into the structure. The magnetic permeability of the structure is switched by changing the permittivity of the ferroelectric material by applying an electric field across the ferroelectric material. It is suggested that the ferroelectric material could be incorporated between the cylindrical tubes of each capacitive element (FIG. 1 (b) ) or between each of the concentric rings in a radial direction (FIG. 2 (a) ). The inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, such as BST, decreases the resonant frequency of the structure by a factor of more than 30 Gimec. To increase the resonant frequency to a selected value to obtain the desired magnetic permeability at a given frequency requires the self capacitance of each capacitive element to be reduced by the same factor. When it is intended that the structured magnetic material is to operate at microwave frequency, that is in the GHz region, this would require a structure composed of capacitive elements which were impractical to fabricate. To overcome this problem it is proposed in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00 / 41270) that the structure comprises an array of single, rather than concentric, cylindrical tubes each of 2hOch has two gaps running in an axial direction. A ferroelectric is provided in the gaps and the magnetic permeability switched by changing the permeability of the ferroelectric material using an electrical static switchable electric field. Although such a structured material is capable of operation at microwave frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive elements sufficiently small for operation at radio frequencies in the MHz region. Furthermore even for microwave operation the construction of such a structured material is difficult and expensive. The present invention has arisen in an endeavour to provide a structured material having a magnetic permeability which can be switched between selected values at a selected wavelength of operation, which can be readily fabricated and which is suitable for operation at radio frequencies (MHz ). According to the present invention there is provided a structure with switchable magnetic properties comprising an array of capacitive elements in which each capacitive element includes a low resistance conducting path and is such that a mqNnetic component of electromagnetic radiation lying within a predetermined frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around said path and through said associated element and wherein the size of the elements and their spacing apart are selected such as to provide a predetermined permeability in response to said received electromagnetic radiation, characterised in that each capacitive element comprises a plurality of stacked planar sections each of which comprises at least two concentric spiral conducting members which are electrically insulated from each other and which have a switchable permittivity material therebetween. The magnetic permeability of the structure can be readily switched to a selected value by applying a static electric field across the switchable permittivity material. This is conveniently achieved by spplHing a dc voltage between the conducting spiral members of each capacitive element. In the context of this patent application the term spiral is to be construed broadly and is not restricted to a plane curve which is traced about a fixed point from which it continuously recedes. The term includes any unclosed loop of more than one turn which recedes away from a centre point. As such the term encompasses spirals which are square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms. Preferably the spirals are substantially circular in form. Alternatively they are square or rectangular in form. Advantageously the switchable perm7tyivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, preferably Barium Strontium Titanate. Alternatively it can comprise a liquid crystal. Preferably the capacitive elements are arranged on a square array. Advantageously alternate spiral conducting members in a given row unwind in an opposite sense. With such
|
This invention relates to structure with switchable magnetic properties. In certain applications it advantageous if the magnetic permeability of material can be tailored for that at least within a specified frequency range and more especially if its magnetic permeability could be switched between selected values. In our co-pending UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application WO 00/41270) and a publication entitled Magnetism from Conductors and Enhanced Non-Linear Phenomena, IEEE Transaction on Theory and Techniques, 1999, 47, 2075-2084, J Pendry, A J Holden, D J Robbins and W J a structured material is disclosed which a magnetic permeability at a selected frequency, typically a microwave frequency The content of these documents hereby incorporated by of reference thereto. The structured material described these documents comprises an of capacitive elements which a low resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements are arranged such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation within a selected band induces an electrical current to around the path and through the associated element. size of the elements and their spacing are selected as to provide a selected magnetic permeability in response to the radiation. Such structure allows a material to fabricated which is to have a selected fixed magnetic permeability for a selected frequency electromagnetic radiation. As shown in 1(a) and (b) structured material 2 an array of capacitive elements 4 each of which consists of concentric metallic electrically cylindrical an outer cylindrical tube 6 and an inner cylindrical tube 8. Both tubes 6, 8 have a longitudinal (i.e running in an axial direction) gap 10 and the two gaps 10 are offset from other by 180xc2x0. The elements 4 are a regular square array and are positioned centres a distance a apart. The outer tube 6 has a radius r and the inner 8 outer 6 cylindrical tubes separated by a distance d. The gap 10 prevents the flow of dc electrical current around either the cylinders 8. However the self capacitance between the two cylindrical tubes 8 an current, j, to flow the material is subjected radiation 12 a magnetic field component H which is parallel to the axis of the tubes 6, 8. It is shown that structure has an magnetic permeability xcexceff (xcfx89) which is given by: μ eff ( ω ) - [ π xe2x80x83 r 2 1 + 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω r μ 0 - 3 dc 0 2 π 2 ω 2 r 3 ] Eq . xe2x80x83 1 in which xcfx89 is the angular frequency, "sgr" the resistivity of the cylindrical tubes, i the root over (xe2x88x921)} and c0 the velocity of light. From Eq. it can be seen that by appropriate selection of the size and spacing a of the cylindrical structure having a selected magnetic permeability at a given frequency xcfx89 can be obtained. For ease of fabrication proposed in UK Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) to construct each capacitive element 4 in the form of a stack of rings 26, 28 as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). A stack of rings is shown to be equivalent the concentric cylindrical tubes described above has magnetic permeability by: μ eff ( ω = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + 2 l σ 1 ω xe2x80x83 r 1 μ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 3 ln [ xe2x80x83 2 c 1 d 1 ] ] Eq . xe2x80x83 2 r1 is the inside radius of the inner ring 28, a lattice spacing of the rings, l the separation between the rings in a given in an axial direction, d1 the between the rings in a radial direction, c1 the width of each ring in a radial direction and "sgr"1 the resistance per unit length each ring. A further microstructured material described in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) is constructed using a stack of conducting elements which comprise a single spiral shaped conductor 34 illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and It is suggested that in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) that the magnetic permeability of the structured material could he made to be switchable by an dielectric medium, such as Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) or ferroelectric material, into the structure. The magnetic permeability of the structure is switched by changing the permittivity of the material by applying an electric field across the ferroelectric material. It suggested that the ferroelectric could between the cylindrical tubes of each capacitive (FIG. 1(b)) or between each of the concentric rings in a radial direction (FIG. 2(a)). The inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, as BST, decreases the resonant frequency of the structure by a factor of 30 times. To the resonant frequency to a selected value obtain the desired magnetic permeability at a given frequency requires the self capacitance of capacitive element to be reduced by the same factor. When is intended that the magnetic material is to operate at microwave frequency, that is the GHz region, this would require a structure composed of capacitive elements which were impractical to fabricate. To overcome this it is proposed in United Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) that the structure comprises an array single, than concentric, cylindrical tubes each of which has two gaps running an axial direction. A ferroelectric is provided in the gaps and the magnetic permeability changing the permeability of the ferroelectric material using an electrical switchable electric field. Although such a structured material is capable of operation at microwave frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive elements sufficiently small for operation radio frequencies in the MHz region. Furthermore even for microwave operation the construction of such a structured material is difficult and expensive. The present invention has arisen in an endeavour to provide a structured material having a magnetic permeability which can be switched between selected values at a selected wavelength of operation, can be readily fabricated and which is suitable for operation at radio frequencies (MHz). According to the present invention there is provided a structure with magnetic properties comprising an array of capacitive elements in which each capacitive includes a low conducting path and such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic within a predetermined frequency band an electrical to flow and through said element wherein the size of the elements and their spacing apart are selected such as to provide a permeability response to said received electromagnetic characterised in that each capacitive element comprises a plurality of stacked planar sections each of which comprises at least two concentric conducting members which are electrically insulated from each other and which have a switchable permittivity material therebetween. The magnetic permeability of the structure can be readily switched to a selected applying a static field across switchable permittivity material. This is conveniently achieved by applying dc voltage between the conducting spiral members of each capacitive element. In context of this patent application the term spiral is to construed broadly and is not restricted to a plane curve which is traced about a fixed point from which continuously recedes. The term includes any unclosed loop of more one turn which recedes away from a centre point. As such the term encompasses spirals are square, rectangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms. Preferably the spirals are circular in form. they are square or in form. Advantageously the switchable permittivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, preferably Barium Strontium Titanate. Alternatively it can comprise a liquid crystal. Preferably the capacitive elements are arranged on a square array. Advantageously alternate spiral conducting members in a row unwind an opposite With such
|
ThiS InVENtion rElATES to A sTRUCturE witH SWItcHabLE maGneTiC pROpeRtiEs.
in CERTaiN aPplicATiONS It IS advantaGeouS If The mAGneTIC pErMEABILiTY Of A maTerIAl cAn be tailOrED fOr thAT appliCatIon AT LEaSt WIthin a sPeCIFIeD FrEQueNCY rAnGE aNd moRe espECIAllY IF ItS mAgneTiC pErmeABILiTy cOuld Be swITched beTWEEn SeleCted VaLUEs. iN OUR cO-pEnDing Uk patEnT aPPlICAtiON No. 2346485 (INTerNatioNAl PAteNt AppLiCATIon no. wO 00/41270) aND In a PuBlicATiON ENtitleD maGnetIsM froM cONductors ANd EnHanCED NOn-linEar PhENomEna, IEEe tranSActiOn ON MICROWaVE tHEory ANd TECHniqUeS, 1999, 47, 2075-2084, J B pENdRy, a J HolDen, D j ROBbiNS AnD w j StEWart, A sTRUCTureD MateRIAl Is DIscloSEd Which ExhiBits a magnETic PermeABiLiTy at a seLEctED FreQUEncy, tYPICAllY a MICROwAVE fREqueNcy (GHz). tHe ContEnT Of THEse DoCuMEnTS IS HEReBY iNCOrPOrAted by wAY OF rEFeRencE ThEretO.
tHE StrUCtuReD MAteRiAl DEScRIbEd in THESe docUMEnts CoMPRIseS an aRRay oF cApacITIVE eLEMENTS WhiCh iNClude A Low rESistAncE EleCTRiCALlY CONDUcTINg PaTh ANd IN whicH the EleMenTs are aRrANGEd SUch That A MagnetIC coMpoNeNT of eLECTrOMAGnETic RAdIaTION WItHIn A sEleCTED FrequENcY BanD INducES aN EleCTRICaL CuRREnT To fLOW ARound thE Path AND tHrOugH THe assoCIAtED ELeMeNt. ThE sIZE oF thE elEMENtS and tHEiR SPAciNG ARE SElectED sUcH As TO PROvIdE A SeleCteD mAgNetic peRmEAbiliTy in RESpOnse tO tHE ElEctromAgNETIc raDiaTIOn. Such A stRucture AlLoWS a MATERiAl To be FaBRiCATEd whIcH iS deSIGNed To HaVe A seLECteD FIxED MAgNetIC pErMeaBiLiTy For A SELECTeD frEqUENCY of ElECtROmAGNetic RaDiAtIoN.
as sHOwN In fIGS. 1(A) AND (b) ONE SuCh STRUCTUreD MATErIaL 2 cOMprISeS An arrAy of cAPaciTivE ELemeNtS 4 eAcH Of whIch CONsISTS Of two COnceNTric MEtalLic elECTRICaLly CONductiNg CYliNdRicaL tUBes: AN ouTeR CYLindRIcAl tUBe 6 anD AN INNEr cYLiNdRIcal tUBE 8. bOTh tuBEs 6, 8 HAVe a LonGitUdinal (I.E rUnninG In aN axIaL DIrECTIon) gAp 10 anD THE two GaPS 10 aRE ofFsET FrOm eacH OTheR by 180xC2X0. tHe ELEmEntS 4 Are aRRangEd IN a regULaR SquARe ARRaY anD aRe pOsiTiOneD ON cEnTReS At a dIsTance A aPArt. the Outer TubE 6 haS a rADIus r And tHE INnER 8 AND outeR 6 cYLindricAL tUbEs ARE SepARaTEd By a dIStaNCE d. The gAP 10 pREVEnTS THe fLoW OF dC eLECtrIcAl CUrReNt aroUNd eitHeR OF THE cylinDerS 6, 8. HowEvEr tHe SELf caPACItaNCe betwEEN tHE Two cYlIndrIcAL TuBes 6, 8 AllOwS an AC cUrrenT, J, To fLOw WHen the MatEriAl IS sUbjeCTED TO eLEctromAgnetiC radiAtiON 12 hAVinG A mAGNetiC fIelD cOmPOnENT h Which iS pARalLEL to tHe AXis OF The tuBEs 6, 8. iT Is SHOWN THaT sUch A STRUCTUrE hAS AN efFEctivE mAGNeTIC PErmeaBIliTy xcexceFf (xcfX89) WHich IS GivEN bY: μ EfF ( Ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2X80x83 r 2 a 2 1 + 2 σ XE2x80x83 I Ω xe2x80X83 R μ 0 - 3 Dc 0 2 π 2 ω 2 r 3 ] eQ . xE2X80X83 1
iN WhIcH XCFX89 iS THE aNguLAr frEQuEncY, "SGr" The reSiStiviTy Of tHE CyLIndrICAl Tubes, I ThE {SQUARE ROOT oVeR (XE2x88x921)} and c0 tHe VELOCity OF LIGHT. from EQ. 1 IT Can bE SEeN thAt BY APPROpRiAtE seLECtiOn Of ThE size r anD spacIng A Of The CylindRIcAl tUbeS A STRUCtuRE HAVing a SeLEcTeD MAGnEtIC PERMeABiLITY aT a gIvEN fREQuENCY XCfX89 cAn Be oBtaInED.
foR Ease Of FabRicATioN it pRopoSED iN Uk PateNt aPPLiCaTioN NO. 2346485 (INTERnATiOnAl PatenT aPPliCATion nO. WO 00/41270) to constRUcT eaCh CapAciTive ELEmEnT 4 in tHe FoRM Of A sTAcK OF concenTriC SpLIT rIngs 26, 28 AS shOwn IN FiGs. 2(A) And 2(B). a stacK of SuCH RInGS iS SHOwN To Be eqUivAlENt tO thE CoNcENtriC cylIndriCaL TUBEs DescrIBED ABovE aND hAs A MAGnETIc PERmEAbILitY gIvEN By: μ eFf ( Ω ) = 1 - [ Π XE2x80X83 r 1 2 A 2 1 + 2 L Σ 1 Ω xe2x80X83 r 1 μ 0 I - 3 Lc 0 2 Πω 2 R 1 3 Ln [ xE2X80x83 2 c 1 d 1 ] ] eq . xe2X80X83 2
wHeRE R1 Is the inSIdE RADiUs oF ThE iNNer riNg 28, a thE lAttiCe spacing Of ThE rings, L ThE SEpArAtioN betweEN tHE RINgs In a GIven COluMN In AN AXIal DIrECtion, D1 thE sEpARaTIoN BeTwEen ThE RINGs iN a RADial dirEcTiOn, c1 ThE wiDtH of EAch riNg In A rAdIal diRectiON anD "Sgr"1 tHe REsIstaNCE pEr unIT LeNGTh of EACH RINg.
a fuRTHeR mIcROsTruCtUREd MaTeRiAl dEscRIBEd in UnITEd kinGDoM patenT applIcaTIon nO. 2346485 (IntERnaTiOnAl PAteNt AppLicAtIon NO. wO 00/41270) Is cONsTRuCted UsINg A StaCk OF COnDuCTIng eLEmENtS whicH comPRIsE a SiNgLE sPIRaL ShAPeD CoNductOr 34 AS ILluSTratED iN figs. 3(A) aNd 3(b).
It IS ALso SugGeStEd tHaT IN uNiTEd KInGDoM pATENt appLiCAtion nO. 2346485 (INTeRnaTiOnal pAtENt ApPLICAtioN nO. wo 00/41270) THaT THE magnetIc peRmEABilIty Of THe sTrUCtuREd MAterial COuld hE MadE To Be sWItchAbLE by iNcoRPoRAtinG aN noN-LINear dielECtRIc mEdiuM, SuCh aS BarIUM sTrontium TiTanaTe (bsT) oR OtheR FErroelECtrIc matERiAL, iNto THE STruCTUre. ThE maGNEtiC PermeabiliTY oF thE stRuCtuRE IS SwitCHeD BY ChangIng The pErmitTIviTY of The FERrOeLECTrIC materIAL By applYinG aN eLecTrIc FiELD AcroSs the ferRoElEctRIC maTErIal. It is suggeStEd tHAt tHE ferrOeLecTriC mAtErial coULD be INcorpOrATEd beTWEEn thE CYlindriCaL TubEs Of EAcH capACiTiVe ELemenT (fIG. 1(B)) or bETweEN EACH OF thE cONCENTRIC RiNGS In a rAdiaL dirEcTIoN (FIg. 2(A)). thE InCLusIon HOWevER of a ferroElECTrIC MATeRIAL, sucH AS bsT, DEcrEAses ThE rESoNANt FREquENCy OF THe structURe BY a FActOr OF MOre ThAN 30 tIMEs. TO iNcrease tHE REsOnAnt frequEncY To A SeLECtEd VAlue tO oBTAIN the deSIreD mAgnetIC PERmeability AT a giVeN FrEqUEnCy REqUIReS THE SeLf cAPACiTANce OF EACH cAPAciTIVE ELEmEnt TO be reDuced BY tHe SaME facTOR. wHEN it Is IntENDed thaT ThE StRucTureD mAgnETiC MatERiaL iS To opeRatE At MiCrOWAvE fReQuEnCy, THaT iS IN tHE GhZ REGION, thIS would rEQuIRE A strUCturE comPoSEd of CaPacItIve EleMENTs WhiCh Were ImPrACtIcaL to fAbrIcAte. To OVErCoME THis pROBLEm it IS prOpOsEd in uNitED KINgDOm pAtenT AppLiCatIOn no. 2346485 (INTernATIONAL paTENt appLIcAtiOn no. wO 00/41270) thaT tHE StRuCTURe coMpRiseS AN ARrAy of SINGle, rAtHER tHaN CoNcentriC, cyLInDrIcAL tubEs eaCH Of whICh haS twO Gaps RunnIng iN aN axIaL DIREcTiON. a FERRoeLECtric iS PRovidEd In ThE gaPS anD thE mAGnetIC PermeaBIliTy sWiTCHED by CHAngINg thE PERmeabilitY Of THe fERroelEcTrIC MaTeRial USING An elECtRIcaL StATIC swITCHABLe eLeCTRic FielD. aLThOUGh sUch a stRUCTUREd MaTeRIAl Is CapaBlE oF opeRAtIoN aT microWaVE FrEqUENciEs iT Is iMpRactiCAL TO faBRiCate capacItIve ElEmENtS SUFFIcieNtlY smalL FoR OperATIoN aT RaDIo FRequencies IN The Mhz regIon. fURtHermoRe evEN fOR microwaVE opErAtiON thE cOnStrucTIon oF SUcH a strUCTuReD mATERIAl is DifFIcUlt AND expensIve.
THE PresEnt InVenTIOn HAs ARISEn In An EndEavoUr tO pRoVide a STRuCTUrEd mAteRiAl HaVIng a MagnEtIC PERMeabiLiTY wHich cAN Be swiTChED BetWEeN selEcTED VAlUEs at A sEleCTED WaveLENgTH OF OperAtion, WhICh cAn BE ReaDIlY FAbrICatEd ANd WhICH IS sUiTABlE FoR oPeRATiOn at raDIo FreqUeNCiES (mhz).
AcCoRdInG tO The preSeNt INVENTioN ThERE IS pROVided A StRUctURE wIth swiTchaBLe MaGNeTIc prOpERties CoMPrisiNg an ArRAy of capAciTiVe elEmENtS In wHICh EaCH CAPaCitiVE ELeMent incLUdes a low ResIsTANcE cOnduCtInG patH aNd iS suCH tHAt a MaGnetiC COMPonENt OF ElEcTRoMaGNETiC RAdiATioN LYiNG WithIn a pReDETERminEd FrequeNCY Band inDUces AN eLECtRICAl cUrRenT To fLOw aROUND sAiD pAth AND tHRoUgH sAid ASsOCiated elemenT ANd wHEReiN thE siZE of The ELEmentS And TheIr Spacing apArT are SElEcted SUCh AS TO ProViDE a PrEDeTERmIneD pERmeAbIlItY In rEspONse tO Said rECeIvED ElEctROmAGNetic rADIaTIon, chARacterIsED iN ThAT eaCH cApACITIVE ElEmENt coMPRisES a pLURAliTY Of StACKed PLaNar SeCTiOnS eAcH oF which CoMPrISeS AT leAST TWo cONCEntRIc sPIRal coNdUctiNg MEMBERS whICh aRe EleCtrICalLY InsULated FroM eAcH oTher aND whiCh have a SwiTCHAble PermittIvItY MaTeRIal thEREbetWEEn.
THe mAGnetic pERmeabilitY oF tHE StRucture CAN Be REAdiLY sWITCHeD tO A selECtED vaLUE bY aPPlYinG A STAtic elECtRic field acROsS The sWItcHABle perMITTIVitY mAtERial. tHIS Is CoNVeniENtlY aCHievEd by apPlyInG a dc VOlTAge beTWEeN tHE ConDUctIng SpiRal membErs oF EacH caPaCItIvE ELement. IN The coNteXT Of This PaTent apPLiCatIon tHE tErm sPiRal is TO be CONSTrUeD BROADLy aND iS NoT RestRICTEd to a PLAne CuRve wHicH iS TRaCed aBOUT a FIXed poInT From wHICh It contINUoUSLY REcEdeS. the TErm INcLUDes aNy UNCloSed lOOp OF MORe thaN oNe tURN wHiCH REceDes Away from a CEnTRe pOInt. AS suCH The TErm eNCoMpAsSes SPIRALS WHich ARE SqUAre, REcTanguLAR, TRIAnGular, HexaGonal oR hAVE OtHeR GEOMETRiC FoRMS.
PReFerablY the SpirAlS arE sUBStanTiAlly CirCuLAR iN FORm. alTErNatiVeLy They are SquARE or ReCtaNGulAr iN FoRM.
ADVantageOusLY the swITchAblE pErMiTTIVitY maTERIal coMPRIseS A FeRRoelectRIC MAterIAL, PREFERabLY bARiUm sTRontiUm tiTANAtE. aLTERnaTIVElY iT cAN ComPrisE a lIqUiD CRYsTaL.
pReFErAbly The capaCitIVe elemEnTs aRe ARranGeD On a SqUaRe Array. aDVAnTAgEOuSlY altErNate spIral CONducTing MEmberS In a gIven ROw unwiNd In AN OppoSiTe SenSe. WiTh suCH
|
This invention relates to a structurewith switchable magnetic properties. In certainapplicationsit is advantageous if the magnetic permeability of amaterial can be tailored for that application at least within a specifiedfrequency range and more especially ifits magnetic permeabilitycould be switched between selected values. In our co-pending UK Patent Application No. 2346485(InternationalPatentApplication No. WO 00/41270) and in a publication entitled Magnetism from Conductors and Enhanced Non-Linear Phenomena, IEEE Transaction on Microwave Theory andTechniques, 1999, 47, 2075-2084, JB Pendry, A J Holden, D J Robbins and W J Stewart, a structured material isdisclosed which exhibits a magnetic permeability at a selected frequency, typicallya microwave frequency (GHz). The content of these documents is hereby incorporated by way of reference thereto. The structured material described in these documents comprises an array of capacitiveelements which include a low resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements are arranged such that a magnetic component ofelectromagnetic radiation within a selected frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around the path andthrough the associated element. The size of the elements and their spacing are selectedsuch asto provide a selected magnetic permeability in response to the electromagnetic radiation. Such a structureallows a material to be fabricated which is designed to haveaselected fixedmagnetic permeability for aselected frequency of electromagnetic radiation. As shown in FIGS.1(a) and (b) one such structured material 2 comprises an arrayof capacitive elements 4 each ofwhich consists of twoconcentric metallic electrically conducting cylindrical tubes: an outer cylindrical tube 6 and an inner cylindrical tube 8. Both tubes 6, 8 havea longitudinal(i.e running in an axial direction)gap 10and thetwo gaps 10areoffset from each other by 180xc2x0. Theelements 4 are arrangedin a regular square array and are positioned on centres at a distance a apart. The outertube 6 hasa radius r and theinner 8and outer 6 cylindrical tubes are separated by a distance d. The gap 10 prevents the flow of dc electrical current around either of the cylinders 6, 8. However theselfcapacitance between the two cylindrical tubes 6, 8 allows an ac current,j, to flow when the material is subjected to electromagnetic radiation 12 having a magnetic field component H which is parallel to the axis of the tubes 6, 8. It isshown that such a structure has an effective magnetic permeability xcexceff (xcfx89) which is givenby: μ eff ( ω )= 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 2 a 2 1 + 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω xe2x80x83 r μ 0 - 3 dc0 2 π2 ω 2 r 3 ]Eq . xe2x80x83 1 in which xcfx89 is the angular frequency, "sgr" the resistivityof the cylindrical tubes, i the {square root over (xe2x88x921)} and c0the velocity oflight. FromEq. 1 it can be seen that byappropriate selection of the size r and spacing a of the cylindrical tubes a structurehaving aselected magnetic permeability at a given frequency xcfx89can be obtained. For easeof fabrication it proposed in UK Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) to constructeach capacitive element 4 in theform of a stack of concentric split rings 26, 28 asshown inFIGS. 2(a) and2(b). A stack of such rings is shownto be equivalent to theconcentric cylindrical tubes described above and has a magnetic permeability given by: μ eff ( ω ) = 1 - [ π xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + 2 l σ 1 ωxe2x80x83 r 1 μ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 1 3 ln[ xe2x80x83 2 c 1 d1 ] ] Eq . xe2x80x83 2 where r1 is the inside radius of the innerring 28, a the lattice spacing of the rings,l the separation betweenthe rings in a given column in anaxial direction, d1 theseparation between the rings in a radial direction, c1 the width of each ringin a radial directionand "sgr"1 the resistance per unit length of each ring. A furthermicrostructured material described in United Kingdom PatentApplication No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) is constructed using a stack of conducting elements which comprise a single spiral shapedconductor 34 asillustrated in FIGS.3(a)and 3(b). It is also suggested that in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) that the magnetic permeability of the structuredmaterialcouldhe made to be switchableby incorporating an non-linear dielectric medium, such as Barium StrontiumTitanate(BST) or other ferroelectric material, into the structure. The magnetic permeability of the structure isswitched by changing the permittivity of the ferroelectric material by applying anelectricfield across the ferroelectric material. It is suggested thatthe ferroelectric material could be incorporated between the cylindrical tubesof each capacitive element (FIG. 1(b)) or between eachof the concentric rings in a radial direction (FIG. 2(a)). The inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, suchas BST, decreases the resonant frequencyof the structureby a factor of more than 30 times.To increase the resonant frequency to a selected value to obtain the desired magneticpermeability at a given frequencyrequires theself capacitanceof eachcapacitiveelement to be reducedby the samefactor. When it is intendedthat the structured magnetic material is tooperate at microwave frequency, that is inthe GHzregion, this would require a structure composedof capacitive elements which were impractical to fabricate. To overcome this problemit isproposed in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485(International Patent ApplicationNo.WO 00/41270) that the structure comprises an array of single, rather than concentric, cylindrical tubeseach ofwhich has two gaps running in an axial direction. A ferroelectric is providedinthe gaps and the magnetic permeability switched by changing thepermeability of the ferroelectric material using anelectrical static switchable electricfield. Although sucha structured material is capable of operation atmicrowave frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive elements sufficiently small for operation at radio frequencies in the MHz region. Furthermore evenfor microwave operation the construction of such a structured material is difficult and expensive.The present invention has arisen in an endeavour to provide a structured material having a magnetic permeability which canbe switchedbetween selected values at a selected wavelength of operation,which can bereadily fabricated and whichis suitable foroperation at radio frequencies (MHz). According to the present inventionthere is provided a structure withswitchable magnetic properties comprising anarray of capacitive elements in which each capacitiveelement includes a low resistance conducting path and is such that a magneticcomponent of electromagnetic radiation lying within a predetermined frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around said path and through said associated element and wherein the size of the elements and their spacing apartare selected such asto provide a predetermined permeability inresponseto saidreceived electromagneticradiation, characterised in that eachcapacitive element comprisesa plurality of stacked planar sections each of which comprises at least two concentric spiral conducting members which are electrically insulated from each other and which have aswitchable permittivity material therebetween. The magnetic permeability of the structurecanbe readilyswitched to a selected value byapplying a static electric field across the switchable permittivity material. This is conveniently achieved byapplying a dc voltage between the conducting spiralmembers of each capacitive element. Inthe context of this patent application the term spiral is to be construed broadly and is not restricted to a plane curve which is traced about a fixed point from which it continuously recedes. The term includes any unclosedloop of more thanone turn which recedes away from a centre point. Assuch the term encompasses spirals which are square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms. Preferably thespirals are substantially circular in form. Alternatively they are square orrectangular in form. Advantageously the switchable permittivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, preferably Barium Strontium Titanate. Alternatively it can comprise aliquidcrystal. Preferably the capacitiveelements are arranged on a square array. Advantageously alternatespiral conducting members in a given row unwind in an opposite sense. With such
|
_This_ invention relates to a structure with switchable magnetic properties. In certain applications it _is_ advantageous if the _magnetic_ _permeability_ of a material can be tailored _for_ that application at least within a specified _frequency_ range and _more_ especially if its magnetic permeability could _be_ switched between selected values. In our co-pending UK _Patent_ Application No. 2346485 (International Patent Application No. WO 00/41270) and in _a_ publication _entitled_ Magnetism from Conductors and Enhanced Non-Linear _Phenomena,_ IEEE _Transaction_ on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 1999, _47,_ 2075-2084, _J_ B Pendry, A J Holden, D J Robbins and W J Stewart, a structured material is disclosed which exhibits a magnetic permeability _at_ a selected frequency, typically a microwave frequency (GHz). _The_ content of these documents is hereby _incorporated_ _by_ way of reference thereto. The _structured_ _material_ described in these documents _comprises_ an array of capacitive elements which _include_ a _low_ resistance electrically conducting path and in which the elements _are_ arranged such that a magnetic component of electromagnetic radiation within a _selected_ frequency band induces an electrical current to flow around _the_ path and through _the_ associated element. The size of the elements _and_ their _spacing_ are selected such as to provide _a_ selected magnetic permeability in _response_ to the electromagnetic radiation. Such a structure allows _a_ material to _be_ fabricated which is _designed_ to _have_ a selected fixed magnetic permeability for _a_ selected frequency of electromagnetic radiation. As shown in FIGS. _1(a)_ and _(b)_ one such structured material 2 comprises an array of capacitive elements 4 each of which consists of _two_ concentric metallic electrically _conducting_ cylindrical _tubes:_ an outer cylindrical _tube_ 6 and an inner cylindrical tube _8._ Both _tubes_ 6, 8 have a longitudinal (i.e running in _an_ axial direction) gap 10 and the two gaps 10 are offset from _each_ other by 180xc2x0. The _elements_ 4 _are_ arranged in a regular square array and are positioned on centres at _a_ distance a apart. _The_ outer _tube_ 6 has a radius r and the _inner_ 8 and outer 6 cylindrical tubes are separated by a distance d. The _gap_ 10 _prevents_ the flow of dc electrical current around _either_ of _the_ cylinders _6,_ 8. However the self capacitance between the two cylindrical tubes 6, _8_ allows an ac current, j, to flow when the material is subjected to electromagnetic _radiation_ 12 having a magnetic field component H _which_ _is_ _parallel_ to _the_ axis of the tubes _6,_ 8. It _is_ shown that such a structure has an effective magnetic permeability xcexceff (xcfx89) which is given by: _μ_ eff _(_ _ω_ _)_ = 1 _-_ [ π __ xe2x80x83 r 2 a 2 1 _+_ 2 σ xe2x80x83 i ω xe2x80x83 _r_ μ 0 - _3_ _dc_ 0 2 π 2 _ω_ _2_ r _3_ ] Eq . xe2x80x83 1 in _which_ xcfx89 _is_ _the_ _angular_ frequency, _"sgr"_ the resistivity of the cylindrical _tubes,_ i the {square root over (xe2x88x921)} and c0 the velocity of light. From Eq. 1 _it_ _can_ be seen that by _appropriate_ selection of the _size_ r and spacing _a_ of the cylindrical tubes a structure having _a_ selected _magnetic_ permeability at a given frequency xcfx89 can be obtained. For ease of fabrication it proposed in UK _Patent_ _Application_ _No._ 2346485 (International Patent _Application_ No. WO 00/41270) to _construct_ each capacitive element 4 _in_ the _form_ of a stack of _concentric_ split _rings_ 26, 28 as shown _in_ _FIGS._ _2(a)_ and 2(b). _A_ stack of such rings is shown to be equivalent to the concentric cylindrical tubes described above and _has_ a _magnetic_ permeability _given_ by: μ _eff_ _(_ ω ) = 1 - [ _π_ xe2x80x83 r 1 2 a 2 1 + _2_ __ l σ 1 ω xe2x80x83 r 1 _μ_ 0 i - 3 lc 0 2 πω 2 r 1 3 ln _[_ _xe2x80x83_ _2_ __ _c_ _1_ d 1 ] ] Eq . xe2x80x83 _2_ where r1 is the _inside_ radius of _the_ inner ring 28, a the _lattice_ _spacing_ of the rings, l the separation between the rings in a given column in an axial direction, d1 _the_ separation between the rings in a radial _direction,_ c1 _the_ width _of_ each ring in a _radial_ _direction_ _and_ "sgr"1 _the_ resistance per unit length of each ring. A further microstructured material described in United Kingdom _Patent_ Application No. 2346485 _(International_ Patent Application _No._ WO 00/41270) is constructed using a stack of _conducting_ elements which comprise a single spiral shaped conductor 34 _as_ illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and _3(b)._ It is also _suggested_ that in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International _Patent_ Application No. WO _00/41270)_ that the _magnetic_ permeability of the _structured_ _material_ could he made to be switchable by _incorporating_ an non-linear dielectric medium, such as Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) or other ferroelectric material, _into_ the structure. The _magnetic_ permeability of the structure is switched _by_ _changing_ _the_ permittivity of the _ferroelectric_ material by _applying_ an _electric_ field _across_ _the_ ferroelectric material. It is suggested that the ferroelectric material could _be_ incorporated between the cylindrical tubes of each capacitive element _(FIG._ 1(b)) or _between_ each _of_ the concentric rings in a radial direction (FIG. 2(a)). The inclusion however of a ferroelectric material, such _as_ BST, decreases the resonant frequency of the structure _by_ a factor _of_ more than 30 _times._ To increase _the_ resonant frequency to a selected value to obtain _the_ desired magnetic permeability at a given frequency requires the _self_ capacitance _of_ each capacitive element to be _reduced_ by _the_ _same_ factor. When it is intended that the structured _magnetic_ material _is_ _to_ operate at microwave frequency, _that_ is in the GHz _region,_ this would require a structure _composed_ of capacitive _elements_ which were impractical to fabricate. To overcome this problem it is proposed in United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2346485 (International _Patent_ Application _No._ WO 00/41270) that the structure comprises an array of single, rather than concentric, _cylindrical_ tubes each of which has two _gaps_ running in an _axial_ direction. _A_ ferroelectric _is_ provided in _the_ _gaps_ and the magnetic permeability switched by changing the _permeability_ of the ferroelectric material using _an_ electrical _static_ _switchable_ electric field. Although such _a_ structured material is _capable_ of _operation_ _at_ _microwave_ frequencies it is impractical to fabricate capacitive _elements_ sufficiently small for _operation_ at _radio_ frequencies in the MHz region. _Furthermore_ even for microwave operation the construction _of_ such a structured material _is_ difficult and expensive. The present invention _has_ arisen _in_ an endeavour _to_ provide a structured material having a _magnetic_ _permeability_ which can be _switched_ between selected _values_ at a selected wavelength _of_ operation, which can be readily fabricated and which is suitable for _operation_ at _radio_ frequencies _(MHz)._ _According_ to the _present_ invention there is provided a _structure_ _with_ switchable magnetic properties comprising an array of capacitive elements in which _each_ capacitive element includes _a_ low resistance conducting path and is _such_ that a magnetic component of _electromagnetic_ _radiation_ lying within _a_ _predetermined_ frequency band induces _an_ electrical current to flow around _said_ path _and_ through said associated element and wherein the _size_ _of_ _the_ elements and their spacing _apart_ are selected _such_ as to provide a _predetermined_ permeability in response to said received electromagnetic radiation, characterised in that each capacitive _element_ comprises a plurality of _stacked_ planar sections each of which comprises at _least_ two concentric spiral conducting members _which_ are electrically _insulated_ from _each_ other and _which_ have a switchable _permittivity_ _material_ therebetween. The magnetic permeability _of_ the structure can _be_ readily switched to _a_ selected value by _applying_ a static electric _field_ across the switchable permittivity _material._ This is conveniently achieved by _applying_ a dc voltage between the conducting spiral members of each capacitive element. _In_ the context of this patent application the term spiral is to be _construed_ broadly and _is_ not restricted _to_ _a_ plane _curve_ _which_ _is_ traced about _a_ fixed point from _which_ it continuously recedes. The term includes any unclosed loop of _more_ _than_ one turn _which_ recedes away from _a_ centre point. As such the _term_ encompasses spirals which _are_ square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or have other geometric forms. Preferably the spirals are _substantially_ circular in form. Alternatively they _are_ square or rectangular _in_ _form._ Advantageously the switchable permittivity material comprises a ferroelectric material, _preferably_ Barium Strontium Titanate. Alternatively it can comprise a liquid crystal. Preferably the capacitive elements _are_ arranged on a square array. _Advantageously_ _alternate_ spiral _conducting_ members in a given row unwind in _an_ opposite sense. _With_ such
|
An inverter is a device for converting a direct current into an alternating current (a sine wave of 220V and 50 Hz in general), which includes an inverter unit, a filtering unit, a control unit, a converging unit, a booster unit, a communication unit, a switch fitting and other components, thereby achieving the objective to convert the direct current into the alternating current in coordination with all components.
A common inverter mainly includes a combined inverter and an integrated inverter. With the more and more requirements for a distributed power station, the combined inverter plays a more and more important role in the distributed power station. The combined inverter has advantages such as a wide voltage range from 250V to 800V, flexible component configuration, a small volume, light weight, convenient transportation, easy installation, small floor space, therefore, construction difficult of the combined inverter in various applications is low, and the combined inverter can be installed without a lifting apparatus.
However, as the power of the combined inverter is increased, the weight of the combined inverter becomes heavier and heavier, and the advantages of the combined inverter such as the flexible installation and convenient transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and transportation in the construction site, and reduces applicability of the combined inverter having high power.
In view of the disadvantages of the combined inverter described above, it is urgent to provide a combined inverter which can achieve flexible installation and transportation.
|
an inverter is a device for converting a direct current into an alternating current ( a sine wave of 220v and 50 hz in general ), and includes an inverter unit, a filtering generator, a control unit, a converging unit, a booster unit, a communication unit, a switch fitting and other components, thereby achieving the objective to convert the direct current into the ground current in coordination with all components. a common inverter mainly uses a combined inverter and an integrated inverter. with the more and more requirements for a distributed power station, the combined inverter plays a more and more important role in the distributed power station. the combined inverter has advantages such as unusually wide voltage range from 250v to 800v, flexible component configuration, a small volume, light weight, convenient transportation, easy installation, small floor space, therefore, construction difficult of the combined inverter having various applications is low, and the combined inverter can be installed without a lifting apparatus. however, as the power of the combined inverter is reduced, the weight of the combined inverter becomes heavier or heavier, and the advantages of the combined inverter used as the flexible installation and convenient transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and installation in the construction site, and reduces applicability of the combined inverter having high power. in view of the disadvantages of the combined inverter described above, it is urgent to provide a combined inverter which can achieve flexible installation and transportation.
|
An inverter is a device for converting a direct current into an alternating cueren6 (a sine wave of 220V and 50 Hz in generwo ), which includes an inverter unit, a filtering unit, a control unit, a converging unit, a booster unit, a communication unit, a switch fitting and other components, thereby achieving the objective to foBvert the direct current into the alternating current in cootdinaGion with all components. A common &nv3rter mainly includes a combined inverter and an integrated inverter. With the more and more requirements for a distributed power station, the combined iHverte% plays a more and more i<poTtant role in the distributed power station. The combined inverter has advantages such as a wide vol^ag# range from 250V to (00d, flexible component configuration, a small volume, light weight, convenient transportation, easy installation, small floor space, therefore, construction fiTficult of the combined inverter in various applications is low, and the combined inverter can be installed without a lifting apparatus. However, as the power of the combined inverter is increased, the weight of the combined inverter becomes heavier and heavier, and the advantages of the combined inverter such as the flexible installation and convenient transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and transportation in the construction site, and reduces applicability of the combined inverter having high power. In view of the disadvantages of the combined inverter described above, it is urgent to provide a combined inverter which can achieve flexible installation and transportation.
|
An inverter a device for converting a direct current into an alternating current (a sine wave of 220V and 50 Hz in general), which includes an inverter unit, a filtering unit, a unit, a converging unit, a booster unit, a communication unit, a switch fitting and components, thereby achieving the objective to convert the direct current into the current in coordination with all components. A common inverter mainly includes a combined inverter and an integrated inverter. With the more and more requirements for a distributed power the combined inverter plays a more and more important role in the distributed power station. The combined inverter has such as a wide range from 250V to 800V, flexible component a small volume, weight, convenient transportation, easy installation, small floor space, therefore, construction difficult the inverter in various applications is low, and the combined inverter installed without a lifting apparatus. However, as the the inverter is increased, the weight of the combined inverter becomes and heavier, and the advantages of the inverter such as the flexible installation and transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and transportation in the construction site, reduces applicability of the combined inverter having high power. In view of the disadvantages of combined inverter described above, is urgent to provide a combined which can achieve flexible installation and
|
An iNVerTEr Is a deVicE fOR COnVErting a DiREcT cuRrENt iNTO AN alterNaTiNg CURreNT (a SiNe wAve of 220V aNd 50 HZ In geNERal), wHiCH INcluDeS an iNveRTEr UNiT, A FILTERIng UnIT, a CONtRoL UNiT, A cOnVeRGINg uNiT, a booster uniT, a CommUNiCAtIOn uNit, a sWITcH FiTtINg anD othEr ComponEnTS, THEreBy AchiEvinG tHE ObjeCtIVe TO ConVERT THE direCt cURrENt INto tHE aLTerNatiNg cuRrenT in coORdInatIon wItH aLL COmPOnENTS.
a cOmmon iNVErTeR maiNLy INcLuDes a cOmBInED INvErtER anD An intEgratED inVErtEr. With THe mORE ANd morE REQuIremeNTS foR a diSTributED PoWer STAtioN, tHE cOMbIned inVERteR PlAYS A mORE And mORE IMpORtaNT ROLE IN THe dISTRIbUTed POwer staTioN. tHe COmBINEd inVErTER has advaNTAGes SucH As a wIDe VolTAgE raNge fRom 250V To 800V, fLeXible cOMPoNenT ConFIgurATIon, A SmALl VOLuME, LIghT WEIGhT, CoNVEnienT transportation, Easy iNSTALlatIoN, sMAll fLoOR SPACE, tHereFOre, cOnstrUctIon DIFFIcULT of ThE CoMBinEd INVErter In varIOus APPliCatIons is lOw, anD the coMBIned inVerTeR cAN BE inSTALLeD wITHOUt a LIFtiNG APParAtUs.
hOwEVer, As THe powEr OF THe coMbiNEd inVERTEr iS InCrEAseD, thE weIGht Of ThE cOmbineD INVeRTEr BECOMeS HEAvieR anD HEAviEr, anD tHe AdVAnTAGeS OF The CombIned INverteR such As THE FlexibLE INSTAlLAtioN and ConVEniENT TRanSPOrTatiON Are dIMINISheD, WHICH DOeS NOt fACilItAte InSTaLlATIon AnD tRAnspOrtATion in tHE cOnStRUction SiTE, ANd ReDuCes AppLICABiLITY Of tHe ComBINed INVerTEr haVing High poWEr.
in vieW oF ThE DIsAdvANtaGes of thE COmBinEd InVErter dESCribED ABOvE, it iS UrGEnt TO PrOViDE A combinED INvERtER WhiCH CAN ACHIEve flexIbLe InsTaLLaTIon aNd tranSportATIon.
|
An inverter is a device for converting a direct current into an alternating current (a sine waveof 220Vand 50 Hz in general), which includes aninverter unit, a filtering unit,a control unit, a converging unit, aboosterunit, a communication unit, aswitch fitting and other components, thereby achieving the objective to convert the direct currentinto the alternating current incoordination with all components. A common invertermainly includes acombined inverter and an integrated inverter. With the moreand more requirements for a distributed power station, thecombined inverter plays a more and more important role in the distributed power station.The combined inverter has advantages such as awide voltage range from 250V to 800V, flexible component configuration,a small volume,light weight, convenient transportation,easy installation, small floorspace, therefore, construction difficult of the combined inverter in various applications is low, and the combined inverter can beinstalled without a lifting apparatus. However, as the power of the combined inverter is increased, theweight of the combinedinverter becomes heavier andheavier, and theadvantages of the combined inverter such as the flexible installation andconvenient transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and transportation in the construction site, and reduces applicability of thecombinedinverter having high power. In viewofthe disadvantages of the combined inverter described above, it is urgent to provide a combined inverter which can achieve flexible installation and transportation.
|
An inverter is _a_ _device_ for converting a _direct_ current into an alternating current _(a_ sine _wave_ of 220V and 50 Hz in general), _which_ includes an inverter unit, a filtering unit, a control unit, a converging _unit,_ a booster unit, a communication _unit,_ a switch fitting and other components, thereby achieving the objective to convert _the_ direct current into the alternating current in _coordination_ with all components. A common inverter _mainly_ includes a combined inverter _and_ an integrated _inverter._ With the _more_ and more requirements for a distributed power station, _the_ combined _inverter_ _plays_ a more and more important role in the distributed power station. The combined inverter has advantages such as a wide voltage range from 250V to 800V, flexible component configuration, _a_ small volume, light weight, _convenient_ _transportation,_ easy installation, _small_ _floor_ _space,_ therefore, construction _difficult_ of _the_ _combined_ _inverter_ _in_ various applications is low, and the _combined_ inverter _can_ _be_ installed without a lifting _apparatus._ However, as _the_ power of the combined inverter is increased, the weight _of_ the _combined_ inverter becomes heavier and heavier, and the advantages of _the_ _combined_ inverter such _as_ the flexible _installation_ and _convenient_ transportation are diminished, which does not facilitate installation and _transportation_ in _the_ construction site, and reduces applicability of the combined inverter having high power. _In_ _view_ of the disadvantages of the combined inverter described _above,_ _it_ _is_ urgent to provide a _combined_ _inverter_ which can achieve flexible installation _and_ _transportation._
|
As compared to conventional cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) primarily used for realizing moving images, LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) have a drawback, so-called motion blur, which is the blurring of outline of a movement portion perceived by a viewer when displaying an image with movement. It is suggested that this motion blur arises from the LCD display mode itself (see, e.g., patent document 1 and non-patent document 1).
Since fluorescent material is scanned by an electron beam to cause emission of light for display in CRTs, the light emission of pixels is basically impulse-like although slight afterglow of the fluorescent material exists. This is called an impulse-type display mode. On the other hand, in the case of LCDs, an electric charge is accumulated by applying an electric field to liquid crystal and is retained at a relatively high rate until the next time the electric field is applied. Especially, in the case of the TFT mode, since a TFT switch is provided for each dot configuring a pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary capacity, the ability to retain the accumulated electric charge is extremely high. Therefore, the light emission is continued until the pixels are rewritten by the application of the electric field based on image information of the next frame or field (hereinafter, represented by the frame). This is called a hold-type display mode.
Since the impulse response of the image displaying light has a temporal spread in the above hold-type display mode, temporal frequency characteristics are deteriorated along with spatial frequency characteristics, resulting in the motion blur. That is, since the human eye can smoothly follow a moving object, if the light emission time is long as in the case of the hold type, movement of image seems jerky and unnatural due to a time integration effect.
To improve the motion blur in the above hold-type display mode, a frame rate (number of frames) is converted by interpolating an image between frames in a known technology. This technology is called FRC (Frame Rate Converter) and is put to practical use in liquid crystal display devices, etc.
Conventionally known methods of converting the frame rate include various techniques such as simply repeating read-out of the same frame for a plurality of times and frame interpolation using linear interpolation between frames (see, e.g., non-patent document 2). However, in the case of the frame interpolation process using the linear interpolation between frames, unnaturalness of motion (jerkiness, judder) is generated due to the frame rate conversion, and the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold-type display mode cannot sufficiently be improved, resulting in inadequate image quality.
To eliminate effects of the jerkiness, etc., and improve quality of moving images, a motion-compensated frame interpolation (motion compensation) process using motion vectors has been proposed. In this motion compensation process, since a moving image itself is captured and compensated, highly natural moving images can be acquired without deteriorating the resolution and generating the jerkiness. Since interpolation image signals are generated with motion compensation, the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold-type display mode can sufficiently be improved.
Above patent document 1 discloses a technology of motion-adaptively generating interpolation frames to increase a frame frequency of a display image for improving deterioration of spatial frequency characteristics causing the motion blur. In this case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between frames of a display image is motion-adaptively created from the previous and subsequent frames, and the created interpolation image signals are interpolated between the frames and are sequentially displayed.
FIG. 44 is a block diagram of an outline configuration of an FRC drive display circuit in a conventional liquid crystal display device and, in FIG. 44, the FRC drive display circuit includes an FRC portion 100 that converts the number of frames of the input image signal by interpolating the image signals subjected to the motion compensation process between frames of the input video signal, an active-matrix liquid crystal display panel 103 having a liquid crystal layer and an electrode for applying the scan signal and the data signal to the liquid crystal layer, and an electrode driving portion 104 for driving a scan electrode and a data electrode of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the image signal subjected to the frame rate conversion by the FRC portion 100.
The FRC portion 100 includes a motion vector detecting portion 101 that detects motion vector information from the input image signal and an interpolation frame generating portion 102 that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information acquired by the motion vector detecting portion 101.
In the above configuration, for example, the motion vector detecting portion 101 may obtain the motion vector information with the use of a block matching method, a gradient method, etc., or if the motion vector information is included in the input image signal in some form, this information may be utilized. For example, the image data compression-encoded with the use of the MPEG format includes motion vector information of a moving image calculated at the time of encoding, and this motion vector information may be acquired.
FIG. 45 is a view for explaining a frame rate conversion process by the conventional FRC drive display circuit shown in FIG. 44. The FRC portion 100 generates interpolation frames (gray-colored images in FIG. 45) between frames with the motion compensation using the motion vector information output from the motion vector detecting portion 101 and sequentially outputs the generated interpolation frame signals along with the input frame signals to perform a process of converting the frame rate of the input image signal from 60 frames per second (60 Hz) to 120 frames per second (120 Hz).
FIG. 46 is a view for explaining an interpolation frame generation process of the motion vector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame generating portion 102. The motion vector detecting portion 101 uses the gradient method to detect a motion vector 105 from, for example, a frame #1 and a frame #2 shown in FIG. 45. That is, the motion vector detecting portion 101 obtains the motion vector 105 by measuring a direction and an amount of movement in 1/60 second between the frame #1 and the frame #2. The interpolation frame generating portion 102 then uses the obtained motion vector 105 to allocate an interpolation vector 106 between the frame #1 and the frame #2. An interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object (in this case, an automobile) from a position of the frame #1 to a position after 1/120 second based on the interpolation vector 106.
By performing the motion-compensated frame interpolation process with the use of the motion vector information to increase a display frame frequency in this way, the display state of the LCD (the hold-type display mode) can be made closer to the display state of the CRT (the impulse-type display mode) and the image quality deterioration can be improved which is due to the motion blur generated when displaying a moving image.
In the motion-compensated frame interpolation process, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for the motion compensation. For example, the block matching method, the gradient method, etc., are proposed as representative techniques for the motion vector detection. In the gradient method, the motion vector is detected for each pixel or small block between two consecutive frames and this is used to interpolate each pixel or small block of the interpolation frame between two frames. That is, an image at an arbitrary position between two frames is interpolated at an accurately compensated position to convert the number of frames.
Patent Document 1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 3295437
Non-Patent Document 1: Ishiguro Hidekazu and Kurita Taiichiro, “Consideration on Motion Picture Quality of the Hold Type Display with an octuple-rate CRT”, IEICE Technical Report, Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, ETD96-4 (1996-06), p. 19-26
Non-Patent Document 2: Yamauchi Tatsuro, “TV Standards Conversion”, Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers of Japan, Vol. 45, No. 12, pp. 1534-1543 (1991)
|
as compared to conventional cathode - ray tubes ( crts ) primarily used for realizing 2d images, lcds ( liquid crystal displays ) have a drawback, so - called motion blur, which is the repetition of outline of a movement portion perceived by a viewer when displaying an image with movement. it is suggested that this motion blur arises from the lcd display mode itself ( see, e. g., patent document 1 and non - patent document 1 ). since fluorescent material is scanned by this electron beam to cause emission of light for display in crts, the light emission of pixels is basically impulse - like although slight afterglow of the fluorescent material exists. this is called an impulse - type display mode. on the other hand, in the case of lcds, an electric charge is accumulated by applying an electric jolt to liquid crystal and is retained at a relatively high rate until certain next time the electric field is applied. especially, in the case of the tft mode, since a tft switch is provided for each dot configuring a pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary capacity, the ability to retain the accumulated electric charge is extremely high. therefore, the light emission is continued until the pixels are rewritten by the application of the electric field based on image information of the neighboring frame or field ( hereinafter, represented by the frame ). this is called a hold - type display mode. since the impulse response of the image displaying light has a temporal spread in the above hold - type display mode, temporal frequency characteristics are deteriorated along with spatial frequency characteristics, resulting in the motion blur. that is, since the human eye can smoothly follow a moving object, if the light emission time is long as in the case of a hold type, movement of image seems jerky and unnatural due to a time integration effect. to improve the motion blur in the above hold - type display methods, a frame rate ( number of frames ) is converted by interpolating an image between frames in a known technology. this technology is called frc ( frame rate converter ) and is put to practical use in liquid crystal display devices, etc. presently known methods of converting the frame rate include various techniques such as simply repeating read - out of the same frame combining a plurality of times and frame interpolation using linear interpolation between frames ( see, e. g., non - patent document 2 ). however, in the case of the frame interpolation process using the linear interpolation between frames, unnaturalness of motion ( jerkiness, judder ) is generated due to the frame rate conversion, and the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold - type display mode cannot sufficiently be improved, resulting in inadequate image quality. to eliminate effects of the jerkiness, etc., and improve quality of moving images, a motion - compensated frame interpolation ( motion compensation ) process using motion vectors has been proposed. in this motion compensation process, since a moving image itself is captured and compensated, highly natural moving images can be acquired without deteriorating the resolution and generating the jerkiness. since interpolation image signals are generated with motion compensation, the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold - type display mode can sufficiently be improved. above patent document 1 discloses a technology of motion - adaptively generating interpolation frames to increase a frame frequency of a display image for improving deterioration of spatial frequency characteristics causing the motion blur. in this case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between frames of a display image is motion - adaptively created from the previous and subsequent frames, and the created interpolation image signals are interpolated between the frames and are sequentially displayed. fig. 44 is a block diagram of an outline configuration of an frc drive display circuit in a conventional liquid crystal display device and, in fig. 44, the frc drive display circuit includes an frc portion 100 that converts the number of frames of the input image signal by interpolating the image signals subjected to the motion compensation process between frames of the input video signal, an active - matrix liquid crystal display panel 103 having a liquid crystal layer and an electrode for applying the scan signal and the data signal to the liquid crystal layer, and an electrode driving portion 104 for driving a scan electrode and a data electrode of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the image signal subjected to the frame rate conversion by the frc portion 100. the frc portion 100 includes a motion vector detecting portion 101 that detects motion vector information from the input image signal and an interpolation frame generating portion 102 that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information acquired by the motion vector detecting portion 101. in the above configuration, for example, the motion vector detecting portion 101 may obtain the motion vector information with the use of a block matching method, a gradient method, etc., or if the motion vector information is included in the input image signal in some form, this information may be utilized. for example, the image data compression - encoded with the use of the mpeg format includes motion vector information of a moving image calculated at the time of encoding, and this motion vector information may be acquired. fig. 45 is a view for explaining a frame rate conversion process by the conventional frc drive display circuit shown in fig. 44. the frc portion 100 generates interpolation frames ( gray - colored images in fig. 45 ) between frames with the motion compensation using the motion vector information output from the motion vector detecting portion 101 and sequentially outputs the generated interpolation frame signals along with the input frame signals to perform a process of converting the frame rate of the input image signal from 60 frames per second ( 60 hz ) to 120 frames per second ( 120 hz ). fig. 46 is a view for explaining an interpolation frame generation process of the motion vector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame generating portion 102. the motion vector detecting portion 101 uses the gradient method to detect a motion vector 105 from, for example, a frame # 1 and a frame # 2 shown in fig. 45. that is, the motion vector detecting portion 101 obtains the motion vector 105 by measuring a direction and an amount of movement in 1 / 60 second between the frame # 1 and the frame # 2. the interpolation frame generating portion 102 then uses the obtained motion vector 105 to allocate an interpolation vector 106 between the frame # 1 and the frame # 2. an interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object ( in this case, an automobile ) from a position of the frame # 1 to a position after 1 / 120 second based on the interpolation vector 106. by performing the motion - compensated frame interpolation process with the use of the motion vector information to increase a display frame frequency in this way, the display state of the lcd ( the hold - type display mode ) can be made closer to the display state of the crt ( the impulse - type display mode ) and the image quality deterioration can be improved which is due to the motion blur generated when displaying a moving image. in the motion - compensated frame interpolation process, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for the motion compensation. for example, the block matching method, the gradient method, etc., are proposed as representative techniques for the motion vector detection. in the gradient method, the motion vector is detected for each pixel or small block between two consecutive frames and this is used to interpolate each pixel or small block of the interpolation frame between two frames. that is, an image at an arbitrary position between two frames is interpolated at an accurately compensated position to convert the number of frames. patent document 1 : specification of japanese patent no. 3295437 non - patent document 1 : ishiguro hidekazu and kurita taiichiro, “ consideration on motion picture quality of the hold type display with an octuple - rate crt ”, ieice technical report, institute of electronics, information and communication engineers, etd96 - 4 ( 1996 - 06 ), p. 19 - 26 non - patent document 2 : yamauchi tatsuro, “ tv standards conversion ”, journal of the institute of television engineers of japan, vol. 45, no. 12, pp. 1534 - 1543 ( 1991 )
|
As compared to conventional cathode - ray tubes (CRTs) primarily used for realizing moving images, LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) have a drawback, so - called motion blur, which is the blurrKgg of outline of a movement portion perceived by a viewer when displaying an image with movement. It is suggested that this motion blur arises from the LCD display mode itself (see, e. g. , patent document 1 and non - patent document 1 ). Since fluorescent material is scanned by an electron beam to cause emission of light for display in CRTs, the light emission of pixels is basically impulse - like although slight afterglow of the fluorescent material exists. This is called an impulse - type display mode. On the other hand, in the case of LCDs, an electric charge is accumulated by applying an electric field to liquid crystal and is retained at a relatively high rate until the next time the electric field is applied. Especially, in the case of the TFT mode, since a TFT switch is provided for each dot configuring a pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary capacity, the ability to retain the accumulated electric charge is extremely high. Therefore, the light emission is continued until the pixels are rewritten by the application of the electric field based on image information of the next frame or field (hereinafter, represented by the frame ). This is called a hold - type display mode. Since the impulse response of the image displaying light has a temporal spread in the above hold - type display mode, temporal frequency characteristics are deteriorated along with spatial frequency characteristics, resulting in the motion blur. That is, since the human eye can smoothly follow a moving object, if the light emission time is lIGg as in the case of the hold type, movement of image seems jerky and unnatural due to a time integration effect. To improve the motion blur in the above hold - type display mode, a frame rate (number of frames) is converted by interpolating an image between frames in a known technology. This technology is called FRC (Frame Rate Converter) and is put to practical use in liquid crystal dis9lah devices, etc. Conventionally known methods of converting the frame rate include various techniques such as simply repeating read - out of the same frame for a plurality of times and frame interpolation using linear interpolation between frames (see, e. g. , non - patent document 2 ). However, in the case of the frame interpolation process using the linear interpolation between frames, unnaturalness of motion (jerkiness, judder) is generated due to the frame rate conversion, and the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold - type display mode cannot duEficiently be improved, resulting in inadequate image quality. To eliminate effects of the jerkiness, etc. , and improve quality of moving images, a motion - compensated frame interpolation (motion compensation) process using motion vectors has been proposed. In this motion compensation process, since a moving image itself is captured and compensated, highly natural moving images can be acquired without deteriorating the resolution and generating the jerkiness. Since interpolation image signals are generated with motion compensation, the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold - type display mode can sufficiently be improved. Above patent document 1 discloses a technology of motion - adaptively generating interpolation frames to increase a frame frequency of a display image for improving deterioration of spatial frequency characteristics causing the motion blur. In this case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between frames of a display image is motion - adaptively created from the previous and subsequent frames, and the created interpolation image signals are interpolated between the frames and are sequentially displayed. FIG. 44 is a block diagram of an outline configuration of an FRC drive display circuit in a conventional liquid crystal display device and, in FIG. 44, the FRC drive display circuit includes an FRC portion 100 that converts the number of frames of the input image signal by interpolating the image signals subjected to the motion compensation process between frames of the input video signal, an active - matrix liquid crystal display panel 103 having a liquid crystal layer and an electrode for applying the scan signal and the data signal to the liquid crystal layer, and an electrode driving portion 104 for driving a scan electrode and a data electrode of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the image signal subjected to the frame rate conversion by the FRC portion 100. The FRC portion 100 includes a motion vector detecting portion 101 that detects motion vector information from the input image signal and an interpolation frame generating portion 102 that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information acquired by the motion vector detecting portion 101. In the above configuration, for example, the motion vector detecting portion 101 may obtain the motion vector informagiln with the use of a block matching method, a gradient method, etc. , or if the motion vector information is included in the input image signal in some form, this information may be utilized. For example, the image data compression - encoded with the use of the MPEG format includes motion vector information of a moving image calculated at the time of encoding, and this motion vector information may be acquired. FIG. 45 is a view for explaining a frame rate conversion process by the conventional FRC drive display circuit shown in FIG. 44. The FRC portion 100 generates interpolation frames (gray - colored images in FIG. 45) between frames with the motion compensation using the motion vector information output from the motion vector detecting portion 101 and sequentially outputs the generated interpolation frame signals along with the input frame signals to perform a process of SonverFing the frame rate of the input image signal from 60 frames per second (60 Hz) to 120 frames per second (120 Hz ). FIG. 46 is a view for explaining an interpolation frame generation process of the motion vector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame generating portion 102. The motion vector detecting portion 101 uses the gradient method to d4teDt a motion vector 105 from, for example, a frame # 1 and a frame # 2 shown in FIG. 45. That is, the motion vector detecting portion 101 obtains the motion vector 105 by measuring a direction and an amount of movement in 1 / 60 second between the frame # 1 and the frame # 2. The interpolation frame generating portion 102 then uses the obtained motion vector 105 to allocate an interpolation vector 106 between the frame # 1 and the frame # 2. An interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object (in this case, an automobile) from a position of the frame # 1 to a position after 1 / 120 second based on the interpolation vector 106. By performing the motion - compensated frame interpolation process with the use of the motion vector information to increase a display frame frequency in this way, the display state of the LCD (the hold - type display mode) can be made closer to the display state of the CRT (the impulse - type display mode) and the image quality deterioration can be improved which is due to the motion blur generated when displaying a moving image. In the motion - compensated frame interpolation process, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for the motion compensation. For example, the block matching method, the gradient method, etc. , are proposed as representative techniques for the motion vector detection. In the gradient meth8S, the motion vector is detected for each pixel or small block between two consecutive frames and this is used to interpolate each pixel or small block of the interpolation frame between two frames. That is, an 7mZge at an arbitrary position between two frames is interpolated at an accurately compensated position to convert the number of frames. Patent Document 1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 3295437 Non - Patent Document 1: Ishiguro Hidekazu and Kurita Taiichiro, “ Consideration on Motion Picture Quality of the Hold Type Display with an octuple - rate CRT ”, IEICE Technical Report, Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, ETD96 - 4 (1996 - 06 ), p. 19 - 26 Non - PatRn$ Document 2: Yamauchi Tatsuro, “ TV Standards Conversion ”, Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers of Japan, Vol. 45, No. 12, pp. 1534 - 1543 (1991 )
|
As compared to conventional cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) primarily used for realizing moving images, LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) have a drawback, so-called motion blur, which is the blurring of outline of a movement portion perceived a viewer when an image with It is that this motion blur from the LCD display mode itself (see, e.g., patent document 1 and non-patent document 1). Since fluorescent material is by an electron beam to cause emission light for display in CRTs, the light emission pixels is basically impulse-like although slight afterglow of the fluorescent material exists. This called an impulse-type display mode. On the other hand, in the case of LCDs, an electric charge is accumulated by applying an electric field to liquid crystal and is retained at a relatively high rate until the next time field is applied. Especially, in the of the TFT mode, since a TFT switch is provided for dot configuring a pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary capacity, the ability to retain the accumulated electric charge is extremely high. Therefore, the light emission is continued until the pixels are the application of the electric field based on image information of the next frame or field (hereinafter, represented by the frame). This is called a hold-type display mode. Since impulse of the image light has a temporal spread in the above hold-type display mode, temporal frequency characteristics are deteriorated along with spatial frequency characteristics, resulting in the motion blur. That is, since the human eye can smoothly follow a moving the emission time is long as in the case of the hold movement of seems jerky and unnatural to a time integration effect. To improve the blur in the above hold-type display mode, a frame rate (number frames) is converted by interpolating an between in a known technology. This technology is called FRC (Frame Rate Converter) and put to practical use in liquid crystal display devices, etc. Conventionally known methods of converting frame include various techniques such as simply repeating read-out of the same frame for a plurality of times interpolation using linear interpolation between (see, e.g., non-patent document 2). However, in the case of the interpolation using the linear interpolation between frames, unnaturalness of motion (jerkiness, judder) is generated to the frame rate conversion, and the blur disturbance due to the above hold-type display mode cannot sufficiently improved, resulting in inadequate image quality. To eliminate effects of the etc., and improve quality of moving images, a motion-compensated interpolation (motion compensation) using motion vectors has been proposed. In this compensation process, since a image itself is captured and compensated, highly natural moving images can be acquired without the resolution the jerkiness. Since interpolation image signals generated with motion compensation, the motion blur disturbance due to the hold-type display mode can sufficiently be improved. Above patent document 1 technology of motion-adaptively generating interpolation frames to increase a frame frequency of a display image for improving deterioration of spatial frequency characteristics causing the blur. In case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between a display image is motion-adaptively created from the previous and subsequent frames, and the created interpolation image signals are between the frames and are sequentially displayed. FIG. 44 is a block diagram of an outline configuration of an drive display circuit in a conventional crystal display device and, FIG. 44, the FRC circuit includes an FRC portion 100 that converts the number of of the image signal by interpolating the image to the motion compensation between frames of the input video signal, an active-matrix liquid crystal display panel 103 having a liquid crystal and an electrode applying the scan signal the data signal to the liquid crystal layer, and an electrode driving portion 104 for driving a scan electrode and a data of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the image signal subjected to the frame rate conversion by the FRC portion 100. The FRC portion 100 includes a motion vector portion 101 detects motion information from the input image signal and an interpolation frame generating portion 102 that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information acquired by the motion vector detecting 101. In the above configuration, for example, the vector detecting 101 may obtain the motion vector information with the use of block matching method, gradient method, etc., or if the motion vector information is included the input signal in some form, this information may be utilized. For example, the image data compression-encoded the of the MPEG format includes motion vector information of a moving image calculated at the time of encoding, and this motion vector information may be acquired. 45 is a view for explaining a frame conversion process by the conventional FRC drive display circuit shown in FIG. 44. The FRC portion 100 generates interpolation frames (gray-colored images FIG. 45) between frames with the motion compensation using the motion vector information output from motion vector and sequentially outputs the generated interpolation frame signals along with the input frame signals to a process of converting the frame rate of the image signal from 60 frames per second (60 to 120 frames per second (120 Hz). FIG. 46 is a view for explaining an interpolation frame generation process of the motion vector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame generating portion 102. The vector detecting portion 101 the gradient method to detect a vector 105 from, a frame and a frame #2 shown in FIG. That is, the motion vector detecting portion 101 obtains the vector 105 by measuring a direction and amount of movement in 1/60 second the frame #1 and frame #2. The interpolation frame 102 then uses the obtained motion vector 105 allocate an interpolation vector 106 between frame #1 and the frame An interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object (in this an automobile) a position of the frame #1 to a position after 1/120 second based on the interpolation vector By performing the motion-compensated frame interpolation process the use of motion vector information to increase a display frame frequency in way, display of the LCD (the display mode) be made to the display state of the CRT (the impulse-type display mode) and the image quality deterioration can be improved which is due to the motion blur when displaying a moving image. In the motion-compensated frame interpolation process, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for the motion compensation. example, the block method, the gradient method, etc., are proposed as representative techniques for the motion vector detection. In the gradient method, the motion vector detected for each pixel or block between consecutive frames and this is used to interpolate each pixel or small block of the frame between two frames. That is, an image at an arbitrary between two frames is interpolated an accurately position to convert the number of frames. Patent 1: Specification of Japanese Patent 3295437 Non-Patent Document 1: Ishiguro Hidekazu and Kurita Taiichiro, “Consideration on Motion Picture Quality of the Hold Type Display with an octuple-rate CRT”, IEICE Technical Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, ETD96-4 (1996-06), p. 19-26 Non-Patent 2: Yamauchi Tatsuro, “TV Standards Conversion”, Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers of Japan, Vol. 45, No. 12, pp. 1534-1543 (1991)
|
AS COmPARED TO cONVenTiOnAL CatHoDE-RAY tuBEs (CRtS) PRiMArILy uSEd for rEalIziNg MOVIng ImAGeS, lCds (lIqUID crYStal DisplAys) HaVe a DraWBACK, so-caLLED mOTIoN blUR, wHiCh is the BLURRiNg Of ouTLiNe OF a moVemENT PoRtIon peRcEIVed BY A VIeWER wHen dISpLAying an Image wIth MoVemeNt. IT IS sUGgEStED ThaT ThiS motIOn bLur AriSes FROm THE Lcd DISplaY ModE ITsELf (SEE, e.g., PaTENt DOCuMEnT 1 and Non-patENT DocuMeNt 1).
SinCe fLuoReScENt MatEriaL IS sCannED bY An ELeCTrON bEam To cAusE EmiSsION Of LIGHt FoR DISplAy IN crTs, tHE LiGHt eMiSsIoN oF PiXELs iS BASIcALLy IMPuLSe-Like ALtHougH sligHt aFTErGLow Of THE fLUoREScEnt MaTeRiAL EXISts. This iS caLleD aN IMPuLSE-TYpE DISPLay MoDE. on the otHer haNd, iN THe CAsE OF lcDS, aN EleCTRic CHARGe IS ACCUMulATEd by AppLyInG An ELeCTric FIeld to LIquID CrYsTAL ANd IS RetaiNED aT A relATIvElY HIgH RatE unTIl thE NeXt Time the ElecTRiC FIeLd is AppLieD. espECIALLY, In the cASE Of The tFt MoDE, SINCE a TFT SwItch iS PRoVidEd FOR each dot COnfigUrinG a pIxeL aND EaCH pIXEL NormALLY haS an auXILiary CaPacitY, The AbIlITY TO rEtaIN THE aCcuMuLAted ELeCTriC CharGe is ExTremEly hIgH. tHERefORe, The lIGHT emisSIoN Is COntINuED UnTil THe pIXeLs ARe rewrItTEN By THE apPlIcATIon of tHe ELectric FiELD BasED On iMagE INfOrmatioN of tHe NExT fRame Or fIElD (HEreinaFTeR, RepresEntEd BY The FRamE). tHiS IS CaLled a HolD-tYpE DIspLAy ModE.
siNcE The IMPuLsE reSPonSE OF THE IMAGE DISPlaYINg LiGHt HAs a teMPoRal SpReAd IN ThE aBOvE hoLd-typE DisplaY mOdE, tEMpOral freQueNcy chARaCTerIStIcs Are deTErIOrATeD ALonG witH SPatiAl fReQUEncy ChARacTERIstiCs, rEsultInG iN thE MOtiON bLUR. tHAT Is, SinCE tHE HUman EYE CAn SMooTHlY foLLOw a MoVing ObJECT, iF The LighT emISSIon time IS lonG as in tHe CASe OF tHe hold TYpe, MOvEMent oF image sEeMs JeRky aNd unNAtuRAl DUe TO A tiMe inTegraTion efFECt.
To IMPROvE ThE MoTioN BLuR iN THe ABOVE hold-TYpE disPlAY moDe, A FRame RaTE (NuMBeR Of FRAmeS) Is cONveRteD BY InterPolAtINg aN IMage BETWEen FRAmES iN a KnowN teChnOLoGY. ThiS TeChNoloGy iS cAllEd Frc (fRAmE RAtE cOnVErTer) And iS Put TO PraCTICAl uSe iN LIQUId CrysTAl DISpLAY DeviceS, Etc.
conVentiOnAlLy KnOWn MEthOdS oF cOnvERTInG The FraMe RaTe iNCLUdE VARiOuS TECHNIQUes sUch aS sImPLY REPEAtiNG rEaD-OuT oF ThE SAmE FRame foR A PlurAlitY OF tIMEs anD FRAMe interpOLAtioN USing LInEar IntErpOLaTIoN bEtWeEN fRaMEs (sEe, e.G., NoN-paTENt DOCUMEnt 2). HoweVER, in THE CaSe of The fRaME INterpOlaTiON PrOCESs usiNG tHe lINeaR intERpolaTIOn beTweEN fraMes, uNnaturalnESS of mOTion (jeRkiNeSS, jUddEr) is GeNeRATED dUE To tHE fRAMe RAte coNVERsioN, AnD THE mOtIOn BLUr dISTUrBANce due To THE abOVE HoLD-TYpe dISPLay mode CANNOT SUfFicientlY Be imPrOVED, ResuLting IN INADeQUaTe iMaGE qUAliTY.
TO ElimINate eFFects OF THe JErkInESs, Etc., AnD iMPRoVe QuAlitY of MOVing IMAgeS, a mOtion-CoMPeNSaTED FrAME iNterPOlaTIoN (MOtIon compENsatIOn) prOCESS uSinG MOtion vectOrS has bEen PROpoSED. in THIs moTION comPEnsaTION PROceSs, SincE A MoVInG IMage ItselF iS CAPTURED anD coMpenSatEd, higHly natural mOvIng iMaGeS caN bE ACQuiREd wIThOUt dEterIoratiNg tHe resoLUtIOn aNd GenErATing tHE JErkineSs. since inTERpOLaTiON imAge sIgNALS Are GeNeraTED With mOtiOn ComPEnsatiON, the mOtion BLUr dISTurbANce DUE TO The ABovE HOld-TyPe diSplay mode cAN SUfFiCientLy Be imPRoVED.
aBOve patENT dOCUmENt 1 DIsCLoses a tEChNOLoGy Of motIon-adApTIveLY gENEraTiNG INTERpoLaTioN frAmEs tO InCReASE a FrAmE FreQuENCY Of A DIsPlay IMaGe FoR ImProVing DetEriOrAtION Of SPATIaL frEqUenCy ChArActERistICs CaUSing tHE mOtIoN bLuR. In thIs CasE, at LeaSt oNE iNTeRpolaTioN image signaL iNTERPOLAtEd beTWeeN fRAmEs OF a DisPLAy imAge is motioN-aDaPTIVely crEaTED FrOM THe prEVIoUs And subSEQUeNt fRameS, ANd ThE cReated iNtErPOLATIon imAgE sIGnALs ARE inTERpoLaTeD beTWEeN thE FraMEs And arE seQuEntiALLY dIspLayed.
fig. 44 is A bLock DIAGrAM oF An OUtliNe confiGuRatiOn of an fRC DRiVE DIsPlaY CiRCuIt in a cOnventIonAL LiQUId crysTAL DISPLay DEvicE aNd, iN FiG. 44, tHE fRc DrivE diSplaY CIRCuiT iNcLUdes An FrC pORTIoN 100 thAt cOnVERtS The nuMbeR of FRaMEs of The INput IMaGe SIgNal bY InteRPOlaTiNG thE iMage SigNalS SubJectED to the MoTion coMPEnsAtion proCess beTWEeN fRAMes oF thE InpuT vIdEo siGNaL, an aCtIve-maTRIX lIQUiD crystAL diSplAY PAnel 103 HavINg a LIQUID cRYsTaL LaYER aNd An ELEctRODe FoR ApPlYiNg THE sCan SIgnaL And thE data SiGNaL to tHE LIQuid crysTaL lAYER, anD an electrODe DRIViNG pORtiON 104 fOR DRIvING A scan EleCTRode AnD A DAta elEcTRODE OF The LIQuID cRystal DisPlAy PaneL 103 BaSEd ON tHe iMagE SignAl SUbJECTED TO THe fRaME RAtE cONVerSion BY ThE FrC PoRtiOn 100.
thE fRC PorTion 100 INClUdeS a MOTIOn vECtoR detECTinG pORtIon 101 thAT deTECTS motioN VecToR InforMatiON frOM tHe iNpuT imaGe SigNAL AND An INTerpOlATioN frAMe geneRAtiNg PortIOn 102 That GEneRATEs iNtErpOLATIon FRAmeS basEd oN tHe mOtIoN VECtOr INFormATIon acquirEd By THe MOTiON vEctor dEteCTIng porTion 101.
iN tHe ABOVe coNFiGuraTION, for eXamPle, ThE MOtION VECtor DeTECTiNg PortION 101 MAy ObTain THE MoTioN vECTOr InformAtIOn witH THe uSE oF A bLock MAtChiNG meThod, a GRADIent MeTHOD, etC., Or if the MoTIon VECtoR inFORMatiON is InCLuDEd iN THE InpUT iMage siGNAL In SOMe fORM, ThiS iNfORmatION may be UtILiZed. for ExampLE, the ImAge DatA comPrEssion-EnCODed wIth THe uSe OF The mpEG FOrMat InClUdEs MoTIon vECtor InforMATIoN of a MOvInG IMAge CalcuLaTEd at tHe TImE Of ENCOdINg, anD tHIS Motion vECtOR iNFoRmatIon mAy BE AcqUIRED.
FiG. 45 is A ViEw fOr explaInINg A FrAME RAtE conversIOn pROcesS by ThE cOnVentIoNAl frc DRivE DiSPLAy cIrcuIt shoWn In Fig. 44. tHe frc pORTion 100 GEneRATeS iNTErPoLAtioN frAMes (gray-coLOrEd imaGeS IN FIg. 45) beTwEEn fRaMES WITh The mOtIOn coMpENSaTiOn UsIng THe mOTiOn vEcTor InFOrMATIon oUtpUt From The MoTIoN VeCTor dETectING POrtIoN 101 AND SEqUentiAllY OuTPUts tHE geNerATED iNTERPolaTiOn fRamE SIgNaLs ALONg wItH THe InpUT FRaMe SigNALS To PErforM A proCess Of cOnvERTinG tHe FrAME raTe of thE INPuT imagE SiGNAl FRom 60 FRAMes PEr SEConD (60 Hz) to 120 FRameS per sEConD (120 hz).
FiG. 46 is a VIeW FOr ExpLAInING An InTeRpOlATIoN fRAME GeNERAtion PrOCess OF ThE MotIoN VEctOr deteCtInG PorTioN 101 AnD thE intErPOLaTION fraME GenERATiNG pORTiON 102. THE motioN VeCTOR DetecTiNg PortIoN 101 usES THe GraDienT MethoD to deTECt a mOTiOn vecToR 105 fRom, foR ExAMplE, A FRame #1 aND a fRAMe #2 SHOwN iN FIg. 45. THat is, thE motION veCtOR DeteCTInG POrtiON 101 obTaINs The MotioN veCToR 105 by MeaSUrIng A DirectION And An aMOUNT Of moVemeNt iN 1/60 SeCOND BEtwEeN tHE frAmE #1 anD tHe FraMe #2. THe IntERPolaTIon FRaME geneRAtiNg pORTION 102 theN UsEs thE ObtAiNed MoTiOn VECTOr 105 to ALLocate aN INtErPolATIoN VecTOR 106 BeTWEeN THE FRame #1 and tHE FraME #2. AN INTERpOLAtioN FrAmE 107 IS GenerAteD bY MOvinG AN oBjecT (In THIS CAse, aN AUtOMoBilE) FROm A pOSitiOn oF tHe FRaME #1 to a POSItION AftER 1/120 sEcoND BAsEd oN THE IntErpOLAtION VectOR 106.
BY PERfoRmiNg thE MOTiON-COMpENsaTeD FRAME INtErPoLation pROCeSS WITh the UsE oF THE motION VectOr iNForMATiON TO INCREase a diSpLAY FramE frequeNcY in ThiS wAy, The DIspLaY StATe OF The Lcd (thE HOLd-typE diSpLay mOdE) CaN bE mADE CloSER tO the dISPlAY state OF thE Crt (The impulsE-TyPE dIsPLay Mode) AnD tHE ImAGe qUAlITy dETErIORAtiON CAn bE ImPROVed which IS due TO The motION BLuR GeNeRateD When DISPlayiNg A mOvINg iMaGe.
in THe mOtIon-ComPenSaTed FRamE interpoLAtIon pROCeSS, iT iS eSsentiAL tO DeteCt THe MOTION VectorS FOR The MoTIoN cOMpenSAtion. fOR EXAMPle, The blOck maTChINg meTHoD, ThE GrADiENT meTHOd, ETc., aRe pROposED As repReSEnTativE teChniqUeS FOR THe MOtION vECtOR detectIOn. In ThE GRadIent MethOd, thE mOtIoN vEcToR IS detecTED fOr EacH pixeL Or SMAlL BLOck beTweEN twO cONseCUTivE FRAmes aND ThIs Is USeD TO iNTeRpOlATE eAch PIXeL OR smAll BLock OF tHE iNterPOLATIoN FRAME BetWeen twO frameS. thAt is, An ImaGE aT an ArbItrArY pOSition BeTween twO fRaMEs Is iNtErpolATeD At An ACCuRAtEly COMpeNSated posITION tO convErt the numbeR oF FraMES.
PATent docUmenT 1: SpecIfIcAtiOn Of jaPANesE PatEnt NO. 3295437
noN-PatEnt DocUmeNT 1: iSHIgurO HidEKazU aNd KuritA TAiicHIRo, “ConSIDeRaTioN On MoTion PicTURe QUaLItY of THE hOLD tYpE dISpLaY wITh An OCtuple-RaTe cRt”, IEicE TeChnICAl REPORt, insTitutE Of eLeCtrONICs, infOrMaTioN anD comMUniCAtION eNGINeErS, etD96-4 (1996-06), p. 19-26
noN-paTENT DoCuMEnt 2: YAMAuCHi TAtsuro, “Tv sTaNDaRDs coNVeRsIOn”, JoURnaL oF thE INsTitute OF TelevISion eNgIneeRS Of jApAN, vOl. 45, No. 12, pp. 1534-1543 (1991)
|
As compared to conventional cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) primarily used for realizing moving images,LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays)have a drawback, so-called motion blur, which isthe blurring of outlineof a movement portion perceived by a viewer when displayingan image with movement. It is suggested that this motion blur arises from the LCD display mode itself(see, e.g., patent document 1 and non-patent document 1). Since fluorescent material is scanned byan electron beam to causeemission of light for display in CRTs, the light emission of pixelsis basicallyimpulse-like although slight afterglow of the fluorescent material exists. This is called an impulse-type displaymode. On the other hand, in the case of LCDs, an electric charge isaccumulated by applying anelectric field to liquid crystal andis retained at a relatively high rate until the next time the electric field isapplied.Especially, inthe case of the TFT mode,since a TFTswitch is provided foreach dot configuringa pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary capacity, the ability to retain the accumulated electriccharge is extremely high. Therefore, the light emissionis continued until the pixels are rewritten by the application ofthe electric field based on image informationof the next frame or field (hereinafter, represented by the frame). This is called a hold-type display mode. Sincethe impulse response of the image displaying light has a temporal spread in the above hold-type display mode, temporal frequency characteristicsare deteriorated along with spatial frequency characteristics, resulting in the motion blur. That is, since the human eye can smoothly follow amoving object, if the light emission time is long as in thecase of the holdtype, movement of image seems jerkyand unnatural due to a timeintegrationeffect. To improve the motion blurin the above hold-type displaymode, a frame rate (number of frames) is converted byinterpolating an imagebetween framesin a known technology. This technology iscalled FRC (Frame Rate Converter) and is put to practical useinliquid crystal display devices, etc. Conventionally known methods ofconverting the frame rate include various techniquessuch as simply repeatingread-out of the sameframe for a plurality of times and frame interpolation using linear interpolation betweenframes (see, e.g., non-patent document 2). However, in thecase of the frame interpolation processusing thelinearinterpolation between frames,unnaturalness of motion (jerkiness, judder)isgenerated due to the frame rate conversion, and themotion blur disturbance due tothe above hold-type displaymode cannot sufficiently be improved, resultingin inadequate image quality. To eliminate effects of the jerkiness, etc.,and improve qualityof moving images, a motion-compensated frame interpolation (motion compensation) process using motion vectors has been proposed. In this motion compensation process, since a moving image itself is captured andcompensated, highly natural moving images can be acquired withoutdeteriorating the resolutionand generating the jerkiness. Since interpolation image signals are generatedwith motion compensation, the motion blur disturbance due tothe above hold-type display modecansufficiently be improved. Above patent document 1 discloses a technology of motion-adaptively generating interpolation frames toincrease aframe frequency of a display image for improving deterioration of spatial frequency characteristics causingthe motionblur. In this case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between frames of a display imageis motion-adaptively created from the previous and subsequent frames, and the created interpolation image signals areinterpolated between the frames and are sequentiallydisplayed. FIG. 44 is ablockdiagram of an outlineconfiguration of an FRC drive display circuitin a conventional liquid crystal display device and, in FIG. 44, the FRC drive display circuit includes anFRC portion 100 that converts the number of frames of the inputimage signal by interpolating the image signals subjected to the motion compensation process between frames of the input video signal,an active-matrixliquid crystal display panel 103 having a liquid crystal layer and an electrode forapplying thescan signal and the datasignal to the liquid crystal layer, and anelectrode driving portion 104 for driving a scanelectrode and a data electrode of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the image signal subjected to the frame rate conversion by the FRC portion100. The FRC portion100 includes a motion vector detecting portion 101 that detects motion vector information from the input image signal andan interpolation frame generating portion 102 that generates interpolation frames based on the motionvector information acquired by the motion vectordetecting portion101. Inthe above configuration, for example, the motion vector detecting portion 101may obtain the motion vector information with the use of a block matching method, a gradient method, etc., or if the motionvectorinformation is included in the inputimage signal in someform, this information may be utilized. For example, the image data compression-encodedwith the useof the MPEG format includes motion vector information of a moving image calculated at the timeofencoding, and this motion vector information may be acquired. FIG. 45 is aview for explaining a frame rate conversion process by the conventional FRC drive display circuit shownin FIG. 44. The FRC portion100 generates interpolation frames (gray-colored images in FIG. 45) between frames with themotion compensation using the motion vector information output from the motion vector detecting portion 101 andsequentially outputsthe generated interpolation frame signals along with the input frame signals to performa process ofconverting the frame rate ofthe input image signalfrom60 frames per second (60Hz) to 120 frames persecond (120 Hz). FIG. 46 isa view for explaining an interpolation frame generation process of the motionvector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame generating portion102. The motion vector detecting portion 101 uses the gradientmethod to detect a motion vector 105from,for example, aframe #1 and a frame#2 shownin FIG.45.Thatis, the motion vector detecting portion 101 obtains themotion vector 105 by measuring a directionand anamount of movementin1/60 second between the frame #1 and the frame #2. The interpolation frame generating portion 102then uses the obtainedmotion vector 105 to allocate an interpolation vector106 betweenthe frame#1 and the frame#2. An interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object (in this case, anautomobile)from aposition of the frame #1 to a position after 1/120 second based on the interpolationvector 106. By performing the motion-compensated frame interpolation process with theuse of the motion vector information to increase adisplay frame frequency in this way, the display state of the LCD(the hold-typedisplay mode) canbemade closer to the display state of the CRT (the impulse-type display mode) and the image quality deterioration can be improved which is due to the motion blur generated when displayinga moving image. In the motion-compensatedframe interpolationprocess, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for themotion compensation. For example, the blockmatching method, the gradientmethod, etc., are proposed as representative techniques for the motion vector detection. In the gradient method, the motion vector is detected for eachpixelor smallblock between two consecutive frames and this is used to interpolate each pixelor small block of theinterpolation framebetween two frames. That is, an image at an arbitrary position betweentwo frames is interpolated at an accurately compensated positionto convert the number of frames. Patent Document1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 3295437 Non-Patent Document 1: Ishiguro Hidekazu and Kurita Taiichiro, “Consideration on MotionPicture Quality of the Hold Type Display with an octuple-rateCRT”,IEICE Technical Report, Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, ETD96-4 (1996-06), p.19-26 Non-Patent Document 2: Yamauchi Tatsuro, “TVStandards Conversion”, Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers of Japan, Vol. 45, No. 12,pp. 1534-1543 (1991)
|
_As_ compared to conventional _cathode-ray_ tubes (CRTs) primarily used for _realizing_ moving _images,_ _LCDs_ (Liquid Crystal Displays) have a drawback, _so-called_ motion blur, which _is_ the blurring of outline of _a_ movement portion _perceived_ by a viewer when _displaying_ _an_ image with movement. It is suggested that this motion _blur_ _arises_ from the LCD display mode itself (see, e.g., patent document 1 and non-patent document 1). Since fluorescent material is scanned by an electron beam to cause emission of light for display in _CRTs,_ the light emission of pixels is basically impulse-like although _slight_ _afterglow_ of the fluorescent material exists. This is called an impulse-type display mode. On _the_ other hand, in the case _of_ LCDs, an electric charge is accumulated by applying _an_ electric field to _liquid_ crystal _and_ is retained at a _relatively_ high rate _until_ the next time the electric field is _applied._ Especially, in the case _of_ _the_ _TFT_ mode, since a _TFT_ switch is provided _for_ each dot configuring a pixel and each pixel normally has an auxiliary _capacity,_ the ability to retain the accumulated electric charge is extremely high. Therefore, the light emission is continued until the pixels _are_ rewritten _by_ the _application_ _of_ the electric field based on image information of _the_ next frame _or_ _field_ (hereinafter, represented by _the_ _frame)._ This is called a hold-type _display_ mode. _Since_ the _impulse_ _response_ of the image displaying light _has_ a temporal spread in the above _hold-type_ display mode, temporal _frequency_ _characteristics_ are deteriorated along with spatial _frequency_ characteristics, _resulting_ _in_ the motion blur. That is, since the human eye can smoothly follow a moving object, if _the_ light emission time is long as in the case of the hold type, movement of _image_ _seems_ jerky and unnatural _due_ to a time integration effect. To improve the motion blur in the above hold-type _display_ mode, a frame rate (number of frames) is converted by _interpolating_ _an_ image between frames in a known technology. This technology is called FRC (Frame Rate Converter) and is put to practical use in liquid crystal display devices, _etc._ Conventionally known _methods_ of converting _the_ frame rate include various techniques _such_ as simply repeating read-out of the same frame for a plurality of times and _frame_ interpolation using linear interpolation between frames (see, e.g., non-patent _document_ 2). However, in the case of the _frame_ interpolation process _using_ _the_ linear interpolation between _frames,_ unnaturalness of motion (jerkiness, judder) _is_ generated due to the _frame_ rate conversion, and the motion blur disturbance due to the above hold-type display mode cannot _sufficiently_ be _improved,_ resulting _in_ _inadequate_ image quality. To eliminate effects of _the_ jerkiness, etc., _and_ improve quality of moving images, a _motion-compensated_ frame _interpolation_ _(motion_ compensation) process using _motion_ _vectors_ has been proposed. In this _motion_ _compensation_ process, since a moving image itself is captured and _compensated,_ highly natural _moving_ images can be acquired without _deteriorating_ the resolution _and_ _generating_ the jerkiness. Since _interpolation_ image signals are generated with motion compensation, the _motion_ blur disturbance due to the above hold-type display mode can sufficiently be improved. Above patent document 1 discloses _a_ technology of motion-adaptively generating _interpolation_ frames to increase a frame frequency of a display _image_ for improving deterioration of spatial frequency _characteristics_ causing _the_ motion blur. In this case, at least one interpolation image signal interpolated between frames of a _display_ image is motion-adaptively created _from_ the previous and subsequent _frames,_ and the created _interpolation_ image signals are interpolated _between_ the frames and _are_ sequentially displayed. FIG. 44 is a block _diagram_ _of_ an outline _configuration_ of an FRC drive display circuit in _a_ conventional liquid crystal display device _and,_ in FIG. _44,_ the FRC drive display circuit includes an FRC portion _100_ that converts the number of frames of the input image signal by interpolating the image _signals_ subjected _to_ the motion compensation process between frames of the input _video_ signal, _an_ active-matrix liquid _crystal_ display panel 103 _having_ a _liquid_ crystal layer and an electrode _for_ _applying_ the scan signal and the data _signal_ to the liquid _crystal_ layer, and an _electrode_ driving portion 104 for _driving_ _a_ _scan_ electrode and a data electrode of the liquid crystal display panel 103 based on the _image_ signal subjected to the frame rate _conversion_ by the _FRC_ portion 100. The FRC portion 100 includes a _motion_ vector detecting portion 101 that detects motion vector _information_ from the _input_ _image_ signal and an _interpolation_ frame _generating_ portion 102 that generates interpolation _frames_ based on the _motion_ vector information acquired by the motion vector detecting portion 101. In _the_ above configuration, _for_ example, the motion _vector_ _detecting_ portion 101 may obtain the motion vector information with the use of a _block_ _matching_ method, _a_ gradient method, etc., or _if_ the _motion_ vector information is included _in_ the input image signal _in_ _some_ form, this information may be _utilized._ For example, the image data _compression-encoded_ with the _use_ of the MPEG format _includes_ motion _vector_ _information_ of a moving image calculated _at_ _the_ time of encoding, and this _motion_ vector _information_ _may_ be acquired. FIG. 45 is a view _for_ explaining _a_ frame _rate_ _conversion_ process _by_ _the_ conventional FRC _drive_ display circuit _shown_ in FIG. 44. The FRC portion 100 _generates_ interpolation frames (gray-colored images in FIG. _45)_ between _frames_ with the _motion_ compensation using the motion vector information _output_ from the motion vector detecting portion 101 and sequentially outputs _the_ generated interpolation _frame_ signals _along_ with the input frame signals _to_ perform a _process_ of converting the frame rate of the input image signal from _60_ frames per second (60 Hz) to 120 frames _per_ second (120 Hz). _FIG._ _46_ is a view for explaining an interpolation frame _generation_ process of _the_ _motion_ vector detecting portion 101 and the interpolation frame _generating_ portion 102. _The_ motion vector detecting portion 101 uses the gradient method _to_ _detect_ a _motion_ vector 105 from, for example, a frame #1 _and_ a frame _#2_ shown in FIG. 45. That _is,_ _the_ motion vector detecting _portion_ 101 _obtains_ the motion vector 105 by _measuring_ a _direction_ and an amount _of_ movement in 1/60 second between _the_ frame #1 and the frame #2. The _interpolation_ frame generating portion 102 then uses the obtained _motion_ vector 105 _to_ allocate an interpolation _vector_ 106 _between_ _the_ frame _#1_ and the frame _#2._ An interpolation frame 107 is generated by moving an object (in _this_ case, an _automobile)_ from a position of the frame #1 _to_ a _position_ after _1/120_ _second_ _based_ on the interpolation vector 106. _By_ performing the _motion-compensated_ frame interpolation process _with_ the use of _the_ motion vector _information_ _to_ increase a display frame frequency in this way, the display state of the _LCD_ _(the_ hold-type display mode) can be made closer to the _display_ state _of_ the CRT _(the_ impulse-type display mode) and the image _quality_ deterioration _can_ be improved which is due to the motion blur _generated_ when displaying _a_ _moving_ image. In the _motion-compensated_ frame interpolation process, it is essential to detect the motion vectors for _the_ motion _compensation._ For example, _the_ _block_ _matching_ method, the gradient method, etc., are proposed as representative techniques for the _motion_ _vector_ detection. _In_ the gradient method, the motion vector is _detected_ for each pixel or small block between two consecutive frames _and_ this _is_ used to interpolate _each_ pixel or small block of the _interpolation_ _frame_ between two frames. That is, an image _at_ an arbitrary _position_ between two frames _is_ interpolated at an accurately compensated position to convert _the_ number of frames. Patent Document 1: Specification _of_ _Japanese_ Patent No. 3295437 Non-Patent Document 1: Ishiguro Hidekazu and Kurita Taiichiro, “Consideration on _Motion_ Picture Quality of _the_ Hold Type Display with _an_ octuple-rate _CRT”,_ IEICE Technical Report, Institute of _Electronics,_ Information and Communication Engineers, ETD96-4 _(1996-06),_ p. 19-26 Non-Patent _Document_ _2:_ Yamauchi Tatsuro, “TV Standards Conversion”, Journal of the Institute of Television _Engineers_ of Japan, Vol. 45, No. _12,_ pp. _1534-1543_ _(1991)_
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.