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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1 , at the front part of a vehicle body, a front cross member 1 and a rear cross member 3 are disposed in the vehicle width direction, and subframe bodies 5 are provided in the longitudinal direction to connect the end portions 1 a and 3 a of these cross members 1 and 3 to each other. The front cross member 1 , the rear cross member 3 , and the subframe bodies 5 constitute a subframe 7 substantially having a shape of parallel crosses. At the end of the front cross member 1 is provided a vehicle body mounting bracket 9 that is also used as an upper arm bracket. The rear cross member 3 is disposed at almost the same position as the longitudinal position of a rear arm bracket 11 .
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a suspension arm 13 is disposed on the subframe body 5 and the front cross member 1 , which are shown in FIG. 1 , the view being taken from the slant front side of a vehicle body. A rear-side arm 15 of the suspension arm 13 is installed to the rear arm bracket 11 disposed under the subframe body 5 , and a front-side arm 19 of the suspension arm 13 is supported on the front cross member 1 via a front arm bracket 17 .
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the subframe body 5 is formed by joining peripheral portions 31 a and 33 a of an upper panel 31 and a lower panel 33 to each other, and a hollow portion 35 of a closed cross section construction is formed by the upper panel 31 and the lower panel 33 . Also, the cylindrical rear cross member 3 is disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the subframe body 5 , and the rear arm bracket 11 is disposed on the face on the lower side and on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the lower panel 33 . As shown in FIG. 4 , a reinforcing pipe 43 is arranged so that the axis thereof passes substantially through the centers of mounting holes in the rear arm bracket 11 .
As shown in FIG. 7 , the upper panel 31 in accordance with the present invention has almost the same shape as that of the conventional one, and the lower panel 33 has a lower face 37 formed by depressing a lower side portion of a conventional lower panel 105 (indicated by two-dot chain lines) toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, although the cross-sectional shape of a hollow portion of a conventional subframe body is substantially a parallelogram, the subframe body 5 in accordance with the present invention has the hollow portion 35 formed so as to have a substantially chevron shape in cross section by depressing the lower side portion of the conventional lower panel 105 .
The rear arm bracket 11 is installed on the rear side of the subframe body 5 . FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which a portion in which the rear arm bracket 11 is installed is cut. As shown in FIG. 8 , the rear part of the subframe body 5 is formed substantially into a spherical shell shape which is formed by dividing a hemisphere opening downward into about one-fourth and whose front side and outside in the vehicle width direction are open. To the rear end face of the lower panel 33 is joined a rear end portion 39 a of a tie down hook 39 formed into a rod form by arc welding or other means. The rear arm bracket 11 is joined to the face on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the lower panel 33 , and a front end portion 39 b of the tie down hook 39 is joined to a rear face 41 of the rear arm bracket 11 .
The following is a description of an example of a procedure for constructing the subframe body 5 .
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the peripheral portions 33 a and 31 a of the lower panel 33 and the upper panel 31 are joined to each other. At this time, the rear cross member 3 is disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the reinforcing pipe 43 is provided between the lower panel 33 and the upper panel 31 . The rear arm bracket 11 is installed from the lower side of the lower panel 33 , and the tie down hook 39 is installed so as to connect the rear arm bracket 11 to the lower panel 33 , by which the subframe 7 shown in FIG. 6 can be constructed.
Next, the operation of the subframe construction for a front suspension will be explained.
On a vehicle provided with the subframe 7 constructed as described above, when a load is applied to a front tire, a load imposed on the subframe 7 can be distributed effectively.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , an impact load F applied to a front tire 45 is first imposed on an attachment point 47 of the suspension arm 13 . The load is transmitted from the attachment point 47 to the rear arm bracket 11 via the suspension arm 13 . This load G acts in the direction of about 45 degrees with respect to the subframe body 5 as shown in FIG. 11 . Since the rear side and the inside in the vehicle width direction of the subframe body 5 is formed substantially into a spherical shell shape as explained with reference to FIG. 8 , the load G applied to the rear arm bracket 11 can be taken by the subframe body 5 while being distributed uniformly. Also, part of the load G is also applied to the tie down hook 39 fixed to the rear arm bracket 11 and the reinforcing pipe 43 connecting the upper panel 31 and the lower panel 33 to each other so that the load G is distributed. Therefore, the strength of the subframe 7 can be increased as a whole.
Also, since the lower part of the lower panel 33 is depressed toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, and thus the rear arm bracket 11 can be installed at a position closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction, the length of the suspension arm 13 can be increased. Further, even when the rear arm bracket 11 is located closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction, the height from the road surface is not changed, so that a downward offset with respect to the vehicle body side attachment portion does not increase. Also, since the reinforcing pipe 43 is disposed longitudinally at the rear of the rear arm bracket 11 , and the axis of the reinforcing pipe 43 is substantially aligned with the centers of the mounting holes 12 in the rear arm bracket 11 , a socket wrench extension can be passed through the inside diameter face of the reinforcing pipe 43 .
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made based on the technical concept of the present invention.
For example, the tie down hook 39 is not limited to a rod-like one as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , and may be a bracket-like one as shown in FIG. 12 . This bracket-like tie down hook 49 is constructed of a plate-like body face 51 disposed vertically and a mounting flange 52 formed by bending the upper edge of the body face 51 to the side, and a transversely elongated hook hole 53 is formed in the body face 51 .
By changing the plate thickness and material of the tie down hook 49 , resistance to rearward movement of the front tire 45 caused by an impact from the front can be adjusted. Specifically, the center of the rear cross member 3 and the center of the rear arm bracket 11 shift slightly from each other in the vertical direction, so that the moment such as to warp the central portion of the rear cross member 11 upward is produced.
| 1B
| 62 | D |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTs
FIG. 1 shows a typical design of a ridge waveguide laser 10 in the III-V
alloy system. In this particular case, the laser 10 produces visible
radiation and incorporates as the active layer a quaternary alloy,
AlGaInP, built up on a GaAs substrate. The GaAs substrate is designated
11, on which is epitaxially deposited in a known manner a succession of
layers comprising, in order: a lower AlGaInP cladding layer 13, AlGaInP
separate confinement heterojunction (SCH) layers 14, 16 flanking an active
layer 15 of AlGaInP, an inner AlGaInP cladding layer 17, a mesa or
ridge-shaped AlGaInP cladding layer 18, an upper cap layer of GaInP
19a/GaAs 19b, with the mesa 18 and cap layer 19a, 19b flanked
longitudinally by regrown GaAs 20. Typically, the conductivity types below
the active layer 15 are N-type conductivity, and the conductivity types
above the active layer 15 are P-type, except for the regrown portions 20
which are N-type to provide a P-N barrier and thus confine electron flow
to the mesa region 18 to increase laser efficiency.
Everything described so far in the detailed description in connection with
the FIG. 1 device is conventional, and reference is made to the published
papers identified above which are incorporated herein by reference, for
more details on the compositions, thicknesses and manner of fabricating
such known structures.
In fabricating such a device, layers 18 and 19 as deposited originally
extend over the same area as the layers underneath, after which a known
etch-resistant mask, such as, for example, SiO.sub.2 or Si.sub.3 N.sub.4,
is applied on top to define the width of the mesa, and the structure
subjected to conventional etching as described above and in the referenced
papers to remove the lateral P-type layer portions down to the layer 17 to
form the stripe or mesa 18, 19, following which N-type semiconductor
material 20 is regrown on the exposed sides of the mesa 18, 19. To prevent
etching of the layer 17, an etch stop (ES) layer 22 is incorporated in the
structure between the layers 18 and 17. The ES layer 22 not only prevents
etching of the layer 17 underneath by exhibiting a very slow etch rate
compared with that of layers 18 and 19, but also must fulfill several
other functions, which include providing a good surface for the
epitaxially-deposited, regrown regions 20, as well as to maximize optical
transparency to the emitted wavelengths to minimize optical absorption.
We have found that using a tensile-strained layer as the ES layer offers a
number of advantages over the known matched ES layers. Especially good
results are obtained with a tensile-strained Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (x>0.5)
ES layer. We have found that a tensile-strained Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P
(x>0.5) ES layer can be a more-forgiving and more-effective alternative to
the lattice-matched etch stop layers. It is placed like other,
lattice-matched, ES layers, within a few hundred nm of the active region,
as shown in FIG. 1. It's advantages include:
1. Compared to a lattice matched GaAs or Ga.sub.0.5 In.sub.0.5 P ES layer,
the tensile-strained ES layer is automatically transparent, and needn't
rely on quantum shifts to increase the energy of the absorption edge Even
for wavelengths as short as 550 nm, the composition can be easily adjusted
for transparency, while maintaining an adequate ES thickness of 40-100 A.
For example, at shorter wavelengths, the GaP alloy content (x) is made
greater, to shift the absorption edge to a shorter wavelength. In
contrast, a lattice-matched Ga.sub.0.5 In.sub.0.5 P ES layer must become
increasingly thin at shorter wavelengths. While it is desirable to keep
the etch stop as thin as possible, so as not to interfere with hole
injection, and not to deflect the fundamental transverse optical mode, an
ES layer must have some minimum thickness to properly perform its
function. Since the etch selectivity between GaInP and AlGaInP is not
100%, requiring that the etch stop be made thin can limit its
effectiveness. The maximum thickness of the tensile-strained ES layer is
governed by performance considerations, along with the critical thickness
for pseudomorphic epitaxy. Even for x=0.7, in the formula for the ES layer
however, where the absorption edge is about 560 nm, the critical thickness
is greater than 100 A. Thus, it is very simple to design a highly
transparent ES of adequate thickness. The preferred range is 40-100 A.
In the formula Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P, it has been stated that x should
exceed 0.5 to provide the desired tensile strain. In principle, x can
equal 1, but in the latter case, the degree of strain is very high, and
thus the ES layer must be made very thin to prevent undesirable effects.
As explained above, a very thin ES layer places undesirable constraints on
the etching process. Hence, it is preferred that x be chosen below 1 so
that the ES layer can be given a minimum thickness of 40 A.
2. The usual etchants for the ridge-etch in AlGaInP index-guided lasers are
hot sulfuric acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) or dilute hydrochloric acid
(HCl:H.sub.2 O). For dilute HCl etching, the etch rate of Ga.sub.x
In.sub.1-x P is reduced as the GaP alloy content (x) increases (it is the
component which is aggressively etched by HCl, while GaP is not etched by
(HCl). Thus, when using HCl, the composition selectivity to the etchant is
improved compared to lattice-matched Ga.sub.0.5 In.sub.0.5 P. This makes
the structure more tolerant of etching too long, especially when compared
to an AlGaAs or AlGaInP ES.
3. The refractive index of Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (x>0.5) is less than the
refractive index of Ga.sub.0.5 In.sub.0.5 P. Therefore, the ES layer of
the invention does not distort the transverse optical mode as much as a
Ga.sub.0.5 In.sub.0.5 P layer of the same thickness.
4. Since the Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P layer contains no aluminum, it does not
present any problems with the GaAs regrowth which is commonly used to make
the SBR structure. Indeed, we have regrown GaAs on such an ES layer (in a
laser structure), and the epitaxial interface appears to be free of
defects when analyzed by TEM.
An example of a laser diode, which is not to be considered limiting, in
accordance with the invention is given below:
______________________________________
LAYER COMPO- THICK-
NO. FUNCTION SITION NESS
______________________________________
11 substrate GaAs
12 buffer layer GaAs 0-1.0 .mu.m
13 lower cladding
AlGaInP 0.5-1.5 .mu.m
14 SCH AlGaInP 0-2000 .ANG.
15 active AlGaInP 20-1000 .ANG.
16 SCH same as 14
0-2000 .ANG.
17 inner cladding
same as 13
100-5000 .ANG.
22 ES Ga.sub.0.7 in.sub.0.3 P
10-200 .ANG.
18 mesa cladding
AlGaInP 0.3-1.5 .mu.m
19a Barrier GaInP 500-5000 .ANG.
reducer
19b cap GaAs 500-5000 .ANG.
20 regrown GaAs 1 .mu.m
______________________________________
To complete the device, conventional electrode layers 25, 26 are deposited
at top and bottom. Conventional methods of growing such layers, as by
MOVPE, are well known in the art and need not be described further. It
will be evident that the invention is not limited to the specific
compositions and thickness given in the example above or as detailed in
the referenced publications. In summary, we have described the use of a
tensile-strained Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (x>0.5) etch stop layer for AlGaInP
visible index-guided lasers. With regards to etch selectivity and optical
transparency, the strained etch stop layer can be an improvement over
other lattice-matched etch-stop layers.
Similarly, while the invention has been described in connection with
tensile-strained Ga.sub.x In.sub.1-x P (x>0.5) on GaAs as the ES layer,
there are other III-V alloy systems used to make laser diodes in which
similar benefits can be obtained by using a tensile-strained layer as an
etch stop to improve optical transparency, or composition selectivity to
an etchant, or its refractive index, or to provide a better base for a
regrown region. Another example of such a system is an InP substrate with
InP cladding layers, and with a tensile-strained ES layer of InGaAsP. For
this system, In.sub.1-x Ga.sub.x As.sub.y P.sub.1-y, lattice matching
occurs when x=0.47 y. Hence, to lattice-mismatch, to produce a
tensile-strained layer, either the content of GA and/or the content of P
should be increased. Another system, using a GaAs substrate with (Al)GaAs
cladding layers, can use as the tensile-strained ES layer AlGaAsP, with
the presence of the P contributing the lattice-mismatch and the desired
tensile-straining.
Although there have been described what are at present considered to be the
preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that the
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from
the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are
therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not
restrictive. This scope of the invention is indicated by the appended
claims rather than by the foregoing description. | 7H
| 01 | S |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with
reference to the attached drawings.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In these
drawings, a thin oxide film (SiO.sub.2) portion 5 with a thickness of
about 250 .ANG. is formed on a silicon wafer 4 by thermal oxidation, and a
thick oxide film (SiO.sub.2 portion 6 with a thickness of about 8000 .ANG.
is formed around the thin oxide film portion 5 by selective oxidation
technique or LOCOS (localized oxidation of silicon) technique. In the
ordinary semiconductor element, the thin oxide film portion 5 corresponds
to a gate oxide film and the thick oxide film portion 6 corresponds to an
element separating oxide film from the structural standpoint.
Further, a polysilicon film 7 doped by phosphorus (P) is formed so as to
extend over both the oxide film portions 5 and 6. Therefore, a capacitor 8
is formed with the polysilicon film 7 and the wafer 4 as electrodes and
with the two oxide film portions 5 and 6 as dielectric. When an electric
field is applied to the element as described above by ion implantation,
for instance, electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor 8, and the
intensity of the electric field becomes high at the thin oxide film
portion 5.
Here, a voltage applied to the thin oxide film portion 5 can be calculated
as
EQU V=Q/C
where V denotes a potential between the polysilicon film 7 and the wafer 4;
Q denotes the storaged charge; and C denotes the capacitance. When the
voltage V exceeds a breakdown voltage V.sub.B of the thin oxide film
portion 5, the thin oxide film portion 5 is brought into breakdown, and
the resistivity between the polysilicon film 7 and the wafer 4 drops
suddenly. Therefore, it is possible to check whether the potential V
generated on the surface of the wafer 4 by charge accumulated during ion
implantation exceeds the breakdown voltage V.sub.B, by measuring the
resistivity after ion implantation.
The area of the polysilicon film 7 is determined broader than that of the
thin oxide film portion 5 so that the thin oxide film portion 5 is brought
into breakdown at a predetermined probability by the electric field
strength generated at the thin oxide film portion 5 during a manufacturing
process in which no breakdown prevention countermeasure is taken to the
wafer 4.
FIG. 9 indicates data obtained by measuring the resistivity of the test
elements as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after As.sup.+ ions have been
implanted under the conditions that the ion energy is 50 keV; the dose is
5 .times.10.sup.15 cm.sup.-2 ; and the beam current is 5 mA.
In the above measurement, 100 pieces of the polysilicon films 7 of 5
different areas (i.e. 20 pieces per same area) are formed on the same
wafer under the condition that the area of the thin oxide film portion 5
is constant. Further, the test was performed by separating the test
elements ion-implanted in electron shower from those ion-implanted withput
electron shower. In FIG. 9, the abscissa axes indicates the ratio of the
area of the polysilicon film 7 to that of the thin oxide film portion 5,
and the ordinate axis indicates the ratio of the number of non-defective
test elements (no breakdown occurs) to the total test elements. Further,
the numeral 91 denotes the data obtained by using electron shower, and 92
denotes the data obtained without electron shower.
FIG. 9 indicates that the non-defective rate obtained by using electron
shower is 100%; that is, the charged state caused during ion implantation
can be properly suppressed. On the other hand, when the electron shower is
not used, the defective rate (non-defective percentage subtracted from
100%) due to breakdown of the test elements after ion implantation is 80%
or more when the area ratio (polysilicon 7/thin oxide film portion 5)
exceeds 1000, thus indicating that the test elements have sufficiently
high sensitivity to breakdown phenomenon.
Therefore, it is preferable to form the polysilicon film 7 so that the area
ratio (polysilicon film 7/thin oxide film 5) becomes 1000 or more, from
the standpoint of test sensitivity, because the curve 92 changes from the
sharp state to the gentle state, with the area ratio of 1000 as a border,
into a high sensitivity range. Further, the lower limit of the area ratio
is about 1000, and the upper limit thereof may be about 10.sup.10,
considering the practical size of the wafer.
As described above, according to the present invention, since the test
element is provided with a capacitor 8 whose dielectric or thin oxide film
portion 5 is brought into breakdown at a predetermined probability after
the manufacturing process (in which a predetermined electric field is
applied to the wafer 4) been completed without taking any breakdown
prevention countermeasure, it is possible to confirm the effect of the
breakdown prevention countermeasure such as electron shower, by checking
the insulation characteristics at the thin oxide film portion 5 on the
basis of the resistivity of the capacitor 8, after the test element has
been processed by taking a breakdown prevention countermeasure (e.g.
electron shower).
Further, when a number of capacitors 8 are formed scattered all over the
wafer 4 as shown in FIG. 10, since it is possible to know the entire
charged state distribution on the wafer 4 on the basis of the resistivity
distribution, the charged state on the wafer 4 can be checked more
accurately.
FIGS. 3 to 8 are cross-sectional views showing other embodiments of the
test element according to the present invention. The structural features
of these embodiments are modified so as to correspond to various shapes of
the polysilicon films or the photoresists formed at the practical
manufacturing process such as ion implantation or plasma application.
In FIG. 3, the capacitor 8 is covered by an independent photoresist 9 not
connected to other surrounding photoresists. In FIG. 4, the wafer 4 is
entirely covered by a photoresist 9. In FIG. 5, a photoresist 10 is formed
by patterning process so that a part of the polysilicon film 7 is exposed.
In FIG. 6, a photoresist 10 is formed by a patterning process, so that a
part of polysilicon film 7 just over the thin oxide film portion 5 is
exposed. In FIG. 7, the polysilicon film 7 is formed so that a part of the
thin oxide film portion 5 is exposed. In FIG. 8, another oxide film 11 is
formed by oxidizing the polysilicon film 7 within high temperature
atmosphere, after the capacitor 8 as shown in FIG. 1 has been formed.
As described above, in the test element of the present invention, since the
test element is provided with a capacitor whose silicon oxide film is
brought into breakdown at a predetermined probability after the
manufacturing process for applying a predetermined electric field to the
wafer has been completed without taking any breakdown prevention
countermeasure, it is possible to confirm the effect of the breakdown
prevention countermeasure such as electron shower, by checking whether the
insulation can be maintained on the basis of the resistance of the thin
silicon oxide film portion of the capacitor after the test element has
been processed so as not to be brought into breakdown by taking breakdown
prevention countermeasure such as electron shower.
Further, when a plurality of capacitors 8 are formed scattered all over the
wafer, the distribution of charge state on the wafer can be known on the
basis of the distribution of the resistivity of the capacitors, thus
allowing the charged state on the wafer to be checked accurately. | 6G
| 01 | R |
Working Examples
The glycerol monooleates (GMO) used were a commercially available product
from Th. Goldschmidt AG, Essen (TEGIN.RTM. O). This was mixed in a weight
ratio of 4:1 (GMO/ester) with a diacetyltartrate-fatty acid glyceride (a
commercially available product from Th. Goldschmidt AG, Essen
(Datamuls.RTM.43)).
The monomer/water solution consisted of 37% by weight of sodium acrylate in
demineralized water. Conductivity at 25.degree. C. was 65 mS/cm and pH was
7.60.
Preparation of the Emulsions
The emulsifying mixture was dissolved in the oil, and the aqueous sodium
acrylate solution was added into this solution with vigorous stirring. The
resultant W/O emulsion was homogenized for 2 minutes using a high-speed
propeller stirrer. The batch size was 200 g in each case.
Dependence of Emulsion Stability on Phase Volume Ratio and Preparation
Temperature
Monomer/water-in-oil emulsions, like all highly concentrated two-phase W/O
emulsions, gain their stability from their viscosity, which can be
controlled by means of the phase volume ratio.
To discover the best phase volume ratio for preparing the emulsions,
emulsions with varying oil content and sodium acrylate solutions were
prepared using the emulsifier mixture (Table 1) and their stability was
tested at different storage temperatures (Tables 2 and 3).
TABLE 1
______________________________________
% by % by % by % by % by % by
weight weight weight weight weight weight
______________________________________
Phase A)
Emulsifier 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
mixture
Oil phase % 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 30.00
Phase B)
Sodium 78.00 76.00 74.00 72.00 70.00 68.00
acrylate
solution
______________________________________
Preparation: Incorporate phase B into phase A in a commercially available
kitchen mixer and homogenize for 2 minutes.
TABLE 2
______________________________________
Stability Test
Preparation temperature 25.degree. C.
Oil
phase
[%] 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 30.00
______________________________________
Storage
time
25.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0
(2%) (4.5%) (7.5%)
1 week 1 1 3/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(3%) (5%) (8%)
2 weeks 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(3%) (5%) (8%) (11%)
40.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1 3/0 4/0
(3%)
3 days 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(1%) (3%) (8%) (8%)
1 week 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(1%) (3%) (8%) (8%)
2 weeks 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(6%) (8%) (11%) (12%)
______________________________________
TABLE 3
______________________________________
Preparation temperature 30.degree. C.
Oil Phase
[%] 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 30.00
______________________________________
Storage
time
25.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 3/0 4/0 4/0
(5%) (5.5%)
1 week 1 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0
(3%) (5%) (5.5%)
2 weeks 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(3%) (6%) (8%) (10%)
40.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1 3/0 4/0
(3%)
3 days 1 1 1 3/0 4/0 4/0
(7%) (7.5%)
1 week 1 1 3/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(5%) (10%) (10%)
2 weeks 1 1 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0
(5%) (8%) (12%) (13%)
______________________________________
Result:
1 = satisfactory
2 = inhomogeneous
3/W = visible separation of water
3/0 = visible separation of oil
4/W = measurable separation of water
4/0 = measurable separation of oil
5 = total separation
The stability tests showed that
the best stability is achieved when 22% oil phase is used
the stability of the emulsions does not depend on the preparation
temperature.
Optimization tests relating to emulsifier concentration were also carried
out (Table 4). Once again, the emulsification tests were carried out at
different temperatures (Tables 5 and 6).
TABLE 4
______________________________________
% by weight
% by weight
% by weight
% by weight
______________________________________
Phase A)
Emulsifier 2.50 2.00 1.75 1.50
mixture
Oil Phase % 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00
Phase B)
Sodium 75.50 76.00 76.25 76.50
acrylate
solution
______________________________________
Preparation: Incorporate phase B into Phase A using Esge hand mixer and
homogenize for 2 minutes.
TABLE 5
______________________________________
Preparation temperature 25.degree. C.
Emulsifier
concentration
[%] 2.50 2.00 1.75 1.50
______________________________________
Oil phase [%] 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00
Storage time
Room 1 day 1 1 1 1
temperature
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 1 1 1
25.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 1 1 1
40.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 3/0 4/0 4/0
(0.5%) (1%)
______________________________________
TABLE 6
______________________________________
Preparation temperature 30.degree. C.
Emulsifier
concentration [%] 2.50 2.00 1.75 1.50
______________________________________
Oil Phase [%] 22.00 22.00 22.00
22.00
Storage
time
Room temperature 1 day 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 1 1 1
25.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 1 1 1
40.degree. C. 1 day 1 1 1 1
3 days 1 1 1 1
1 week 1 1 1 1
2 weeks 1 2 3/0 4/0
(1%)
______________________________________
Polymerization
A polymerization was also carried out with the aid of the abovementioned
constituents. An emulsion was prepared from 76 parts by weight of sodium
acrylate solution (37% strength, degree of neutralization 80%), 22 parts
by weight of oil phase (Exxsol.RTM. D-180-200) and 2 parts by weight of
emulsifier mixture comprising 4 parts of glycerol monooleate to 1 part of
diacetyltartrates of fatty acid glycerides (Datamuls.RTM. 43).
Initiator A was tert-butyl hydroperoxide (10% in water) and B was ascorbic
acid (0.5% in water); over a period of four hours, 1.8 g of A and 0.74 g
of B were added in 3 portions at room temperature and the monomer was
polymerized.
This gave a polymer latex having a viscosity of 1800 mPas (Brookfield;
LV-2, 12 rpm) and properties comparable with those of known latices. | 2C
| 08 | F |
The analyses of the iron ore and coal are set out in Table 1 and
particulate size distributions are provided in FIGS. 1a and 1b.
TABLE 1
______________________________________
1. Yandicoogina Iron Ore
% Fe % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3
% SiO.sub.2 % P *% LOI
57.4 1.25 4.84 0.06 11.45
______________________________________
*LOI loss of ignition
2. Yarrabee Anthracite Coal (Approximate)
% Fixed C
% Ash % Moisture
% Volatiles
78.7 10.0 1.8 9.5
______________________________________
It is noted that the above percentages are by weight.
The pellets for the first experimental program were prepared by mixing iron
ore fines, coal, and bentonite in the following proportions, by weight.
iron ore fines: 79.25%
coal: 19.25%
bentonite: 1.5%
The mixture was placed in a rotating disc pelletiser and water was sprayed
onto the cascading material, causing agglomeration. As the pellets formed,
the pellets were removed and oven dried at 110.degree. C. Pellets less
than 16 mm were screened out. The size range of the remaining pellets was
representative of pellets used in the FASTMET process.
The micro-agglomerates for the first experimental program were prepared
from the same feed mix as the pellets. The feed mix and water were placed
in a Eirich mixer, and the mixer was operated to produce
micro-agglomerates of the order of 1 mm in diameter. The
micro-agglomerates were removed from the mixer and oven-dried at
110.degree. C. The dried micro-agglomerates were screened and material in
the size range of 500-1400 micron was collected.
The mixture of iron ore fines and coal for the first experimental program
was prepared by hand mixing in the proportions by weight of 80% iron ore
fines and 20% coal.
The combined feed assays for the mixture of iron ore fines and coal,
micro-agglomerates, and pellets are set out in Table 2.
TABLE 2
______________________________________
Combined Feed Assays
Feed % Fe.sup.r % C % S
______________________________________
Mixed 46.8 16.6 0.16
Micro- 45.5 16.2 0.14
agglomerates
Pellets 45.5 16.2 0.14
______________________________________
The first experimental program was carried out in a high temperature
electrically heated furnace.
Samples of the mixture of iron ore fines and coal, the micro-agglomerates,
and the pellets were placed in a tray in the furnace for periods of time
between 5 and 120 minutes. The tray was loaded with a monolayer of pellets
of a 25 mm deep bed of micro-agglomerates or a 25 mm deep bed of the
mixture of iron ore fines and coal.
The furnace was operated at a temperature of 1200.degree. C. A gas mixture
of carbon monoxide and air was blown into the furnace from above the
sample tray to simulate combustion gases and excess air in a rotary hearth
furnace in accordance with standard operating conditions of the FASTMET
process.
The experimental products from the furnace were assayed for total iron,
metallic iron, carbon, and sulphur. In addition, a visual inspection was
made of samples to determine whether gas penetration was achieved. The
results of the first experimental program are set out in Table 3.
TABLE 3
______________________________________
Sample
Time Feed Assays %
No. (mins) Material % Fe.sup.T
% Fe.sup.met
C(%) S(%) Metal'n
______________________________________
1 6 Mixed 50.2 0.5 15.5 0.12 1.0
2 10 Mixed 54.1 1.5 14.8 0.13 2.8
3 14 Mixed 54.7 0.9 14.9 0.13 1.6
4 29 Mixed 65.1 27.0 10.8 0.13 41.5
5 33 Mixed 71.1 46.2 7.0 0.17 64.9
6 60 Mixed 72.9 47.7 3.4 0.15 65.4
7 60 Mixed 62.7 13.1 -- -- 20.9
8 60 Mixed 64.5 17.7 -- -- 27.4
9 120 Mixed 68.1 20.9 -- -- 30.7
11 5 Microagg 50.6 0.4 14.8 0.11 0.7
11 10 Microagg 55.9 5.3 12.0 0.13 9.5
12 15 Microagg 61.1 13.0 10.1 0.14 21.3
13 24 Microagg 65.5 21.9 7.0 0.14 33.4
14 27 Microagg 75.1 56.4 2.5 0.14 75.1
15 30 Microagg 73.1 50.3 3.8 0.15 68.8
16 60 Microagg 72.8 49.6 2.5 0.14 68.1
17 8 Pellets 58.8 7.8 10.9 0.12 13.2
18 10 Pellets 60.4 13.7 10.5 0.12 22.7
19 16 Pellets 70.4 34.0 0.6 0.14 48.3
20 26 Pellets 71.6 44.4 2.9 0.14 62.0
21 60 Pellets 67.4 20.1 0.3 0.12 29.8
______________________________________
% Fe.sup.T = total iron, in wt %
% Fe.sup.met = metallic iron in wt %
% Metal'n = % metallisation of iron, in wt %
With reference to Table 3, samples 1 to 9 are the mixture of iron ore fines
and coal, samples 10 to 16 are the micro-agglomerates, and samples 17 to
21 are the pellets.
The maximum metallisation of the mixture of iron ore fines and coal was
similar to that for the pellets. Sample 5 reported a metallisation of
64.9% with a residence time of 33 minutes for the mixture of iron ore and
coal. This metallisation compares favourably with a metallisation of 62%
for the pellets of sample 20 which was achieved after a residence time of
26 minutes.
With the exception of sample 6, an increase in the residence time above 33
minutes for sample 5 and 26 minutes for sample 20 did not result in an
improvement in metallisation for the mixture of iron ore fines and coal
and for the pellets. In the case of sample 6, the improvement in
metallisation was only marginal.
It was expected that the exposed surfaces of the samples of the mixture of
iron ore fines and coal would be subject to sintering and possibly fusion,
which would inhibit movement of reaction or product fines into or from the
bed. After each trial, solid state sintering was observed, but extensive
cracking also occurred throughout the depth of the sample beds which
allowed adequate gas/solid contact for metallisation to occur. The bed
material was friable and easily removed from the sample tray.
Mineralogical examination of samples of the mixture of iron ore fines and
coal showed that metallisation was fairly uniform throughout the samples.
There were no indications of melting and the samples were very open and
porous.
The metallisation of the micro-agglomerates was comparable to if not better
than both the samples of the mixture of iron ore fines and coal and the
pellets, with a maximum metallisation of 75.1 % achieved after 27 minutes
residence time for sample 14. Table 3 shows that extending the test
duration from 27 to 60 minutes did not improve the metallisation. Similar
to the samples of the mixture of iron ore fines and coal, extensive
cracking occurred in the exposed surfaces of the micro-agglomerates,
allowing gas penetration throughout the bed. Furthermore, the bed material
was friable with discrete micro-agglomerates visible.
In summary, the first experimental program established that the performance
of the samples of the mixture of iron ore fines and coal and the
micro-agglomerates was at least comparable to that of the FASTMET pellets
for the given experimental conditions.
The second experimental program followed the same sample preparation
procedure as the first experimental program. Whilst a number of samples
were prepared using Yandicoogina iron ore (as in the first experimental
program), a number of other samples were prepared using direct shipping
ore (DSO)--which is a mixture of iron or fines produced by Hamersley Iron
Pty. Ltd. All of the samples were prepared with the same anthracite coal
and binder (where required) as used in the first experimental program.
Instead of using a high temperature electrically heated furnace, the
samples were reduced in the second experimental program in a purpose built
40 KW induction furnace. As with the first experimental program, the
samples were placed in a tray in the furnace for periods of time from 5 to
120 minutes. The tray was loaded with a monolayer of pellets, or a 25 mm
deep bed of pellets or micro-agglomerates. The furnace was operated at
temperatures ranging from 1190 to 1260.degree. C.
The experimental products from the furnace were assayed for total iron,
metallic iron, carbon and sulphur.
The results of the second experimental program are set out in Table 4.
TABLE 4
______________________________________
Tests Conducted in Induction Furnace
Sam-
ple Time Feed Assays %
No. (mins) Material % Fe.sup.T
% Fe.sup.M
C (%) S (%)
Metal'n
______________________________________
1 10 Mixed 59.2 9.6 12.7 0.11 16.2
2 20 Mixed 59.6 15.1 10.9 0.12 25.3
3 20 Mixed 69.1 41.5 5.7 0.15 60.1
4 20 Mixed 74.8 62.0 5.6 0.14 82.9
5 30 Mixed 76.5 58.1 5.3 0.16 75.9
6 40 Mixed 74.8 56.4 5.0 0.09 75.4
7 40 Mixed 76.1 58.8 6.1 0.16 77.3
8 10 Microagg 62.3 25.9 9.0 0.13 41.6
9 20 Microagg 68.4 39.7 7.7 0.14 58.0
10 40 Microagg 64.9 29.8 3.2 0.15 45.9
11 20 Pellets 67.8 46.7 6.0 0.12 68.9
12 20 Pellets 77.4 66.0 3.3 0.13 85.3
13 30 Pellets 76.3 65.2 4.9 0.15 85.5
14 40 Pellets 64.9 32.8 3.2 0.25 50.5
15 40 Pellets 77.5 61.4 3.1 0.14 79.2
______________________________________
Fe.sup.T = total iron, in wt %
Fe.sup.M = metallic iron, in wt %
% Metallisation = % metallisation of iron, in wt %
With reference to Table 4, samples 1 to 7 are the mixture of iron ore fines
and coal, samples 8 to 10 are the micro-agglomerates, and samples 11 to 15
are the pellets.
The metallisation of a number of the samples of the mixture of iron ore
fines and coal and the pellets was significantly higher than that of the
micro-agglomerates. In large part, this was due to higher furnace
temperatures. For example, the maximum operating temperatures of the
furnace for pellets samples 12, 13 and 15 were in the range of 1255 to
1265.degree. C. whereas the maximum operating temperatures of the
micro-agglomerate samples 8 to 10 was in the range of 1190 to 1200.degree.
C.
Taking into account the different furnace operating temperatures, the
results of the second experimental program were similar to that of the
first experimental program.
The at least partially reduced iron ore produced by the process and
apparatus of the present invention can be used in a wide range of
applications.
A preferred application is the production of metallic iron in an integrated
process in which iron ore fines, coal fines, and binder are mixed together
in required proportions, and the mixture of feed materials is then
agglomerated to form micro-agglomerates. The micro-agglomerates are
oven-dried and screened to separate a fraction in the range of 500 to 1400
micron. This fraction is then fed to a rotary hearth furnace operated at a
temperature range of 1250 to 1350.degree. C. In the furnace the iron ore
in the micro-agglomerates is reduced, with at least a part of the iron ore
being reduced to metallic iron. The reduction is accomplished by the
intimate contact of the carbon and iron oxide in the micro-agglomerates in
the high temperature environment of the furnace. The metallised product is
discharged from the furnace and transferred to a HIsmelt smelt reduction
vessel (or other suitable apparatus) to complete reduction of partially
metallised micro-agglomerates and to melt the metallised product to
produce a molten iron bath that is tapped periodically.
It is noted that the present invention is not restricted to this
application, and the at least partially reduced iron ore product
discharged from the furnace may be used in a number of other applications.
Many modifications may be made to the present invention as described
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | 2C
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment according to the invention will be described hereinafter with
reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 indicates primarily a blower of an air
conditioning apparatus for automotive use wherein this invention is
applied, and the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is normally installed on the
passenger seat side below an instrument panel of the forward area within a
passenger compartment of an automobile. Numeral 10 is an inner/outer air
switching box composed of resin, and is disposed above a blower. This
switching box 10 has thereabove an outer-air introduction port 11 to
introduce air outside the passenger compartment, and has on a side surface
an inner-air introduction port 12 to introduce air inside the passenger
compartment. A rotatable inner/outer air switching damper 14 is disposed
within the switching box 10 with a shaft 13 rotatable supported on this
switching box 10 as the center, and the foregoing two introduction ports
11 and 12 are opened and closed by means of this damper 14.
Additionally, on the upper portion of the switching box 10 is provided a
bracket for the purpose of installing this switching box 10 and blower 20
integrally on the vehicle body side. Accordingly, a casing 21 of scroll
configuration for the blower 20 is disposed on the lower side of this
switching box 10, and the space within this casing 21 is communicated with
the lower space of the switching box 10 via an intake port 22 of
bell-mouth configuration.
An eccentric type multiple-blade fan (sirocco fan) 23 is disposed within
the casing 21, and this fan 23 is driven and rotated via a shaft 24 by
means of a motor 25. This motor 25 is structured of an armature portion 26
which rotates integrally with the shaft 24, a magnet for magnetic field
use 27 of cylindrical configuration, a yoke 28 of cylindrical
configuration, a bearing 29, a motor case 30 composed of resin to house
these, and so on.
Additionally, the casing 21 is structured of a main body case portion 21a
composed of resin which forms a main body portion including an end plate
32 which forms a bottom plate, and an end plate 2lb formed of a different
piece of resin than this main body case portion 21a. An introduction
passage portion 21c for motor cooling air is formed on a nose portion
(tongue portion) of scroll configuration at the main body case portion
21a, and an intake port 21d for motor cooling air is opened on the top-end
portion (intake port 22 side location) thereof. A bracket 21e for
installation on the vehicle body is formed integrally on the lower side
end plate 32 of the main body case portion 21a.
An exit portion 21f of the casing 21 is linked to an intake portion of a
case 51 of a unit for cooling use 50 so as to blow air to a cooler
(refrigeration cycle evaporator) 52 side within the case 51.
FIGS. 2 through 7 indicate concretely an assembled structure of the motor
25. A flange portion of substantially disc configuration which protrudes
radially outwardly is formed integrally on an axial intermediate portion
of the foregoing motor case 30, and the motor 25 is fixed via this flange
portion 31 to the end plate (bottom plate) 32 on the lower side of the
casing 21 by means of a rotational type retaining structure which will be
described below.
An air exit port 33 (indicated also in FIG. 1) to discharge motor cooling
air to a low-pressure portion of a fan 23 central portion within the case
21 is provided on an upper portion of the motor case 30, and crossing from
a lower portion of the flange portion 31 to the central portion of the
motor case 30, a groove-shaped portion 34 for the purpose of introducing
motor cooling air within the case 30 is integrally formed to be bent
perpendicularly. This groove-shaped portion 34 is formed in a
configuration with a U-shaped cross-section, groove covers 35 and 36 of
resin composition are mounted detachably on the open end surface of the U
configuration thereof, and a cooling-air passage 37 (refer to FIG. 4) is
formed by means of this groove-shaped portion and groove covers 35 and 36.
Furthermore, a rectangular-shaped entry end 38 of the foregoing
groove-shaped portion 34 can be connected to an open portion for motor
cooling-air use 39 open to the end plate 32 of the resin-made casing 21,
and a rectangular-shaped protruding wall portion 40 (refer to FIGS. 7 and
8) which protrudes to the outer surface side (lower side) of the end plate
32 is formed integrally of resin on the perimeter of this open portion 39.
The foregoing open portion 39 is open to the end plate 32 so as to be
communicated with the introduction passage portion 21c indicated in FIG.
1. The open surface area of the above-mentioned entry end 38 is
established, according this embodiment, so as to mate on the outer
peripheral side of this protruding wall portion 40.
As is indicated in FIG. 7, an open portion for motor installation use 41 of
substantially circular configuration is formed on a central portion of the
end plate 32 of the casing 21 so as to allow the fan 23 to be inserted
within the casing 21 from this open portion 41, and a plurality of mating
tabs 42, being according to this embodiment eight tabs, protruding
inwardly radially are formed integrally on the inner peripheral surface of
this open portion 41. Additionally, a ring-shaped protrusion 43 is formed
integrally along the open portion 41 so as to protrude from the end plate
32 to the outer surface side (i.e., the side opposite the fan 23).
The foregoing open portion for motor cooling-air use 39 and wall portion 40
are disposed at a specified position (a specified position corresponding
to the above-mentioned entry end 38) on an outer peripheral location of
the above-mentioned open portion for motor installation use 41 and
ring-shaped protrusion 43, and a guide rib 44 is formed integrally on the
end plate 32 at a position immediately prior to the rotational direction
in the flange portion rotational direction when the flange portion 31 is
caused to be rotated and retained on the open portion 41 of the end plate
32.
As is indicated concretely in FIG. 9, this guide rib 44 is structured from
a taper surface 44a which gradually rises from the surface of the end
plate 32 toward the foregoing wall portion 40, and a ridge portion flat
surface 44b which extends from a ridge portion of this taper surface 44a
in parallel to the surface of the end plate 32. Herein, the protrusion
height of the ridge portion flat surface 44b may be equivalent to the
height of the wall portion 40, but for the purpose of improvement of
assembly operation ease which will be described below, it is preferred
that it be made slightly higher than the height of the wall portion 40, as
is indicated in FIG. 9.
A plurality of mating tabs 45, being according to this embodiment eight,
which mate with and retain the foregoing ring-shaped protrusion 43 are
formed integrally on an outer peripheral end portion of the flange portion
31 so as to protrude radially outwardly. Additionally, as is indicated in
FIGS. 5 and 10 the mating tabs 45 have a groove portion 45a with which the
foregoing ring-shaped protrusion 43 mates. In addition, as is shown in
FIG. 5 the mating tabs 45 are bent upwardly, i.e., from the surface of the
flange portion 31 to the motor outer side (the outer side of the casing
21).
Additionally, a plurality of support tabs 46 (according to this embodiment,
eight) are formed integrally on the outer peripheral end portion of the
flange portion 31 between the above-described mating tabs 45 so as to
protrude radially outwardly. The outer diameter to the outer peripheral
tip of the portion where these support tabs 46 are formed is established
so as to be larger than the diameter of the mating tab 42 inner peripheral
portion which protrudes to the inner peripheral side at the open portion
41 of the end plate 32, such that the support tabs 46 can be supported by
means of these mating tabs 42. In addition, a guide wall 47 is integrally
formed adjacently to the support tabs 46. This guide wall 47 is formed
bent from the surface of the flange portion 31 to the motor outer side,
and guides the mating tab 42 tip surfaces of the open portion 41 of the
end plate 32, as is indicated in FIG. 11.
An assembly method of an air-blowing apparatus of the above-described
structure according to this embodiment will be described next. In
assembling to the casing 21 the motor 25 to which the fan 23 has been
installed, the fan 23 portion is first inserted into the casing 21 through
the opening, as shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the fan 23 portion is
inserted while causing the entry end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37
formed across the flange portion 31 from the motor case 30 of the motor 25
to be positioned at point A in FIG. 7. When this is done, the support tabs
46 of the flange portion 31 are positioned between the mating tabs 42 of
the end plate 32, and so there is no impediment to this insertion
operation. Accordingly, after the mating tabs 45 of the flange portion 31
have contacted and mated with the ring-shaped protrusion 43 of the end
plate 32, the motor 25 is caused to rotated in the direction of arrow B of
FIG. 12.
When this is done, the entry end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37 rides
upon the taper surface 44a of the guide rib 44, the entry end 38 flexes
toward the outer side (the side opposite the fan 23) due to the elasticity
of the resin, and at the ridge portion flat surface 44b the distance of
the entry end 38 from the tip of the protruding wall portion 40 of the
open portion for motor installation use 39 of the end plate 32 to the end
plate 32 surface becomes larger, and if the motor 25 is caused to rotate
further from this state, the entry end 38 moves along the ridge portion
flat surface 44b in parallel with the end plate 32 surface, and next the
entry end 38 moves upwardly of the protruding wall portion 40 and herein
mates on the outer peripheral side of the protruding wall portion 40 by
means of its own elastic return strength.
In this state, as shown in FIG. 10, the ring-shaped protrusion 43 mates
with the groove portion 45a of the mating tabs 45 of the flange portion
31, and along with this, the support tabs 46 of the outer peripheral side
tips of the flange portion 31 are supported by means of the mating tabs 42
protruding toward the inner side of the open portion 41 of the end plate
32, as shown in FIG. 11. As a result of this, the end plate 32 comes to be
squeezed and maintained between the flange portion 31 mating tabs 45 and
support tabs 46, and the motor 25 is fixed to the end plate 32 of the
casing 21 by means of the rotational type retaining structure.
In this fixed state of the motor 25, the entry end 38 of the cooling-air
passage 37 is mated with the outer peripheral side of the protruding wall
portion 40, and so air leakage of this passage connection portion can
reliably be prevented. Additionally, the motor is reliably backed due to
the existence of this passage mating portion (38 and 40) and the guide rib
44, and the fixing of the motor 25 can be made strong.
Another embodiment according to this invention will be described next. FIG.
13 indicates a second embodiment. According to this embodiment, a
concavity 38a of configuration identical to the protruding wall portion 40
of the end plate 32 and into which this protruding wall portion 40 can be
inserted is formed on the entry end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37, such
that both of these members 38a and 40 are caused to be mated.
FIG. 14 indicates a third embodiment. a concavity 38a into which the tip
portion of the entry end 38 can be inserted is formed on the protruding
wall portion 40 of the end plate 32 such that both of these members 38a
and 40 are caused to be mated.
According to the second and third embodiments in the above-mentioned FIGS.
13 and 14, the leakage air path of the connection portion of the open
portion for motor cooling-air use 39 can be made longer, and so the seal
performance of this connection portion can be improved.
Additionally, according to the third embodiment in FIG. 14, the protruding
wall portion 40 is formed continuously with the ridge portion flat surface
44b of the guide rib 44.
Moreover, in order to cause seal performance to be even further enhanced,
it is also acceptable to use a mode combining the structures of FIG. 13
and FIG. 14, i.e., a mode wherein concavities 38a and 40a are formed on
both the entry end 38 and the protruding wall portion 40, and the entry
end 38 and the protruding wall portion 40 are both mutually mated.
Furthermore, instead of making the circumferential length (L in FIG. 7) or
the installed spacing (pitch P in FIG. 7) of the plurality of mating tabs
42 and support tabs 46 all identical, in the above-described assembly
operation the flange portion 31 can be assembled always in a correct
position with respect to the end plate 32 and misassembly can reliably be
prevented by means of establishing a portion thereof to be non uniform (L
or P for a portion only is made larger or smaller than other).
FIG. 15A through FIG. 15D indicate fourth through seventh embodiments
according to this invention. FIG. 15A is a fourth embodiment wherein the
entry end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37 of the motor 25 is caused to
rotate while being guided over the guide rib 44, is caused to be
positioned on the inner periphery of the protruding wall portion 40, and
is inserted within the open portion for motor cooling-air use 39 of the
end plate 32.
FIG. 15B is a fifth embodiment according to the foregoing embodiment,
wherein the ridge portion flat surface 44b of the guide rib 44 and the
protruding wall portion 40 are formed continuously.
FIG. 15C is a sixth embodiment according to the foregoing embodiments of
FIGS. 15A and 15B, wherein the protruding wall portion 40 and guide rib 44
are eliminated, and the entry end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37 of the
flange portion 31 is caused to rotate over the surface of the end plate 32
and is inserted directly into the open portion for motor cooling-air use
39.
FIG. 15D is a seventh embodiment according to the foregoing embodiment of
FIG. 15B, wherein the protruding wall portion 40 is eliminated, and entry
end 38 of the cooling-air passage 37 is inserted directly into the open
portion for motor cooling-air use 39 from the guide rib 44. | 5F
| 04 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a compact connector
assembly in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated
by reference numeral 10 and is used for connecting together a fuel rail 12
and a fuel tube, herein inlet tube 14, having an inlet tube end 16. As is
hereinafter more fully described, the connector assembly 10 provides a
simplified compact connection which is easily connected without special
tools.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the inlet tube 14 includes a raised
annular flange 18 a predetermined distance from its end 16. The connector
assembly 10 comprises a connector body 20 attached to the fuel rail 12.
Preferably the connector body 20 is integral with the fuel rail 12 and of
a plastic material. The connector body 20 has a through bore 22 and a
counterbored open end 24 that meet to define an annular shoulder 26 in the
connector body. The counterbored open end 24 is sized in diameter and
length to receive the inlet tube end 16 and annular flange 18. The
connector body open end 24 includes an outwardly extending shoulder 28.
A spacer ring 30 is mountable on the inlet tube 14 between the raised
annular flange 18 and tube end 16. The spacer ring 30 abuts the annular
shoulder 26 when the inlet tube 14 is mounted in the connector body 20 as
shown in FIG. 2.
An annular seal 32, illustrated as a conventional O-ring, is mountable
around the inlet tube end 16 between the raised annular flange 18 and the
spacer ring 30. Annular seal 32 seals the connection of the connector body
20 and inlet tube 14 against fuel leakage in the assembly illustrated in
FIG. 2.
An annular clip 34 has a periphery 36 with a generally U-shaped cross
section. Annular clip 34 is mountable on the inlet tube 14 beyond the
raised annular flange 18. Annular clip 34 can be of metal or plastic
construction and includes an inner ring or leg 38 and an outer ring or leg
40. The inner leg 38 is inclined inwardly for engaging the inlet tube
annular flange 18 and the outer leg 40 includes resilient locking means 42
biased inwardly for sliding over and snapping into withdrawal restraining
engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder 28.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, annular clip 34 includes a plurality of spaced
circumferentially adjacent inwardly extending tangs 42 formed in the outer
ring 40.
With reference to FIG. 4, the assembly of the fuel rail 12 and an inlet
tube 14 is effected by telescopingly receiving the inlet tube end 16 in
the connector body 20 and urging the inner leg of the annular clip 34
against the tube annular flange 18. Upon sufficient relative axial
displacement of the clip 34, the locking means 42 snaps into engagement
with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder 28. The connector
assembly 10 then comprises a compact package and uses only one O-ring 32,
one spacer ring 30 and an annular clip 34.
The compactness of the connector assembly 10 is accomplished by using the
circumferencial or annular clip 34 which is put onto the inlet tube end 16
past the annular flange 18 before the fuel tube 14 is inserted into the
connector body 20. The annular clip 34 provides the locking once it is
pushed over the outwardly extending shoulder 28 of the connector body 20.
The spacer ring 30 provides backup for the O-ring 32 and support for the
end 16 of the fuel tube 14. The spacer ring 30 also allows the fuel rail
12, in the integral embodiment with the connector body 20, to be molded
with a larger internal diameter along its entire length, because it takes
up the extra space between the fuel tube 14 and the rail wall. Such
construction achieves flow distribution requirements and molding
processing ease. The O-ring 32 and spacer ring 30 are installed onto the
tube end 16 before inserting it into the connector body 20, providing for
simplified assembly as a stuffer pin is not required before the connection
is effected.
Although the invention has been described by reference to a specific
embodiment, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made
within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described.
Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
described embodiment, but that it have the full scope defined by the
language of the following claims. | 5F
| 16 | L |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Shown inFIG. 1are an inventive hearing device3and associated charging device5in a first position1and a second position2. The hearing device3is an ItE device and has a battery pack31. Two openings with receptacles33and33′ are provided in its housing. Return elements35and35′ executed as spiral springs are located in the respective receptacles33and33′, and located at the ends of the return elements35and35′ are respective contact elements37and37′. The contact elements37,37′ are mounted in the receptacles33,33′ such that they can move and, in the first position (i.e. in an operating or rest state of the hearing device without interaction with the charging device), are located in a position so the outer surface of each contact element37,37′ is essentially flush with the housing of the hearing device3so that the openings are covered by the contact elements37,37′. This advantageously prevents that cerumen or dirt from reaching the interior of the hearing device. The charging device5has two charging contacts51and51′ fashioned as pins or posts and a magnet53.
In a second position (i.e. during a charging procedure), the hearing device is brought into contact with the charging device. The magnet53attracts the battery pack31and thus holds the hearing device3on the charging contacts51,51′ fashioned as pins. The charging contacts51,51′ are in electrical connection with the contact elements37,37′ of the hearing device, with the contact elements37,37′ being pushed into the receptacles33,33′ and the return elements35and35′ fashioned as spiral springs being compressed. The contact elements37′,37′ are pressed against the charging contacts51,51′ by prestress due to the magnetic force of the magnet53and the spring force of the return elements35,35′.
Because the charging contacts51,51′ (which are fashioned as pins) plug into the receptacles33,33′, a good engagement of the hearing device on the charging device is ensured. In order to prevent an accidental attempt to charge with an incorrect polarity of the contacts, the two charging contacts51,51′ of the charging device and the associated housing openings or receptacles33,33′ should be of different sizes or be shaped differently, in order to permit only one alignment. It is likewise possible for the charging device to exhibit a receptacle that is shaped complementary to the hearing device (not shown).
The hearing device3shown inFIG. 2is identical with the hearing device of the embodiment fromFIG. 1except the charging device5has no magnet. Instead, a clamp55is provided is compressed by a spring57so that the hearing device3can be clamped between the clamp55and the charging device5. It is noted that the clamp55is shown significantly simplified and schematically.
A further embodiment of the hearing device3and associated charging device is shown inFIG. 3. The hearing device3is shown in a first position1(i.e. in an operating or rest state) and in a second position2(i.e. in a charging state). The hearing device3has a slider switch34that is connected via an actuating element36with the contact elements37,37′ fashioned as contact pins. The contact elements37,37′ are mounted so as to move in the receptacles33,33′. A magnet53in the charging device5attracts the hearing device (namely, the battery pack31) therein into a charging position2. The switch34is thereby actuated and the contact elements37,37′ are moved out from the receptacles33,33′ by the actuating element36such that said contact elements37,37′ protrude from the hearing device housing. In the second position2the contact elements37(fashioned as contact pins) of the hearing device3are accepted by charging contacts52,52′ of the charging device5that are fashioned as sockets.
An alternative embodiment of the charging device5is shown inFIG. 4, wherein the hearing device3is identical to the hearing device of the embodiment fromFIG. 3, but as already described above inFIG. 2, the charging device5shown inFIG. 4has a clamp55which is compressed by a spring57, such that the hearing device3can be clamped between the charging device5and the clamp57.
A further embodiment of a hearing device3and a charging device5is shown inFIG. 5, wherein the charging device5has a receptacle for an adapter7that conforms in shape to the hearing device3. The hearing device3, the adapter7and the charging device5are shown in a first position1and a second position2(charging position). The charging device5has charging contacts52,52′ fashioned as charging sockets that receive respective contact pins71,71′ of the adapter7. In the charging position2the contact pins71,71′ of the adapter7are in electrical contact with the contact elements37,37′ of the hearing device3. The battery pack31of the hearing device3is attracted by a magnet53in the charging device such that the contact elements37,37′ are pressed onto the charging contacts52,52′ of the charging device5under prestress (positive force) by the contact pins71,71′ of the adapter7.
An alternative embodiment is shown inFIG. 6, wherein (as described above in connection withFIGS. 2 and 4) the arrangement has a clamp55that can be composed by a spring57so that the hearing device3can be clamped between the adapter7and the clamp55.
An inventive hearing device3with a further embodiment of a charging device5is shown in a first position1and a second position2(charging position) inFIG. 7. The charging device5has a receptacle54confirming in shape to the hearing device3, in which receptacle54the hearing device3can be accommodated. A cover58contains the charging device-side charging contacts51,51′ which, in the charging position2, are in electrical connection with the contact elements37,37′ of the hearing device3. The cover58is movably coupled by a hinge59at the main body of the charging device5. The cover58can have a latch element (not shown), for example a snap latch or a magnetic latch, so that the hearing device3is clamped in the closed charging device5and the contact elements37,37′ of the hearing device are pressed against the charging contacts51,51′ of the charging device under positive force.
A further embodiment of the inventive hearing device3is shown inFIG. 8. Here the contact element37is executed as a pin that is associated with a locking mechanism and a spring element35. The locking mechanism is formed by a locking element39and a locking projection38. The locking pin38can engage in a detent formed by a locking element39. Similar to the pushbutton of a ballpoint pen, the contact pin37can be moved from the first position into the second position and back by external pressing, which is schematically shown inFIG. 9: 1. the contact pin is pushed downward; 2. the contact pin is fully inside the hearing device (=operating position); 3. the locking element holds the contact pin in position; 4. new pressing releases the locking projection, the contact pin moves upward out of the housing; 5. the contact element protrudes from the housing (charging position) and is borne elastically.
The inventive hearing device and associated charging device can be provided both for in-the-ear (ItE) hearing devices and behind-the-ear (BtE) hearing devices. The charging device can also have a display device (for example an LED) that indicates the charging status of the hearing device. In order to switch the hearing device into a charging operating state during the charging procedure, the operating current could be drawn to a specific level upon placement of the hearing device over the charging contacts, causing the charging mode to be initiated. It is also conceivable for the hearing device to then be reactivated by means of remote control after successful charging and removal from the charging device.
Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody within the patent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of their contribution to the art.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDICES
Appendix 1 is a source code listing of a program used for creating a virtual world database according to the present invention;
Appendix 2 is a text description of the operation of the operation of the program entitled “Starch” listed in appendix 1;
Appendix 3 is a text description of the operation of the program entitled “Wringer” listed in Appendix 1; and
Appendix 4 is a text description of the overall steps used to create a virtual world according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
1. Project Description
The Matis database conversion project enables the use of the Matis kitchen database in a virtual reality environment. To accomplish this, the Matis kitchen files are converted into the Isaac file format via RB2Swivel.
This conversion process has several steps. First, the Matis product files are edited, using the STARCH editor. The added editing information is stored in a GROUPING file which can be reloaded into the editor. Once the editing is complete, the product is converted into an RB2Swivel Script file. Once the products needed to construct a kitchen are in dm RB2Swivel format, the WRINGER program builds an RB2Swivel Script file containing the information necessary to make a virtual world. The RB2Swivel worlds are then loaded into Body Electric, along with the Body Electric Data Messagers (DMs) necessary to animate the word.
FIG. 1shows a general outline of the conversion process. The GROUPING of the Matis database will be available for use on Sun Microsystems computers.
2. The STARCH Editor
This program runs on the SGI and enables the user to convert Matis product data into the GROUPING file data format. The final output format of the editor is RB2Swivel Script files. The GROUPING data file contains all the information necessary to edit a product from its last saved state. This information can also be used to speed the editing of similar products. Once editing is completed, the grouped Matis product data is converted temporarily to the SOAP data format. It is then converted to a Swivel Script file. There is one Swivel script file per product.
The editor provides file tools necessary for the grouping of matis graphic primitives into polygons or sweeps. Additional information such as constraints, thickness, and color can then be added.
2.1 Product Selection
The user needs to select which product to edit. This is accomplished by entering either the product number or name, or by cycling through the list of products of a kitchen as contained in the Matis planfile.
There is one GROUPING file per product. If a product which has already been edited is reselected for editing, the user is asked to confirm his intentions.
2.2 Default Parameter Addition
When a product is initially selected for conversion editing, default values for color, grouping, constraints, and thickness are added whenever possible.
Grouping defaults are a non-trivial problem. Currently, grouping is accomplish interactively. Future project phases may automate this process.
On completion of the grouping of graphic primitives into a part, a part name can be supplied by the user, or default to a predetermined value in order to establish constraint and thickness defaults.
Color, Thickness, and Constraint defaults are determined upon entry of a part name, such as door.
2.3 Product Editing
The grouping view also supports hierarchy editing. It displays an indented notation tree structure which specifies the Swivel linking constraints of the parts. The default relationship of the parts is a flat tree structure where every part is a child of the root (the product).
COLOR VIEW
This view displays the RGB color value of the current part.
The four functions which the editor must provide are the ability to group Matis graphic primitives and subprimitives into parts, edit product color information, determine physical constraints, and add part thickness. This is accomplished in a one screen editing environment consisting of 8 views:
MATIS GRAPHIC VIEW
This view displays the original Matis data as a 3-D rotatable wireframe object. This view is used for selection and feedback, but is not modifiable, except for the addition of user polygons and constraint origins.
MATIS TEXT VIEW
All of the graphic primitives which compose the product are displayed in this vie in a text list format. The association of text to graphics is accomplished through the use of color and highlighting. Primitives which can be subdivided into subprimitives have menu entries representing rite subprimitives.
Grouping Process
One or more primitives and subprimitives are selected. They are then grouped using the appropriate grouping menu item, at which time a part name can be supplied. This name then appears in the Grouping text view. When the one or more primitives and subprimitives are grouped, either a polygon or a wireframe part is generated as the result. If the definition of the polygon is not planar, it will be grouped as a sweep polygon automatically. A sweep polygon is defined by two sets of lines and arcs, each element in one set is parallel to a mirror image element in the other set, and the sets are connected by a single edge describing the thickness. Sweeps may also be created implicitly, as part of a thickened polygon.
Two objects in a virtual reality world may be assigned as connected hierarchically. The hierarchy is created by selecting an object and designating it as a child object of another object.
Objects additionally can be assigned as rotatable about a portion of another object. This is necessary only if the part is unconstrained in some way. For instance, a door needs to rotate about one of its edges. To define a rotational constraint of motion for an objects, the edge about which an object will rotate is selected. The origin will be set to the center of the edge if a line segment is selected, or the origin will be set to the center point of the defining endcap of a column if a column is selected. For example, to allow a faucet arm to swing side to side, an origin must be specified, and then the minimum and maximum constraint values must be set. Once an object or a grouped object has been designated as rotatable about an origin, a change in an angle of rotation will cause the selected object to rotate about the origin by the specified amount.
GROUPING TEXT VIEW
This view contains a list of the part names of the currently grouped parts. When one of the names is selected, the primitives which compose the part will become selected.
THICKNESS VIEW
This view consists of edited text items which enable thickness to be added to the currently selected part. The editable items are height and height type. The height is the measurement by which to thicken the selected part in the direction of its normal vector. The height type specifies whether the thickness is added to the positive direction, negative direction, or equally distributed.
CONSTRAINTS VIEW
This view displays positional and rotational constraints of the currently selected part. It displays the current, minimum, and maximum constraint values, as well as lock status.
CONVERSION (SOAP) VIEW
This view displays the most recently convened state of the product. The product is displayed in shaded, polygonal format.
COLOR GRID VIEW
This view displays a color grid from which to interactively specify a grouping's color. This view only appears in Soap Edit mode, as described in the Starch User's Manual, Section 4.4, and replaces the Matis Graphic View.
3. The WRINGER World Constructor
This module constructs a kitchen as determined by the Matis index and plan files. Its one interaction with the user is to select a particular kitchen to build. A master Swivel script file is output by this module and is ported to the Macintosh, and loaded into RB2Swivel.
3.1 Kitchen Selection
The user can input the index file entry number or the managing number as a command line argument when running the module. Wall, floor, and ceiling colors may also be specified by creating a “wringer.color” file. See the Wringer User's Manual for more details.
3.2 Making a World
The plan file referenced by the index fie entry is loaded.
A new RB2Swivel script file is then written. As each wall is created, its products are located upon it as specified by the plan file. The file includes a head and hand, and initial world orientation information.
4. Body Electric Interaction
DMs are defined for each type of movement that might be needed. They are then loaded by BE by indexing off the key part names in each product. This loading process occurs automatically when a world is loaded into BE.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Although the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Turning now to the drawings, and referring first toFIG. 1, the reagent to be dispensed is contained in a reservoir10(preferably a glass container) having a pressurized headspace at the top of the reservoir. An output line11leads from a supply line12near the bottom of the reservoir10to a manifold13having eight output lines14a-14hleading to eight high-speed, solenoid-actuated valves15a-15h. Each valve15carries a dispensing nozzle16. Whenever one or more of the valves15is open, the pressure in the reservoir10forces reagent from the reservoir through the line11and the manifold13. Manifold13is designed to allow equal flow distribution from the single output line11to the eight output line14a-hand to the open valve(s)15is to the corresponding dispensing nozzle(s)16. In a preferred embodiment, the manifold13is equipped with a bottom seal fitting13a, has a fully swept internal liquid path to reduce the possibility of trapping air and is made of a polyaryletherketone (“PEEK”) resin which provides good mechanical properties in combination with good resistance to the types of reagents commonly used in this type of equipment. The line11leading to the manifold13is preferably 0.125″ ID, 0.1875″ OD PFA Teflon® tubing, and the lines14a-14hconnecting the manifold13to the valves15a-15hare preferably 0.040″ ID, 0.0625″ OD Tefzel® tubing. Lines14a-14hand line11are coupled to the internals of manifold13in a manner that avoids unequal flow distribution, additional restrictions in metering, or trapping of air, all of which cause degradation of target dispense accuracy and precision.
The pressure within the reservoir10is controlled by an air pump20that supplies pressurized air to the reservoir via line21at a controlled pressure, e.g., about 5 psig (34.5 kPa gauge). The pump20preferably includes a brushless DC motor (with a three-wire control option) that is controlled by a system controller22via electrical line23. The system controller22includes a microprocessor that receives a feedback signal from a transducer24sensing the pressure within the reservoir10. The transducer24is connected to a pressure tap line25that comes off of the reservoir10, and generates an electrical signal on line26corresponding to the pressure sensed by the transducer in the tap line25. The pressure supply line21, the pressure sensor tap line25, and the reagent supply line11enter/exit the reagent reservoir10through a cap10a. The lines21and25are attached to the cap10avia barb fittings, while the liquid supply line11passes through the cap and is captured by a flangeless fitting11a. The lines21and25are preferably 0.125″ ID, 0.25″ OD Tygon® tubing.
The microprocessor in the system controller22uses the signal from the transducer24in a standard PID (proportional, integral, derivative) control algorithm, to produce an output signal on line23to control the pressure within the reagent reservoir, preferably to within 0.02 psi. That is, the microprocessor continually compares the actual reservoir pressure, represented by the transducer signal on line26, with the desired or “set point” pressure, e.g., 5 psig (34.5 kPa gauge), using the PID algorithm to produce the requisite output signal for maintaining the desired pressure in the reservoir10. The pressure is maintained within a variation of about ±0.5%. A preferred minimum flow rate for the pump20is 500 ml/min. at a pressure of 5 psig.
The system controller22also produces the electrical pulses that control the times at which each of the valves15a-15his opened and closed. These pulses are generated on any of eight different output lines30a-30h, each of which is connected to one of the solenoid-actuated valves15a-15h. Each pulse rises from a differential voltage of zero to 24 DC volts spike pulse for 2 milliseconds, then reduces to a differential of 5 volts to hold open the valve15receiving that pulse, remains at the 5-volt level for a time period sufficient to dispense the selected volume of reagent through the opened valve, and then drops to a differential voltage of zero volts at the end of that time period to close the valve.
The desired volume of reagent to be dispensed from each nozzle16is selected by the user via a keypad or other manual input device on the front of a control panel (not shown). This manual input provides the microprocessor with a signal representing the selected volume. A memory associated with the microprocessor stores a calibration table that specifies the widths of the electrical pulses required to dispense specified volumes of the reagent. When a volume not specified in the table is selected, the microprocessor calculates a required pulse width from the pulse widths specified in the table for the two specified volumes closest to the selected volume. This calculation is preferably performed using linear interpolation between the two closest values in the table.
The calibration table is generated initially by supplying one of the solenoid-actuated valves with a succession of pulses of progressively increasing width, and measuring the actual volume of reagent dispensed through the nozzle connected to that valve. These measured volumes are stored in the table, along with the pulse width that produced each volume. Then when the user selects a desired volume, the microprocessor finds either that volume, or the two closest volumes in the table. If the exact value of the selected volume is in the table, the microprocessor generates a pulse having the width specified for that volume in the table. If the exact value is not in the table, then the microprocessor uses the two closest volume values, and their corresponding pulse widths, to calculate the pulse width required to dispense the volume selected by the user. Linear interpolation may be used for the calculation.
The solenoid-actuated valves used in the dispensing system may be selected on the basis of the specified minimum volume to be dispensed by the system. For example, if the specified minimum volume to be dispensed is 0.5 μL, a valve capable of dispensing a volume of approximately 0.125 μL is preferably selected, to allow for a four to one safety factor.
FIG. 2illustrates four dispensing systems of the type illustrated inFIG. 1arranged in parallel to provide simultaneous dispensing of reagent from 32 nozzles40a-40h,41a-41h,42a-42hand43a-43h. This arrangement allows rapid filling of multiple wells in microplates having large numbers of wells.
In a test of the invention, a sample plate having 96 wells was used, each row of eight wells received sample liquid simultaneously. After each row received samples, the next row of wells received samples of the liquid and so on until all 96 wells had been sampled. Each of the eight valves (Lee Valve Company) opened for 5.0 milliseconds and dispensed 0.5 μL of the sample liquid into a well which had been primed with 199.5 μL of deionized water. After each plate had received 96 samples, the liquid delivery system was flushed and re-primed to simulate commercial practice and thus, to introduce potential variation in the amounts of liquid delivered to each well associated with changing or replenishing the dispensed liquid.
The liquid dispensed was a 5 g/L solution of a tartrazine yellow dye in deionized water, contained in a 1000 mL bottle, which was pressured to 5 psig±0.02 (34.5 kPa). The arrangement of the tubing supplying liquid to each valve was made as uniform as possible. Measurement of the amount of liquid dispensed was done indirectly by reading the optical density of the liquid with a Spectracount® photometer (Packard Instrument Company). Values for the ten sample plates are shown in the following table.
Mean OpticalPlate No.Density ReadingCoeff. Of Variation, %10.37381.2320.37291.4230.37251.3240.36741.6250.37231.4460.37111.3270.36761.6180.36441.6990.36981.50100.36801.48
The mean value of the optical density measurements was 0.370 over all the 10 sample plates, with a standard deviation of 0.003 or coefficient of variation of 0.823%. Within individual sample plates, the minimum coefficient of variation was 1.231% on plate 1, while the maximum coefficient of variation was 1.686% on plate 8. The total variation from the mean optical density reading was about 1.25% across all the 10 sample plates. It should be evident that the system of the invention is capable of depositing the very precise and repeatable samples of liquids required for the tests typically carried out in such sample plates.
In one application of the dispensing system, the nozzles are mounted on a moveable support and moved in the Y plane into a location where the nozzle tips are aligned with the well of a microplate into which microdrops of the reagent are dispensed. The microplate is moved by a separate plate holder and displaced horizontally in the X plane. Thus, the nozzles are moved within the Y axis while the microplate that receives the microdrops moves in the X-axis directly and precisely under the nozzles. Alternatively, the nozzles may be stationary and the microplate moved under the nozzles. It is of course possible to move both the nozzles and the microplate for maximum flexibility and speed of operation.
In practice, it is not desirable to carry out such movements manually, using visual observation by the operator. To assure accuracy in repetitive steps of dispensing reagent into multiple wells, computer control of the movements of the nozzles and/or the microplate generally will be provided. The operator of the apparatus will instruct the instrument via a graphical user interface or by a separately linked computer to carry out a series of movements intended to transfer reagent from the reservoir to the microplate. It will be appreciated that such a sequence of movements may take place in three dimensions, usually called X and Y defining the position in a horizontal plane and Z defining the position in the vertical direction.
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made there to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof are contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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EXAMPLE 1
Into a stainless steel autoclave having an internal capacity of 300 ml,
0.36 mmol of palladium acetate, 1.44 mmol of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine, 61 g of acetone and 6.5 g of water were
charged under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and 11 g of 1,3-butadiene and 11
g of carbon dioxide were further introduced. The reaction mixture was
heated until the internal temperature became 80.degree. C. over a period
of 20 minutes, while stirring the mixture at a speed of 800 rpm. The
reaction was continued at 80.degree. C. for further two hours. Then, the
reaction product was analyzed by gas chromatography. The results are shown
in Table 1.
EXAMPLES 2 TO 5 AND COMATIVE EXAMPLES 1 AND 2
The operation was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that
the phosphine compound as identified in Table 1 was used instead of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine. The results are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
__________________________________________________________________________
No.Example
Phosphine Compound
(%).SIGMA.HOD*.sup.1
##STR3##
(%)NOT*.sup.3
(%)DODE*.sup.4
(%)Selectivity.SIGMA.HOD*.sup.5
__________________________________________________________________________
Example 1
Tris(2,4- 84.9 95 1.5 0.7 92.7
dimethylphenyl)phosphine
Example 2
Tris(2,5- 82.4 95 1.7 1.5 91.7
dimethylphenyl)phosphine
Example 3
Tris(2-methyl-4-
79.0 95 1.3 0.4 93.9
methoxyphenyl)phosphine
Example 4
Tris(2,4,5- 84.1 93 2.1 2.4 92.7
trimethylphenyl)phosphine
Example 5
Tris(2-methyl-4-
77.1 95 2.0 1.3 93.8
decoxyphenyl)phosphine
Comparative
Triphenylphosphine
47.6 84 2.1 1.8 86.9
Example 1
Comparative
Tris(2- 76.6 95 1.5 1.0 90.1
Example 2
methylphenyl)phosphine
__________________________________________________________________________
*.sup.1 .SIGMA.HOD: Yield of the formed octadienols to the charged
butadiene (%)
*.sup.2 1-HOD/.SIGMA.HOD: Proportion of octa2,7-diene-1-ol (1HOD) in the
octadienols (%)
*.sup.3 NOT: Yiled of the formed octa1,3,7-triene to the charged butadien
(%)
*.sup.4 DODE: Yield of the formed dioctadienyl ether to the charged
butadiene (%)
*.sup.5 .SIGMA.HOD Selectivity: Selectivity of octadienols in all product
from butadiene (%)
EXAMPLE 6
The operation was conducted under the same conditions as in Example I
except that 0.5 mmol of palladium acetate, 2 mmol of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine, 50 g of acetone, 18 g of water, 27 g of
1,3-butadiene and 15 g of carbon dioxide were used, and the reaction was
conducted for 4 hours. The results are shown in Table 2.
EXAMPLE 7
The operation was conducted in the same manner as in Example 4 except that
the reaction temperature was changed to 90.degree. C. The results are
shown in Table 2.
EXAMPLE 8
The operation was conducted in the same manner as in Example 3 except that
the amount of tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine was changed to 8 mmol, and
the reaction time was changed to 3 hours. The results are shown in Table
2.
TABLE 2
__________________________________________________________________________
No.Example
compound (mmol)phosphineAmount of the
(.degree.C.)temp.Reaction
(hr)timeReaction
(%).SIGMA.HOD*.sup.1
##STR4##
(%)NOT*.sup.3
(%)DODE*.sup.4
__________________________________________________________________________
Example 6
2 80 4 79.4 96 2.0 2.6
Example 7
2 90 4 79.7 93 3.1 5.8
Example 8
8 80 3 81.8 95 3.0 3.6
__________________________________________________________________________
*.sup.1 .SIGMA.HOD: Yield of the formed octadienols to the charged
butadiene (%)
*.sup.2 1-HOD/.SIGMA.HOD: Proportion of octa2,7-diene-1-ol(1-HOD) in the
octadienols (%)
*.sup.3 NOT: Yield of the formed octa1,3,7-triene to the charged butadien
(%)
*.sup.4 DODE: Yield of the formed dioctadienyl ether to the charged
butadiene (%)
EXAMPLE 9
The operation was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that
tris(2,3,4,5-tetramethylphenyl)phosphine was used instead of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine, and the reaction was conducted for 4
hours. .SIGMA.HOD was 88.5%, 1-HOD/.SIGMA.HOD was 93%, NOT was 1.6%, and
DODE was 2.9%
EXAMPLE 10
Preparation of bis(tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine)palladium complex
Into a stainless steel induction stirring autoclave having an internal
capacity of 300 ml, 5 mmol of palladium acetate, 17.5 mmol of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine and 50 ml of methanol were charged under
a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and 25 ml of 1,3-butadiene was further
introduced. The reaction mixture was heated until the internal temperature
became 80.degree. C. over a period of 20 minutes, while stirring it at a
speed of 800 rpm, and the reaction was continued at 80.degree. C. for
further 1.5 hours. After cooling the mixture to room temperature, a formed
yellow palladium complex was separated by filtration and washed with 40 ml
of methanol and further with 40 ml of n-hexane, and 2.82 g of the obtained
crystals were dried under reduced pressure at room temperature.
______________________________________
Results of the
Pd 13.3% C 72.82% H 7.03%
elemental analysis
(calculated values)
(13.3) (72.13) (6.81)
______________________________________
From the results of the elemental analysis, the obtained palladium complex
was confirmed to be a bis(tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine) palladium
complex. The thermal stability and the stability in air were examined by
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and TG-DTA(Thermogravimetry
Differential Thermal Analysis), respectively. The results were better than
the known similar complex (bis(tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine)palladium),
as shown in Table 3.
COMATIVE EXAMPLE 3
Preparation of a bis(tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine)palladium complex
The above identified complex was prepared in the same manner as in Example
10 except that tris(2-methylphenyl)phosphine was used instead of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine. The results of DSC and TG-DTA are shown
in Table 3.
TABLE 3
______________________________________
DSC*.sup.1
Endothermic
temp. Peak temp.
______________________________________
Example 10
230.degree. C.
238.degree. C.
Comparative
202.degree. C.
212.degree. C.
Example 3
TG-DTA*.sup.2
Weight reduction
Initiation Temp. Weight
Exothermic
temp. extrapolated
loss peak temp.
______________________________________
Example 10
207.degree. C.
245.degree. C.
74% 219.degree. C.
Comparative
194.degree. C.
228.degree. C.
76% 194.degree. C.
Example 3
______________________________________
*.sup.1 Conditions for measurement: Sample: 1 mg, Ag pressure resistant
cell (sealed under N.sub.2) 10.degree. C./min, N.sub.2 : 50 ml/min
*.sup.2 Conditions for measurement: Sample: 5 mg, Al pan 10.degree.
C./min, Air: 200 ml/min
EXAMPLE 12
0.75 mmol of palladium bis(tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine), 1.5 mmol of
tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine, 55 g of acetone and 10 g of water were
charged, and 20.7 g of 1,3-butadiene and 11 g of carbon dioxide were
further added, and the mixture was reacted for 1.5 hours in the same
manner as in Example 1. The reaction solution was distilled under reduced
pressures at room temperature to distill off of the acetone solvent. Then,
1.5 mmol of tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine was added, and 100 ml of a 1
mol/l sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was added thereto. The mixture was
reacted at 60.degree. C. for 1 hour and then cooled with ice. The aqueous
phase was separated, and the organic phase containing a precipitated
yellow complex was washed twice with 50 ml of water, and then the solid
content was separated by filtration. Using the obtained solid content
which contains palladium bis(tris(2,4-dimethylphenyl)phosphine), and 55 g
of acetone, 10 g of water, 20.2 g of 1,3-butadiene and 11 g of carbon
dioxide, the reaction was conducted for 1.5 hours in the same manner as
the first time. The analytical results of the respective reaction products
are shown in Table 4.
______________________________________
(%).SIGMA.HOD
##STR5## (%)NOT
(%)DODE
______________________________________
1st time 80.3 94.4 3.5 1.3
2nd time 84.7 95.9 3.1 2.2
______________________________________
EXAMPLE 13
0.377 mmol of palladium acetate, 1.5 mmol of
tris(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine, 55 g of acetone and 10 g of water
were charged, and 20.2 g of 1,3-butadiene and 11 g of carbon dioxide were
further added, and the mixture was reacted for 5 hours in the same manner
as in Example 1. The reaction solution was distilled under reduced
pressures at room temperature to distill off the acetone solvent. Then,
0.75 mmol of tris(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine was added, and 100 ml
of a 1 mol/l sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was added thereto. The
mixture was reacted at 60.degree. C. for 1 hour and then cooled with ice.
The aqueous phase was separated, and the organic phase containing a
precipitated yellow complex was washed twice with 50 ml of water, and then
the solid content was separated by filtration. Using the obtained solid
content which contains palladium
bis(tris(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine, and 55 g of acetone, 10 g of
water, 20.1 g of 1,3-butadiene and 11 g of carbon dioxide, the reaction
was conducted for 5 hours in the same manner as the first time. The
analytical results of the respective reaction products are shown in Table
5.
______________________________________
.SIGMA.HOD
##STR6## (%)NOT
(%)DODE
______________________________________
1st time 70.9 95.3 1.6 1.2
2nd time 68.0 95.0 1.6 1.5
______________________________________
According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to produce
octadienols in good yield and 2,7-octadiene-1-ol highly selectively by
reacting 1,3-butadiene with water in the presence of a palladium compound,
a phosphine compound having the specific structure and carbon dioxide.
Thus, the present invention provides an industrially advantageous method
for producing octadienols. Further, the novel bis(phosphine)palladium
complex of the present invention is excellent in the heat stability and
easy to handle, and when precipitated from the reaction solution in the
above method for preparing octadienols and supplied again to the reaction
system, it undergoes no substantial deterioration of the catalytic
activity and can advantageously be recycled. | 2C
| 07 | C |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a door region of a front-loading washing machine with a bull's-eye-type door 1 having a pot-shaped glass window 2 , which is fixed in a frame 3 . In the closed position of the door, sealing lips 4 and 5 lie on the inside of the edge region of the door 1 and prevent escape to the exterior of water from the interior space of the washing machine located to the right of the door.
The door 1 is fixed through a non-illustrated hinge on a window cutout of a housing 6 of the washing machine containing a pre-rolled sheet metal collar 8 in an edge region 7 of the window. The outer beading 9 of a sleeve 10 is buttoned onto the sheet metal collar 8 . A clamping element 11 , for example, an annular helical spring, set into the beading 9 clamps the beading 9 against the neck of the sheet metal collar 8 .
FIGS. 2 and 3 show, in an enlarged cross-sectional view, the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 , which includes an annular channel 12 in its interior. The channel 12 is connected to the outer surface of the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 through one groove 13 in FIG. 2 and through two grooves 13 and 14 disposed perpendicular to one another in FIG. 3. A substantially annular clamping element 11 is molded into the annular channel 12 . A recess having approximately the shape of a quarter circle is molded into the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 , into which recess a rolled-up, substantially annular collar 8 of the edge of the front section of the housing wall 7 limiting the door aperture is introduced.
In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 , in which the window edge region 7 of the front housing wall 6 has only a narrow, seamed-in edge, it is advisable to cover such an edge region with another annular lip 16 covering the edge region 7 .
The sealing sleeve 10 is customarily produced by the injection molding process. In such a process, a corresponding mold is constructed and filled by injection under high pressure with a liquid and elastic material (for example, rubber), which later cures to become softly elastic. As a result, the sealing sleeve 10 can be formed in a predetermined shape with very detailed accuracy.
In principle, there are two possible ways of molding the clamping element 11 into the interior of the sealing sleeve 10 . First, the mold can be equipped with a corresponding core for the subsequent channel 12 and at least one groove 13 or 14 . Then, after curing of the injection molding material, it is possible to introduce the clamping element 11 through the groove 13 or 14 into the annular channel 12 in the interior of the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 .
Alternatively, the annular clamping element 11 can also be previously secured in the injection mold through an annular, continuous rib or through webs attached at individual points in the annular mold. During the subsequent injection molding, in such a case, the clamping element 11 is injected around the sealing sleeve 10 so that the clamping element 11 and the sealing sleeve 10 form a single component and it is no longer necessary to introduce the clamping element 11 into the channel 12 . When individual webs are used, the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 includes, after the injection molding, not a continuous groove 13 for connecting the channel 12 to the outside of the sealing sleeve 10 but a plurality of individual passage apertures corresponding to the shape of the retaining webs.
The use of a plurality of circular ribs in the injection mold serves to provide better retention of the clamping element 11 . In such a case, after injection molding, a corresponding plurality of annular grooves 13 and 14 are formed in the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 .
In principle, any annular structure capable of automatic elastic further tensioning can be used as the clamping element 11 , such as, for example, a tensioning cable or a rubber band of relatively high tensile force. Particularly preferred, however, is the use of a helical spring, also known as a worm spring, as this retains its spring force even after a long period of operation and, thus, guarantees reliable sealing. It should be noted that, when injection takes place directly around a helical spring, the latter must previously be provided with a suitable sheathing, as, otherwise, material of the sleeve 10 penetrates between the individual coils of the spring during injection molding, which may result in a reduction of the spring force or even a complete elimination of the spring force.
In the above-mentioned embodiments, which are adapted to the customary embodiments of the curved, substantially annular collar 8 of the edge section 7 of the front housing wall 6 limiting the door aperture, the beading 9 , with the clamping element 11 jointly injected around it during injection molding or pre-mounted in the channel 12 after injection molding, is merely inverted with its recess in the shape of a quarter circle over the correspondingly shaped collar 8 . As a result of the spring force of the clamping element 11 , the beading 9 of the sealing sleeve 10 is, then, permanently pressed against the collar 8 , so that slipping of the sealing sleeve 10 is prevented.
The invention is not, however, confined to the embodiments described herein but includes all conceivable geometrical shapes, ranging from the simple rectangle to complexly configured beadings. The section of the sealing sleeve to be secured merely needs to be sufficiently thick to receive the clamping element in its interior. Thus, the subject of the present invention can be used in virtually any field in which sealing sleeves are employed.
| 3D
| 06 | F |
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLIFIED EMBODIMENT
The 2/2-way solenoid valve depicted in longitudinal section in FIG. 1 has a
valve housing 10 with a screwed plug 11, with which the valve housing 10
can be screwed into a bushing in the housing of a fuel-distributor
injection pump, in such a way that at the same time the valve defines the
pump working chamber of the injection pump. Such a fuel-distributor
injection pump with an installed solenoid valve is described, for example,
in DE 36 33 107 Al.
A high-pressure borehole 12 runs in the screwed plug 11 from the valve
inlet 13 up to a valve opening 15 surrounded by a valve seating 14. A
valve chamber 16 lying on the other side of the valve opening 15 is
connected via at least one relief borehole 17 to a valve outlet 18. A
cone- or mushroom-shaped section 19 of a valve needle 20 works together
with the valve seating 14. The valve needle 20 is guided with a
cylindrical section 21 so that it is axially displaceable in a guide
borehole 22 which extends from the valve chamber 16. The guide borehole 22
is situated inside a central core 23, which is configured in one piece
with the valve housing 10 and is surrounded by a magnetic coil 24 of an
electromagnet 25.
At the end turned away from the cone- or mushroom-shaped section 19, the
valve needle 20 is connected to an anchor plate 26 of the electromagnet
25. A compression spring 27, which works in the valve-opening direction,
is fixed between the anchor plate 26 and the core 23 of the valve housing
10. When the magnetic coil 24 is not excited, the compression spring 27
positions the anchor plate 26 against a limit stop 28 to limit the lift of
the valve needle 20. The magnetic coil 24 is coiled around a coil brace 29
and set in a magnet pot 30, which concentrically surrounds the core 23 of
the valve housing 10. The magnet pot 30 is covered by a plate-like yoke
31. The anchor plate 26 lies opposite the yoke with a clearance which
corresponds to the lift of the valve needle 20. By means of a pot-like
intermediate flange 32 bearing the limit stop 28, the yoke 31 is pressed
against the magnet pot 30 abutting the valve housing 10. On its part, the
intermediate flange 32 is immovably retained by a housing cover 33 placed
on the valve housing 10.
A double-conductor electrical connecting cable 34 passes through the
housing cover 33, the intermediate flange 32 and the yoke 31 as an
insulated cable and is connected with each of its terminal ends 35,36
(FIG. 2) to a winding end 37 or 38, respectively, of the magnetic coil 24.
The connecting cable 34, which has one supply line 48 and one feedback
line 49, is connected to a control element 40, which for its part is
connected to a direct voltage, generally to the motor vehicle battery 39.
The control element 40 is used to operate the solenoid valve, thus, to
close and open the valve. To this end, the magnetic coil 24 is supplied
with direct current, and is separated from the direct voltage The closing
period for the solenoid valve is thereby essentially determined by the
period of time that the magnetic coil 24 is excited.
The control element 40 features two output terminals 41,42 for connecting
up the connecting cable 34, and an input terminal 43 for connecting up the
positive pole of the motor vehicle battery 39. The output terminal 41 is
thereby directly connected to the input terminal 43, while the output
terminal 42 is connected to ground or zero potential via a transistor
final stage 44, which is depicted here symbolically by a switch. The
transistor final stage 44 is triggered by means of control electronics 45
in the control element 40 based upon various operating parameters of an
internal combustion engine equipped with the fuel-injection pump, such as
load, rotational frequency, and temperature, and to compensate for
solenoid-valve switching times conditional on construction in view of the
operating (switch) position of the valve, thus, the position of the valve
needle 20.
Diagram a of FIG. 3 depicts a trigger pulse supplied to the transistor
final stage 44 by the control electronics 45. For the duration of this
pulse, the transistor final stage 44 closes, and the magnetic coil 24 of
the electromagnet 25 is connected to the motor vehicle battery 39. A
current, as shown in diagram b of FIG. 3, flows in the magnetic coil 24.
The anchor plate 26 is pulled up to the yoke 31, and the section 19 of the
valve needle sits on the valve seating 14 when the valve opening 15 is
closed. The solenoid valve is closed.
At the instant t.sub.v, the trigger pulse ceases and the transistor final
stage 44 opens. The current in the magnetic coil 24 goes to zero with a
time delay. When the excitation of the magnetic coil 24 ceases, the valve
needle 20 begins to lift off from the valve seating 14, under the effect
of the compression spring 27 and, at the instant t.sub.v, strikes against
the limit stop 28 on the intermediate flange 32. The time dependency of
the valve-needle lift S is depicted in diagram c of FIG. 3. At the instant
t.sub.v, the lift curve S of the valve needle 20 has again reached its
zero point, and the solenoid valve is completely open, so that the
high-pressure borehole 12 and the relief borehole 17 are interconnected.
Up to the instant t.sub.v, the injection phase of the fuel-injection pump
established by the instant t.sub.v is prolonged, which leads to an
unwanted increase in the fuel-injection quantity Therefore, it is of
considerable importance to know the instant t.sub.v in order to correct
the injection quantity.
To determine the instant t.sub.v, a position signalling device 46 is
provided. It has a piezoelectric ceramic disk 47 arranged on the limit
stop 28. As soon as the valve needle 20 hits the piezoelectric ceramic
disk 47 at the instant t.sub.v, electric charges are produced in the disk
which lead to a voltage pulse, which can be evaluated as a measure for the
valve-opening position (valve-opening signal) in the control electronics
45 to correct the instant t.sub.o.
The connecting cable 34 is used to transmit the voltage pulse from the
solenoid valve to the control element 40, so that a separate signal line
is not needed. For this purpose, a diode 50 is connected between the
terminal end 35 of the supply line 48 of the connecting cable 34 connected
to the output terminal 41 and the winding end 37 of the magnetic coil 24.
The diode 50 is poled so that its conducting direction points to the
magnetic coil 24. Of the electrical outputs 51,52 of the piezoelectric
disk 47, the output 51, which conducts the higher potential, is connected
to the winding end 38 of the magnetic coil 24, and this winding end 38 is
in turn connected via the feedback line 49 of the connecting cable 34 to
the second output terminal 42 of the control element 40.
The output 52 of the piezoelectric ceramic disk 47 which conducts the lower
potential is connected to the terminal end 35 of the supply line 48 or the
anode of the diode 50. As an option, the output 52 can also be directly
connected to ground or zero potential, as indicated by a broken line in
FIG. 2. In the control element 40, the second output terminal 42 is
connected via a capacitor 53 and an amplifier 54 to the control
electronics 45. For voltage clamping, a series connection consisting of a
Zener diode 55 and a blocking or inverse diode 56 is also arranged between
the two output terminals 41,42, whereby the conducting direction of the
Zener diode is directed toward the second output terminal 42 and the
conducting direction of the blocking or inverse diode 56 toward the first
output terminal 41.
If at the instant t.sub.v, the valve needle 20 or the anchor plate 26
strikes the piezoelectric ceramic disk 47 on the limit stop 28, then as a
result of this impact, charges are produced in the disk 47, which lead to
a voltage pulse in the parasitic capacitors of the diode 50 of the
transistor final stage 44 and of the connecting cable 34 with its two
lines 48,49. The voltage wave shape across the second output terminal 42
is depicted in diagram d of FIG. 3 above, and the voltage wave shape
across the output of the amplifier 54 or across the input 57 of the
control electronics 45 in diagram d of FIG. 3 below. The voltage pulse
caused by the winding inductance of the magnetic coil 24 at the instant
t.sub.o, when the transistor final stage 44 is opened, can be clearly
seen. This voltage pulse dies away quickly and, in fact, before the valve
needle 20 hits the limit stop 28. The impact of the valve needle 20
initiates the already described second voltage pulse at the instant
t.sub.v, which represents the valve-opening signal for the control
electronics 25. After differentiating the voltage across the output
terminal 42 by means of the capacitor 53 and after amplification, one
obtains the voltage wave shape across the input 57 of the control
electronics 45 depicted in diagram d of FIG. 3 below. The second peak is
the valve-opening signal. | 5F
| 16 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , a preferred embodiment of a stylus apparatus is shown generally at numeral 10 . Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the stylus apparatus 10 includes a manually operable lightpipe 12 . The manually operable lightpipe 12 provides a dual function because it serves both as a light indicator for an electronic device and as a writing utensil that can be used to input data into the electronic device (through a touch activated screen). The electronic device may preferably be any electronic device such as, for example, a personal computing appliance such as the one shown generally at numeral 13 in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The personal computing appliance 13 may be any of the commercially available electronic devices having a central processing unit CPU, computer readable program code, and a touch activated display screen.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 , the manually operable lightpipe 12 is preferably be shaped like a pen or pencil, and has a generally cylindrical shape. However, it should be understood that the shape and configuration of the manually operable lightpipe 12 may vary depending upon the particular application. The manually operable lightpipe 12 may preferably be comprised any solid transparent member for transmitting visible light such as, for example, a polycarbonate.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the manually operable lightpipe 12 includes a body portion 14 for transmitting light. The body portion 14 includes an outer surface 16 . The manually operable lightpipe 12 also includes a receiving end portion 18 and a display end portion 20 . In the embodiment shown, for example, the receiving end portion 18 and the display end portion 20 are each formed integral with the body portion 14 . The receiving end portion 18 receives visible light generated by a light source as will be more fully discussed below. The body portion 14 acts as a passageway to direct the visible light from the receiving end portion 18 to the display end portion 20 . The display end portion 20 displays the visible light to the operator of the personal computing appliance 13 .
Referring to FIG. 4 , the body portion 14 may preferably include a first portion 22 having a first diameter D 1 adjacent to the receiving end portion 18 . The body portion 14 may also include a second portion 24 having a second diameter D 2 adjacent to the display end portion 20 . Finally, the body portion 14 may preferably include a third portion 26 having a third diameter D 3 . In the embodiment shown, the third portion 26 is disposed between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 . The third diameter D 3 is less than first diameter D 1 and the second diameter D 2 . Also, the first diameter D 1 is greater than the second diameter D 2 and the third diameter D 3 . Thus, the body portion 14 may preferably have somewhat of an hourglass shape.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a protective cover layer 30 is positioned over outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 . In the embodiment shown, the protective cover layer 30 is only applied over the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 , and does not cover the receiving end portion 18 or the display end portion 20 . The protective cover layer 30 directs the visible light from the receiving end portion 18 to the display end portion 20 and prevents the visible light from exiting the body portion 14 through the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 . Containing the visible light within the body portion 14 , and directing the visible light from the receiving end portion 18 to the display end portion 20 greatly improves the visibility of the display end portion 20 to the operator. The protective cover layer 30 may preferably be comprised of an insulative material. For example, the protective cover layer 30 may be comprised of santoprene. The protective cover layer 30 may preferably be any color depending upon the particular application. The protective cover layer 30 may preferably be applied to the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 in any conventional manner. For example, the protective cover layer 30 may preferably be applied to the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 by any conventional molding process. The thickness of the protective cover layer 30 may vary depending upon the particular application. In addition to preventing light from exiting out through the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 , the protective cover layer 30 prevents the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 from being scratched during normal operation conditions. Moreover, the protective cover layer 30 provides an improved, softer and more tactile gripping surface for the operator, thereby increasing the amount of grip for the operator. This reduces the unintended release of the manually operable lightpipe 12 from the operator's hand during operation.
Referring again to FIG. 3 , the receiving end portion 18 of the manually operable lightpipe 12 includes a plurality of spaced-apart stepped portions 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , and 44 . The stepped portions 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , and 44 form a plurality of corresponding ring-shaped surfaces 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , and 50 that receive the light from the light source, as will be discussed in more detail below. The receiving end portion 18 may preferably have a conical shape, although other shapes and configurations are contemplated. As shown in FIG. 4 , a tip member 51 may also be provided. The tip member 51 may preferably be provided to make contact with a touch activated screen of the personal computing appliance 13 . The tip member 51 may also have a conical shape, although other shapes and configurations are contemplated. As shown in FIG. 3 , the tip member 51 may preferably have an opaque outer surface 52 . The receiving end portion 18 may preferably include an opening 53 formed therein, and the tip member 51 may preferably be received in the opening 53 .
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the display end portion 20 includes a viewing surface 54 . The viewing surface 54 of the display end portion 20 may preferably be frosted. The frosted viewing surface 54 distributes the rays of visible light as they pass through the display end portion 20 thereby resulting in the display end portion 20 having a desirable soft glowing appearance. The display end portion 20 may also include a recess 56 formed therein. The recess 56 may preferably have a conical shape, although other shapes and configurations are contemplated. In the embodiment shown, the receiving end portion 18 is positioned opposite the display end portion 20 .
As mentioned above, the stylus apparatus 10 may preferably be used with any personal computing appliance 13 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the personal computing device 13 may include a touch activated screen 62 and an outer protective enclosure 64 . The outer protective enclosure 64 may preferably include a receiving slot 66 formed therein. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the receiving slot 66 may preferably extend from a top portion 68 of the enclosure 64 in a downwardly direction. The receiving slot 66 may preferably be configured to receive the stylus apparatus 10 . When the stylus apparatus 10 is fully inserted into the receiving slot 66 , the display end portion 20 extends outward beyond the top portion 68 of the enclosure 64 to allow an operator to view the display end portion 20 . The personal computing appliance 13 includes a conventional circuit board 70 mounting within the enclosure 64 . A light source 72 for generating visible light may preferably be mounted on the circuit board 70 . The light source 72 may preferably be any conventional light source such as, for example, a light emitting diode.
When in use, the stylus apparatus 10 may be used by an operator to input data into the personal computing appliance 13 by contacting the tip member 51 of the stylus apparatus 10 against the touch activated screen 62 of the personal computing appliance 13 . When the stylus apparatus 10 is not in use and is inserted within the receiving slot 66 , the light source 72 is in communication with the receiving end portion 18 of the body portion 14 (see FIG. 2 ). As a result, when the light source 72 is emitting light, the light is transmitted to the receiving end portion 18 of the body portion 14 . In particular, the light is transmitted through the plurality of ring-shaped surfaces 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , and 50 of the receiving end portion 18 . The light is thereafter transmitted from the receiving end portion 18 to the body portion 14 . The light is then transmitted through the body portion 14 to the display end portion 20 , and ultimately exits through the display end portion 20 . The protective cover layer 30 positioned over the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 prevents the light from exiting the body portion 14 through the outer surface 16 of the body portion 14 .
While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.
| 6G
| 09 | G |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First referring to FIG. 1 , an illustration of the present invention ridge cover 24 , as installed on a typical roof, may be seen. It is to be understood that the phrase ridge cover, as used herein, is used in the broad sense to include hip covers, rake pieces, and the like, and is used merely as a convenient phrase for identifying all such covers. Such covers may be applied along a ridge line 20 , a hip line 22 , a rake line 23 , or generally at any intersection of two roof planes or edge of a roof plane.
In its simplest form, a ridge cover for an asphalt composition roof can be an approximately rectangular sheet of roofing material bent along its centerline to substantially the same angle as the angle formed by the roofing surfaces where they meet at the ridge line of the roof. In the description herein and as used in the claims, the phrase approximately rectangular is used to distinguish from round, oval, triangular or other shapes departing substantially from a rectangular shape, and includes among other shapes, truly rectangular shapes, four sided shapes wherein two opposite sides are parallel and the other two sides are somewhat non parallel so as to define a member having a somewhat tapered width, and a stepped shape as shown in the Figures herein (see FIGS. 2 through 7 ).
Also the asphalt composition roofing material is characterized by a mat or roving of fibrous material typically saturated with asphalt, and having a layer of asphalt bonding inorganic granules to the top surface of the roofing material. The mat may be an organic mat, or an inorganic mat such as a fiberglass mat, and the asphalt may have or include a modifier, locally or throughout, to make the material more flexible, particularly in cold weather, though one of the features of the present invention is the minimization of the bending of the ridge cover required on installation, thereby substantially eliminating the advantage of a flexiblizer. Generally the selection of the mat material, the granule color, etc. will be coordinated with the same parameters for the shingles on the roof for overall physical and visual compatibility.
It will be appreciated that when any material is bent, the outer surface of the bend is placed in tension and the inner surface is compressed. It will also be appreciated that asphalt composition roofing material is a complex elastomeric material with non-uniform properties with behavior that is not accurately described with reference to models based on ideal materials. Nonetheless, it is known that asphalt composition roofing material is susceptible to cracking along lines where it has been bent. Cracking may occur during the bending operation or later when the material ages or is exposed to adverse conditions. Asphalt composition roofing material becomes brittle when cold and it can be virtually impossible to bend without material failure at temperatures that can be encountered when installing a roof, particularly if the ambient temperatures is below 50 F. While asphalt composition ridge covers can be made at the time of roofing installation either from specially cut material that is folded by the installer or from field shingle material that is cut and folded by the installer, bending and folding at the time of installation produces ridge covers that are highly susceptible to cracking along the folds and bends.
The present invention provides asphalt composition ridge covers that are less susceptible to cracking along the folds and bends by providing a ridge cover that is preformed so that only minimal bending of the ridge cover is required during later installation. There are a number of aspects of the inventive ridge cover that are believed to contribute to the improved characteristics of resistance to cracking. The bend through approximately 90 degrees that forms the ridge line is the most important bend in terms of overall durability of the ridge cover as a part of the roofing system. The inventive ridge cover makes this bend around a radius to produce less tension on the outer surface of the bend. Preferably the bending and folding are done at elevated temperatures to improve the elasticity of the material during these operations. Preferably the bending along the ridge line is done by an impact forming method described below to improve the characteristics of the material in the bent region. It has been found that a ridge cover manufactured with a preformed bend according to the invention exhibits improved durability along the ridge line as compared to other ridge covers, and particularly as compared to ridge covers that are bent or folded at the time of installation.
In the description herein and as used in the claims, the phrase bent around a radius is used to mean a bend that is formed such that the inner surface of the bent material has a substantial radius as compared to the thickness of the material such that the tension introduced in the outside surface of the bent material is substantially less than it would be if the material were bent over a sharp edge. Asphalt composition roofing material typically has a thickness of about one-eighth to three-sixteenths of an inch. A bending radius of one-fourth inch has been found to be satisfactory for bending ridge covers made from a double thickness of roofing material.
It has been found that the ridge line bend may be advantageously formed by an impact forming method. A cross section of a ridge cover 90 made from a double thickness of roofing material 92 , 94 is shown during impact forming in FIG. 9 . The outer surface 93 of the unbent ridge cover, which is typically coated with granules such as crushed rock, is supported on a resilient surface 96 , such as a soft rubber block. A tool 98 having the bending radius is pressed into the ridge cover 90 to bend the ridge cover along the ridge line 91 . Preferably the rubber block 96 is a soft solid rubber about one inch thick. Preferably the tool 98 is a round steel bar about one-half inch in diameter. Preferably the tool is pressed into the ridge cover 90 about one-fourth of an inch after the tool makes contact with the inside surface 95 of the ridge cover 90 . It is believed that this impact forming method of bending is advantageous because the resilient surface 96 supports the outer granule covered surface 93 and presses the granules into the outer surface during bending. This may improve the bonding of the granules to the asphalt composition material 92 , particularly if the material is warm during the impact forming process, which provides a more durable material along the ridge line 91 . It is also believed that the impact forming supports both surfaces 93 , 95 of the material 92 , 94 as it is bent to provide more uniform material properties of the bent region 91 after bending and thereby reducing discontinuities that cause stress concentrations that could develop into cracks and failures.
It will be appreciated that performing ridge covers prior to installation allows the ridge covers to be formed from asphalt composition material that is warmed. Warming softens the asphalt material that impregnates the fibrous material and improves the pliability of the asphalt composition for subsequent bending and folding operations. The temperature of the asphalt composition material is typically elevated to above 150 F., preferably to between 180 F. and 220 F., for the bending and folding operations. It will be appreciated that heating the asphalt composition material to these temperatures and handling the heated material for bending and folding at the time of installation would be difficult. Thus there is a significant advantage to manufacturing and shipping a preformed asphalt composition ridge cover that requires only minimal bending during later installation.
While an embodiment of the inventive ridge cover may be produced as described above from a single approximately rectangular sheet of roofing material with a single bend along the ridge line, such a ridge cover offers no aesthetic advantage. Embodiments of the inventive ridge cover that provide a thickened exposed end for an improved appearance are also possible. It may be seen that the ridge 20 , hip 22 , and rake 23 in FIG. 1 are characterized by a pleasant physical appearance as a result of the raising of the outward extending end of the ridge covers to provide an appearance more like a shake roof ridge cover. The manner in which this is achieved in the preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2 , which is a cross section taken along line 2 2 of FIG. 1 .
Each ridge cover 24 is comprised of a front end portion 26 , a middle portion 28 and a back end portion 30 . When folded, the ridge cover is approximately 11 inches long and each side of the ridge cover is approximately 4 inches wide. When installed, the front end portion 26 of a second ridge cover 24 is placed over the back end portion 30 of a first ridge cover 24 so as to cover the nails 32 used to secure the first ridge cover at its back end portion 30 to the roof 34 . Thus no nails 32 are left exposed. Typically, the front edge 36 of the second ridge cover 24 is set back approximately 8 inches from the front edge 36 of the first ridge cover. Successive ridge covers 24 are installed upward along a ridge 20 in a similar manner.
A perspective of one embodiment of a finished ridge cover 24 is shown in FIG. 3 clearly illustrating the solid thickened front edge 36 of each ridge cover. A notch 37 is provided at each corner of the back end portion 30 . The function of these notches 37 is partly cosmetic. Without the notch 37 , the rear corners of a lower ridge cover would project sideways out from under the front edge 36 of the next ridge cover up the ridge. The notch 37 eliminates the unappealing projections. The notch 37 also serves as a guide to the roofer as to how far one ridge cover should overlap the other i.e., the distance from notch 37 to the front edge 36 is about 8.2 inches. The front edge 36 of one ridge cover should be installed so that it sits on the lower ridge cover at the lower end of a notch 37 . This notch 37 eliminates the need for the roofer to measure, gauge or estimate overlap. The resulting overlap is uniform along the entire ridge 20 .
The thickness of each ridge cover 24 gradually decreases toward the back end portion 30 where the ridge cover 24 is as thick as a single sheet of conventional asphalt composition material. A ridge bend 39 in the ridge cover 24 of approximately ninety degrees is located along the longitudinal centerline 38 of each ridge cover. The ridge bend 39 gives the ridge cover 24 a pleasing appearance and permits the ridge cover to straddle the ridge 20 of the roof 34 and also lie in contact with the roof on both sides of the ridge 20 . The angle between the two sides of the ridge cover 24 may be adjusted during installation so that the ridge cover fits closely to the roof. It is preferred that the ridge cover is fabricated with an angle that is slightly more acute than required for the typical roof so that the adjustment is typically one of opening the ridge cover to a more obtuse angle and thereby reducing the tension in the outer surface in the area of the ridge bend 39 . This tends to reduce the occurrence of cracking along the ridge bend 39 . The ridge cover 24 is stored and shipped with the approximately ninety degree ridge bend 39 along the centerline 38 . Ridge covers 24 can be stacked in a nested fashion in alternating directions so that the front portion 26 of one ridge cover 24 is stacked on top of the back end portion 30 of the next ridge cover 24 . Ridge covers 24 so stacked are largely self protecting and only minimal additional packaging is required to hold them together for storage or shipping.
The detailed cross sectional view of the ridge cover 24 in FIG. 11 shows the manner of providing increased thickness at the front end portion 26 . The manner of assembly and folding provides for four thicknesses reducing to three thicknesses at the front end portion 26 , two thicknesses in the middle portion 28 and a single thickness at the back end portion 30 . A smooth curved front edge 36 is also provided by reason of the folding method disclosed herein.
Each ridge cover 24 is fabricated from two generally rectangular pieces of roofing material, a top piece 50 and a bottom piece 60 , which may be seen in plan view in FIG. 4 a and 4 b . Both pieces 50 , 60 have the same general configuration including two foldable tabs 52 a , 52 b , 62 a , 62 b , at one end 56 , 66 of the central portion of the piece 50 , 60 and a central tab defined by notches 37 a , 37 b at the opposite end of the central portion. The foldable tabs 52 a , 52 b of the top piece may be joined where they meet along the centerline in the vicinity of the edge of the roofing material as shown so that the tabs will not splay outwardly when installed. Each piece has a central notch 76 a , 76 b designed to permit folding as later described. The roofing material may be any generally flat, flexible material suitable for roofing applications including, but not limited to, asphalt impregnated felt composition, fiberglass materials, rubberized compositions, and composites with various modifiers to improve flexibility and durability. One or both pieces of roofing material may have a crushed rock surface.
The top piece 50 and the bottom piece 60 are cut from the parent sheet 40 . As shown in FIG. 5 a and 5 b , one particular embodiment of the invention allows five pieces 50 , 60 to be efficiently cut from a parent sheet 40 that is a rectangle of asphalt saturated felt cut to an industry standard dimension of approximately 13 by 39 inches. The minimal waste material, shown by hatched lines in FIG. 5 a and 5 b , is cut away, such as by die cutting. Fabrication of the ridge cover 24 is preferably carried out with the asphalt composition roofing 40 at an elevated temperature, preferably about 200 F., to allow bending without cracking.
Adhesive is applied to the underside of the top piece 50 substantially in the locations shown by cross-hatching 72 , 73 in FIG. 6 . It has been found to be desirable not to allow adhesive to extend into the areas adjacent to the ridge bend 39 . It is believed that adhesive in the area of the ridge bend causes the ridge bend to be less pliable and introduces a stress concentration at the boundary of the adhesive thereby increasing the possibility of cracking when the ridge cover is adjusted during installation. Solid filler particles, such as ground rubber particles, may be added to the adhesive to increase the thickness of the assembly. A suitable filler can be made from used vehicle tires, crushed rock, cut scrap roofing material, or used roofing. One method for adding the solid filler is applying the adhesive to the piece, spreading solid filler particles over the piece, and then removing the loose particles. For example, loose particles may be removed by blowing air on the piece.
The top piece 50 is then assembled to the bottom piece 60 such that the sides 58 a , 58 b , 68 a , 68 b and notches 37 a , 37 b of the two pieces 50 , 60 are substantially in alignment. The front ends 52 , 62 and back ends 54 , 64 may or may not be aligned. Preferably the front end 52 of the top piece 50 projects forward from the front end 62 of the bottom piece 60 by approximately 1 inch so that the front end 62 of the bottom piece 60 is captured by the front end 52 of the top piece 50 . Preferably, the back end 64 of the bottom piece 60 projects rearward from the back end 54 of the top piece 50 by approximately 1 inch so that the back end of the ridge cover is a single thickness of material. In one embodiment of the method of fabrication, a plurality of top pieces 60 are joined to a like plurality of bottom pieces 50 and the following folding operations are preferably completed before individual assemblies are slit apart along the side lines 58 , 68 shown in FIG. 5 a and 5 b.
The foldable tabs 52 a , 52 b , 62 a , 62 b are folded over to form the thickened end 36 of the ridge cover as shown in FIGS. 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c . After folding, the front edges of the foldable tabs 52 a , 52 b of the top piece 50 will be in contact or nearly in contact with the underside of the middle portion 28 of the bottom piece 60 as may be seen in FIG. 7 b . The tabs may be bent at approximately ninety degrees along two crease lines 66 a , 66 b that are spaced apart by some distance, preferably to of an inch, to form the front edge 36 of the ridge cover as may be seen in FIG. 7 b and 7 c . In the embodiment where a plurality of pieces have been folded while joined, the pieces are now slit apart to form a plurality of assemblies.
Finally, the assembly is bent to along the centerline 38 , preferably through approximately ninety degrees, to form the ridge bend 39 as may be seen in FIG. 8 . The ridge bend 39 is formed in substantially the same way as previously described for the embodiment produced from a single approximately rectangular sheet of roofing material. The bend is around a radius, preferably of approximately one-quarter of an inch. Preferably the bending and folding are done at elevated temperatures, preferably above 150 F. and more preferably between 180 F. and 220 F. Preferably the bending along the centerline 38 is done by the impact forming method described above.
Once the final fold has been made and the ridge cover 24 has taken on the form shown in FIG. 8 , the ridge cover 24 is prepared for shipment and installation. The unique method of fabrication produces a ridge cover 24 that is substantially rigid and largely self protecting. Finished ridge covers can be stacked in a nested fashion with the ridge bend 39 of one ridge cover 24 placed on top of the ridge bend 39 of the ridge cover 24 below as shown in FIG. 10 . The ridge covers are stacked with the front portion 26 of one ridge cover 24 being stacked above the back end portion 30 of the ridge cover 24 below. In this way, the single thickness back end portion 30 of one ridge cover 24 is protected by the more rigid front portions 26 of the adjacent ridge covers 24 . This arrangement also produces a straight stack by offsetting the tapers of the ridge covers 24 . With this stacking arrangement, the finished ridge covers are inexpensively packaged for storage and shipment. It is desirable that the finished ridge covers be packaged in a manner that protects the ridge covers from changes in the preformed angle at the ridge line 38 .
The rigidity of the ridge cover 24 created by the double thickness folded structure allows the ridge covers to be installed by nailing or stapling without use of adhesives. If desired, two regions of adhesive 74 may be used on the underside of the front end portion 26 as shown in FIG. 11 . Such an adhesive 74 may be provided in the fabricated ridge cover by applying an adhesive 74 that will flow when heated by the sun's warmth to adhere the front end portion 26 of one ridge cover to the back end portion 30 of an underlying ridge cover as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . A release film 75 may be applied to the adhesive 74 , such as a release film in the form of a tape. The essential feature of the release film 75 is that it adhere to and yet be readily releasable from contact with the adhesive 74 . The release film 75 is used to prevent the adhesive 74 from adhering to the back end portion 30 of an underlying ridge cover when in the packed position. The release film 75 is readily separated from the adhesive 74 prior to installation. Each ridge cover is secured by nails 32 as shown in FIG. 11 . The nails are driven through the double thickness portion of the ridge cover 24 in the area that will be covered by the next ridge cover 24 . The rear edge 54 of the central tab portion of the top piece 50 is located about 2 inches to the rear of the corner of the notches 37 to provide 2 inches of double thickness within which the nails should be driven.
There has thus been provided a novel preformed asphalt composition ridge cover where the bend along the ridge line is formed in a manner that reduces the susceptibility to cracking. While the description of the preferred embodiment has been with specific reference to FIGS. 1-11 , it should be understood that various modifications, additions and substitutions may be made to the structure and method of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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| 04 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure include barriers that may reduce erasure flux and improve write-ability in data storage systems. In one embodiment, a barrier is placed along the flare region of a write pole. The barrier is illustratively made from an in-plane magnetically anisotropic material that has an easy plane of magnetization. In at least some circumstances, the barrier acts to reduce the amount of erasure flux and increase the amount of write flux by redirecting magnetic flux towards the write pole tip. In another embodiment, barriers are placed to the top, bottom, and/or sides of a write pole tip. The barriers illustratively have magnetic permeability values of zero and deflect magnetic flux away from areas that could cause erasures. The zero permeability barriers may also in at least some embodiments increase write flux by increasing the amount of available flux in the write pole.
Before going into further details of embodiments, it is worthwhile to first describe illustrative operating environments in which certain embodiments may be incorporated. Although certain embodiments may be incorporated in environments such as those shown inFIGS. 1-4, embodiments are not limited to any particular environment and are illustratively practiced in any number of environments.
FIG. 1is a perspective view of a hard disc drive100. Hard disc drives are a common type of data storage system. While embodiments of this disclosure are described in terms of disc drives, other types of data storage systems should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Disc drive100includes an enclosure105. Disc drive100further includes a disc or recording medium110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that disc drive100can contain a single disc or multiple discs. Medium110is mounted on a spindle motor assembly115that facilitates rotation of the medium about a central axis. An illustrative direction of rotation is shown by arrow117. Each disc surface has an associated slider120that carries a recording head for communication with the surface of the disc. Each slider120is supported by a head gimbal assembly125, which is in turn attached to an actuator arm130. Each actuator arm130is rotated about a shaft by a voice coil motor assembly140. As voice coil motor assembly140rotates actuator arm130, slider120moves in a path between a disc inner diameter145and a disc outer diameter150. Medium110illustratively includes a number of concentric recording tracks between disc inner diameter145and disc outer diameter150.
FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a recording head200writing to a recording medium260. Recording head200is illustratively carried by a slider such as slider120inFIG. 1, and medium260is illustratively a storage medium such as medium110inFIG. 1.FIG. 2is a simplified diagram only showing cross-sectional views of some components of a recording head. Those skilled in the art will recognize that recording heads commonly include other components such as, but not limited to, insulating materials and additional electrical connection points.
Head200includes a writing element202, a reading element204, and a main body206. For simplification purposes, only a portion of main body206is shown in the figure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that main body206illustratively includes an air bearing surface that helps control the “fly height” or head-to-media spacing between head200and medium260.
Writing element202includes a write pole208, a yoke210, conducting coils212, a top return pole214, a top shield215, a bottom return pole216, a bottom shield217, and a via218. Recording medium260includes a recording layer262, an underlayer264, and a substrate266. Recording layer262is illustratively a hard magnetic layer that is capable of storing a magnetization pattern, and underlayer264is illustratively a soft magnetic material that allows for magnetic flux to pass through. Arrow217is illustratively a direction of rotation such as arrow117inFIG. 1, and medium260optionally rotates in the direction shown by arrow217.
In an embodiment, electric current is passed through coils212to generate magnetic flux220. Flux220passes from a tip209of write pole208, through recording layer262, into underlayer264, and across to return poles214and216. The polarity of magnetic flux220is illustratively reversed by reversing the polarity of the electric current passed through coils212. Magnetic flux220illustratively records a magnetization pattern to recording layer262. A magnetization pattern is represented by the up and down arrows shown in the figure. Top and bottom shields215and217illustratively collect stray magnetic flux from conducting coils212and/or yoke210to reduce the amount of erasure flux reaching recording medium260.
Reading element204includes a top shield230, a bottom shield232, a transducer or magnetoresistive element234, and a permanent magnet236. An electrical current is illustratively passed from top shield230, through magnetoresistive element234, and back through bottom shield232. The electrical resistance of magnetoresistive element234illustratively changes in response to the magnetic fields from the recording medium beneath it. Recording head200is able to determine the magnetization pattern in recording layer262by detecting the varying voltage differential across reading element204. Top shield230and bottom shield232also act to control the magnetic field that reaches magnetoresistive element234. For example, shields230and232reduce the effects of bits written to recording layer262that are adjacent to the bit that is intended to be read (i.e. the bit currently beneath magnetoresistive element234).
FIG. 3is a view of writing element202from the air-bearing surface side (i.e. from the side facing the recording medium).FIG. 3shows a cross-sectional line2-2. The cross-sectional view of writing element202inFIG. 2is from the perspective of line2-2inFIG. 3.FIG. 3includes several of the features shownFIG. 2such as top return pole214, bottom return pole216, top shield215, bottom shield217, and write pole tip209.FIG. 3also shows that the recording head optionally includes a first side shield271and a second side shield272. Side shields271and272illustratively act in cooperation with top and bottom shields215and217to collect stray magnetization flux (e.g. flux from coils212and/or yoke210inFIG. 2) to reduce the amount of erasure flux reaching a recording medium.
FIG. 4is a top down cross-sectional view of writing element202. The cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4is from the perspective of line4-4inFIG. 3.FIG. 4shows that write pole208optionally includes three regions, a paddle region281, a flare region282, and a tip region209. Paddle region281illustratively has a width285, and tip region209illustratively has a width286. Flare region282has a first side283and a second side284that is not parallel to side283. Sides283and284start being spaced apart by width285and become closer together until they are spaced apart by width286(smaller than285) as the sides meet at tip region209. Or, in other words, flare region282includes two sides283and284that are tapered going from paddle region281to tip region209. Write pole208is optionally electrically separated from side shields271and272by a dielectric layer290such as, but not limited to, alumina (i.e. Al2O3).
FIG. 5is a top down cross-sectional view of a writing element502according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Writing element502illustratively includes many of the same features as writer202inFIG. 4and is numbered accordingly. Writing element502however also includes a first flare region barrier511and a second flare region barrier512. As will be described in greater detail below, flare region barriers511and512illustratively help to reduce erasure flux and to improve write flux. As is shown inFIG. 5, barriers511and512are optionally adjacent to flare region sides583and584. Barriers511and512may however be separated from sides583and584by one or more layers such as by dielectric590.
In an embodiment, flare region barriers511and512are made from an in-plane magnetically anisotropic material. In one particular example, barriers511and512are made from an easy plane film and have an easy plane of magnetization that is parallel to the sides583and584of the write pole flare region. In one embodiment, for illustration purposes only and not by limitation, barriers511and512are made from cobalt iridium (i.e. CoIr) or are made from a material that includes cobalt iridium. Embodiments are not however limited to any specific materials.
FIG. 6is a perspective view of write pole508and barrier512.FIG. 6shows that barrier512has a height531and a length532. The easy plane of the barrier illustratively lies in the same plane as the plane defined by the height and length dimensions531and532. In an embodiment, barrier height531is the same or approximately the same as the height/thickness of write pole508. The barrier height531may however be greater or less than the write pole height/thickness. Similarly, barrier length532is optionally the same or approximately the same length as the write pole flare region side584. The barrier length532may however be greater or less than the write pole flare region length.
FIG. 7illustrates possible magnetization directions and magnetic charges in write pole508and flare region barrier512. Generally speaking, the amount of magnetic flux directed out of the write pole tip509may be increased in the direction shown by arrow530. Such flux may be utilized by a data storage system in writing a magnetization pattern to a recording medium. Relatedly, flux not directed out of the pole tip in the intended direction may escape the write element and lead to unwanted erasure flux.
As is shown in the figure, at least some magnetization531along the write pole initially makes a large angle with respect to the surface of the flare region. This leads to large magnetic surface charges. At the inner surface of barrier512, magnetization is redirected such that it has the direction shown by arrows532. Then, at the outer surface of the barrier512, the magnetization is further redirected such that it has the direction shown by arrows533. Accordingly, barriers may help to redirect magnetization along the flare regions to keep the magnetization within the plane of the barrier (i.e. within the plane of the easy plane film). This illustratively reduces the amount of surface charge along the flare regions and may help to reduce unwanted erasure flux and increase desirable write flux.
FIG. 8is a top down cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a writing element802having barriers811and812along the flare region882of its write pole802. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5,6, and7, the barriers are illustratively made by adding material to sides of write poles. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the barriers811and812are instead made by adding films within the existing write pole area. Or, in other words, barriers811and812are included within the volume of the existing write pole such that there is no increase in magnetic volume of the write pole.
InFIG. 8, the areas of the write pole that include the barriers are outlined by the dashed lines. It should be noted however that embodiments of barriers are not limited to any particular shape or configuration. The barriers are optionally made of the same or similar materials as the barriers shown inFIGS. 5,6, and7. The barriers for instance are illustratively made from easy plane films and have an easy plane of magnetization. Also similar to the embodiments previously discussed, barriers811and812may help to reduce stray erasure flux and increase write pole flux by redirecting flux from the flare region towards the write pole tip809. The barriers illustratively perform as was described in reference toFIG. 7discussed above.
FIG. 8also shows additional barriers873and874that may be optionally included within certain embodiments. Barriers873and874are illustratively applied to the back sides of side shields871and872, and are separated from write pole808by dielectric layer/material890. In one instance, barriers873and874are made from an in-plane magnetically anisotropic material and have easy planes of magnetization that are parallel to side shields871and872.
In at least certain embodiments of write elements, magnetic flux from the write pole is drawn to or is directed to its side shields. This may be caused for instance by the construction of the side shields from high magnetically permeable materials. This flux leakage or shunting to the side shields may reduce the amount of flux emitted from the write pole tip and that is utilized in writing to a recording medium. Some embodiments of the barriers described above (e.g. barriers511and512inFIG. 5, and barriers811,812,873, and874inFIG. 8) may reduce the shunting to the side shields and increase the amount of write flux emitted from the pole tip. For example, the side shield barriers873and874inFIG. 8may reduce the shunting by limiting the direction of the magnetization motion in the side shields.
FIG. 9shows an additional embodiment of a writing element902having barriers911and912. Writing element902optionally has many of the same features as writing element502inFIG. 5and is numbered accordingly. Writing element902however differs from writing element502in the manner that its flare region barriers911and912cover/surround a portion of the flare tip region909. In element502, flare region barriers511and512are tapered such that the barriers do not extend over/cover flare tip region509. In element902however, barriers911and912are tapered such that the barriers do extend over/cover flare tip region909. Embodiments are not limited to any particular design or configuration and barriers may cover more or less of a flare tip region than is shown in the figures.
In addition to barriers along the flare region of a write pole, barriers may also be placed along the tops and/or bottoms (i.e. leading and/or trailing edges) of write poles.FIG. 10is a perspective view of a write pole1008having a top barrier1010. The figure shows that barrier1010includes two portions, a first portion1011that covers the flare region of the write pole and a second portion1012that covers the pole tip region of the write pole.FIG. 10shows that the barrier covers only a portion of the flare region of the write pole. In other embodiments, the barrier may cover more or less of the flare region. The barrier may for instance cover the entire flare region or none of the flare region.FIG. 11is a side cross-sectional view of the write pole1008and top barrier1010shown inFIG. 10.FIG. 11shows that write pole1008includes a top surface1006and a bottom surface1007. The top and bottom surfaces of the write poles illustratively form planes. In an embodiment, top barrier1010(and/or any bottom barrier) are made from a material having an easy plane of magnetization (i.e. an easy plane film) and the easy plane is parallel to the top1006and/or bottom1007surfaces of the write pole. Such barriers in at least some embodiments may help to keep magnetization in the plane of the write pole thus increasing the write field and reducing stray flux.
FIGS. 12,13,14, and15show an additional embodiment of a writing element that includes barriers that may reduce erasure flux and increase writing flux. In particular, the figures show a writing element1202that includes multilayer shields that act as barriers. As will be described below, the multilayer shields are illustratively made such that each shield has a net magnetic permeability that is zero or that is approximately zero. The zero permeability shields deflect stray magnetic flux away from the shields and increase the write flux emitted from the write pole tip. The barriers/shields shown inFIGS. 12-15may be used in combination with the barriers shown inFIGS. 5,6,8,9,10, and11or alternatively may be used independently.
FIG. 12shows a schematic perspective view of writing element1202from the air bearing surface side. Writing element1202include a write pole1208, a conducting coil1212, a dielectric layer1290, a top shield1215, a bottom shield1217, and a side shield1272. Write pole1208has a tip1209that emits magnetic flux, a top beveled surface1221, and a bottom beveled surface1222. The top and bottom beveled surfaces are further shown inFIG. 14.
FIG. 13shows a top down view of writing element1202from the air bearing surface side, andFIG. 14shows a top down cross-sectional view of writing element1202from line14-14inFIG. 13. As can be seen inFIGS. 12,13,14, each of the layers in the top shield1215is parallel or is approximately parallel to each other and to the top beveled surface1221of write pole1208. Similarly, each of the layers in the bottom shield1217is parallel or is approximately parallel to each other and to the bottom beveled surface1222of write pole1208.
FIG. 15shows a top down cross-sectional view of writing element1202from line15-15inFIG. 13. As can be seen inFIGS. 12 and 15, each of the layers in the side shields1271and1272is parallel or is approximately parallel to each other and to the air bearing surface.FIG. 15also shows that writing element1202has a side-to-side shield gap or spacing1299.
As was previously mentioned, each of shields1271,1272,1215, and1217illustratively has a magnetic permeability value that is zero or that is approximately zero. Embodiments are not limited to any particular materials or configuration for the shields. In one embodiment, for illustration purposes only and not by limitation, the shields include layers having positive magnetic permeability values and layers having negative magnetic permeability values. In one example, such as in the one shown inFIGS. 12-15, the positive and negative magnetic layers are alternated. It should also be noted that although the figures show a specific number of alternating positive and negative permeability layers, that embodiments are not limited to any particular number of layers and may include any number of layers.
Each of the layers within a shield illustratively has an absolute permeability value that is the same or approximately the same as each of the other layers in the shield. Or, in other words, each shield is made of alternating layers of positive and negative permeabilities of equal or approximately equal magnitude. In one embodiment, each of the layers is made of a ferromagnetic material and has a thickness of five to fifty nanometers. The permeability of each layer is illustratively achieved by manipulating the magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic moment, or both the magnetic anisotropy and magnetic moment of the layer.
FIG. 16is a graph of magnetic strength of the write field of three different writer designs. Curve1610corresponds to a writer having a thirty nanometer side-to-side shield gap and positive permeability shields. Curve1620corresponds to a writer having a thirty nanometer side-to-side shield gap and zero permeability shields, and curve1630corresponds to a writer having a ten nanometer side-to-side shield gap and zero permeability shields.
As can be seen in the graph, the magnetic strengths of the write fields for the writers having zero permeability shields are greater than that of the writer having a positive permeability shield. In the writer having positive permeability shields, magnetic flux generated by the writer is leaked into the permeable shields. However, in the writers having zero permeability shields, magnetic flux generated by the writers is deflected by the shields and is channeled towards the pole tip where it is utilized to write to a recording medium.
FIG. 16also shows that for a give side-to-side shield gap, that the cross track width may be greater (i.e. curve1620has a greater width than curve1610) for zero permeability shields. This may cause adjacent tracks on a recording medium to be spaced further apart and reduce areal density. In some embodiments, such as that represented by curve1630, the side-to-side shield gap is decreased. As is illustrated in the graph, this both reduces the cross track width and increases the write field strength, both of which may allow for higher areal densities. It should be noted that in writers having non-zero permeability shields that reduction of the side-to-side shield gap may lead to a reduction in write field strength. Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide the advantage may increase write strength while reducing the side-to-side shield gap.
FIG. 17is a simplified electrical diagram of a recording head1702according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Recording head1702includes a writing element1730(e.g. writer202inFIG. 2) and electrical connection points or pads1711and1712. Recording head1702also illustratively includes an electrical signal filter1720that is in electrical series with the writing element1730.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, writing elements have shields that have zero permeability for only a given frequency range of a magnetic field. For instance, the zero permeability shields may be made of a ferromagnetic material that only has a negative permeability in a certain frequency range during ferromagnetic resonance. In such cases, a filter such as filter1720is optionally utilized to remove signals outside of the range. In one embodiment, filter1720is a high pass filter such as, but not limited to, a capacitor. The filter is illustratively included within the thin film recording head, but may also be included outside of the recording head.
As has been described above, embodiments of the present disclosure include barriers that may reduce magnetic flux that causes erasures and that increase magnetic flux utilized to write to a recording medium. Certain embodiments accomplish this by placing barriers around the flare region of the write pole. Some other embodiments accomplish this by utilizing zero permeability top, bottom, and/or side shields that block and redirect magnetic flux towards the write pole tip. Consequently, recording heads having writing elements according to the present disclosure may be useful in increasing the areal density of a data storage system.
Finally, it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. In addition, although the embodiments described herein are directed to hard disc drives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the disclosure can be applied to other types of systems including data storage systems, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
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| 11 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
According to the invention, and as illustrated inFIG. 1, an orthodontic appliance comprises a sliding device placed between the two jaws by means of a set of removable occlusal splints which guides the displacement of one jaw with respect to the other.
The removable occlusal splints1are made of resin with metal reinforcements embedded in each of the splints. An upper splint is thus placed over the teeth in the upper jaw, with an upper metal reinforcement2which is integral with the said upper splint, and a lower splint is placed symmetrically over the teeth of the lower jaw, with a lower metal reinforcement3which is integral with the said lower splint. An appliance having sliding rods4connects the two reinforcements in order to accompany and guide displacement of the jaws by means of splints fitted onto the teeth.
The appliance, according to the first construction method represented inFIGS. 2 to 4, comprises an upper rod5, a lower rod6and a sleeve7. The sleeve is inserted between the two rods so that the opposite ends of the rods are inserted into the sleeve. Each rod is placed at one end of the sleeve, in its own functional portion.
As described above in more detail, the lower rod is slidably mounted on the end of the sleeve while the upper rod is screwed into the opposite end of the sleeve. Each rod thus comprises one end lodged in the sleeve and one end designed to be fixed to one of the occlusal splints and the corresponding metal reinforcement.
Starting at the end designed to cooperate with the sleeve and ending at the opposite end, the upper rod comprises a threaded end portion8, followed by an attachment portion9, which extends the threaded portion in an approximate S-shape which has an eye10.
Starting at the end designed to cooperate with the sleeve and ending at the opposite end, the lower rod comprises an approximately straight guide portion11, followed by a collar12that protrudes radially over the entire diameter of the rod and separates the guide portion from the rest of the rod, namely, an approximately straight intermediate portion13, with a smaller diameter than that of the collar but greater than that of the guide portion, followed by an attachment portion14which extends the intermediate portion in an approximate C-shape which has an eye.
As can be seen inFIG. 1, the system used to attach the rods to the metal reinforcements is the same for both the upper reinforcement and the lower reinforcement.
The upper reinforcement and the upper rod are fixed by means of a pin16passing through the eye10and a tube17welded to the upper metal reinforcement. For this purpose, the pin16is equipped with a fine spindle designed to be inserted into the tube with a ball on the end that abuts against the edges of the eye.
When the pin is in position, that is, when the ball abuts against the edges of the eye and the spindle passes through the tube, the end of the pin opposite the ball is bent to keep the pin inside the tube and prevent the upper rod from moving with respect to the upper reinforcement and, by extension, with respect to the upper jaw when the appliance has been positioned inside the wearer's mouth.
Similarly, the lower rod is attached to the reinforcement of the lower splint by means of a pin16which is designed to cooperate with the eye15and a tube17welded to the lower metal reinforcement.
This results in a single unit consisting of an upper splint and a lower splint connected by the appliance having sliding rods, with one splint that can move with respect to the other by sliding of the lower rod inside the sleeve or by unscrewing of the upper rod inside the same sleeve. As will be described below, the wearer of the orthodontic appliance according to the invention simply has to insert or withdraw the single unit formed by the appliance and the splints and does not have to reinsert the male part of the appliance having sliding rods into the corresponding female part before each use.
The appliance having sliding rods will now be described in greater detail, based onFIGS. 3 and 4. As mentioned before, the appliance consists of two upper and lower rods and a sleeve inserted between the two rods.
The sleeve has an axial borehole from one end to the other with three different diameters, thus dividing the sleeve into three distinct functional portions, namely an adjustment portion18which corresponds to the smallest inside diameter and is designed to cooperate with the upper rod, a guide portion19which corresponds to the largest inside diameter and is designed to take the lower rod, and a central portion20which covers the distance between the two portions previously described.
From one end to the other, the inside of the sleeve comprises an end21designed to be folded inwards when the lower rod is inserted into the sleeve, a guide portion, a first shoulder22, a central portion whose diameter is less than that of the guide portion, a second shoulder23and, finally, an adjustment portion, whose diameter is less than that of the central portion.
Part of the lower rod, including at least the collar and a spiral spring24, slides into the guide portion. The diameter of the guide portion of the rod is such that it can take both the rod and the buffer spring.
The outside diameter of the collar in the guide portion is slightly less than the inside diameter of the sleeve so that the rod can slide easily and correctly into the sleeve. The first rod is kept inside the sleeve by a combination of the additional thickness of the collar and crimping of the end of the sleeve so that the collar and the guide portion of the lower rod remain imprisoned in the sleeve, with the lower rod being more or less pushed into the sleeve according to whether or not the intermediate portion is pushed into the sleeve.
The spring is thus trapped axially between the shoulder of the sleeve and the collar of the lower rod. It can be seen inFIG. 3, for example, that only axial displacement of the spring is permitted, so that lodging of the spring inside the sleeve forces the spring to be in compression or pure depression.
The adjustment portion receives part of the upper rod, that is, part of the threaded section of the rod.
The free end of the adjustment portion of the sleeve has a smaller inside diameter than the rest of the guide portion and it is the free end that has the internal thread designed to cooperate with the threaded portion of the upper rod. When the upper rod is screwed into the sleeve, the threaded portion cooperates with the internal thread at the end of the sleeve. After that, the wider inside diameter provides sufficient clearance for the rod to be gripped at the end of the sleeve only.
The sleeve has at least one radial hole25bored through the sleeve, designed to take a key that will allow the sleeve to rotate. Rotation of the sleeve causes screwing or unscrewing of the rod, depending on the resulting direction of rotation of the sleeve with respect to the lower rod which remains fixed with respect to the upper jaw to which it is attached.
Furthermore, as can be easily seen inFIG. 2, the end of the sleeve corresponding to the adjustment portion is split axially so as to form lugs26which receive the internal thread and are made so that they press down on the threaded rod, preventing it from being screwed or unscrewed as a result of inadvertent vibration on the part of the practitioner. The system is thus self-locking for precise, reliable adjustment of jaw alignment over the course of time, and, in conjunction with the radial holes, provides a means of adjusting the upper rod position with respect to the sleeve and therefore, by extension, that of the jaws.
Thus, by means of the adjustment system, that is, by self-locking rotation of the sleeve engaging with the upper rod, the alignment of the upper and lower jaws can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing. Advantageously, four radial holes are bored at regular intervals through the sleeve as shown clearly inFIG. 2. The practitioner thus adjusts the appliance by rotating the sleeve using successive quarter turns in one direction or the other. The holes are arranged axially in the middle of the sleeve, in the central portion, but they could also be placed closer to the adjustment portion.
The central portion mainly serves as a clearance area for the upper and lower rods. In this case, the central portion must be long enough for each of the rods to be in their respective end positions shown inFIG. 4without touching. It can be observed that, as a result of this design, the rods can be solid and not hollow inside so that they confer upon the appliance according to the invention a degree of resistance adapted to the stresses imposed by the jaws which tend to return to their initial position before treatment.
It can be understood from the above that the sleeve between the rods results in an orthodontic appliance having rods connecting occlusal splints associated with the jaws in which one rod cooperates with the sleeve to allow adjustment by screwing before use while the other rod cooperates with the sleeve by sliding when the appliance is in place, to allow the jaws to move during use.
The mounting and use of the orthodontic appliance having a sliding rod system according to a first construction method of the invention will now be described, based onFIGS. 1 to 4. This type of appliance is used to treat so-called class II malocclusion, where the mandible is retruded in relation to the maxilla, and sliding of the rods is aimed at posturing the mandible forwards and the maxilla backwards.
The lower rod and sleeve are first assembled. To do so, before crimping the end corresponding to the guide portion of the sleeve, the spring is inserted into the sleeve until it comes up against the shoulder that prevents it from moving any further, then the lower rod is inserted by sliding the guide portion of the rod through the spring. The lower rod is pushed as far inside the sleeve as possible until the compressed spring prevents it from going any further and the lower rod is held in this position with the collar of the rod inside the sleeve. The sleeve is then crimped to enclose the collar in the sleeve. Crimping is carried out such that the lower rod can slide without the intermediate portion being blocked by the part of the sleeve that is folded inwards.
The upper rod is then assembled with the upper occlusal splint after which the lower rod is assembled with the lower occlusal splint. As described previously, the upper rod is attached to the metal reinforcement of the upper splint by means of a pin with a ball that passes through the eye and into the tube welded to the metal reinforcement, while the lower rod is attached to the metal reinforcement of the lower splint by means of a pin with a ball passing through the eye and into the tube welded to the metal reinforcement.
Finally, the free end of the upper rod, which is threaded, is screwed into the sleeve.
The result is an orthodontic appliance forming a single unit that can be placed directly over the teeth so that the splints cover each jaw, as seen inFIG. 1.
Once the appliance has been inserted into the patient's mouth, the physician can adjust the jaw alignment by using the adjustment means. When treating class II malocclusion, the appliance is inserted with the rod totally screwed in and subsequently adjusted by unscrewing the rod. Once it has been adjusted, screwing is self-locked by the shape of the end of the sleeve gripped around the threaded rod, and the sleeve and upper rod form a subassembly. It is the sliding of the lower rod with respect to the sleeve that will allow the user to open and shut the jaws. The appliance according to the invention allows the adjustment proposed by the practitioner to be maintained over the course of time while allowing the jaws to open and shut.
The joints connecting the two jaws tend to force the jaws into their original position before the appliance was inserted.
In the case of a forward temporomandibular adjustment, that is, when the lower jaw is forced forwards with respect to the upper jaw, the joints tend to pull the lower jaw backwards, and therefore to slide the lower rod towards the inside of the sleeve (direction of arrow R, shown as an example inFIG. 4). The sliding movement of the rod with respect to the sleeve prevents it from brutally opposing the movement of the joints. The presence of the spring means that displacement is initially cushioned, after which it tends to pull the jaw into the advanced position determined by the practitioner.
The description above clearly explains how the invention is able to achieve its objectives. The invention allows for the displacement of one of the jaws with respect to the other, both in the sagittal and transverse directions. In the sagittal direction, the invention thus facilitates movement of the displaced jaw, whether backwards, as a result of the cushioning spring, or forwards, as a result of sliding of the lower rod inside the sleeve.
In the transverse direction, the S-shape or C-shape of the appliance rods allows the jaws to move sideways and for the mouth to be opened fully.
The invention also has the advantage of protecting the joints which naturally tend to oppose the forced displacement of the jaw, and it is particularly advantageous in this respect that the means used to adjust the spacing of the appliance according to the invention should allow carefully controlled adjustment of the jaw alignment by successive quarter turns, with no backward movement being possible due to self-locking.
It is advantageous that the structure of the sliding appliance in the invention should allow the upper rod to be screwed into the sleeve and the lower rod to slide inside the sleeve. Tests have shown that this arrangement offers the greatest freedom for taking into account the sideways movement of one jaw in relation to the other.
It is also advantageous for the spring to be lodged inside the sleeve. The spring is thus protected and is correctly guided to achieve straight compression, with the sleeve guiding the spring and the lower rod due to its rigidity.
The invention allows for adjustment by means of an appliance having sliding rods, to adjust the initial spacing of one rod with respect to the other. Although the rods do not separate completely, they can nevertheless offer sufficient functional play to allow the jaw to move sideways and the mouth to open and shut. It is particularly advantageous to have rods that do not separate completely because it makes the appliance easier to use. Once it is mounted, the appliance only requires a simple operation to insert and remove it from the mouth and wearers no longer have to connect up the rods themselves beforehand as they did in the past.
The invention is perfectly applicable to any type of orthodontic appliance, particularly retainers and active appliances, and to any type of use, such as the treatment of sleep apnoea.
As an example, we are now going to describe a second embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, in which the appliance is used for treatments that require the lower jaw to be postured towards the upper jaw. This type of appliance is used to treat so-called class III malocclusion, where the mandible is retruded in relation to the maxilla, and sliding of the rods is aimed at posturing the mandible forwards and the maxilla backwards. The same numerical references are used to indicate the same component of the appliance having sliding rods4, with the addition of 100 each time.
The main result is that appliance104is inserted into the wearer's mouth with the upper rod105unscrewed in order to take up a maximum extended position (visible inFIG. 5). The practitioner uses adjustment means to rotate the sleeve107by quarter turns in order to gradually screw the upper rod into the sleeve and thus posture the upper jaw towards the lower jaw. The joint now tends to return to its initial position and stretch the appliance having sliding rods. Spring124lodged in the sleeve over the lower rod is now placed between the crimped end of sleeve121and the collar of rod112such that it is compressed when the lower rod is pulled (visible inFIG. 6), the spring tending to draw the lower rod back into its original position, this time towards the inside of the sleeve. As above, the use of a spring that provides cushioning is aimed at relieving pressure on the joints.
In the examples given, as represented inFIG. 1, the tube associated with the lower part of the appliance is welded to the metal reinforcement at the first lower premolars, while the tube associated with the upper part of the appliance is welded to the metal reinforcement at the upper molar. It is understood that this is only given as an example and that the position of the tubes can be different since the appliance having sliding rods enables one jaw to move with respect to the other.
However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document and extends, in particular, to all equivalent means and any technically feasible combination of these means.
| 0A
| 61 | C |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention includes a novel asphalt release agent and a method for
applying such a release agent to metal, rubber or other surfaces which
come in contact with asphalt. Although the release agent of this invention
is specifically designed for use with asphalt, it also has utility as a
release agent for a variety of substances, including other hydrocarbon,
plastic, rubber, aggregate or oil-based products.
Ideally, a release agent must be effective in preventing asphalt from
sticking to any surface with which the asphalt comes in contact. The
mechanism by which the release agent acts to achieve this goal is not
important so long as the use of the release agent is environmentally
sound, economical, and easily utilizable. Traditionally, the most commonly
used release agents worked by "softening" or reducing the density of the
asphalt which it contacted, thereby reducing sticking at the asphalt metal
interface. This is the mechanism of action when diesel fuel is used as a
release agent. As mentioned above, release agents that soften the asphalt
are no longer considered desirable, and in most locations are actually
prohibited by law. A release agent may also be a water-based surfactant
that acts exclusively by making a "slippery" surface at the interface,
without softening the asphalt.
According to the present invention, an asphalt release agent is taught
having a fatty oil as the active ingredient, specifically an animal or
vegetable oil. Such a release agent does not "soften" the asphalt, rather,
it functions as a lubricant to reduce friction between the asphalt and the
asphalt-contact surface. The release agent thus forms an oily film layer
which prevents the asphalt from adhering to the surface.
Although the present invention exemplifies the use of the release agent for
preventing asphaltic materials from sticking to transport vehicles and
processing tools and equipment, this invention contemplates the use of the
claimed release agent in a diverse range of applications. The release
agent of the present invention provides an innocuous, slippery coating to
any surface and thus has broad utility in a variety of applications
including, without limitation, form release, plastic molds release, rubber
molding release and foundries.
The active ingredient of the asphalt release agent of the present invention
may be any "fatty oil" such as animal oil or vegetable oil or a
combination thereof. The terms "fatty oil" and "oil" as used herein
encompass purified or partially purified fats and oils including synthetic
or naturally occurring glycerides or triglycerides of fatty acids.
Constituent fatty acids include arachidic acid, caproic acid, caprylic
acid, capric acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, myristic
acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitolenic acid, stearic acid and
stearates. Preferably, the active ingredient is a vegetable oil selected
from the group consisting of soybean oil, castorseed oil, tung oil,
linseed (flaxseed) oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame
oil, safflower oil, coconut (copra) oil, corn (maize) oil, cottonseed oil,
palm oil and groundnut (peanut) oil. Suitable animal oils include
butterfat, lard, tallow, bacon and fish and other marine oils. The present
invention also contemplates the use of a mixture of two or more oils as
the active ingredient. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention,
the active ingredient is soybean oil.
According to this invention, the asphalt release agent contains from about
2 to about 98 percent by weight of the active ingredient oil, preferably
between about 3 and about 60 percent, and most preferably between about 5
and about 25 percent.
For standard asphalt compositions, a most preferred embodiment of the
asphalt release agent of this invention contains between about 5 and about
25 percent active ingredient. The exact amount of active ingredient is not
critical, but it is desirable to use the minimum amount of active
ingredient that is necessary to yield the desired release effects. The
degree of release effect is directly proportional to the amount of active
ingredient. For example, where the composition of the asphalt is such that
there is still some sticking when using a standard active ingredient
solution, the concentration of the active ingredient may be increased
until adequate release action is shown. Such fine tuning to determine the
optimal active ingredient concentration is very straightforward, and can
be performed easily by one skilled in the art without undue
experimentation. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the optimum concentration may vary depending upon the type of
asphaltic material, i.e., whether the material is crumb rubber, rubberized
oil, polymerized oil, multi-blend oil, etc. Of course, for most
applications of the product of this invention, the active ingredient
concentration will be within the most preferred parameters and no
fine-tuning is necessary.
The asphalt release agent of the present invention also comprises a
surfactant or foaming agent. The surfactant functions predominantly--in
conjunction with the preferred mode of application--to allow the release
agent to be applied as a foam. Using a foam generally allows for the use
of less release agent than when a non-foamed liquid is used. The foam also
allows the person applying the release agent to better visualize where the
material has been applied. And finally, when the release agent is diluted
with water, the water content of the foamed material diminishes more
rapidly than in the non-foam administration of the release agent. This
rapid concentrating of the active ingredient enhances the effectiveness of
the release agent. Using a foam also makes it easier for the release agent
to adhere to vertical surfaces such as the sides of a truck bed.
Suitable surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are readily
available in commerce. The choice of a particular surfactant is not
critical to the invention. A preferred class of surfactants for this
invention are anionic surfactants. Surfactant blends containing anionic
and non-ionic compounds are also preferred. As exemplified herein,
isopropylamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate is a particularly effective
foaming agent.
The surfactant concentration generally depends on the particular surfactant
or combination of surfactants and the concentration of the active
ingredient. The surfactant concentration typically ranges from about 0.01
to about 20 percent, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent.
The asphalt release composition of the present invention preferably
includes a diluent to reduce costs and facilitate uniform application of
the release agent. Suitable diluents are known to those skilled in the art
and are readily available in commerce. The choice of a particular diluent
is not critical to the invention. Suitable diluents include conventional
solvents such as water. The diluent concentration typically ranges from
about 2.0 to about 98 percent, preferably from about 50 to about 90
percent, and most preferably from about 70 to about 80 percent.
A crosslinked copolymer, or an "associative thickener", or a combination of
copolymers is preferably included in the composition to stabilize the
emulsion when the hydrophobic active ingredient is mixed with a
hydrophilic diluent such as water. Crosslinked copolymers include
polycarboxylic acids or any copolymer that contains at least two
hydrophobes, separated by a hydrophile. When a hydrophilic solvent such as
water is the continuous phase, the hydrophobes associate with hydrophobes
of neighboring molecules, creating a network. The resulting network
extends throughout the solution or suspension, stabilizes the suspension,
raises the viscosity, and thickens the solution. The stabilizing effect of
the crosslinked copolymer is particularly pronounced when the composition
is stored or applied at extreme temperatures. Crosslinked copolymers thus
allow the releasing agent to be used even at extremely low or high ambient
temperatures. Preferred copolymers include polycarboxylic acids,
particularly copolymers of acrylic acid and carboxy polymethylene.
The copolymer concentration generally depends on the particular copolymer,
the diluent used, and the concentration of the active ingredient. The
copolymer concentration typically ranges from about 0.05 to about 10.0
percent, preferably from about 0.1 to about 5.0 percent, and more
preferably from about 0.1 to about 3.0 percent. Suitable crosslinked
copolymers are known to those skilled in the art and are readily available
in commerce. The choice of a particular copolymer is not critical to the
invention.
The asphalt release composition of the present invention preferably
includes a preservative or antimicrobial agent such as sodium benzoate.
The concentration of preservative depends upon the active ingredient
concentration, but typically ranges from about 0.01 to about 3.0 percent,
and preferably between about 0.1 and 1.0 percent.
The present invention also preferably includes an alkalinizing agent such
as triethanolamine to activate the crosslinked copolymer and maximize
emulsion stability. The alkalinizing agent also facilitates dispersion of
the active ingredient throughout the continuous phase. Although the
present invention is exemplified using triethanolamine, any alkalinizing
agent such as alkanolamines, tertiary amines and hydroxides will work. The
concentration of alkalinizing agent depends upon the active ingredient
concentration, but typically ranges from about 0.01 to about 20 percent,
preferably from about 0.5 to about 20 percent, and more preferably between
about 0.1 and about 1.0 percent.
The release agent of the preferred embodiment comprises between about 70
and 95 percent water. The remaining 5 to 30 percent of the composition is
predominantly vegetable oil, along with less than 1 percent each of
surfactant or foaming agent, crosslinked copolymer or "associative
thickener," sodium benzoate or other preservative and an alkalinizing
agent such as triethanolamine. Of course, the precise proportions of the
various chemicals is not critical.
A preferred embodiment of the release agent has roughly the following
characteristics:
______________________________________
Color Milky white
Odor Slight
Specific Gravity 0.96-0.99
Lbs per Gallon 8.0-8.3
Boiling Point .degree.F.
212.degree. F.
Freezing Point .degree.F.
32.degree. F.
______________________________________
The release agent may be manufactured and stored as a concentrate of
vegetable oil, foaming agent and crosslinked copolymer. The water to
dilute to the appropriate concentration, preservative and alkalinizing
agent can be added before shipping or at a local terminal. It is preferred
that the dilution is not done on-site in order to maintain product
consistency and to assure ease of use. In any event, the vegetable oil,
foaming agent and crosslinked copolymer are mixed together until the
composition is smooth with no lumps or granulation, usually 15-20 minutes
at approximately 1700 rpm. An aqueous solution is prepared by combining
the water, preservative and alkalinizing agent. This aqueous solution is
then combined with the oil mixture and the composition is mixed until
smooth and milky white. The pH of the oil/water suspension is adjusted to
4.0 with an acidifying agent such as hydrochloric acid.
According to the preferred method of the present invention, the novel
asphalt release agent described herein is applied as a foam. The foam is
produced on site by the use of widely available equipment which consists
of means for injecting the liquid release agent solution with compressed
air just prior to being forced through a nozzle. The presence of the
surfactant in the release agent allows for the formation of the foam.
Although the exact nature of the foam is not critical, the characteristics
of the foam can easily be optimized by those skilled in the art by
adjusting the concentration of the surfactant and/or the air pressure used
in creating the foam.
FIG. 1 shows a system for applying the release agent. A storage tank 12
stores the release agent for use on an as-needed basis. A pump 14 draws
the release agent out of the storage tank and through a filter 16 to
filter out impurities. The release agent passes through a line 18 into an
eductor 20. The eductor 20 draws pressurized air from an air compressor
22, the pressure of which can be monitored by an associated air pressure
gage 24. After the pressurized air is injected into the release agent, it
can be sprayed through a spray gun 26 onto a truck bed or other desired
surface. | 2C
| 09 | D |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring toFIG. 1, an LED light source in accordance with a preferred embodiment is illustrated. The LED light source comprises an LED module10and a light-guiding module60fixed to a top of the LED module10.
The LED module10comprises an elongated printed circuit board12and a plurality of spaced LEDs14evenly mounted on a top side of the printed circuit board12. The LEDs14are arranged in two parallel rows symmetrical relative to a longitudinal central axis of the printed circuit board12. The printed circuit board12defines a plurality of extending orifices120therein; in this embodiment, an amount of the extending orifices120is three. The orifices120are evenly arranged in the longitudinal central axis of the printed circuit board12.
The light-guiding module60comprises a frame20and two light guiding unit arrays30engaging with the frame20. The frame20has a rectangular and elongated shape corresponding to the printed circuit board12of the LED module10. The frame20defines a plurality of extending holes280in a longitudinal central axis of the frame20and corresponding to the extending orifices120of the printed circuit board12. The frame20forms a pair of elongated recesses23in an upper portion thereof. The recesses23are spaced from each other and symmetrical relative to a longitudinal central axis of the frame20. Each recess23is shaped to have a narrow top mouth231and a wide bottom portion232(please seeFIG. 6). The frame20has slanting side walls233in two sides of the recess23from the narrow top mouth231to the wide bottom portion232. Thus, each recess23has a dovetailed configuration as viewed from a lateral end of the frame20. Two receiving voids26are extended vertically through the frame20, located below centers of the bottom portions of the recesses23and communicated with the recesses23, respectively. The receiving voids26are spaced from each other and symmetrical relative to the longitudinal central axis of the frame20.
The lower portion of the frame20forms three ribs28in each receiving voids26to divide each receiving voids26into four segments (not labeled). The ribs28are located in alignment with the extending holes280along a transverse direction of the frame20to strengthen the frame20. Each recess23includes two undercuts230defined at two opposite sides of thereof. The undercuts230of each recess23are parallel to each other and face to each other. The undercuts230of each recess23make the recess23have a trapezoidal cross section. One lateral end of each of the recesses of the frame20is opened to define an entrance220at the corresponding lateral end of each recess23. An opposing lateral end of each recess23of the frame20is closed by a corresponding lateral end of the frame20to terminate each recess23. The cutouts230of each of the recesses23function as runners for fittingly receiving the flanges3310of the base331of a corresponding light guiding unit33therein, thereby mounting the corresponding light guiding unit33on the frame20.
The light guiding unit arrays30comprise a plurality of light guiding units33individual from each other. Each of the light guiding units33is integrally manufactured. Each of the light guiding units33is located corresponding to each of the LEDs14. Referring also toFIG. 2, each of the light guiding units33comprises a rectangular base331defining a rectangular lower opening330at bottom thereof, four inclined sidewalls332extending from the base331and interconnected to define a rectangular upper opening338by upper ends thereof. The upper opening338is in communication with the lower opening330. The lower opening330is smaller than the upper opening338. The base331has a cross section similar to that of the recess23. Lower end of the base331has a width larger than a width of upper end of the base331. Two lateral flanges3310of the base331engage in the undercuts230of each of the recesses23when the base331of the light guiding unit33is received in a corresponding recess23. Thus, the base331of each light guiding unit33is engaged in the recess23to mount the light guiding unit33on the frame20, wherein the light guiding units33are movable along a longitudinal direction of the frame20. Each of the light guiding units33has four engaging flanges335extending laterally and perpendicularly from the upper ends of the inclined sidewalls332.
Referring also toFIGS. 3-6, during assembly, the frame20is placed on the printed circuit board12of the LED module10. The LEDs14of the LED module10respectively project into the receiving voids26of the frame20, without reaching the recesses23. Three screws40extend through the extending holes280of the frame20to engage in the extending orifices120of the printed circuit board12for mounting the frame20onto the LED module10. The bases331of the light guiding units33are inserted into the recesses23of the upper portion of the frame20from the entrances220of the recesses23. The flanges3310of the light guiding units33are movable along the recesses23until the light guiding units33reach proper positions where the lower openings330of the light guiding units33are respectively in alignment and face directly to the corresponding LEDs14of the LED module10in the receiving voids26. Each of the light guiding units33abuts against adjacent light guiding units33by the engaging flanges335thereof engaging with the engaging flanges335of the adjacent light guiding units33. Two baffling blocks50are inserted in the entrances220of the recesses23respectively to block the light guiding units33in the recesses23of the frame20, thereby preventing the guiding units33from leaving the frame20via the entrances220. The baffling blocks50are made of rubber in this embodiment.
According to the previously mentioned descriptions, the individual light guiding units33are assembled into the frames20to form the light-guiding modules60, suitable for the LED module10of the disclosed embodiment and further for various types of frames to suit different types of LED module in different LED light sources.
It is believed that the present embodiments and their advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention.
| 5F
| 21 | V |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
An exemplary embodiment of the disclosure provides a method for safely mixing H2-rich fuels with air in gas turbine combustion systems (e.g., to provide safe mixing), which can effectively permit the local fuel/air mixture to bypass the peak burning velocity (i.e., λ=0.6) prior to injection into the main burner air stream (known as liner air).
A method according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure includes: providing a first stream of burner air and a second stream of a H2-rich fuel, premixing the fuel (e.g., all of the fuel) with a portion of the burner air to produce a pre-premixed fuel/air mixture, and injecting this pre-premixed fuel/air mixture into the main burner air stream.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the premixing can be done in a manner which can prevent flame anchoring at undesired locations, especially near the injection location and in the burner.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an air excess factor of λ>1, for example, λ>1.3, can be achieved in the premixing step.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, air can be separated into O2 and N2 by an air separation unit (ASU), and a portion of the N2 from the air separation unit (ASU) can be added to the main burner air and/or pre-premixed fuel/air mixture.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a pre-premixer can be in the form of a simple (for example, round) channel with straight or slightly swirling air flow can be used to avoid recirculation and/or stagnation regions.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a pre-premixer including narrow channels whose hydraulic diameter D is less than the quenching distance Q, can be used.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the boundary layers of the air flow in the pre-premixer can be energized, for example, by using some film air, in order to increase velocities in these regions.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the air flow can be additionally accelerated via a “jet-pump” effect of injecting large volumes of H2/N2 fuel.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, water mist can be injected into the H2-rich fuel to enhance the safety of the method by the relative cooling due to the subsequent evaporation of the injected water.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a main swirler in a swirl-stabilized burner can be utilized to further increase the velocity in the pre-premixer by taking advantage that the local static pressure in the central region of the burner can be lower than the nominal burner pressure.
A gas turbine combustion system for applying the method according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can include a combustion chamber and at least one burner opening into the combustion chamber to inject a stream of burner air into the combustion chamber, at least one pre-premixer for providing a pre-premixed fuel/air mixture, whereby the at least one burner and the at least one pre-premixer can be arranged relative to each other, such that the pre-premixed fuel/air mixture can be injected into the stream of burner air.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the gas turbine combustion system the at least one pre-premixer can have the form of a simple (for example, round), channel with straight or slightly swirling air flow.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the gas turbine combustion system, the at least one pre-premixer can include narrow channels whose hydraulic diameter can be less than a quenching distance.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the gas turbine combustion system, the at least one burner can be a swirl-stabilized burner.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the gas turbine combustion system, the at least one burner can be a so-called Environmental (EV) burner (in place of many: EP 0 321 809 B1) or a so-called Advanced Environmental (AEV) burner (in place of many: EP 0 704 657).
According to an exemplary embodiment of the gas turbine combustion system, the at least one burner can be a so-called Sequential Environmental (SEV) burner (in place of many: EP 0 620 362 B1, pos. 5).
All of these documents mentioned herein relating to EV-, AEV- and SEV-burners and all these developed improvements, patent applications and patents, form an integrating component of this patent application, and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to premixing the fuel with a portion of burner air (denoted as “pre-premixing air”) in a manner which can prevent flame anchoring, and then injecting this fuel/air mixture (characterized by λ>1, for example, λ>1.3) into the main burner air stream (i.e., the liner air). This can be done in one or more stages.FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the concept (which is called “pre-premixing”). P_pk2 and T_pk2 are the pressure and temperature, respectively, at a compressor exit of the gas turbine. P_fuel and T_fuel are the pressure and temperature, respectively, of the fuel, T_mix is the temperature of the pre-premixing mixture, while P_hood and T_hood are the pressure and temperature, respectively, of the hood air (which is the air that enters the burner). The pre-premixing method can involve elements of the traditional solutions for H2-rich fuels (for example, high air velocities, high dilution levels), but the negative effects can be rather limited because these methods can apply to a portion of the overall burner air (i.e., the pre-premixing air), rather than the entire burner air flow.
Mass and energy balances show that about 25% and 45% of the total burner air is needed such that the pre-premixed fuel/air has a λ of 0.6 and 1.0, respectively, for a 70/30 H2/N2 fuel (air temperature 420° C., fuel temperature 150° C., T_ad=1750K).
In the event that the resulting liner cooling is insufficient (because part of the compressor air was diverted to the pre-premixer), it would be possible to add the remaining N2 from the ASU (air separation unit) to the liner air, the mixture temperature of which would be significantly below the standard liner air temperature of 400° C. This stream of N2 would only have to be compressed from the ASU pressure (approx. 5 bar for a low-pressure device, or 15 bar for a high-pressure ASU) to the P_pk2 pressure (i.e., at compressor exit).
The pre-premixing process is driven by a pressure loss (AP) that is larger than that across the burner.FIG. 2—based on a GT13E2 gas turbine of the applicant under full-load conditions for an AEV-125 burner—shows that this pressure loss can be proportional to the sum of the liner and swirler pressure losses, ΔP_liner and ΔP_swirler, amounting to ΔP≈2 to 3%.
Further safety benefits of the pre-premixing concept are noted.
The relatively cold fuel is mixed with only a portion of the entire burner air, meaning that the pre-premixed mixture temperature T_mix is significantly lower (278° C. and 310° C. for λ=0.6 and 1.0, respectively, compared to 350° C. when the fuel is mixed with all the burner air (based on 70/30 H2/N2 at 150° C.). This reduces the reactivity of the air/fuel mixture, thereby greatly assisting the safe transition to λ≥1).
The pre-premixing air stream is cooler than the hood air (by around 20° C.), because it is not used for liner cooling. This can further reduce reactivity in the pre-premixer.
If N2 is used for a part of the pre-premixing air, then the risk of ignition can be reduced due to lower O2; and lower temperature; and the pre-premixed mixture can achieve greater penetration depths in the burner (due to the higher fuel mass flow rates relative to the air mass flow), thereby permitting better mixing than when the non-pre-premixed fuel is injected into the burner.
Several methods of achieving the desired pre-premixing are described below. There are other methods of achieving the proposed idea, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The pre-premixer (16inFIG. 4) can include a simple channel (for example, round) with straight air flow. Aerodynamically simple geometries can avoid recirculation and/or stagnation regions. The boundary layers can be energized (for example, using some film air) in order to increase velocities in these regions. Both jets in cross-flow and co-flowing jets can be used. The latter can further reduce risk of flame anchoring.
Lack of swirl in the pre-premixer means that the air velocity can be around 50% higher than that in the burner (approx 120 m/s), using the given AP.
The air flow can additionally be accelerated via the “jet-pump” effect of injecting large volumes of H2/N2 fuel.
The pre-premixer can include small channels whose hydraulic diameter is less than the quenching distance. Injection and pre-mixing of the fuel in these small channels can prevent homogeneous ignition from occurring during the mixing process and prior to the attainment of higher λ. The air velocity can be small, because safety can now be promoted by quenching rather than by convection. Small air velocities in narrow channels are compatible with the available ΔP.
An injection of water into H2-rich fuel and relative cooling by subsequent evaporation would further enhance the safety of the present methodology.
FIG. 3is an example of a burner encompassing the new pre-premixing concept described above. According toFIG. 3, in a combustion system10, a pre-premixed fuel/air mixture C is injected through pre-premixers11and12into a burner17which opens into a combustion chamber13. Main air22is added through main burner air inlets14and15near the exit of the pre-premixers11,12. The pre-premixing concept can of course be adapted to known burners such as the AEV and also the SEV. For example, see exemplary embodiments below. One or more pre-premixers may be provided per burner.
Embodiment 1
The idea can be used for SEV (i.e. reheat) combustion as well. In this case, the pre-premixer temperature benefit would be even greater since the PK2 air used in the pre-premixer is colder (e.g., 400° C.-450° C.) than the 1000° C. of the main burner air. A similar benefit would be seen in the application to non-reheat lean-premix burners in recuperated combustion systems.
Embodiment 2
Use less air in the pre-premixer. Whilst this gives λ<1, the local mixture temperature in the pre-premixer can be significantly smaller. This can compensate for the higher flame speeds associated with richer fuel/air mixtures. This can also leave more air for liner cooling.
Embodiment 3
The pre-premixing concept can be applied to diffusion burners too. Such a configuration would permit clean and safe operation without derating (diffusion burners often have to run on lower firing temperatures for NOx reasons) and without the need for excessive dilution.
Embodiment 4
The main swirler in a swirl-stabilized burner can be utilized to further increase the velocity (see dotted line B inFIG. 1) in the pre-premixer, simply by taking advantage of the fact that the local static pressure in the central region of the burner is lower than the nominal burner pressure. This is demonstrated inFIG. 4. According toFIG. 4, a combustion system20includes a burner17with a pre-premixer16. A pre-premixed fuel/air mixture21generated within the pre-premixer16enters the burner17in an axial direction (axis19). Main air22enters the burner17via a hood18, thereby generating a swirl with a low static pressure region24. The resulting fully premixed fuel/air mixture23exits the burner17to enter the subsequent combustion chamber. In general, the main air flow (i.e., “hood” or liner air) can enter the burner via axial, radial or “hybrid” swirlers.
Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10,20Combustion system11,12Pre-premixer13Combustion chamber14,15Main burner air inlet16Pre-premixer17Burner18Hood19Axis21,C Pre-premixed fuel/air mixture22,D Main air23Fully premixed fuel/air mixture24Low static pressure region
| 5F
| 23 | L |
The sign assembly shown in FIG. 1 comprises a mounting member (10) having a
vertically extending elongate hollow rod or tube (10.1) formed integrally
with a securement plate (10.2) disposed parallel with and extending along
the whole length of the elongate rod (10.1). The mounting member can be of
any suitable material, for example it can be an extruded aluminum profile.
The mounting member is provided with apertures (not shown) to receive
screws for securing it on a wall or other support. The elongate rod is
tapped at its upper and lower ends (10.3, 10.4) to receive upper and lower
screw-threaded retaining bolts (11, 12). The assembly shown in FIG. 1
includes upper and lower display panels (13, 14) in the form of elongate
display slats and upper and lower retaining slats (15, 16). FIG. 1 shows
only one end of the slats (13, 14, 15, 16) but their opposite ends are
formed in similar fashion and are provided with a corresponding mounting
member and upper and lower screw-threaded retaining bolts.
Upper retaining slat (15) has formed therein a cylindrical channel (15.1)
to pass the shank of the bolt (11), the channel having a countersunk
enlargement (15.2) to accommodate the head of the bolt (11). Retaining
slat (16) is formed similarly to accommodate the lower retaining bolt
(12).
The display slats and the retaining slats each include an open channel (17)
disposed transverse to their length, the channel being of shape and
dimensions such that it is a sliding fit on the elongate member whereby
the slats can be moved upwardly and downwardly with respect to the
mounting member. In position on the mounting members the slats are
disposed substantially parallel to one another and in substantially the
same plane; they are normally in surface-to-surface contact with one
another though, if desired they can be spaced apart, for example by use of
spacers mounted on the mounting members or otherwise. If desired the slats
can be disposed so that some are in one plane and others in at least one
another plane.
The configuration of the open channels in the slats is now described with
reference to that in display slat (13).
The open channel (17) is bounded by an arcuate surface (17.1) whose end
portions terminate in reaction surfaces (17.2, 17.3) (FIG. 3).
Although the sign assemblies of the embodiment described with reference to
the accompanying drawings have two parallel mounting members, the
invention includes sign assemblies having only the single mounting member
actually depicted in the drawings. In such assemblies rotation in a
clockwise direction of slat (14) on rod (10.1) is substantially prevented
by the adjacent surface (10.5) of attachment member (10.2) and also by
reaction surface (17.3); and rotation in an anti-clockwise direction is
substantially prevented by reaction surface (17.2). Of course, such
rotations could also be prevented by use of a rod whose cross-section is
other than circular. However, the invention is not limited to assemblies
in which the slats are not rotatable on the mounting members.
The sign assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can, for example, be assembled as
follows. First, the lower display slat (14) is aligned with the lower
retaining slat (16) as shown in FIG. 2 and the lower retaining bolt (12)
is inserted through aperture (16.1) and screwed into the lower end of the
mounting member at tapped hole (10.4). Similar action is taken at the
opposed ends of slats (14, 16) with regard to the second mounting member
(not show).
Then, the upper display slat (13) is presented to the upper ends of the two
mounting members and slid downwardly along the elongate rods until it
rests on the upper surface of slat (14). The upper retaining slat (15) is
then slid on to the upper ends of the two mounting members and secured
therewith by means of retaining bolt (11) in tapped hole (10.3) and the
corresponding retaining bolt in the tapped hole in the second mounting
member.
With reference to FIG. 4, the mounting member (40) comprises two parallel
elongate hollow rods (41, 42) carried by an integral with attachment means
(43). The mounting member can be of any suitable material, for example an
extruded aluminium profile.
Apart from the fact that the mounting member (40) has two elongate rods
instead of the single elongate rod of the mounting member of FIGS. 1 to 3,
the means by which the display slats are mounted and held in position
corresponds to the arrangement of FIGS. 1 to 3.
With reference to FIG. 5, the mounting member (50) consists of an elongate
hollow rod without a securement means corresponding to that of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 4. Accordingly, the channel formed in
the slat (51) is cylindrical and the slat is slidable with respect to the
mounting member. It is not necessary to have upper and lower retaining
slats. A suitable means of mounting this embodiment is by means of a
suspension wire or other suspension means which passes through the hollow
rod and is secured at its lower end to a platform member of shape and
dimensions such that the slat (or the lowermost slat, as the case may be)
is supported thereon.
The sign assembly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprises a mounting member (110)
having two, like, parallel, vertically extending elongate rods or tubes
(110.1) formed integrally with a securement plate (110.2). The ends of
rods (110.1) stop short of the respective edges of plate (110.2). The
mounting member can be of any suitable material, for example it can be an
extruded aluminium profile. The mounting member is provided with apertures
(not shown) to receive screws for securing it on a wall or other support.
The elongate rods are tapped at their upper (110.3) and lower ends to
receive upper and lower screw-threaded retaining bolts of which upper bolt
(111) is shown in FIG. 6. The assembly shown in FIG. 6 includes two, like
display panels (114.1, 114.2) in the form of elongate display slats and
upper and lower retaining slats (115, 116). FIG. 1 shows only the upper
portion of mounting member (110); its lower portion is formed in similar
fashion and is provided with corresponding upper and lower screw-threaded
retaining bolts.
Upper retaining slat (115) has formed therein a cylindrical channel (115.1)
to pass the shank of the bolt (111), the channel having a countersunk
enlargement (115.2) to accommodate the head of the bolt (111). Retaining
slat (116) is formed similarly to accommodate the lower retaining bolt.
The display slats and the retaining slats each include open channels
(117.1, 117.2) parallel to each other and disposed transverse to their
length, the channels being of shape and dimensions such that they are a
sliding fit on the elongate members whereby the slats can be moved
upwardly and downwardly with respect to the mounting member. In position
on the mounting member the slats (114.1, 114.2) are disposed substantially
in line with each other and in substantially the same plane; at their ends
they can be in surface-to-surface contact with each other though, if
desired, they can be spaced apart, for example by use of spacers or
otherwise. If desired, the slats can be disposed so that some are in one
plane and others in at least one other plane.
The configuration of the open channels (117.1, 117.2) in the slats is
substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
However, it will be appreciated that, where the slats (114.1, 114.2) are
contiguous at their adjacent end portions, the surfaces (117.2 and 117.3)
do not need to act as reaction surfaces. | 6G
| 09 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1shows a schematic side view of a web22entering a folding apparatus20according to an embodiment of the present invention. Web22as defined herein can include a plurality of ribbons. Nip rollers24,25,26,27transport web22into folding apparatus20and can help maintain proper orientation of web22. Perforating cylinders30,31cross perforate web22with a cross perforating blade130. Web22may pass through a creaser28after web22is cross perforated. First cutting cylinders32,33cut web22, while web22passes between cylinders32,33, with a first cutting blade132. First cutting blade132may create slits142(FIG. 2) in web22in a manner that partially defines a tail edge124(FIG. 2) of a signature122(FIG. 2), while partially defining tabs334(FIG. 2) on a lead edge323(FIG. 2) of a second signature that may be formed after signature122. Second cutting cylinders34,35may cut web22, while web22passes between cylinders34,35, with a second cutting blade134. Second cutting blade134may create slits144(FIG. 2) in web22in a manner that finishes defining tail edge124(FIG. 2) of signature122(FIG. 2), while finishing defining tabs334(FIG. 2) on a lead edge323(FIG. 2) of a second signature that may be formed after signature122.
After web22has been perforated by perforating cylinders30,31and cut by first and second cutting cylinders32,33,34,35, successive signatures122(FIG. 2) are formed. Successive signatures122(FIG. 2) may be one or more sheets thick. In an alternative embodiment perforating cylinders30,31may perforate signatures122(FIG. 2) after web22has been cut into signatures122(FIG. 2) by cutting cylinders32,33,34,35. Accelerating tapes38may help guide the signatures122(FIG. 2) as signatures122pass from cutting cylinders34,35to a collection cylinder40. Signatures122(FIG. 2) are gripped by first grippers41on collection cylinder40.FIG. 1shows first gripper41on collection cylinder40gripping a signature122a. Signature122agripped by gripper41is passing through a nip45formed by collection cylinder40and a jaw cylinder50. A first tucking blade42begins to force a portion of signature122ainto a first jaw53of jaw cylinder50. As first tucking blade42forces a portion of signature122ain first jaw53, first jaw53may engage signature122a, forming a first cross-fold on signature122a. Gripper41then releases signature122aand first jaw53transports signature122a, via rotation of jaw cylinder50about an axis of jaw cylinder50, to be gripped by a second gripper61on a delta cylinder60.
A signature122b, which has already been first cross-folded by first tucking blade42and first jaw53, is gripped by a second gripper61on delta cylinder60as signature122bpasses through a nip55formed by jaw cylinder50and delta cylinder60. A second tucking blade62on delta cylinder60may be beginning to force a portion of signature122binto a second jaw54of jaw cylinder50. As second tucking blade62forces a portion of signature122binto second jaw54, second jaw54may engage signature122b, forming a second cross-fold, or delta-fold, on signature122b. After signature122bis delta-folded by second tucking blade62and second jaw54, while still engaged by second jaw54, signature122bpasses through a nip formed between a finishing roller70and jaw cylinder50to complete the delta-fold of signature122b. A signature122c, adjacent to a surface of jaw cylinder50, has been first cross-folded by first tucking blade42and first jaw53and delta-folded by second tucking blade62and second jaw54to form a final delta product222(FIG. 8).
FIG. 2shows a schematic top view of a signature122cut from web22by cutting blades132,134, and perforated by perforating blade130, according to the embodiment of the invention show inFIG. 1. Perforation blade130, first cutting blade132and second cutting blade134are schematically arranged to illustrate where perforation blade130, first cutting blade132and second cutting blade134act on web22. Second cutting blade134may be located downstream, in relation to a direction150of web22travel, of first cutting blade132and perforation blade130, with first cutting blade132located downstream of perforation blade130. In alternative embodiments, blades130,132,134can be arranged differently in relation to direction150.
Signature122includes a lead edge123and a tail edge124. Each cutting blade132,134is segmented and has spaced teeth260,268, respectively, that pierce web22during cutting. Thus, cutting blades132,134cut slits142,144, respectively, in web22. Slits144made in web22by teeth268are aligned in between slits142made in web22by teeth260, in a manner that separates web22into successive signatures122. Slits142,144define leading edge123of signature122, while severing a preceding signature from web22and defining a tail edge of the preceding signature. Cutting blades132,134cut web22so that slits142are longitudinally offset from, or staggered behind, slits144, in relation to direction150that web22travels. This offset cutting creates tabs234at leading edge123, which has a staggered arrangement. Slits142,144cut by cutting blades132,134, respectively, also define tail edge124of signature122. Tail edge124may have a staggered arrangement similar to lead edge123. When slit144is cut in web22, tail edge124of signature122is formed and signature122is created from web22. Boundaries240, connecting slits142,144, are also defined in forming lead edge123and tail edge124of signature122, by severing web22. Boundaries240may be created by tearing of web22caused by tension exerted on web22, after web22is cut by cutting blades132,134. Alternatively, one or both of blades132,134may have teeth260,268, respectively, shaped to define boundaries240, or one or more separate longitudinally extending blades may be provided.
Signature122is of a length L and includes perforation slots230created by perforation blade130. Perforation slots230are located parallel to lead edge123and tail edge124at a distance approximately equal to one-third of length L of signature22(L/3) from tail edge124and a distance approximately equal to two-thirds of length L of signature22(2L/3) from lead edge123. Perforation slots230of signature122are sized to engage tabs234of signature122as signature122is delta-folded along a second fold line330, which may be substantially defined by perforation slots230. A first fold line329is shown to illustrate where signature122is first cross-folded before signature122is delta-folded. First fold line329runs parallel to second fold line330and lead edge123. First fold line may be located a distance equal to one-third the length L of signature122(L/3) from lead edge123, a distance equal to two-thirds the length L of signature122from tail edge124(2L/3) and distance equal to one-third the length L of signature122(L/3) from second fold line330and perforated slots230.
Slits142,144and boundaries240defining tail edge124of signature122also define what may be leading edge323of a second signature to be created after signature122. Accordingly, perforation slots230and slits142have been created between blades132,134in web22by perforation blade130and cutting blade132, respectively. Blade134may cut web22as web22travels in direction150, and boundaries240may be created to define a tail edge of the second signature. Between blades130,132, perforation slots230have been created in web22, which may be included in a third signature following the second signature.
In an alternative embodiment, cutting blades132,134may be replaced by a single cutting blade which is shaped to cut web22to create signatures122with lead edge123having a staggered arrangement and including tabs234. Tail edge124may also be created by this single cutting blade with a staggered arrangement or can be created with or without a staggered arrangement by another blade.
FIG. 3shows a perspective view of signature122shown inFIG. 2as an open delta product. Signature122has been folded along first and second fold lines329,330. Perforation slots230are sized to receive lead edge tabs234.
FIG. 4shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of signature122shown inFIG. 2engaged by first jaw53shown inFIG. 1. Signature122is being first cross-folded at first fold line329at nip45and is being rotated about an axis of jaw cylinder50by first jaw53, via rotation of jaw cylinder50. Lead edge123of signature122has already passed between nip45. Signature122includes perforation slots230along second fold line330, which, along with tail edge124of signature122is located adjacent a surface of collection cylinder40, which is being rotated about an axis of collection cylinder40.
FIG. 5shows a schematic enlarged side view of signature122shown inFIG. 2being delta-folded by second tucking blade62and second jaw54shown inFIG. 1. Signature122has been first cross-folded at first fold line329by first jaw53and is beginning to be delta-folded, or second cross-folded, at second fold line330as signature122passes through nip55. Prior to the operations shown inFIG. 5, first jaw53released signature122and signature122was gripped by second gripper61. InFIG. 5, gripper61has just released signature122. Second tucking blade62is tucking lead edge123so that lead edge tabs234(FIG. 2) enter, and are removably engaged by, perforation slots230(FIG. 2) in a manner latching lead edge tabs234into place inside perforation slots230while signature122is delta-folded. As an advantageous result, lead edge123does not dislodge from second jaw54as signature122is engaged by second jaw54at second fold line330. Latching of lead edge tabs234(FIG. 2) with perforation slots230(FIG. 2) advantageously may prevent dog-ear folds from forming at lead edge123of signature122and may also minimize skewing of signature122. After second tucking blade has caused lead edge tabs234(FIG. 2) to enter perforation slots230(FIG. 2), second tucking blade62may retract away from second jaw54while second jaw54securely engages signature122.
FIG. 6shows a perspective view of signature122shown inFIG. 2before lead edge tabs234enter into perforation slots230during delta-folding. Lead edge tabs234may be sized slightly smaller than perforation slots230so that lead edge tabs234can enter perforation slots230during delta-folding and so that lead edge tabs234do not slip out of perforation slots230as delta-folding at second fold line330is completed. Signature122has already been cross-folded along first fold line329so that lead edge123is adjacent to second fold line330. When delta-folding is complete, tail edge124may be adjacent to first fold line329.
FIG. 7shows a schematic side view of signature122shown inFIG. 2being delta-folded with lead edge tabs engaged by perforation slots230and signature122is engaged by second jaw54. Second jaw54may be clamping signature122so that signature122does not become misaligned as delta-folding of signature122is completed. Lead edge tabs234have entered into perforation slots230(FIG. 2) and are shown passing through perforation slots230at second fold line330. As delta-folding of signature122is completed first fold line329travels towards tail edge124.
FIG. 8shows a schematic side view of signature122shown inFIG. 2folded as a final delta product222. Signature122, folded as a substantially flat delta product, is folded into three sections. A first section is defined between tail edge124and second fold line330, at which signature122is folded. A second section is defined between second fold line330and first fold line329, at which signature122is folded. A third section is defined between first fold line329and lead edge123. The third section is between the first and second sections. Lead edge tabs234(FIG. 2) are passing through perforation slots230(FIG. 2).
The present invention may prevent inner sheets of delta products from being pulled out of second jaws54(FIG. 1) by second tucking blades62(FIG. 1) as second tucking blade62retracts while signature122is delta-folded. Even if only a small corner of lead edge123(FIG. 2) is dislodged from second jaws54(FIG. 1) a dog-ear fold can be created on inner sheets of signature122. Prior attempts to prevent dog-earring during delta-folding include using a two millimeter lap on an open end of inner sheets, which gives signatures more bulk as signatures are gripped by second jaws, making it difficult to pull out the inner sheets. Dog-earring can be further prevented by flatter geometry of a second fold off guide, which may put less bending force on the inner sheets so the laps do not pop out of the second jaws. Also, second jaws may include second jaw blades that pierce signatures to maintain a hold on inner sheets as signatures are gripped by second jaws.
In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.
| 1B
| 31 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present invention are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.
The drawings and detailed description provide a full and detailed written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use it, as well as the best mode of carrying out the invention. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and description are provided by way of explanation of the invention and are not meant as limitations of the invention. The present invention thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
A vehicle such as a fire engine may have on its top T a moveable stowage for a ladder as broadly embodied in the Figures. In one aspect of the invention, a moveable stowage assembly 5 has a stowage frame 10 and an outer frame or holder 11 secured pivotally by securement element 12 at its forward end. The stowage (storage) frame 10 may be releasably secured in the stowed position ( FIG. 1 ) and held in the outer frame 11 in an access position ( FIG. 2 ) by stop components 13 , 14 , 15 and 16 . The stowage frame 10 is adapted to slide on each pivot assembly 17 , 18 from the stowed position of FIG. 1 to an access position as shown in FIG. 2 . The forward end 10 a of the stowage frame 10 may be pivotally connected by pivot elements 19 , 20 to the outer frame 11 so as to be able to slide along the outer frame 11 .
The stowage frame 10 is optionally a substantially flat rectangular structure in which the longitudinal side members 21 , 22 incorporate guides or rails 23 , 24 by which the pivot assembly 17 , 18 is connected to the stowage frame 10 . This example construction allows the movement of the pivot assembly 17 , 18 along the guides 23 , 24 while also allowing the stowage frame 10 angular movement relative to the pivot assembly 17 , 18 about an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal side members 21 , 22 of stowage frame 10 in the horizontal plane.
Optionally affixed to the guides 23 , 24 are stops 13 , 14 , which restrict the movement of each pivot assembly 17 , 18 along the guides 23 , 24 . Also the outer frame 11 may have longitudinal members 25 , 26 running parallel to and for substantially the length of the stowage frame 10 . In this aspect, the outer frame longitudinal members 25 , 26 incorporate complementary guides 27 , 28 running the length of the outer frame longitudinal members 25 , 26 such that the forward end 10 a of the stowage frame 10 is pivotally connected by connections 19 , 20 to the complementary guides 27 , 28 so as to allow the movement of the stowage frame 10 along the complementary guides 27 , 28 while also allowing the stowage frame 10 angular movement relative to the outer frame 11 about an axis substantially normal to the storage frame 10 in the horizontal plane.
At the rear end 11 a of the outer frame 11 , complementary guides 27 , 28 may be provided complementary stops 15 , 16 to restrict the movement within the complementary guides 27 , 28 of the pivotal connection 19 , 20 at the forward end 10 a of the storage frame 10 . In this aspect, the outer frame 11 may be pivotally secured by securement element 12 at the forward end 11 b so as to allow angular movement about the axis in the horizontal plane substantially normal to the storage frame 10 . This example configuration is such that when in the stowed condition of FIG. 1 , the storage frame 10 is substantially horizontal and the rear end of the storage frame 10 is supported by each pivot assembly 17 , 18 . Also in this arrangement, the front end 10 a of the storage frame 10 is supported by its attachment 19 , 20 to the outer frame 11 .
To illustrate an operation of the invention, upon release of the stowage frame 10 from the stowed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the subsequent application of a directional force to the stowage frame 10 , the guides 23 , 24 on the stowage frame 10 slide across each pivot assembly 17 , 18 , and at the same time the connection 19 , 20 of the stowage frame 10 slide along the complementary guides 27 , 28 in the outer frame 11 . When the center of gravity of the stowage frame 10 passes over each pivot assembly 17 , 18 , the stowage frame 10 pivots about each pivot assembly 17 , 18 causing the rear 11 a of the outer frame 11 to rise and the outer frame 11 to pivot about its frontal pivotal securement 12 thus allowing the stowage frame 10 to pivot about each pivot assembly 17 , 18 until an access position approaching the vertical is reached as shown in FIG. 2 . The transition from the access position as shown in FIG. 2 to the stowed position shown in FIG. 1 is the reverse of the above.
In another embodiment substantially as previously described, a spring element S can be attached to the rear end 11 a of the outer frame 11 adjacent to the complementary stops 15 , 16 . The spring element S may aid the force of gravity and thus delay and slow the change of plane of the stowage frame 10 from the substantially horizontal stowed plane ( FIG. 1 ) to the approaching vertical access position (FIG. 2 ). This allows a larger portion of the stowage frame 10 to be below the pivot assembly 17 , 18 thus affording better access when the stowage frame 10 is in the approaching vertical access position. During the transition of the stowage frame 10 from the access position to the stowed position, the spring element S may also assist in raising the stowage frame 10 to the horizontal.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, specific shapes of various elements of the illustrated embodiments may be altered to suit particular vehicle or trailer applications. It is intended that the present invention include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
| 1B
| 60 | R |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a bread making machine 10 in accordance with the present
invention. The bread making machine 10 includes a chamber lid 12 which
covers a bread making chamber in which the various bread making
ingredients are mixed and baked. The lid 12 is pivotally mounted at hinge
14 and includes a handle 15 to provide user access to the bread making
chamber within the bread making machine 10. The bread making machine 10
includes a user interface panel, such as control panel 16. The control
panel 16 includes a display unit 18 for displaying bread making selections
made by the user, as well as displaying the status of bread making
operations. The control panel 16 also includes a keyboard 20 with which
the user is able to select certain bread making instructions. The lid 12
also includes a window 22 through which a user can observe the bread
making procedure.
Integrated within the lid 12 is an automated dispenser unit 24. The
dispenser unit 24 includes a pivotally mounted dispenser lid 26. An
aperture 30 within the lid 12 conveniently allows a user to lift open the
dispenser lid 26, thereby providing access to the interior of dispenser
unit 24, described in detail below. The dispenser unit 24 receives a set
of bread making ingredients, such as nuts and/or fruit, which is added to
the bread making chamber only after significant processing of other bread
making ingredients contained within the bread making chamber.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram which depicts the basic electronic
circuit components contained within the bread making machine 10 of FIG. 1.
Electronic control circuitry includes a microcomputer 32 which controls
the functioning of an electric motor 34, a solenoid coil 36, and a heat
unit 38 via respective electronic drive circuits 34A-38A. The
microcomputer 32 is powered by a power supply circuit 40, which also
powers the motor drive circuit 34A, coil drive circuit 36A, and heat drive
circuit 38A. The power supply circuit 40 is preferably connected to an
external AC electrical source 42, such as a 120 V, 50-60 Hz source. The
power supply 40 provides both DC power to the microcomputer 32 and AC
power to the driver circuits 34A-38A. The AC power output of the power
supply circuit 40 is monitored by a zero crossing detector 44 coupled with
the microcomputer 32, thereby allowing the microcomputer to adjust the
speed of the motor 34 in a well-known manner.
The microcomputer 32 includes software instruction processing means, such
as a microprocessor, for executing a series of preprogrammed bread making
instructions which are stored in a data/instruction storage means, such as
a computer register or memory. Before beginning execution of the bread
making instructions, the microcomputer 32 is placed in an initialized
state by a reset circuit 45 in conventional fashion. The microcomputer 32
receives a clock signal input from a clock circuit 46, receives user
instructions from the keyboard 20 (see FIG. 1) via a keyboard circuit 48,
and displays bread making status information on the display unit 18 (see
FIG. 1) via a display circuit 50. The microcomputer 32 also receives one
or more signals from a temperature sample circuit 52 and adjusts the
operation of the heat unit 38 accordingly. The microcomputer 32 can
communicate status information audibly, such as an end-of-cycle tone, via
a buzz circuit 53.
Each of the circuits whose function and interconnection is described in
connection with FIG. 2 is of a type known in the art, and one skilled in
the art would be able to use such circuits in the described combination to
practice the present invention. The internal details of these particular
circuits are not part of; nor critical to, the invention Therefore, a
detailed description of the internal circuit operation is not required.
Instead, those skilled in the art will appreciate that significant
advantages are achieved by, for example, providing the solenoid coil 36
and drive circuitry 36a under control of the microcomputer 32, together
with associated software instruction execution by the microcomputer.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view drawing showing the dispenser unit 24 positioned
between an outer lid portion 54 and an inner lid portion 56 of the chamber
lid 12. The dispenser lid 26 is shown in an open position and reveals an
upper opening 58 of a dispenser case 60. The dispenser 24 also includes a
dispenser door 62, shown in the open position. The dispenser door 62 is
pivotally mounted to the dispenser case 60 by hinge pins 61 held by
retainer clips 67. The dispenser door 62, when closed, covers a lower
opening 63 in the dispenser case 60. When the dispenser door is in the
closed position, a latch hook 64 engages a door latch assembly 65 (see
FIGS. 4 and 5), a portion of which protrudes from a latch assembly housing
66 of the dispenser unit 24. As will be described in detail below, the
door latch assembly is actuated by a wedge 68, which is linked to, and
mechanically actuated by, a push rod 69.
FIG. 4 shows an underside view of the dispenser unit 24 integrated within
the chamber lid 12, and also shows an underside view of the control panel
16. A portion of the inner lid 56 and the latch assembly housing 66 has
been omitted to provide a view of the latch assembly 65 and its
interaction with the wedge 68. The latch assembly 65 includes a latch
slide 70 and a latch spring 72. As also seen in the cross-sectional view
shown in FIG. 5, the latch spring 72 biases the latch slide 70 into
engagement with the latch hook 64 to maintain the dispenser door 62 in a
closed position over the lower opening 63 of the dispenser case 60. The
latch slide 70 has a tapered groove 74 which receives the wedge 68.
Referring to FIG. 4, a printed circuit board (PCB) shield 75 supports the
microcomputer 32 and other electronic control circuitry (see FIG. 2)
within the control panel 16. Adjacent to the PCB shield 75 is a solenoid
76, including the solenoid coil 36 and a movable core or plunger 80. A
plunger spring 82 biases the plunger 80 in a direction away from the push
rod 69. Upon electrically energizing the solenoid coil 36, the plunger 80
is moved in a direction opposite to the bias of the plunger spring 82, and
a first plunger head 84 on the plunger pushingly engages a second plunger
head 86 attached to the other end of the push rod 69. The first and second
plunger heads 84, 86 are not physically connected, thereby allowing
pivotal rotation of the chamber lid 12 relative to the control panel 16
(see FIG. 1). Energizing the solenoid coil 36 causes the push rod 69 to
move the wedge 68 further within the tapered groove 74 of the latch slide
70, which in turn causes the latch slide 70 to move in a direction
opposite the bias of the latch spring 72, thereby releasing the latch hook
64 of the dispenser door 62 (see FIG. 5). The dispenser door 62 then
swings open and any bread making ingredients contained within the
dispenser case 60 are emptied into the bread making chamber.
The automated dispenser unit 24 of the bread making machine 10 according to
the present invention affords numerous advantages over prior art bread
making machines. Previously, any breads containing, for example, fruit
and/or nuts required the bread making machine to issue an audible signal
indicating to the user the appropriate time at which to add the fruit
and/or nuts during a bread dough kneading cycle. Thus, the present
invention provides superior automated bread making by allowing the user to
insert ingredients, such as fruit and/or nuts, into the automated
dispenser unit 24 at any convenient time prior to the appropriate time
during the kneading cycle. The ingredients are then automatically added to
the contents of the bread making chamber under control of the
microcomputer 32 of FIG. 2, and no further user intervention is required.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the microcomputer 32 executes a series of
preprogrammed bread making instructions and correspondingly controls the
operation of units such as the motor 34, solenoid coil 36, heat unit 38,
display unit 18 (see FIG. 1), etc. One set of such bread making
instructions includes operation of the automated dispenser unit 24, and is
depicted in FIG. 6. A user may select any of a variety of bread making
cycles by using the keyboard 20 (see FIG. 1). The key circuit 48
communicates the selection to the microcomputer 32 where the selection is
registered therein in step 90. In step 92, the microcomputer 32 then
inquires whether a start key has been actuated by the user. In the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multifunction key for
both start and pause functions is employed. The pause function is
described below in connection with FIG. 7.
If the start key is actuated, the bread making operation commences in step
94. In a conditional branch step 96, the microcomputer 32 determines
whether one of a plurality of bread types has been selected which may
require use of the dispenser unit 24. If not, the selected bread making
operation continues with steps 98 and 100 until the end of the bread
making operation at step 102. If a selected bread type may require use of
the dispenser unit 24, the microcomputer 32 proceeds to a conditional
branch step 104, in which it is determined whether the automated function
of the dispenser unit 24 has been expressly selected/deselected. In the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, selection of a bread type
which may require use of the dispenser unit 24 results in a default
selection of the dispenser unit function. The user may then deselect the
automated function of the dispenser unit 24, or toggle between selected
and deselected states, by actuating a dispenser select key included in the
keyboard 20 (see FIG. 1). Since the selection/deselection can be made at
any time prior to a dispensing time during the kneading cycle, the test of
step 104 is repeated until that dispensing time. If the automated function
of the dispensing unit 24 has not been selected, the conditional test of
step 106 returns to step 104 until the dispensing time has passed. In the
event the automated function of the dispenser unit 24 has been selected, a
conditional test of step 108 also returns to step 104 since the automated
function of the dispenser unit may be deselected at any time prior to the
dispensing time. If the automated function of the dispenser unit 24 has
been selected, the microcomputer 32, in step 109, causes the coil drive
circuitry 36A to energize the solenoid coil 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 4),
thereby emptying the contents of the dispenser unit 24 into the bread
making chamber. The bread making operation then continues with steps
98-102 as described above.
The bread making machine 10 according to the present invention also
incorporates a novel pause function, allowing a user to temporarily
suspend the bread making operation at any time, and to resume the bread
making operation at a later selected time. Prior art bread making machines
do not incorporate such a feature, and do not allow temporary interruption
of bread making operations to, for example, add previously forgotten
ingredients. Once bread making operations have begun in prior art bread
making machines, they must continue to the end or be started again from
the beginning. It will be appreciated that the pause function provided by
the present invention affords significant advantages over the prior art.
FIG. 7 depicts a sequence of operations performed by the microcomputer 32
of FIG. 2 to provide the pause function. A conditional branch test of
whether the user has actuated a pause key of the keyboard 20 (see FIG. 1)
is performed in step 110. If not, the bread making operation is allowed to
continue in step 111. If the user has actuated the pause function,
preferably for a minimum time interval such as 0.5 seconds, the operation
of the microcomputer 32 is paused in step 112. The program state of the
microprocessor within the microcomputer 32 is saved, for example, by
saving the values of instruction pointer and flag registers within the
microcomputer. A pause subroutine 114 is then executed by the
microcomputer 32, in which the timing of bread making operations is
suspended, the motor 34 and/or heater 38 is stopped, and the display unit
18 conveys the paused state of the bread making machine to the user. A
program loop comprising steps 116 and 118 then determines whether a
predetermined time delay has occurred or the pause key has again been
actuated by the user, respectively. If either of these events occurs, the
bread making program state of microcomputer 32 is restored at step 120 and
the bread making operation resumes in step 111.
It will be appreciated that, although an embodiment of the invention has
been described above for purposes of illustration, various modifications
may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of different
automated dispenser mechanisms could be employed according to the present
invention. For example, a dispenser unit with discrete compartments for
different sets of ingredients to be added to the bread making chamber at
different times is well within the contemplation of the present invention.
Also, the dispenser unit may have a different mechanical structure from
that described above, while still providing the function of the present
invention--namely, automatically dispensing certain bread making
ingredients into the bread making chamber only after significant
processing of other ingredients in the bread making chamber has occurred.
For example, a rotating dispenser unit could be employed. Such a unit
would include a compartment with an opening facing away from the bread
making chamber prior to the dispensing time, and then rotating the
compartment into a position where the opening faces toward the bread
making chamber at the dispensing time. Indeed, numerous variations are
well within the scope of this invention.
It will also be appreciated that the automated dispenser of the present
invention can be included in any of numerous electrical kitchen appliances
which mix together various ingredients at different times. Some examples
include pasta makers, ice cream makers, yogurt makers, electronic stand
mixers, food processors, bagel makers, and dough makers.
Similarly, the pause function of the present invention can be incorporated
into any of a wide variety of electrical kitchen appliances, including
those examples identified above. As another example, a bread toaster
having the pause function would allow a user to check the progress of the
bread toasting without effecting the total time for which the bread is
toasted. Indeed, the pause function may be advantageously employed any
time a user wishes to check the status of kitchen appliance operations
without interfering with the overall timing and sequence of those
operations.
It will be appreciated that, although FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a continuous
computer program execution, an interrupt driven protocol may be
advantageously employed. In particular, the pause function execution
depicted in FIG. 7 may be provided by performing a first interrupt service
request (ISR) routine upon receipt of the first actuation of the pause
key, and executing a second ISR routine upon receipt of the second
actuation of the pause key or expiration of a timer. As with the automated
dispenser unit, the pause function according to the present invention may
be achieved by numerous variations within the scope of this invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims. | 0A
| 47 | J |
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the attached drawings in which exemplary embodiments thereof are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the forms of elements are exaggerated for clarity. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used for like elements throughout the figures.
FIGS. 3A through 3Dillustrate a method of forming a contact using a polysilicon layer pattern as an etching mask according to an embodiment of the invention.
Referring toFIG. 3A, a first interlayer dielectric212including a contact pad215is formed on a substrate200. The contact pad215may be formed of doped polysilicon or a metal.
An etch stop layer220is formed on the first interlayer dielectric212. The etch stop layer220may be formed of silicon nitride. The process of forming the etch stop layer220is optional and the reason for this will be explained later. A second interlayer dielectric230is formed on the etch stop layer220, and a polysilicon layer pattern240used as an etching mask is formed on the second interlayer dielectric230. The polysilicon layer pattern240may be formed by patterning a polysilicon layer using photolithography technology.
Referring toFIG. 3B, the second interlayer dielectric230is etched using the polysilicon layer pattern240as an etching mask. As a result, a second interlayer dielectric pattern230aincluding a contact hole H is formed. The contact hole H exposes a contact pad215. However, if the etch stop layer220exists, the contact hole exposes the etch stop layer220.
Referring toFIG. 3C, the polysilicon layer pattern240is removed. A process of removing the polysilicon layer patterns240and an etchant used in this process should be selected given the following conditions:
First, the dielectric formed below the polysilicon layer pattern240, i.e., the second interlayer dielectric pattern230a, should be negligibly etched when etching the polysilicon layer pattern240. When a design rule is 100 nm or less, greater care should be taken not to etch the second interlayer dielectric pattern230abecause the width t1of the second interlayer dielectric pattern230ais very small. That is, the polysilicon layer pattern240should have a higher etching selectivity than the second interlayer dielectric pattern230a. The required etching selectivity depends on the thickness of the polysilicon layer pattern240that will be removed and the width t1, of the second interlayer dielectric patterns230athat remains between the contact holes H. The etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern240with respect to the second interlayer dielectric pattern230ais preferably greater than 30:1. However, when the width t1, of the second interlayer dielectric patterns230ais 100 nm or less due to reduction of the design rule, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern240with respect to the second interlayer dielectric pattern230ais preferably greater than 50:1.
Second, the contact pad215exposed by the contact hole H should remain intact. If a very large etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern240with respect to the contact pad215is used in the etching process, a process of forming the etch stop layer220described in reference toFIG. 3Ais not required. Therefore, if the contact pad215is formed of a silicon substrate or doped polysilicon, the process of forming the etch stop layer220is required. In this case, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern240with respect to the etch stop layer220should be large. That is, after the polysilicon layer pattern240is etched, the etch stop layer220should remain to prevent any damage to the contact pad215.
For example, if the polysilicon layer pattern240used as the etch mask is formed to be 1000 Å thick, a loss of about 300 Å in thickness occurs during formation of the contact holes H, and thus, the remaining polysilicon layer pattern is about 700 Å thick. In addition, if the silicon nitride layer used as the etch stop layer is formed to be 100 Å thick, a loss of about 70 Å in thickness occurs during formation of the contact holes H, and the remaining silicon nitride layer is about 30 Å thick. Therefore, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer with respect to the silicon nitride layer should be greater than 25:1 so that the polysilicon layer pattern is removed before the silicon nitride layer is completely etched away.
Third, the etching should be conducted equally over the whole surface of a wafer. If an etching rate differs greatly between the center and edge portions of the wafer, the yield is lowered because the etching process is difficult to control and defects may occur at certain locations on the wafer. Whether the etching is uniform is determined by
EtchingUniformity=MAXEtchingThickness-MINEtchingThickness2×AVEEtchingThickness×100
For instance, if a poly-etchant, in which a ratio of HNO3:CH3COOH:HF:IW is 40:2:1:20 or a ratio of HNO3:HF is 25:1, is used to remove the polysilicon layer pattern240, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern240with respect to the silicon oxide layer should be at least 40 or 45:1. However, in this case, the etching uniformity is greater than 3%, and thus it is not preferable to use the poly-etchant to remove the polysilicon layer pattern. The process of removing of the polysilicon layer pattern240according to an embodiment of the present invention should satisfy the above first and second conditions. It is preferable that the removing process also satisfies the third condition. For example, if the second interlayer dielectric230is a silicon oxide layer and the etch stop layer220is a silicon nitride layer, there are two types of removing processes that satisfy the above first and second conditions.
First, the polysilicon layer pattern240can be removed by a chemical dry etch (CDE) method using CF4or O2gas. In the CDE method, a chemical reaction occurs between reacting species of the etching gas and the material that is being removed. A remote plasma is generally used for this method. However, direct plasma is preferably not used in removing the polysilicon layer pattern240since the direct plasma can cause damage to the etch stop layer220and/or the contact pad215.
FIG. 5is a graph illustrating etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern and etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer with respect to flow rate of CF4gas in a CDE process. The graph shows results of tests conducted at room temperature, a microwave power of 400 W, and a pressure of 30 Pa.
Referring toFIG. 5, the etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern increases exponentially as the flow rate of the CF4gas increases. For example, if a flow ratio of CF4gas/O2gas is 130 sccm/80 sccm, the etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern is about 1500 Å/minute. However, if the flow ratio of CF4gas/O2gas is 150 sccm/60 sccm, the etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern is about 3000 Å/minute. Moreover, the etching selectivities of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer linearly increase as the flow rate of the CF4gas increases. If the flow ratio of CF4/O2gas is 150 sccm/60 sccm, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon nitride layer is less than 25:1, and the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer is greater than 50:1.
FIG. 6is a graph illustrating a relative etching rate of a polysilicon layer with respect to the percentage of O2in gas used for etching. Referring toFIG. 6, the etching rate of the polysilicon layer is greater when the percentage of O2in the gas used for etching is between 5% and 30%. Therefore, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer is large enough to meet the required conditions.
FIG. 7is a graph illustrating etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern and etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer with respect to microwave power in a CDE process. The graph shows results of tests conducted at room temperature and, a pressure of 30 Pa, with a flow ratio of CF4/ O2gas at 150 sccm/60 sccm.
Referring toFIG. 7, as the microwave power increases, the etching rate of the polysilicon layer pattern and the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer linearly increase with different slopes. The etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer is greater than 50:1 and the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon nitride layer is greater than 25:1, and the microwave power is greater than 550 W.
A second method in which the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern with respect to the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer is large enough is a wet etching method using diluted ammonia. If diluted ammonia is used, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer pattern to the silicon oxide layer is about 30:1, and the silicon nitride layer is hardly etched. In addition, the etching uniformity is less than 3%. Accordingly, this method can be used to remove the polysilicon layer pattern230when the width of the second interlayer dielectric pattern230abetween the contact holes H is relatively large.
Referring toFIG. 3C, the etch stop layer220exposed by the contact holes H is etched after removing the polysilicon layer patterns240. An etch stop layer pattern220aremains under the second interlayer dielectric pattern230aand a section of the upper surface of the contact pad215is exposed.
Referring toFIG. 3D, a conductive material, for instance a doped polysilicon or a metal, is used to fill the contact holes H to form a contact250. The contact250is etched using a dry etchback or CMP method until the second interlayer dielectric patterns230aand the contact250have a common planar upper surface.
The method according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention has many applications, such as in the formation of a contact plug for a storage node and contact pad in DRAM, a metal contact for an upper electrode of a capacitor and a metal wiring line, or a contact in a core/periphery area.
FIGS. 4A through 4Cillustrate a method of forming a contact by a self-aligned contact (SAC) method using a polysilicon layer pattern as an etching mask according to another embodiment of the present invention.
According to the present embodiment of the invention, a polysilicon layer pattern340is used as an etching mask and a contact hole H is formed by the SAC method. That is, processes described with reference toFIGS. 1,2A,2B, and2C can be applied to to form the contact hole H. Referring toFIG. 4A, a first interlayer dielectric pattern330aincluding the contact hole H is formed on a semiconductor substrate300. A gate structure310including a gate oxide layer312, a gate conductive layer314, a hard mask layer316, and a sidewall spacer318is formed below the first interlayer dielectric pattern330aand an etch stop layer pattern320ais formed on the gate structure310. In addition, the polysilicon layer pattern340is formed on the first interlayer dielectric pattern330a. As described above, the first interlayer dielectric pattern330ais etched more than the polysilicon layer pattern340in a forming and cleaning process of the contact hole H, and thus, as highlighted by a dotted circle inFIG. 4A, the width of the first interlayer dielectric pattern330ais narrower that that of the polysilicon layer pattern340.
Referring toFIG. 4B, the polysilicon layer pattern340is removed using the above-described CDE method using CF4and O2gas as the etching gas or wet etching method using diluted ammonia as an etching liquid. After removing the polysilicon layer pattern340, the etch stop layer320exposed by the contact hole H is removed.
For example, the polysilicon layer pattern340used as the etching mask may be formed to a thickness of 1000 Å. The polysilicon layer pattern 340 loses about 250 Å or 350 Å in thickness during etching of the first interlayer dielectric330to form the contact holes H. As a result, the remaining polysilicon layer pattern340is about 650 Å or 750 Å thick. In addition, the etch stop layer320having a thickness of about 100 Å is etched during etching of the first interlayer dielectric330and thus loses about 70 Å in thickness. The remaining etch stop layer is about 30 Å or 40 Å thick.
Therefore, the etching selectivity of the polysilicon layer to the etch stop layer should be 20 or more, preferably 25, in order to remove the polysilicon layer pattern340before the etch stop layer pattern320ais completely worn away. As described above, referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, in a case where the CDE method is used, the flow ratio of the CF4gas/O2gas is 150 sccm/60 sccm or more. The microwave power used in generating the remote plasma is preferably 550 W or more. Furthermore, the etching uniformity is 3% or less.
Referring toFIG. 4C, a contact350is formed in the contact hole H by filling the contact hole H conductive material, and then etching the conductive material.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a polysilicon layer pattern is used as an etching mask, and thus striation does not occur and an etching profile of a desired shape is obtained. In addition, the margin of error of the manufacturing process is increased, and thus the overall process is simplified in comparison to a process in which a silicon nitride layer is used as an etching mask.
Moreover, the polysilicon layer pattern used as an etching mask has a large etching selectivity with respect to a silicon oxide layer or a silicon nitride layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the semiconductor substrate or the conductor exposed by the contact hole and an electrical short from occurring between contacts due to excessive etching of the interlayer dielectric between the contact holes. Also, the yield is enhanced due to the uniform etching over the entire surface of the wafer. Particularly, the CDE method using the remote plasma or the wet etching method utilizing the diluted ammonia reduces manufacturing costs and prevents degradation of semiconductor device characteristics due to seams occurring in the conductive material filling the contact holes.
Furthermore, the contact hole is filled with the conductive material after removing the polysilicon layer pattern, and thus the in-line test to determine whether the contact hole is completely open can be conducted.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
| 7H
| 01 | L |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to theFIGS. 1-4for a clearer understanding of the invention, it may be seen that the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates a delinter10having the same major components as the delinter shown in the '448 patent, namely a feeder11, a lint discharge12, a motes conveyor13, a seed conveyor14, a housing20, including various access doors and windows. A float16and chamber17is defined beneath feeder11within the housing20and above a saw cylinder22which carries a plurality of saws24. A doffing cylinder is provided to conventionally doff the lint from the saws.
In the '448 patent, the disclosed gratefall assembly supported the float and was linked to the saw cylinder supports such that opening the gratefall exposed the saw cylinder and moved it to a position where it could be hoisted vertically. However, the gratefall was moved between the open and closed positions by a hydraulic cylinder mounted outside the gratefall assembly. The drive belts for the float and the saw cylinder were tensioned by separate pneumatic cylinders. In that design the tension had to be released and the drive belts for both the float and saw removed before the gratefall could be opened. This required the operator to undertake several steps to open the gratefall including removing the belts while leaning over the motes and seed conveyors.
The present invention eliminates all hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and releases the tension on the saw and float belts while the gratefall transitions from the closed to open position, thus eliminating several steps and allowing the operator to remove the belts as needed from the front of the machines and also eliminates or replaces other forms of removing saw cylinder. Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4in the current design, saw motor31drives take-off belt32, to sheave33which is mounted to housing11at a fixed location. A saw belt35is also entrained about sheave33and saw drive sheave36which is mounted on saw pivot arms38on each side of the delinter are pivotally rotated with gratefall assembly41about the same axis passing through pivot shaft39, thus the saw drive sheave36is movable with the gratefall assembly41. Mounted to the saw cylinder pivot arm38and pivot shaft39, and interposed between sheave33and saw drive sheave36is the saw idler assembly51Saw idler assembly51includes a fixed idler bracket52pivotally mounted for movement about pivot shaft39in fixed relation to gratefall assembly41and a floating idler bracket53also mounted for movement about pivot shaft39at a selected angle offset from fixed idler bracket52. The offset between brackets52and53is maintained by rod adjustably connected there between. Bracket52carries a belt idler pulley56which engages saw belt35forwardly of pivot shaft39and bracket53carries a belt idler pulley57which engages belt35rearwardly of pivot shaft39and serves as a tensioning pulley. The tension on the belt is adjusted by varying the angle between brackets52and53. On the opposite side of the delinter10a float take-off belt62is driven by float motor61about a sheave63mounted to housing11at a fixed location. A float belt65is entrained about sheave63and float drive sheave64. A float idler assembly71which is the mirror image of saw idler assembly51and includes a fixed bracket72, floating bracket73, positioning rod, belt idler pulley76, and belt tensioning pulley77both of which engage the float belt65in the same manner as described above. It will be noted that pivot shaft38is offset from a direct line between sheaves33,63and drive sheaves36,64, thus engagement of belts35,65, by the idler pulleys56,76and57,77give the belts a L shaped configuration when properly tensioned.
A pair of jack screws81,82are mounted to the housing and connected to the pivot arms38to urge the pivot arms about the pivot axis in opening and closing the gratefall assembly41. An electric motor83elongates and shortens the jack screws. When the jack screws are elongated they urge the drive sheaves36,64carried by the gratefall assembly41away from the fixed sheaves33,63, thus making the L shape of the drive belts35,65more obtuse as shown inFIG. 2ato2dand moving idler pulleys56,76closer to drive sheaves33,63thus releasing the tension on the belts35,65such that when the grate fall is completely open the saw belt35may be easily removed or replaced on the sheaves at a convenient level directly in front of the operator. The float belt65is loosened but does not need to be removed from the drive sheave to remove the saw cylinder. It should be therefore apparent that the operation of opening the gratefall and removing the saw cylinder for sharpening or maintenance is greatly simplified. Note that since the doffing roll is not mounted to the gratefall assembly41, it does not move and doffing roll belt92remains tensioned between sheave63and doffing drive sheave93, in as much as the float and doffing roller are driven by the same motor.
It should be noted that jackscrews81,82provide a positive mechanical linkage to the gratefall assembly41, thus if electrical power is lost during the movement of the gratefall the jackscrew will stop and the gratefall assembly will remain in its then current position rather than falling under the influence of gravity as could occur with a hydraulic system. It is also noteworthy that limit switches are in the circuit energizing saw motor21and float motor61. These limit switches open when the gratefall assembly begins to move from the closed position de-energizing the saw circuit and thus insuring that none of the belts, motors or sheaves are energized during the saw cylinder change out process.
It should be noted that feeder11is the same width as saw cylinder22, thus seed entering the float chamber17and urged toward the saws24is able to pass vertically through the delinter without the need to migrate laterally as was the case in the delinter shown in the '448 patent. Accordingly the seed can be processed more quickly and no build up or accumulation of seeds at any region across the saw cylinder22is encountered, thereby reducing the dwell time of the seed on the saws24and reducing the prospect of slicing the seed and contaminating the lint with hull or oil produced by the machine.
Aiding in the direct processing of the seed cotton from the feeder to the saws is the redesign of the entry to the float chamber17in the gratefall assembly41. The rear scroll101has been extended and turned nearly 90 degrees at the entrance from the feeder so that a smooth surface with no transitions between metal parts are presented except where the scroll101abuts frame plate102. Likewise, the seed board103has been redesigned to reduce friction at the inlet from the feeder11, by turning the upper edge of the plate forming the seed board away from the inlet, thereby eliminating a part to part transition and improving the flow characteristics of the cotton seed.
A further refinement in flow is achieved by adding end caps101to the float which rotate with the float vanes as seen inFIG. 6. Traditional floats did not have endcaps thus creating friction and accumulation of cottonseed at the float vane and gratefall sideplate interface which exerts extra pressure against the gratefall side plates and forces most of the seed to be discharged at each end of the float chamber causing uneven delinting of the seed. By improving the flow of the cottonseed from the wider feeder through the smother entrance and across the more efficient float, the quality of the lint produced by the machine and the efficiency of the delinter is greatly improved. This is particularly so, when the saws24themselves are configured differently. More specifically, prior to the introduction of the '448 delinter the saw teeth were formed with a tangent line intersecting a 12″ diameter saw. The '448 design used an 18″ diameter saw with a tangent designed for that saw diameter, however, this saw tooth design was more likely to rip the seed hull. Thus, some prior art machines were retrofitted with 18″ diameter saws in on which the tangent line of the tooth was the same as had been used on a 12″ diameter saw. This reduced the damage to the hull considerably, but did not provide the efficient operation and significantly improved quality lint which is achieved when the feeder is widened, the float capped and the transition from feeder to gratefall is smoothed in addition to using the 12″ tangent line tooth on an 18″ saw.
It is to be understood that the form of the invention shown is a preferred embodiment thereof and that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope as defined in the following claims.
| 3D
| 01 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1 and 2 detail the prior art and have been discussed above.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show the electronic apparatus 40 of the present invention.
The apparatus 40 includes a planar card 42, preferably a multilayer
printed circuit board or the like (a single layer printed circuit board is
also permissible), with a via 44 (plated through hole), preferably
extending through the planar card 42, from the upper side 46, to the lower
side 47. The via 44 includes a body 48 and terminates in a recessed area
50 (depression) at the upper side 46. A solder column 52, extending from
an electronics module package ("module") 54, is received in the recessed
area 50. A solder joint 56 mechanically mounts and electrically connects
to a solder column 52 in the recessed area 50. While the module 54
illustrated is a CGA, it could also be a BGA provided that a solder ball
is used instead of the solder column 52. While only a single solder column
52 is shown in a single via 44 on the planar card 42, this is for purposes
of illustration only, as the apparatus of the invention 40 involves planar
cards 42 having multiple vias 44 for accommodating a corresponding number
of solder columns 52, or solder balls if a BGA is
The via 44 includes a plated surface 57 along the inner walls, that
preferably extends the entire length of the via 44, to the recessed area
50 and onto the upper side 46 of the planar card 42, and to the lower side
47 of the planar card 42, forming lands 58, 59 on the respective sides.
Although this arrangement of lands 58, 59 on both sides of the planar card
42 is preferred, lands on one or both sides of the card are not required.
Alternately, the via 44 may be a "blind via." Blind vias do not extend
entirely through the planar card 42. They may include the recessed area 50
and a portion of the via body 48, or the recessed areas 50 alone.
The plated surface 57 is of an electrically conducting metal such as copper
or other suitable electrically conducting material. The plating is
performed by conventional techniques, well known to those skilled in the
planar card and printed circuit board art.
The recessed areas 50 of the via 44 include depressions extending from the
surface formed by a side, preferably the upper side 46 of the planar card
42. Specifically, the recessed area 50 includes outwardly extending
shoulders 60, that are frustoconical shaped, that have a dihedral angle of
approximately 120 degrees.
This frustoconical shape, and shallow depth (approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2
mm) into the planar card 42 of the recessed area 50, utilize surface
tension on the molten solder composition (during reflow, as detailed
below) to compete with the via 44 to retain the solder composition in a
compact solder joint 56 as the solder composition cools. In other words,
the recessed area 50 wicks the solder joint 56, keeping the solder
composition on the plated surfaces 57 of the recessed areas 50, preventing
the solder composition from spreading into the land to line spaces 62
between the vias 44 on the planar card 42. By inhibiting the spread of the
solder composition of the solder joint 56, unwanted electrical contacts,
which could damage the module 54 through shorts, are avoided.
Additionally, the shape and depth of the recessed area 50 allow the solder
joint 56 to form solder fillets 64 having a low angle (approximately 10
degrees from the horizontal). These low angle solder fillets 64 maximize
ductility between the solder joint 56 and the solder columns 52, to avoid
stress fatigue embrittlement.
The solder joint 56 includes a solder composition of a standard flux in a
eutectic mix (approximately 63% tin and 37% lead). Other solder
compositions include a mixture of tin/bismuth or other solder alloys known
to those skilled in the art.
The solder columns 52 on the module 54 (only one solder column 52 is shown
in FIG. 3) are preferably compliant, in that they are capable of flexing
to absorb stress built up between the via 44 and the module 54. This
compliance is achieved in part by the solder columns 52 having a height
approximately five times its width (or diameter). This height allows for
an increased bending moment of the solder column 52, such that it can
expand and contract at rates different than those for the module 54 to
compensate for various stresses and strains at the solder joint 56. The
solder columns 52 may be made of materials such as a mixture of
approximately 90% tin and 10% lead, copper, KOVAR.RTM. (Carpenter
Technology Corporation, Reading, Pennsylvania), or the like. The solder
joints 56 and solder columns 52 of a single apparatus 40 may be of the
same or different materials.
FIG. 4 shows the planar card 42. The recessed areas 50 provide a direct
attachment of the solder columns 52 (FIG. 3) on the module 54 (FIG. 3),
thus eliminating the need for surface mount pads 26 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
Additionally, further space saving is achieved on the planar card 42 as
the diameters of the recessed areas 50 are small (approximately 0.7 mm),
and the diameters of the via bodies 48 are correspondingly small
(approximately 0.3 mm). This allows for a high circuit density arrangement
of connections, and permits wiring on both the upper side 46 and the lower
side 47, and multiple internal signals and voltage planes on the planar
card 42. The increase in circuit density achieved is typically four or
more times greater than that of the prior art PGA's or surface mount
technology.
Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a second electronic apparatus 70 of
the present invention. The electronic apparatus 70 is the same as the
electronic apparatus 40 described in FIGS. 3 and 4 above, except as
indicated below.
The apparatus 70 includes a planar card 72, similar to the planar card 42
discussed above in FIGS. 3 and 4. The planar card 72 has upper and lower
sides 74, 75, and a via 76 extending between the sides 74, 75. The via 76
includes a body 78 and terminates in a cylindrically shaped recessed area
80, formed by a depression in the upper side 74 of the planar card 72. The
via 76 may also be a "blind via" (discussed above).
A plated surface 81, similar to that described above, preferably extends
the entire length of the via 76, to the recessed area 80 and onto the
upper side 74 of the planar card 72, and to the lower side 75 of the
planar card 72, forming lands 82, 83 on the respective sides. Although
this arrangement of lands 82, 83 on both sides of the planar card 72 is
preferred, lands on one or both sides of the planar card 72 are not
required.
The recessed area 80 is formed by outwardly extending shoulders 84, that
bend upward at approximately right angles toward the upper side 74 of the
planar card 72. The recessed area 80 accommodates a solder column 52a that
extends from a module 54a. A solder joint 86 mechanically mounts and
electrically connects the solder column 52a in the recessed area 80 of the
via 76. While only a single solder column 52a is shown in a single via 76
on the planar card 72, this is for purposes of illustration only, as the
apparatus 70 of the invention involves planar cards 72 having multiple
vias 76 for accommodating a corresponding number of solder columns 52a, or
solder balls if a BGA is used.
The cylindrical shape and shallow depth (approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) of
the recessed area 80 into the planar card 72, utilize surface tension on
the molten solder composition (during reflow, as detailed below) to
compete with the via 76 to retain the solder composition in a compact
solder joint 86 as the solder composition cools. In other words, the
recessed area 80 wicks the solder joint 86, keeping the solder composition
on the plated surface 81 of recessed area 80, preventing the solder
composition from spreading into the land to line spaces 88 between the
vias 76 on the planar card 72. By inhibiting the spread of the solder
composition of the solder joint 86, unwanted electrical contacts, which
could damage the module 54a through shorts, are avoided.
Additionally, the shape and depth of the recessed area 80 allows the solder
joint 86 to form solder fillets 90 having a low angle (less than ten
degrees from the horizontal). These low angle solder fillets 90 maximize
beam moment of solder columns 52a, which are compliant and serve to reduce
stress fatigue on the solder joint 86 and the solder column 52a.
The electronic apparatus 40, 70 of the present invention are made by
following preferred method. Initially, a planar card having vias or plated
through holes, terminating in shallow recessed areas (depressions), is
made by conventional printed circuit board fabrication techniques. A
stencil, having openings with diameters corresponding the shallow recessed
areas is placed over the planar card, such that the stencil openings are
aligned with the recessed areas on the planar card. The stencil serves as
a mask over the planar card.
Solder paste is then screened onto the planar card with a metal or rubber
squeegee blade. The solder paste enters the aligned openings and recessed
areas, subsequently filling them. Excess solder paste is removed at the
same time from the stencil by moving the squeegee blade or the like over
the upper surface of the stencil. Each of the recessed areas facilitates a
larger volume of solder paste, to accommodate the solder requirements for
both the solder joint and the solder column, which may be thieved by the
via. Additionally, the use of the stencil allows for the solder paste to
reach a certain thickness and volume which is approximately double or
triple the normal solder volume into the recessed areas than would have
been achieved without the recessed areas.
Once the screening step is complete, the stencil is removed. A module with
solder columns, corresponding to the recessed areas, now filled with
solder paste in the planar card, is joined to the planar card. The solder
paste is then reflowed by processes well known to those skilled in the
art. During the reflowing step, the recessed areas provide sufficient
surface tension to maintain the molten solder between the solder columns
of the module and the recessed areas. The reflowing step preferably occurs
in a convection reflow oven, IR oven, vapor phase reflow machine or the
like, in various atmospheres such as nitrogen, air or the like. Once the
reflowing step is complete, the card is cooled.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | 7H
| 01 | L |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a system for reducing surface profile variations on a wafer by means of local wafer temperature control. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
By altering the wafer temperature in accordance with FIG. 2 (or its equivalent for the photoresist and etching chemistries in use) this temperature dependant CD shift in the etching process can be used to compensate the photolithographic induced CD shifts in each wafer or lot of wafers to generally improve the final CD's fidelity to the intended dimensions.
In the near future it is expected that a single global correction, even if performed on each wafer individually, will be inadequate to correct CD shifts which result from the photolithography process. As such, the wafer can be divided into several segments and multiple local CD shifts can be calculated. Using this data and the curve in FIG. 2 , a multizone-heated pedestal can be used to perform CD shift corrections locally on a wafer.
FIG. 1 illustrates an etching system 100 for controlling the temperature and etch rate of a wafer 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. An etching system 100 comprises a chamber 102 through which reactive, gas or gases flow (not shown). Within the chamber 102 , the gases are ionized into a plasma 106 , by radio frequency energy generated by an RF antenna (not shown) disposed above and adjacent to a top window (not shown) of the chamber 102 . The highly reactive ions of the plasma 106 are able to react with the surface of a semiconductor wafer 104 being processed. Prior to etching, the wafer 104 is placed in the chamber 102 and held in proper position by a chuck 108 that exposes a top surface of the wafer 104 to the plasma 106 .
Several heating elements 110 are arranged at preset locations in the chuck 108 . For illustration purposes, the heating elements 110 may include film heaters, or any other type of heaters small enough to fit in the chuck 108 . Those of ordinary skills in the art will recognize that there are many other ways to heat the chuck 108 . An example of the arrangement of the heating elements 110 is further illustrated below in FIG. 3 . The heating elements 110 are coupled to a controller 112 that adjusts the temperature of each heating element 110 .
A measuring device 114 coupled to the controller 112 measures critical dimension test feature dimensions (CDs) on each wafer prior to processing. Critical Dimensions metrology tools may be used to detect and measure changes in feature profiles. For illustration purposes, the measuring device 114 may include a spectroscopic CD metrology tool that is based on spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) which is an optical technique for measuring film thickness and film properties. The measuring device 114 may determine the CD (at any point on the profile), line height or trench depth, and sidewall angle from spectroscopic CD measurements on special grating targets. The cross-section profile of a wafer may also be determined. The measuring device 114 sends data containing measurements at several preset locations on the wafer 104 to the controller 112 . The locations of the measurements may be chosen according to the number of measurements. The preset locations on the wafer 104 correspond to independent thermal regions on the chuck 108 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above spectroscopic CD metrology tool discussed above is not intended to be limiting and that other measuring tools can be used without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.
The controller 112 includes an algorithm containing the relationship between a feature dimension measurement and the temperature of a wafer under process. For illustration purposes, FIG. 2 is a graph of an example of the relationship between CD shift and wafer temperature. Such relationship may be obtained, for example, from empirical data. Once the controller 112 receives the data from the measuring device 114 , the controller 112 applies the above algorithm to translate the measured data into temperature data. Therefore, the data containing measurements at several locations on the wafer 104 may be used to produce a custom temperature profile for the measured wafer 104 . Thus, for a particular measurement at a particular location on the wafer 104 , the controller 112 adjusts the temperature of the heating element 110 corresponding to that particular location on the wafer in accordance with the above-defined relationship.
Thus, the etching system 100 includes a feedforward system in which it dynamically alters in real-time the temperature profile for each wafer after accepting information about the particular feature dimensions on the wafer. The controller 112 adjusts the temperature of each heating element 110 before and/or during the process to reduce the variation of Critical Dimensions on the wafer 104 among the preset locations on the wafer 104 .
The measuring device 114 measures feature dimensions at preset locations on the wafer 104 . In particular, the preset locations may be spread over the surface of the wafer 104 . Each preset location or a group of preset locations may represent a region on the wafer 104 and the chuck 110 . FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating different regions on a chuck in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a chuck 300 having seven regions: one central hexagonal region 302 in the center on the chuck 300 , six adjacent regions 304 around the central region 302 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the regions on the chuck shown are not intended to be limiting and that other configurations of regions or zones can be used without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed. Each region on the chuck 300 may correspond to a region on the wafer since the wafer sits on top of the chuck 300 . Each region on the chuck 300 may include its own heating element (not shown) and its own controller (not shown) such that the temperature of each region on the chuck 300 may be controlled independently.
The measuring device 114 may measure feature dimensions from several preset locations on the wafer 104 . Each region may include at least one preset location from which the measuring device 114 measures feature dimensions on the wafer 104 . If more than one preset location exists for a region, the measurements from that region are included in a sample average that represents the average measurement from that region.
For illustration purposes, the etching system 100 may function as follows: The measuring device 114 measures feature dimensions on the wafer 104 at preset locations. Each preset location may define a region on the wafer 104 . The controller 112 receives data from the measuring device 114 about the wafer 104 containing feature dimensions at preset locations. The controller 112 translates the data into a temperature profile based on known relationship between the feature dimension differences and the temperature of the wafer during processing. The temperature profile includes a specific temperature for each measured preset location on the wafer 104 and thus for each corresponding region on the chuck 110 . The controller 112 thus adjusts the temperature of each region by adjusting its corresponding heating element 110 .
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates an etching system 400 for controlling the temperature and etch rate of a wafer 404 . The etching system 400 comprises a chamber 402 through which reactive gas or gases flow (not shown). Within the chamber 402 , the gases are ionized into a plasma 406 , by radio frequency energy generated by an RF antenna (not shown) disposed above and adjacent to a top window (not shown) of the chamber 402 . The highly reactive ions of the plasma 406 are able to react with the surface of a semiconductor wafer 404 being processed. Prior to etching, the wafer 404 is placed in the chamber 402 and held in proper position by a chuck 408 that exposes a top surface of the wafer 404 to the plasma 406 .
Several heating elements 410 are arranged at preset locations in the chuck 408 . For illustration purposes, the heating elements 410 may include film heaters, or any other type of heaters small enough to fit in the chuck 408 . The heating elements 410 are coupled to a controller 412 that adjusts the temperature of each heating element 410 .
The interferometer 416 samples the etch depth at several preset locations periodically by means of switch 420 which sequentially directs light from one of the several fiber optics 418 to an interferometer 416 . Since the time to acquire a spectrum is less than 0.1 seconds, the wafer can be sampled over e.g. seven sites in less than a second.
The controller 412 receives data from the interferometer 416 during processing. The interferometer 416 measures etch depth of the wafer 404 during an etching process. A number of optical fibers 418 aimed at the wafer 404 are positioned on top of the chamber 402 . The number of optical fibers 418 corresponds to the number of heating elements 410 in the chuck 408 or to the number of thermal regions in the chuck 408 as illustrated above in FIG. 3 . An optical switch 420 relays the information from the fiber optics 418 to the interferometer 416 . The optical switch time multiplexes the signals from the wafer 404 , region by region, by taking a scan every few milliseconds, for example, 0.1 second.
Thus, the etching system 400 includes an in-situ feedback system in which it dynamically alters in real-time the temperature profile for each wafer based on the information from the interferometer 416 . The controller 412 adjusts the temperature of each heating element 410 before and/or during the process to locally modify the etch rates and thereby to reduce the variation of trench etch depth on the wafer 404 among the preset locations on the wafer 404 .
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for controlling the temperature and etch rate of the wafer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. An etching system 500 controls the temperature and etch rate of a wafer 504 . The etching system 500 comprises a chamber 502 through which reactive gas or gases flow (not shown). Within the chamber 502 , gases are ionized into a plasma 506 , by radio frequency energy generated by an RF antenna (not shown) disposed above and adjacent to a top window (not shown) of the chamber 502 . The highly reactive ions of the plasma 506 are able to react with the surface of a semiconductor wafer 504 being processed. Prior to etching, the wafer 504 is placed in the chamber 502 and held in proper position by a chuck 508 that exposes a top surface of the wafer 504 to the plasma 506 .
The chuck 508 may include several distinct regions through which fluid may flow. The temperature of each region may be adjusted independently by controlling the temperature of the fluid passing through each region with a temperature controller 510 . Each region may be arranged to correspond with each preset location on the chuck 508 . Each temperature controller 510 is coupled to a controller 512 that adjusts each temperature controller 510 .
A measuring device 514 coupled to the controller 512 measures critical dimension test feature dimensions (CDs) on each wafer prior to processing. The measuring device 514 sends data containing the measurements at several preset locations on the wafer 504 to the controller 512 . The preset locations on the wafer 504 correspond to the different regions on the chuck 508 .
The controller 512 includes an algorithm containing the relationship between a feature dimension measurement and the temperature of a wafer under process, similar to the relation shown in FIG. 2 . Once the controller 512 receives the data from the measuring device 514 , the controller 512 applies the above algorithm to translate the measured data into temperature data. Therefore, the data containing measurements at several locations on the wafer 504 may be used to produce a custom temperature profile for the measured wafer 504 . Thus, for a particular measurement at a particular location on the wafer 504 , the controller 512 adjusts the temperature of the heating element 510 corresponding to that particular location on the wafer in accordance with the above-defined relationship.
Thus, the etching system 500 includes a feedforward system in which it dynamically alters in real-time the temperature profile for each wafer after accepting information about the particular feature dimensions on the wafer. The controller 512 adjusts the temperature of each heating element 510 before and/or during the process to reduce the variation of Critical Dimensions on the wafer 504 among the preset locations on the wafer 504 .
FIG. 6 illustrates a method for utilizing the etching system of FIG. 1 . In a first block 602 , the measuring device measures critical dimensions or other dimensions at a plurality of locations on a wafer. Each location is associated with a region as discussed above. At 604 , the controller generates a temperature profile based on the measured critical dimensions on the wafer. At 606 , the plasma etching system processes the wafer positioned on a chuck that has heating elements corresponding with the plurality of locations on the wafer. During the process, the controller adjusts the temperature of the heating elements based on the generated temperature profile.
While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
| 5F
| 27 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, a self-propelled paving machine 10 for use
in paving the surface of a roadway with asphalt concrete paving material
is illustrated in FIG. 1. This machine includes a tractor 12 having drive
means for propelling the machine along the surface of a roadway, a hopper
14 for holding a quantity of asphalt concrete paving material and means
for conveying the paving material from the hopper to the roadway behind
the machine, many of the components of which are not shown. Mounted atop
the paving machine is an operator's station 16. Machine 10 is adapted to
travel in the direction of arrow F. Attached to the rear of machine 10 by
means of a pair of side arms (one of which is labeled with the numeral 18)
is vibratory screed assembly 22, one of the preferred embodiments of the
invention.
In use, machine 10 is moved along the surface of the roadway in the
direction F and asphalt concrete paving material is conveyed from hopper
14 to the rear of the machine where it is deposited on the roadway in
front of screed assembly 22 by means of transverse distributing auger 24.
The deposited asphalt concrete material at 26 is of a relatively loose
density.
FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the improved vibratory
screed assembly that is described and claimed herein. This embodiment,
assembly 22, includes a frame portion that is adapted for attachment to
the paving machine through side arms 18. Preferably, assembly 22 includes
a pair of frame portions in the form of prescreeds 28A and 28B, disposed
side-by-side, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. As used herein, the letters "A"
and "B" following numerals will designate identical or mirror-image
components of portions of the first preferred embodiment of the invention,
assembly 22. The prescreeds are preferably pivotally attached to the
paving machine through the side arms so as to be capable of pivoting about
pivot axis 29 or another axis that is disposed parallel to the surface of
the roadway and transverse to the direction of travel F of the machine.
Prescreed 28A includes frame 30A, to which is attached strike-off face 32A
that is disposed towards the paving machine 10, and leveling face 34A that
is disposed towards the surface of the roadway. Preferably, these
components are made of heavy-gauge steel or other suitable material. In
connection with the operation of paving machine 10, strike-off faces 32A
and 32B of prescreed portions 28A and 28B will serve to level the asphalt
deposited on the roadway by the distributing auger, and leveling faces 34A
and 34B will smooth the surface of the asphalt mat so leveled.
Assembly 22 also includes a vibratory screed portion that is adapted for
attachment to the frame portion. Preferably, assembly 22 includes a pair
of vibratory screed portions 38A and 38B, disposed side-by-side, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 4. As used herein, the letters "A" and "B" following
numerals will designate identical or mirror-image components of portions
of the first preferred embodiment of the invention, assembly 22.
Preferably the vibratory screed portion or portions of assembly 22 are
adapted for attachment to the frame portion or portions about an axis 36
that is parallel to the surface of the roadway and transverse to the
direction of travel F of the machine. Vibratory screed portion 38A
includes frame 40A, to which is attached screed plate 42A that is disposed
towards the surface of the roadway. Preferably, these components are made
of heavy-gauge steel or other suitable material. In addition, vibratory
screed portion 38A includes vibratory assembly 44A, which is mounted to
frame 40A so as to impart vibration thereto. Of course, frame 40A,
although a preferred component of assembly 22, could be deleted and
vibratory assembly 44A could be mounted directly on screed plate 42A.
Vibratory assembly 44A includes elongate shaft 46A, and a means for
rotating the shaft. Preferably, the shaft of each vibratory assembly is
supported by and journaled in at least one bearing assembly, such as
assemblies 48A.
As has been mentioned, preferred screed assembly 22 includes a pair of
prescreed portions 28A and 28B, disposed side-by-side, and a pair of
vibratory screed portions 38A and 38B, also disposed side-by-side.
Preferably, shafts 46A and 46B of the vibratory assemblies of the
vibratory screed portions are joined together with a flexible coupling,
such as coupling 49, which may be made of a plastic, elastomeric or other
suitable material, and means are provided for rotating both shafts
together, such as motor 50, which may preferably be of hydraulic or
electric motive power. The motor may be operatively attached to the shaft
by means of pulley 51 and belt 52, as shown in FIG. 2, or by any other
convenient means of attachment.
It is contemplated that any convenient number of such assembly portions may
be provided and joined together in the manner of the first embodiment of
the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4 or in another known manner
to provide an assembly of the desired width. It is also contemplated that
a motor may be provided for each vibratory screed portion, or a motor may
be selected so as to power two or more such vibratory screed portions.
Vibratory assembly 44A also includes at least one eccentric weight 54A that
is mounted on the shaft, said weight having a non-symmetrical distribution
of mass about the shaft so that vibration will be created upon rotation
thereof. Preferably, the vibratory assembly includes a plurality of such
weights that are mounted on the shaft in such fashion that they have a
non-symmetrical distribution of mass about the shaft so that vibration
will be created upon rotation thereof. If a plurality of vibratory screed
portions are utilized, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is preferred
that the rotation of the shafts be synchronized and the alignment of the
eccentric weights thereon be aligned so that vibratory forces created on
one vibratory screed portion are not canceled by such forces created on
another vibratory screed portion, but instead that they reinforce each
other.
Ideally, the improved screed assembly that is described herein may be
utilized to provide a degree of compaction to the asphalt concrete mat of
at least about 98%. This amount of compaction may be achieved because the
improved screed assembly includes a frame portion that is a separate
component of the assembly from the vibratory screed portion, and because
the vibratory screed portion is isolated from the frame portion so as to
limit the transmission of vibratory forces to the frame portion of the
assembly and to concentrate the transmission of such forces to the asphalt
pavement. It is believed that the provision of separate frame and
vibratory screed portions and the isolation of vibratory forces to the
screed portion permits a more effective transmission of such forces to the
asphalt pavement, and the application of greater compaction forces through
the screed plate than had previously been thought possible without
increasing the total mass of the assembly. It has also been found that
such an arrangement of components of the screed assembly will act to limit
the transmission of vibratory forces to the tractor of the paving machine.
It is believed that preferred results may be obtained therefore, when the
separate components of the screed assembly are provided such that the mass
of the frame portion will include at least about 15% of the total mass of
the screed assembly, and more preferably about 20-85% of the total mass of
the screed assembly. The mass of the frame portion of screed assembly 22,
for example, is preferably within a middle range of about 40-70% of the
total mass of the screed assembly. Depending on the specific configuration
of the frame and vibratory screed portions of the screed assembly, and
depending on the characteristics of the paving material being applied and
on other conditions such as ambient temperature and humidity, it may be
necessary to add counterweights or auxiliary weights (not shown) to the
frame portion of the assembly to achieve the desired mass distribution. If
such added weights are desired, they should preferably be placed in a
balanced fashion across the frame portion. If weights are added to the
frame portion of assembly 22, the mass of the frame portion could approach
the upper end of the preferred range of 20-85%.
Preferably, the means for isolating the vibratory forces created by the
vibratory assembly to the screed portion includes at least one elastomeric
pad, such as pad 56A, that is positioned between the vibratory assembly
and the frame portion. Pad 56A may be made of natural or synthetic rubber
or other suitable elastomeric material. In addition, particularly good
results may be obtained when vibratory screed portion 38A is provided with
a plurality of attachment plates 58A, arranged in pairs, that are attached
to frame 40A by welding or other suitable means, and prescreed 28A is
provided with an attachment member for each pair of attachment plates.
Preferably, the attachment members are provided in the form of an elongate
box tube, such as tube 60A, which is pivotally attached to frame 30A of
prescreed 28A by means of joining members 62A, one of which is disposed on
either side of the box tube and shafts 64A, which are inserted into holes
aligned with axis 36 through the pair of joining members and the box tube
therebetween. The other end of each such box tube is disposed between a
pair of attachment plates 58A of the vibratory portion 38A, with an
elastomeric pad 56A positioned on either side of the box tube between the
tube and the adjacent attachment plates. This means of attachment between
the vibratory screed portion and the frame portion (or the prescreed) will
limit the transmission of vibration created by the vibratory assembly to
the frame portion, and permit the vibratory forces to be concentrated and
maximized on the vibratory screed portion so as to be applied thereby
through the screed plate to the underlying road surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 7, a second embodiment of the improved
vibratory screed assembly is illustrated. This embodiment, assembly 122,
includes a frame portion 128 that is adapted for attachment to a paving
machine, such as paving machine 10 of FIG. 1, through side arms 118, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, although the paving machine is not shown.
Preferably, assembly 122 includes a pair of rectangular frame portions 128A
and 128B, disposed side-by-side, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. As used
herein, the letters "A" and "B" following numerals will designate
identical or mirror-image components of portions of the second preferred
embodiment of the invention, assembly 122. The frame portions are
preferably pivotally attached to the paving machine through the side arms
so as to be capable of pivoting about pivot axis 129 or another axis that
is disposed parallel to the surface of the roadway and transverse to the
direction of travel of the paving machine. Although embodiment 122
preferably includes two rectangular frame portions 128A and 128B, a single
frame portion 128 spanning substantially the width of assembly 122 could
also be employed.
Frame portion 128A is a generally rectangular structural member comprised
of a pair of parallel longitudinal members 130A and a pair of end members
132A. Attachment members 134A bridge the span between the longitudinal
members 130A, and are joined to the associated vibratory screed portion,
as will be subsequently explained. Preferably, all of these components of
frame portion 128A are made of heavy-gauge steel or other suitable
material, welded together or otherwise joined in a suitable fashion. As
has been mentioned, it is preferred that the mass of the frame portion of
the invention, which in the case of embodiment 122 includes frame portions
128A and 128B, include at least about 15% of the total mass of the screed
assembly.
Assembly 122 also includes a vibratory screed portion that is adapted for
attachment to the frame portion. Assembly 122 may include a pair of
vibratory screed portions that are disposed side-by-side, similar to
screed portions 38A and 38B of assembly 22, and in such case, each screed
portion may be associated with one of frame portions 128A and 128B.
However, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the two frame portions 128A and 128B
may be associated with a single vibratory screed portion 138. Vibratory
screed portion 138 includes screed plate 140 that is disposed towards the
surface of the roadway. Preferably, it also includes moldboard 142, which
is attached to the side of the screed portion that is disposed towards the
paving machine. It is also preferred that these components be made of
heavy-gauge steel or other suitable material, and that moldboard 142 be
attached by welding or other suitable means to screed plate 140. It may
also be desirable to provide reinforcing members such as angle braces (not
shown) to hold the moldboard in place in the vibratory screed portion. The
moldboard is adapted to contact the asphalt concrete paving material that
is deposited on the roadway by the paving machine so as to control the
feed of paving material that is presented to the screed plate. In this
fashion, the moldboard serves much the same function as the strike-off
faces 32A and 32B of the prescreeds 28A and 28B of assembly 22. In
addition, vibratory screed portion 138 includes vibratory assembly 144,
which is mounted to screed plate 140 so as to impart vibration thereto.
Vibratory assembly 144 includes elongate shaft 146, and a means for
rotating the shaft. Preferably, the shaft of the vibratory assembly is
supported by and journaled in at least one bearing assembly, such as
assemblies 148. Vibratory assembly 144 also includes means for rotating
shaft 146, such as motor 150, which may preferably be of hydraulic or
electric motive power. The motor may be operatively attached to the shaft
by means of pulley 151 and belt 152, as shown in FIG. 6, or by any other
convenient means of attachment.
The vibratory screed portion may be provided in any convenient length, or
any convenient number of assembly portions such as is illustrated in FIGS.
2 through 4 may be provided and joined together in the manner of the first
embodiment of the invention illustrated therein or in another known manner
to provide an assembly of the desired width. It is also contemplated that
if multiple screed portions are provided, a motor may be provided for each
vibratory screed portion, or a motor may be selected so as to power two or
more such vibratory screed portions.
Vibratory assembly 144 also includes at least one eccentric weight 154 that
is mounted on the shaft, said weight having a non-symmetrical distribution
of mass about the shaft so that vibration will be created upon rotation
thereof. Preferably, the vibratory assembly includes a plurality of such
weights that are mounted on the shaft in such fashion that they have a
non-symmetrical distribution of mass about the shaft so that vibration
will be created upon rotation thereof. If a plurality of vibratory screed
portions are utilized, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is
preferred that the rotation of the shafts be synchronized and the
alignment of the eccentric weights thereon be aligned so that vibratory
forces created on one vibratory screed portion are not canceled by such
forces created on another vibratory screed portion, but instead that they
reinforce each other.
Ideally, the improved screed assembly that is described herein may be
utilized to provide a degree of compaction to the asphalt concrete mat of
at least about 98%. This amount of compaction may be achieved because the
improved screed assembly includes a frame portion that is a separate
component of the assembly from the vibratory screed portion, and because
the vibratory screed portion is isolated from the frame portion so as to
limit the transmission of vibratory forces to the frame portion of the
assembly and to concentrate the transmission of such forces to the asphalt
pavement. It is believed that the provision of separate frame and
vibratory screed portions and the isolation of vibratory forces to the
screed portion permits a more effective transmission of such forces to the
asphalt pavement, and the application of greater compaction forces through
the screed plate than had previously been thought possible without
increasing the total mass of the assembly. It has also been found that
such an arrangement of components of the screed assembly will act to limit
the transmission of vibratory forces to the tractor of the paving machine.
It is believed that preferred results may be obtained therefore, when the
separate components of the screed assembly are provided such that the mass
of the frame portion will include at least about 15% of the total mass of
the screed assembly, and more preferably about 20-85% of the total mass of
the screed assembly. The mass of the frame portion of screed assembly 122,
for example, is preferably within a lower range of about 20-40% of the
total mass of the screed assembly. Depending on the specific configuration
of the frame and vibratory screed portions of the screed assembly, and
depending on the characteristics of the paving material being applied and
on other conditions such as ambient temperature and humidity, it may be
necessary to add counterweights or auxiliary weights (not shown) to the
frame portion of the assembly to achieve the desired mass distribution. If
such added weights are desired, they should preferably be placed in a
balanced fashion across the frame portion.
Preferably, the means for isolating the vibratory assembly includes at
least one elastomeric pad, such as pad 156, that is positioned between the
vibratory assembly and the frame portion. Pad 156 may be made of natural
or synthetic rubber or other suitable elastomeric material. In addition,
particularly good results may be obtained when vibratory screed portion
138 is provided with a plurality of attachment plates 158, arranged in
pairs, that are attached to screed plate 140 by welding or other suitable
means. If desired, the attachment plates can also be provided with
reinforcing members such as angle braces (not shown) to hold the
attachment plates to the screed plate. When attachment plates 158 are
employed, frame portions 128A and 128B may be provided with an attachment
member 134 for each pair of attachment plates. Preferably, the attachment
members 134 are provided in the form of an elongate box tube that is
welded into place between longitudinal members 130. Each attachment member
is disposed between at least one and preferably two pairs of attachment
plates 158 of the vibratory portion 138, with an elastomeric pad 156
positioned on either side of the attachment member between the member and
the adjacent attachment plates. This means of attachment between the
vibratory screed portion and the frame portion will limit the transmission
of vibration created by the vibratory assembly to the frame portion, and
permit the vibratory forces to be concentrated and maximized on the
vibratory screed portion so as to be applied thereby through the screed
plate to the underlying road surface.
Other known features of a screed assembly that may be associated with the
invention include angle-of-attack screw 160 (only one of which is shown in
FIG. 5), which may be used to adjust the angle of attack of the screed
assembly, and its associated attachment plate 162. Also shown in FIGS. 6
and 7 are the two end gate jacks 164, which may be used to raise and lower
end gate 166, which is attached to the end of the screed assembly to
retain the paving material being laid on the roadway beneath the screed as
paving is carried out.
Operation of the invention will compact the surface layer of asphalt
concrete material to a high degree, as shown at 66 in FIG. 1. Preferably,
by selecting the mass of the frame portion to include at least about 15%
of the total mass of the assembly, and more preferably about 20-85%, such
material will be compacted to a degree of at least about 98%. The degree
of compaction can also be affected, as will be appreciated by those having
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates, by the selection
and size of the motor, the selection and arrangement of the eccentric
weights, as well as by the mass of the screed plate and the total mass of
the vibratory screed assembly.
Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing
illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as
well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carring out the
invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various
modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended
claims. | 4E
| 01 | C |
According to the FIGS. 1 and 3 in a winding device indicated as a whole at
4, a yarn winding, specifically a warp winding, is wound on a warping drum
5. The warping drum in the known manner on one side has a warping cone 29
on which the individual warping tapes 22 are wound in a layered manner.
The warping drum for winding up and unwinding the yarns rotates about the
rotational axis 7 in a frame 15.
The procedure for constructing the warp winding 2, already known from
EP-A-517 655 is effected as follows: from a spool creel which is not shown
here a yarn structure 20 is removed and on a warping reed 21 is led
together to a warping tape 22. The warping reed is seated on a warping
carriage 23 which, corresponding to the cone gradient of the warping cone
and the increasing winding thickness and with respect to its distance to
the shearing drum, is radially displaceable. Likewise fastened to the
warping carriage 23 is a deflecting roller 24 about which the warping tape
22 is wound onto the warping drum downwards in the direction of arrow a. A
press roller 25 ensures that the deposition of tape on the drum is
equalised. After all warping tapes have been wound on in the required
sequence, the yarn sheet 1 in the whole width in the direction of arrow b
is wound off from the warping drum 5 and is wound onto a winding beam 3
arranged parallel next to this.
The winding beam 3 is mounted in a rotationally movable manner about a
rotational axis 6 in a machine frame 16. The winding beam 3 as well as the
warping drum 5 are in working connection with drive means, braking means
and control means which are however generally known to the man skilled in
the art.
Before the yarn winding 2 can be wound off evidently the beginning of the
yarn sheet 1 must be guided onto the winding beam 3 and attached here.
This transfer of the yarn sheet is effected with the transfer means 8
which extends over the machine frames 15 and 16. They consist essentially
of two endless transport chains 10 and 10' which are guided parallel to
one another and which are stentered laterally on chain carrier frames 19
and 19'. Between the two transport chains there is fastened a suspension
rod 9 with its ends 11 and 11' onto the chains. With this the suspension
rod runs in each chain position parallel to the two rotational axes 6 and
7. It is releasably connected to the transport chains.
With the embodiment example the transport chains at their outermost ends
are tensioned around the chain defelection wheels 12 and 12'. Additional
chain tensioning wheels 14 ensure that the chains are tensioned along a
predetermined guiding path. The drive is effected at at least one chain
drive wheel 13 which is connected to a drive motor. Alternatively or
additionally the transport chains could also be actuated via a hand wheel
28. The synchronisation of the two transport chains may at the same time
be carried out at a suitable location by way of gear means. For this
purpose a gear shaft 36 indicated in FIG. 3 may be provided which connects
the two transport chains in a geared manner. The gear rod is in a central
region arranged between the two outermost chain deflection wheels 12 and
12' so that here they do not appear in a disturbing manner. The access to
the warping drum or to the winding beam is thus also possible without
hindrance from above.
The transport chains have in each case one upper chain face 26 and one
lower chain face 27. Since the chain drive is reversible the suspension
rod may be guided over the lower as well as also over the upper chain
drum. At least one section 35 of the transport chains is pulled obliquely
downwards from the vertex line of the complete winding 34 on the side
distant to the winding beam 3.
Between the two chain faces 26 and 27 there is arranged a treatment module,
for example a planing or waxing device. To this treatment module the yarn
sheet 1 may be guided over a treatment roller 18, wherein a coating is
effected with any treatment means. According to whether a treatment of the
yarn sheet is desired the yarn sheet must evidently be guided over the
treatment roller 18 or extended through under the treatment roller.
Instead of the treatment roller also a simple deflecting roller may step
in which serves for measuring or regulating the warp tension on beaming.
Also a so-called crimping roller for releasing interconnected wrap yarns
on beaming may be arranged between the belt faces 26 and 27 and
selectively be impinged through the yarn sheet or bypassed.
In FIG. 1 the maximal outer diameter of the yarn winding 2 is indicated at
Dmax and the minimal outer diameter at Dmin. The outer diameter of the
winding beam 3 defines the minimal outer diameter dmin before the
beginning of the beaming procedure, and the maximum outer diameter of the
warp beam at the end of the warping procedure is indicated at dmax. The
treatment roller is arranged such that the yarn sheet at the beginning as
well as also at the end of the beaming process is guided past stretched
below the treatment roller. For the transfer of the yarn sheet without
treatment in the treatment module 17 on the right in the drawing it is
suspended onto the suspension rod 9. Subsequently the transport chains are
moved in the direction of arrow d so that the suspension rod 9 on the
lower chain face 27 is led past below the treatment roller 18 until it has
roughly gone over the winding beam 3. Subsequently the yarn sheet is
released from the suspension rod 9 and fastened to the winding beam 3.
With this it may be advantageous that the suspension rod 9 is fastened to
the transport means in an easily detachable manner, e.g. by suspension
hooks.
FIG. 2 shows a transfer procedure with which during the beaming process a
treatment of the yarn sheet on the treatment roller 18 is desired. The
yarn sheet is again in the same manner fastened to the suspension rod 9 in
the starting position. Subsequently the transport chains are however moved
in the direction of arrow c, wherein the suspension rod 9 on the upper
chain face 26 is led beyond the treatment roller 18 until it again has
roughly gone over the winding beam 3. The treatment module 17 in this
manner is passed over by the yarn sheet and on fastening on the winding
beam 3 it lays on the treatment roller 18 with a certain angle of wrap.
This angle of wrap changes only slightly with the later beaming process
with an increasing beam winding thickness.
FIG. 4 shows an example for the design of a suspension rod 9. This consists
here of a lower clamping strip 30 and of an upper clamping strip 31. The
two clamping strips are connected to one another at a joint 32 so that
they form a two-armed lever. A compression spring 33 presses the clamping
side of the two clamping strips against one another so that the yarn sheet
1 may be suspended in a clamped manner. Here however various alternative
possibilities are conceivable. The expression suspension rod encompasses
as a rule all means which are suitable for firmly holding the yarn sheet.
It thus may also be the case of a row of individual tenter hooks which are
connected to one another with a friction fit. | 3D
| 02 | H |
EXAMPLES I AND II
The ingredients of Examples I and II are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions.
______________________________________
Example III
Example IV
Ingredients Wt. % Wt. %
______________________________________
Methylated alpha-cyclodextrin
0.1 --
Methylated beta-cyclodextrin
0.1 --
Hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin
-- 0.11
Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin
-- 0.29
Propylene glycol -- 0.025
Zinc chloride 2.0 1.0
Perfume C 0.03 --
Perfume D -- 0.02
HCl (a) (a)
Distilled water Balance Balance
______________________________________
(a) To adjust solution pH to about 4.8
EXAMPLE III
The ingredients of Example III are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions.
EXAMPLE IV
The ingredients of Example IV are mixed and dissolved into clear solutions.
Hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin are
obtained as a mixture with an average degree of substitution of about 4.9,
from the hydroxypolylation reaction of a mixture of alpha-cyclodextrin and
beta-cyclodextrin. Propylene glycol is a minor by-product (about 6%) of
the same reaction.
______________________________________
Example V Example VI
Ingredients Wt. % Wt. %
______________________________________
Methylated beta-cyclodextrin
0.5 --
Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin
-- 0.6
Hydroxypropyl gamma-cyclodextrin
-- 0.3
Zinc chloride 1.0 1.5
Perfume E 0.1 --
Perfume E -- 0.15
HCl (a) (a)
Distilled water Balance Balance
______________________________________
(a) To adjust solution pH to about 4.8
EXAMPLE V and VI
The ingredients of Examples V and VI are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions. In Example VI, the hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and
hydroxypropyl gamma-cyclodextrin are obtained as a mixture with an average
degree of substitution of about 3.8, from the hydroxypolylation reaction
of a mixture of beta-cyclodextrin and gamma-cyclodextrin.
______________________________________
Example VII
Example VIII
Ingredients Wt. % Wt. %
______________________________________
Methylated beta-cyclodextrin
0.5 --
Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
-- 0.5
Zinc chloride 1.0 1.0
Perfume E 0.1 0.1
Kathon CG 0.0008 0.0008
HCl (a) (a)
Distilled water Balance Balance
______________________________________
(a) To adjust solution pH to about 4.8
EXAMPLES VII and VIII
The ingredients of Examples VII and VIII are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions.
______________________________________
Example IX
Example X
Ingredients Wt. % Wt. %
______________________________________
Methylated beta-cyclodextrin
0.3 --
Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
-- 0.3
Zinc chloride 1.0 1.0
Perfume D 0.03 0.03
Kathon CG 0.0008 0.0008
Surfynol 465.sup.1 0.1 0.1
HCl (a) (a)
Distilled water Balance Balance
______________________________________
(a) To adjust solution pH to about 4.8
.sup.1 Surfynol 465 .RTM. available from Air Products, has the general
structure:
##STR1##
EXAMPLES IX and X
The ingredients of Examples IX and X are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions.
______________________________________
Example XI
Example XII
Ingredients Wt. % Wt. %
______________________________________
Methylated beta-cyclodextrin
0.5 --
Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin
-- 0.5
ZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O
2.2 2.2
Perfume D 0.03 --
Perfume E -- 0.04
Glydant Plus .RTM. 0.01 0.01
Distilled Water Balance Balance
______________________________________
The ingredients of Example XI and XII are mixed and dissolved into clear
solutions.
Examples XIII
The composition of Example IV is sprayed onto clothing using a blue
inserted Guala.RTM. trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Corp.
and allowed to evaporate off of the clothing.
EXAMPLE XIV
The composition of Example VII is sprayed onto a kitchen countertop using
blue inserted Guala.RTM. trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics
Corp., and wiped off with a paper towel.
EXAMPLE XV
The composition of Example X is sprayed onto clothes using a cylindrical
Euromist II.RTM. pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, and
allowed to evaporate off of the clothing. | 2C
| 11 | D |
InFIG. 1, an electronic apparatus1according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in schematic illustration. In the embodiment, the apparatus1is a controller (ECU), which serves for controlling cameras of a camera system of a motor vehicle. The controller1also serves for processing images of the cameras. For example, the controller1can be connected to a display and then serves for controlling the display. The controller1can present various views on the display, which are based on the images of the cameras.
The apparatus1has a housing2, which is composed of a bottom3and a top4in the embodiment. Fastening ears5,6are disposed on the bottom3, which are formed for attaching the apparatus1to a vehicle component. For example, the attachment can be performed by means of screws.
In addition, the apparatus1has a connecting unit7, which is formed for electrically connecting the apparatus1to an external apparatus, for example a camera and/or another controller and/or a supply voltage and/or the mentioned display. Further interfaces8are also provided. Both the connecting unit7and the further interfaces8are disposed on a common side9of the housing2. Two projections10,11project from this side9in respective edge regions, which serve for protection of the connecting unit7and the further interfaces8. The projections10,11ensure secure protection of the connecting unit7in particular during the production of the apparatus1. For example, if the apparatus1drops down with the side9, the forces are absorbed by the projections10,11and thus by the housing2and thus do not act on the connecting unit7. Namely, these projections10,11reach further than the connecting unit7.
InFIG. 2, a plan view of the apparatus1is shown. As is apparent fromFIG. 2, the projections10,11overall reach further than the connecting unit7and the further interfaces8such that force is not applied to the connecting unit7or the interfaces8upon supporting the apparatus1via its side9, but this force is applied to the projections10,11and thus to the housing2.
InFIG. 3, a sectional view along a sectional line III-III shown inFIG. 2is illustrated. InFIG. 3, additionally, the projection11behind the connecting unit7is illustrated. The connecting unit7includes a base body12for example made of plastic. The base body12includes a connecting area13, which is formed in the form of a socket (cf.FIG. 1) in the embodiment, which serves for receiving a plug of a cable (not illustrated). On the other side, a plurality of electrical connecting elements14protrudes from the base body12, which are electrically connected to a circuit board15and thus connect the connecting unit7to electronic components, which are disposed on the circuit board15. The connecting elements14are configured as press-fit connectors in the embodiment, which are press-fitted into corresponding recesses16in the circuit board15. Therein, the connecting elements14are electrically coupled to conducting paths disposed on the circuit board15.
In addition, the base body12has a bearing element17, which is supported in a bearing chamber18formed in the housing2. Here, the bearing element17is configured in the form of a circumferential flange and thus plate-shaped, which is disposed perpendicularly to the circuit board15. Correspondingly, the bearing chamber18is configured in the form of a circumferential groove, in which an edge region19of the bearing element17is disposed.
The bearing chamber18is constituted by two areas, namely a first area20formed on the bottom3of the housing2as well as a second area21formed on the top4of the housing2. Therein, the circuit board15is attached to the bottom3.
The support of the bearing element17within the bearing chamber18is not rigid, but the bearing element17is supported with a clearance and thus movably within the bearing chamber18. Therein, the bearing chamber18is bounded by walls22,23and24,25. The clearance is configured such that the movement of the bearing element17within the bearing chamber18is limited in defined manner by the walls22,23and24,25. The distance between the bearing element17on the one hand and the walls22,23,24,25of the bearing chamber18on the other hand can for example be in a range of values from 1 mm to 5 mm in a rest position of the bearing element17.
FIG. 4shows an enlarged area IV fromFIG. 3. As is apparent fromFIG. 4, the bearing element17is supported within the bearing chamber18with a clearance26. Therein, this clearance exists in all of the three translational degrees of freedom such that movement of the bearing element17is basically possible in all of the three directions within predetermined bounds. The rest position of the bearing element17shown inFIGS. 3 and 4is maintained by the stiff configuration of the connecting elements14until greater forces are applied to the connecting unit7.
InFIG. 5, a plan view of the connecting unit7with the bearing element17as well as a sectional view of the top4of the housing2are shown. As is apparent fromFIG. 5, the bearing element17is a circumferential flange, which is fully circumferentially disposed within the bearing chamber18. This is also apparent fromFIG. 6, in which a plan view of the bottom as well as a sectional view of the bearing element17below the circuit board15(not illustrated inFIG. 6) are shown.
| 1B
| 60 | R |
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
The connector of this invention is provided with two or more fingers which contact a flexible conduit and which are sufficiently flexible to exert pressure on the flexible conduit when a force is exerted on the flexible conduit to remove the conduit from the connector. The pressure is sufficiently high as to retain the flexible conduit within the connector or to overcome the force exerted on the flexible conduit. The fingers are sufficiently flexible so as to pivot toward the flexible conduit when a pulling force is exerted on the flexible connector which tends to move the flexible conduit out of the connector. The connector of the invention also is provided with at least one tab which fits into the step portion of a barb positioned on the outside surface of a second conduit connected to the flexible conduit through the connector. The at least one tab is sufficiently flexible so that it overrides the barb and then is snap fit into the step at the underside of the barb. It is to be understood that flexible fingers also can be positioned on the tabs thereby to interact with the inner surface of the flexible conduit so as to assist in retaining the flexible conduit within the connector.
Referring toFIGS. 1,2and3, the connector10of this invention includes an annular housing section11formed of outer peripheral wall14and the spaced apart plurality of tabs,16,16a,16band16c. While the tabs are shown as four tabs, it is to be understood that any number of tabs can be utilized so long as they are sufficiently flexible as to override a barb positioned on the outside surface of a conduit and to snap into position into the step of the barb located at the bottom surface of the barb.
The fingers18are attached to the outer peripheral wall14and, preferably, extend inwardly from the wall14toward the bottom surface20, (FIG. 2) so as to provide ease of positioning the end of a flexible conduit22(FIG. 5) into the annular section11of the connector10. In addition, by extending the finger18downwardly, subsequent attempts to remove the flexible conduit22from the connector10are greatly diminished since the fingers18will flex toward the flexible conduit22, thereby directly exerting pressure on the outside surface24of the flexible conduit22and thereby to cause the flexible conduit22to be retained within the connector10. The fingers18can be the same length or different lengths. For example, when eight fingers18are employed every other finger can be the right length for a thin wall conduit and the others having an appropriate length for a thick wall conduit. Any number of fingers18can be used of one or more lengths so long as they are sufficient in number and length to grasp and hold the flexible conduit22as desired.
The connector10is optionally provided with spaced-apart openings26to increase the flexibility of the annular housing section11thereby to improve the ease of positioning the flexible conduit22into the connector10. The hollow inner pathway28of the connector10is provided to permit the insertion of the second conduit30having the barb32having a step34and a bottom surface36(FIG. 5), into which tabs16,16a,16band16care positioned (FIGS. 1 and 5), and to allow for liquid or gas to pass between the flexible conduit22and the second conduit30.
Optionally, the connector10may be wirelessly enabled as shown inFIG. 2and other Figures described below. The wireless communications device100maybe a RFID tag having a communication and storage or memory component101and an antenna102as shown or other wireless devices such as Bluetooth® or Zigbee® wireless enabled communications devices.
By wirelessly enabling the connector10one can track the history of the connector and/or the component to which it is attached. For example, with a read only wireless device one can track the manufacture of the connector such as the lot number, date of manufacture and the like. With a read/write device containing an active memory, one can also add information to the wireless device such as when the connector was placed on the component, what the component is to which the device100is attached, what the component is meant to be used with, one or more trackable events that occur to the connector and the component to which it is attached such as sterilization, warehousing, use and the like.
Optionally, the wireless device may be gamma radiation stable such that the device is not damaged or destroyed due to the radiation typically used in many sterilization processes. Such devices are known as FRAM RFID and can have a storage component that employs a non-charge based storage mechanism such as a ferro-magnetic or magnetoresistive memory storage device.
The wireless device100may attached to the connector by a mechanical device such as by a rivet or screw or a strap under a top surface of the connector and passing through two of the openings26and then to the wireless device (not shown) or it100can be molded into the connector10(as inFIGS. 7 and 11) or it100can be formed on or adhered to the surface of the connector10as shown inFIGS. 2,3,5and6.
As shown inFIG. 4, a barbed second conduit30includes a barb32and an opening25that permits fluid flow therethrough. The conduit section30is attached to a flange27which, in turn, is attached to a fluid processor29which can retain fluid such as a bag or can effect a unit operation such as a filtration cartridge.
As shown inFIG. 5, the fingers18exert pressure on the outside surface24of flexible conduit22. When a pulling force exemplified by arrow38is exerted on conduit22, the fingers18pivot in the direction exemplified by arrows40thereby compressing the outside surface24of the flexible conduit22, causing the flexible conduit22to be retained within the connector10.
When a pulling force, as exemplified by arrow42is exerted on conduit30, the tabs16,16a,16b, and16cexert a counter force on the bottom surface36of barb32, thereby to effect retention of the conduit30in connector10. Thus, the fingers18and tabs16,16a,16band16cwork in concert to retain the flexible conduit22and/or conduit30in the connector10when a pulling force is exerted on the flexible conduit22and top conduit30. In addition, the positioning of conduit22and conduit30in connector10can be effected by hand without the need for a tool. Furthermore, the connector10can be sized to accept a wide size range of flexible conduits and second conduits having a barbed outer surface by providing a size range of connectors10having a variety of sizes of annular housing sections11and a variety of sizes of holes28.
The conduit22has a flexibility sufficient to permit the fingers18to exert a pressure thereon when a force is exerted on the flexible conduit22in a direction to pull the flexible conduit22from the connector10. Representative suitable flexible connectors can be made from silicone, preferably platinum cured silicone; polyethylene, propropylene; polyvinyl chloride; a thermoplastic elastomer; PTFE resin; EPDM, C-Flex® resin available from Consolidated Polymer Technologies of Clearwater Fla. or the like. The flexible tubing may also have a protective/pressure resistive braid over them or incorporated as a jacket onto them. Such braids are well known and can be made of polyester, polypropylene or stainless steel.
The barbed conduit30can be made of any material such as a polymeric composition, or a metal composition such as stainless steel so long as the tabs16,16a,16band16ccan be positioned on the bottom surface36of the barb34when the barbed conduit30is inserted in hole28.
Referring toFIG. 6, an alternative connector12of this invention is shown. The connector12has the same elements of the connector10ofFIG. 1wherein like indicia identify like elements. The connector12includes a second set of fingers17which are positioned on the tabs16,16a,16band16c. The fingers17function in the same manner as fingers18as described above. It is to be understood that the connector can be formed with only fingers17, without fingers18.
As shown inFIG. 7, the fingers18exert pressure on the outside surface24of flexible conduit22and the fingers17exert pressure on the inside surface19of flexible conduit22. When a pulling force exemplified by arrow38is exerted on conduit22, the fingers17and18pivot in the direction exemplified by arrows40thereby compressing the outside surface24and the inside surface19of the flexible conduit22, causing the flexible conduit22to be retained within the connector10.
When a pulling force, as exemplified by arrow42is exerted on conduit30, the tabs16,16a,16b, and16cexert a counter force on the bottom surface34of barb32, thereby to effect retention of the conduit30in connector10. Thus, the fingers17and18and tabs16,16a,16band16cwork in concert to retain the flexible conduit22and/or conduit30in the connector10when a pulling force is exerted on the flexible conduit22and second conduit30. The positioning of flexible conduit22and second conduit30in connector10can be effected by hand without the need for a tool. Furthermore, the connector10can be sized to accept a wide size range of flexible conduits and second conduits having a barbed outer surface by providing a size range of connectors10having a variety of sizes of annular housing sections11and a variety of sizes of holes28.
Referring toFIGS. 5 and 7, in use, the barbed second conduit30is inserted into inner pathway28so that the barb34is positioned on the top of tabs16a,16band16c(FIGS. 1 and 6). The flexible conduit22then is inserted into annular housing section11to an extent such that its bottom end by-passes both sets of fingers17and18. The flexible conduit22and second conduit30are thus retained within the connector10or12in the manner described above.
Referring toFIGS. 8,9and10, a connector of this invention50includes a connector section52and two plate sections54and56. The plate sections54and56are joined to connector section52by living hinges58and60. The hinges58and60permit moving the plate sections54and56into locked contact with the connector section52. After the flexible conduit such as flexible conduit22(FIG. 5) is positioned within the connector section52as described above with reference toFIG. 5, the plate sections54and56are pivoted about hinges58and60. The hinges58and60function to expose the inner surface of the connector section52so that an end of a flexible conduit can be inserted therein. The hinges58and60also permit the plate sections54and56to be positioned in contact with an outside surface of a flexible conduit positioned within connector section52thereby to assist in preventing removal of the flexible conduit from the connector section52. The plate sections54and56are locked into position against the outside surface of the flexible conduit22(FIG. 6) so that the inside surfaces62and64press against the outside surface24of conduit22(FIG. 5). It is to be understood that surfaces62and64can be smooth or rough such as serrated or having prongs extended there from to provide a gripping force on the flexible conduit. Locking is effected, for example, by means of tabs66,68,70and72which lock into the walls of openings74,76,78and80. It is to be understood that locking of the plate sections54and56to connection section52can be effected by any conventional means. It is to be understood that more than two hinged plate sections can be utilized such as three or four plate sections. It is also to be understood that the plate sections54and56can be pivotally connected to the connector section52by any conventional means such as plastic ties which extend through openings shaped like openings74,76,78and80.
As shown inFIG. 11, the connector ofFIGS. 8,9and10can be modified so that the inside surfaces of the plate sections54and56include bead shaped extended surfaces82and84. The purpose of the extended surfaces82and84is to exert a compressive force on flexible conduit22against barb32.
Referring toFIG. 12, one alternative connector of this invention is shown in position on a barbed conduit. The tabs16and16bfunction in the same manner as described above with reference toFIGS. 1,2and3. The plate sections86and88are provided with flexible caps90and92. The flexible caps90and92provide flexibility for accommodating various sized flexible conduits that are positioned with the barbed conduit30in the manner described above (FIG. 5).
Referring toFIG. 13, a two piece connector of this invention is shown. The connector section71is the same as connector10(FIG. 1) except that it includes, on its outside surface a plurality of slots, at least two, preferably three or more, such as four slots73on its top surface75as shown. The slots73communicate with a circular path77that extends around at least a portion of the circumference of connector section71. A second piece of this connector comprises a ring79which includes prongs81having a step83which fits below lip85of connector section71. In use, the ring79is positioned on the flexible conduit22. The end of the flexible conduit is placed in the connector section71in the manner described above with reference to connector10ofFIG. 5. The ring79then is moved into the connector section71by positioning the prongs81into the slots73so that the steps83are positioned below lip85. The ring79then is rotated in circular path77so that the ring79is prevented from separating from connector section71by the mating lip85and steps83. It is to be understood that ring79and connector piece71can be connected to each other by any conventional means such as by being snap fit together or secured to each other with conventional mating helical paths.
As shown inFIG. 14, the steps on the prongs89can be angled. As shown inFIGS. 15, a plurality of angled steps91can be utilized on each prong93. Any geometry which promotes retention of the ring and connector section of the two piece connector of this invention can be utilized herein.
FIGS. 16 and 17show another embodiment of the present invention similar to that ofFIGS. 1-3and5. In this embodiment, the length of the outer peripheral wall14is of a length such that when the connector10is attached to a flexible conduit22and second conduit30, the fingers18are spaced apart from the tabs16and exert pressure on the outside surface24of the flexible conduit22along an outer surface portion of the tapered barb32of the second conduit30. Preferably, the fingers exert their pressure somewhere between 10% up the length of the outer surface of barb32to about 90% of the length of the outer surface of the barb32as measured from the step34of the barb32. More preferably the fingers exert their pressure somewhere between about 20% up the length of the outer surface of barb32to about 80% of the length of the outer surface of the barb32as measured from the step34of the barb32or the fingers exert their pressure somewhere between about 25% up the length of the outer surface of barb32to about 75% of the length of the outer surface of the barb32as measured from the step34of the barb32. Most preferably the fingers exert their pressure at about halfway up the length of the outer surface of barb32as measured from the step34of the barb32.
| 5F
| 16 | L |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Within the framework of the invention, the depressions are filled in with a
sound-damping filler material. Because the depressions of the false floor
are not filled in with the floor fill forming the top floor, but rather
with a sound-damping filler material, the drying time of the floor fill is
markedly reduced due to the avoidance of material accumulations in the
area of the depressions. Inner stresses within the floor fill are also
reliably avoided. A transmission of disturbing footfall noise from the top
floor onto the sub floor is substantially reduced by the depressions
filled in with the sound-damping filler material.
The sub floor is made up mostly of concrete upon which, with the addition
between of the false floor, liquid floor fill material is applied to
produce the top floor. To produce a top floor with a smooth surface, it is
advantageous if the false floor is walkable in order to be able to smooth
out the viscous floor fill material if necessary.
According to one advantageous refinement, the false floor is formed by a
floor sheeting of polymer material which is manufacturable preferably by
deep drawing.
The filler material within a depression preferably has a load-bearing
capacity of at least 4000N. In this manner the walkability of the floor
sheeting is assured even when its thickness is less than 1 mm. The filler
material has a good inherent rigidity and can therefore accommodate high
loads. The force acting on the false floor is carried substantially by the
filler material.
The filler material can be held in the depressions adhesively and/or with a
positive fit. For example, the filler material may be introduced in the
fluid state into the depressions so that the filler material grabs with
the adjacent surfaces of the floor sheeting when hardening. In this way,
the filler is held in its position with a positive fit.
In order to produce a thickness of the floor fill that is as uniform as
possible and an identical drying time of the entire top floor associated
with this uniformity of thickness, and thereby avoid inner stresses,
according to one advantageous refinement of the invention the filler
material and the edge areas adjacent to the openings of the depressions
are formed flush with the surface. In addition, the walkability of the
false floor is substantially facilitated by such a refinement. In laying
the false floor on the sub floor, the advantage of an essentially flat
surface is to be stressed.
To improve their dimensional stability, the edge areas can each be provided
with at least one stiffening corrugation (e.g., a reinforcing seam or
crimp) preferably two crimps being used which cut through each other in an
angle of essentially 90.degree.. In addition to improved walkability, the
14 laying of the false floor on the sub floor is simplified by the
increased dimensional stability.
The filler material is composed preferably of a PU [polyurethane fiber]
foam. The bulk density of the filler material for most applications is 50
to 120, preferably 60 to 100 kg/m.sup.3. Such a filler material has a
comparatively high load-bearing capacity, prevents the leakage of floor
fill into the depressions and results in good deadening of footfall sound
when walking on the hollow floor. The filler material can also be formed,
for instance, by a rubber cork body formed in one piece which in each case
is inserted in a depression and bonded to it, for example adhesively. The
rubber cork bodies consist preferably of recycling components which are
pressed together. In this connection, it is advantageous that, from an
economic standpoint, the false floor is able to be produced inexpensively.
According to one advantageous refinement of the false floor, the
depressions are each identically designed and the ratio of the largest
diameter to height is 0.6 to 1.8, preferably 0.8 to 1.2. Because of the
essentially quadratic layout of the depressions, viewed in cross-section,
the false floor has a high degree of load carrying capacity. Even with the
introduction of transverse forces, for example when walking on the false
floor to apply the floor fill, a buckling of the depressions is reliably
avoided.
A further improvement in the mechanical stability and load carrying
capacity can be achieved by designing the depressions to have a
truncated-cone shape and providing them with stiffening ribs which extend
along the entire height of the depressions and are uniformly distributed
in circumferential direction. In addition, because of the depressions
tapered in a truncated-cone shape in the direction of the sub floor, a
relatively enlarged hollow space is formed for the laying of connecting
cables and hoses in comparison to the essentially cylindrically designed
depressions. By means of the stiffening ribs distributed uniformly in
circumferential direction, the material thickness of the false floor, in
the case of specified minimum load-bearing capacity, can be further
reduced.
To improve the deadening of footfall sound, a footfall sound damper can be
arranged in each case on the side of the bottoms of the depressions facing
away from the openings. Furthermore, it is advantageous that slight
irregularities in the sub floor can be compensated for by the elastic
flexibility of the footfall sound damper. By the arrangement of the
footfall sound dampers, uncoupling of footfall sound or sound conducted
through solids is achieved, since the floor sheeting contacts only the
floor fill in an adjoining manner. The entire false floor and the top
floor formed by the floor fill are supported only by the footfall sound
dampers on the sub floor.
The footfall sound dampers consist preferably of a closed-cell foam body
with a bulk density of 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50 kg/m.sup.3, and have
a pore count of at least 50, preferably 70 ppi. ppi indicates the pore
count for a 1-inch length. By means of footfall sound dampers developed in
such a way, in a test, a footfall sound correction standard of
.DELTA.Lw=35 dB was achieved, in accordance with DIN 52210-T, with a 40 mm
thick floor fill overlay as the top floor.
The footfall sound damper essentially covers the bottom of the depression
completely. The footfall sound damper preferably has the shape of a
regular hexagon. Because of its complete covering of the bottom, it is
advantageous that the footfall sound damper is subjected to only a
comparatively modest compressive load per unit area and therefore the
manifestations of relaxation impairing the deadening of footfall sound are
avoided. The shape of the regular hexagon is particularly advantageous
economically and from a standpoint of production engineering. Because of
the hexagonal geometry, the footfall sound dampers can be manufactured
absolutely without waste. The footfall sound dampers are preferably stuck
on the bottom of the depressions of the false floor and have a thickness
of at least 2, preferably of at least 5 mm. The good working properties of
the false floor with regard to the separation of footfall sound are
retained by this means during the entire service life.
The false floor can be formed by at least two separately produced
individual elements which are able to be secured together in position by
means of at least one fixing device. By the utilization of a plurality of
individual elements, which in their totality form the false floor, the
laying of the false floor and its ability to be handled is substantially
simplified. According to one advantageous refinement, the individual
elements can have over-all dimensions which correspond to the European
pallet dimension so that an optimum utilization of transport surface can
be assured when loading a heavy goods vehicle and/or train.
The fixing device can be formed by a press-fastener system in which at
least one cup-shaped convexity of the first individual element is able to
be forced into engagement with at least one congruently shaped depression
or recess in the second individual element. In the area of the overlapping
of convexity and depression or recess, the partial area of the overlap of
one of the individual elements facing the sub floor can be provided with a
shoulder running essentially at right angles which corresponds in its
thickness to the material thickness used in the partial area of the
individual element that is facing the top floor. After the laying of the
individual elements to make the false floor, the surface of the individual
elements form a flat surface so that the floor fill applied afterwards has
a constant thickness.
Referring to FIG. 1, a cut-away portion of a hollow floor is shown in a
cross-sectional view. The hollow floor is made up of a top floor 2 formed
as floor fill which is supported on a sub floor 3 made of cement by means
of a false [intermediate] floor 1 in a manner that footfall sound is
neutralized. In this exemplary embodiment, the false floor consists of a
plurality of individual elements 1.1, 1.2 which are formed as deep-drawn
floor sheetings. The floor sheeting 7 has a multitude of cup-shaped
depressions 4 which are joined flush with the surface by an essentially
flat edge area 5 adjacent to the openings 8 of the depressions 4. The
depressions 4 are filled in with a sound-deadening filler material 6
which, in this exemplary embodiment, consists of a PU-foam and has a bulk
density of 80 kg/m.sup.3. The foam has a good inherent rigidity and can
accommodate a load of about 4000N per depression 4. On the inner side
facing the filler material 6, the depressions 4 have a surface profiling
with which the filler material 6 grabs during its hardening, producing a
positive fit. The depressions 4 in this exemplary embodiment are
dimensioned in such a way that the ratio of the largest inside diameter 10
of the depression 4 to the height 11 amounts to one. On the side facing
the sub floor 3, the floor sheeting 7 is provided with footfall sound
dampers 14 which are bonded adhesively to the bottoms 13 of the
depressions 4. The platelike footfall sound dampers 14 consist of a
closed-cell plastic body and cover the bottom 13 along substantially its
entire extension. The filler material 6 within the depressions 4 extends
up to the area of the openings 8 of the depressions 4 and ends flush with
the edge areas 5. Stiffening corrugations 9 in the edge area 5 which are
marked with the reference numeral 9 are provided to improve the
dimensional stability of the false floor 1.
In FIG. 2A, a cut-away portion of two individual elements 1.1, 1.2 is shown
which are able to be secured together in position with positive locking in
their edge area 5 by means of a fixing device 15. The fixing device 15 is
formed by a press-fastener system 16, the first individual element 1.1
being provided with a convexity 17 pointing in the direction of the sub
floor 3 that is able to be snapped with positive locking into a depression
or recess 18 of the second individual element 1.2 open in the direction of
the top floor 2. The second individual element 1.2 has a shoulder 19
running at right angles which corresponds to the material thickness of the
edge area 5 of the first individual element 1.1. After the joining of the
two individual elements 1.1, 1.2, the surface of the false floor 1 facing
the top floor 2 forms a flat surface.
In the separate, detailed, isolated view in FIG. 2B, the press-fastener
system 16 is shown in a top view. It should be recognized that the
depression or recess 18 of the second individual element 1.2 is formed as
an elongated hole, while the convexity 17 of the first individual element
1.1 has a circular shape. In joining the convexity 17 with the depression
or recess 18, variations in dimension dependent on manufacture can be
compensated for.
After all the individual elements 1.1, 1.2 are joined to form the false
floor 1, the floor fill is distributed over the surface of the false floor
1 and forms the top floor 2.
In FIG. 3, the individual element 1.1, having a length A and a width B, is
shown in a view from the sub floor 3. Near the periphery of the individual
element 1.1, convexities 17 and depressions or recesses 18 are arranged
which form a part of the press-fastener system 16. Between the depressions
4, stiffening corrugations 9 are arranged which cause an improved
dimensional stability of the false floor 1. The footfall sound dampers
cover substantially the entire bottom 13 of the depressions 4 and are
designed in the shape of a regular hexagon. The footfall sound dampers 14
consist of a closed-cell foam body and are bonded to the bottom 13.
In FIG. 4A and 4B, two examples of possible cross-sections of the
depressions 4 are shown. In FIG. 4A, the truncated-cone-shaped depressions
4 have stiffening ribs 12 that extend along the entire height 11 of the
depressions 4 and are uniformly distributed in circumferential direction.
In FIG. 4A, the stiffening ribs 12 are designed essentially 14
trapezoidal-shaped; in FIG. 4B, the stiffening ribs 12 have an essentially
triangular cross-section. The load-bearing capacity of the false floor 1
is considerably increased by the stiffening ribs 12. | 4E
| 04 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Hereinafter the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment of a Liquid Crystal Display Device
FIG. 1is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring toFIG. 1, a liquid crystal display device400includes a liquid crystal display panel100, a polarizing plate200and a c-plate mono-axial compensating film300. The liquid crystal display device400may includes a back light assembly for supplying the liquid crystal display panel100with light.
The liquid crystal display panel100includes a first substrate110, a second substrate120and liquid crystal molecules130.
FIG. 2is a schematic view of a pixel of a first substrate ofFIG. 1.
Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a first substrate110includes a first transparent substrate112, a pixel electrode114and a voltage supplying part116. A glass substrate may be used as the first transparent substrate112. The pixel electrode114is arranged in a matrix shape on the first transparent substrate112.
When a resolution of the liquid crystal display device400is 1024×768, a number of the pixel electrode114is 1024×768×3. The pixel electrode114comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO). The indium tin oxide and indium zinc oxide are transparent and conductive materials. The indium tin oxide and the indium zinc oxide are deposited on the first transparent substrate112and then patterned, thereby forming the pixel electrode.
The voltage supplying part116is electrically connected with the pixel electrode114formed on a first transparent substrate112. The voltage supplying part116applies different voltages to each of the pixel electrodes. The voltage supplying part116includes a thin film transistor117and a signal line. The signal line includes a gate bus line118and a data bus line119. The gate bus line118and the data bus line119are electrically connected with the thin film transistor117.
The thin film transistor117is electrically connected to the pixel electrode114. The thin film transistor117includes a gate electrode G, a source electrode S, a drain electrode D and a channel layer C. A metal layer deposited on the first substrate110is patterned, so that the gate electrode G is formed. The channel layer C is formed on the gate electrode G. The channel layer C insulates the gate electrode G from the drain electrode D. Further, the channel layer C insulates the gate electrode G from the source electrode S. The channel layer C may be a one layered-structure including only an amorphous-silicon layer or a two-layered structure including an amorphous-silicon layer and an n+amorphous-silicon layer deposited on the amorphous-silicon layer.
The source electrode S and the drain electrode D are formed on the channel layer C. The source electrode S is insulated from the drain electrode D.
The signal line includes a gate bus line118and a data bus line119. The data bus line119is insulated from the gate bus line118. The data bus line119is arranged substantially perpendicular to the gate bus line118. The gate bus line118is electrically connected with the gate electrode G of the thin film transistor117. The data bus line119is electrically connected with the source electrode S of the thin film transistor117.
The second substrate120faces the first substrate110. The second substrate120includes a second transparent substrate122and a common electrode124. The second substrate120may includes a color filter.
A glass substrate may be used as the second transparent substrate122. The common electrode124is formed on the second transparent substrate122, such that the common electrode124faces the pixel electrode114. The common electrode124comprises the indium tin oxide (ITO) or the indium zinc oxide (IZO). The indium tin oxide layer or the indium zinc oxide layer is patterned, so that the common electrode124is formed. The color filter (not shown) may be interposed between the second transparent substrate122and the common electrode124. In detail, the color filter (not shown) may be formed on the second transparent substrate122, such that the color filter (not shown) faces the pixel electrode114. An area of the color filter (not shown) is substantially equal to an area of the pixel electrode114.
In the embodiment described above, the pixel electrode114is formed on the first substrate110, and the common electrode124is formed on the second substrate120. However, the pixel electrode114may be formed on the second substrate120, and the common electrode124may be formed on the first substrate110.
The first substrate110is connected with the second substrate120with a sealant (not shown). The sealant (not shown) is formed along the edges of the first substrate110and the second substrate120. A space defined by the first substrate110, the second substrate120and the sealant receives the liquid crystal130. A cell gap between the first substrate110and the second substrate120is preferably in the range from about 3.75 μm to about 4 μm.
The liquid crystal130may be dropped on the first substrate110or on the second substrate120. The first substrate110is combined with the second substrate120, so that the liquid crystal130is interposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate120.
The first substrate110may be combined with the second substrate120firstly. Then, the liquid crystal130may be injected between the first substrate110and the second substrate120due to a vacuum pressure of the space. The liquid crystal molecules130are vertically aligned, so that a director of the liquid crystal molecule is perpendicular to the first substrate110and to the second substrate120when no electric field is applied between the pixel electrode114and the common electrode124. That is, the liquid crystal display device corresponds to vertical alignment mode.
A first polarizing plate210is attached on an outer face of the first transparent substrate112. A second polarizing plate220is attached on an outer face of the second transparent substrate122. An optical axis of the first polarizing plate210may be parallel or perpendicular to an optical axis of the second polarizing plate220.
A c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is disposed between the first polarizing plate210and the first transparent substrate112. The c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be disposed between the second polarizing plate220and the second transparent substrate122. The c-plate mono-axial compensating film300increases the viewing angle and the luminance.
FIG. 3is a schematic perspective view of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300ofFIG. 1.
Referring toFIG. 3, the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300has a first refractive index nx, a second refractive index nyand a third refractive index nz. The first refractive index nxcorresponds to a refractive index in an x-direction of a Cartesian coordinate. The second refractive index nycorresponds to a refractive index in an y-direction of the Cartesian coordinate. The third refractive index nzcorresponds to a refractive index in a z-direction (or normal direction of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300) of the Cartesian coordinate.
A retardation value Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is described as a following expression 1.
Rth=[(nx+ny)/2−nz]·d,<Expression 1>
wherein “d” denotes a thickness of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300, and nx=ny>nz.
The retardation value Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300according to the present embodiment is in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm.
When the retardation value Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm, the viewing angle is broad and the luminance is high. Further, when the retardation value Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm, a thinner of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be used. As a result of simulation, when the retardation value Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is smaller than 220 nm or larger than 270 nm, the luminance is lowered and a gray scale inversion is occurs.
FIG. 4is graphs showing a luminance in accordance with a retardation of a c-plate mono-axial compensating film ofFIG. 1. The graph ‘a’ shows the luminance when a cell gap (or a distance between the first substrate110and the second substrate120) is 3.75 μm. The graph ‘b’ shows the luminance when the cell gap is 4 μm.
Referring toFIG. 4, when the retardation Rthis in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm, the luminance is relatively high.
In case that a thickness of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film is in a range from about 4 μm to about 5 μm, the retardation of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm.
When the thickness of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film is about 5 μm, and the thickness of an adhesive layer is about 25 μm, the thickness is about 30 μm that is only one seventh of the thickness 210 nm of the two general biaxial films.
Even when two adhesive layers are formed on both faces of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300, the total thickness is in the range from about 54 μm to about 55 μm, which is one fourth of the thickness of the two general biaxial films.
A c-plate mono-axial compensating material having fluidity is disposed on the first substrate110or on the second substrate120. Then, the c-plate mono-axial compensating material is spread, so that the c-plate mono-axial compensating film of which thickness is in the range from about 4 μm to about 5 μm is formed.
FIG. 5is graphs showing a color temperature in accordance with a gray scale for two general bi-axial films and for c-plate mono-axial compensating film.
The graph ‘c’ corresponds to a color temperature of the two general biaxial films. The graph ‘d’ corresponds to the color temperature of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film.
The color temperature (or Kelvin temperature, K) is a physical and objective criterion of light having a color. Light having orange-color corresponds to a relatively low color temperature. Light having white-color corresponds to a relatively high color temperature. Light having blue-color corresponds to more high color temperature. For example, a color temperature of light emitted from a light bulb is about 2,800K. A color temperature of light emitted from fluorescent lamp is in the range from about 4,500K to about 6,500K. A color temperature of solar light at noon is about 5,400K. A color temperature of light of gloomy day is in the range from about 6,500K to about 7,000K. A color temperature of light of blue sky is in the range from about 12,000K to about 18,000K. The color temperature is measured via a colored glass and a standard illuminant.
Referring to graph c, a liquid crystal display device having the two general biaxial films has a very high color temperature, when the gray scale is low. Therefore, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device has blue tone. When the gray scale becomes higher than 16, an image has a color temperature that is similar to the natural (solar) light.
Referring to graph d, an image displayed on a liquid crystal display device having a c-plate mono-axial compensating film has substantially uniform color temperature regardless of the gray scale.
The c-plate mono-axial compensating film of which thickness is in the range from about 4 μm to about 5 μm enhances the luminance, and reduces variation of the color temperature, a thickness and a volume of the liquid crystal display device.
FIG. 6is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a c-plate mono-axial compensating film that is integrally formed with a polarizing plate.
Referring toFIG. 6, a c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be integrally formed with a first polarizing plate210, and the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be attached on a first substrate110. The c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be integrally formed with a second polarizing plate220, and the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be attached on a second substrate120. That is, the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be attached on one of the first polarizing plate210and the second polarizing plate220.
FIG. 7is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a c-plate mono-axial compensating film that is attached on a polarizing plate via an adhesive layer.
Referring toFIG. 7, a c-plate mono-axial compensating film300may be attached on the first substrate110or on the second substrate120via a first adhesive layer310. A first polarizing plate210or a second polarizing plate220may be attached on the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300via a second adhesive layer320.
For example, a thickness of the first adhesive layer310and the second adhesive layer320may be less than 25 μm so as to reduce a thickness of the liquid crystal display device.
A c-plate mono-axial compensating material may be mixed with an adhesive material and may be coated on the first substrate110or on the second substrate120.
According to the embodiment described above, a weight and a volume of the liquid crystal display device are reduced. Further, the luminance is enhanced, a viewing angle is broadened, and a number of manufacturing steps and a time for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device are reduced.
Embodiment of Method of Manufacturing Liquid Crystal Display Device
FIG. 8Ais a cross-sectional view showing a thin film transistor of a first substrate ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 8Bis a schematic view showing a thin film transistor of theFIG. 8A.
Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a gate metal such as aluminum (Al) or an alloy of aluminum is deposited on a first transparent substrate112to form a gate metal layer by sputtering method or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
The gate metal layer is patterned by a photolithography process, so that a gate bus line118and a gate electrode G elongated from the gate bus line118are formed.
Then a gate insulation layer113is deposited on a surface of the first transparent substrate112by a chemical vapor deposition method, such that the gate insulation layer113may cover the gate electrode G.
An amorphous-silicon layer is deposited on the gate insulation layer113. An n+amorphous-silicon layer is deposited on the amorphous-silicon layer. A metal layer is deposited on the n+amorphous-silicon layer. Then, the amorphous-silicon layer, the n+amorphous-silicon layer and the metal layer are patterned so that a thin film having a source electrode S, a drain electrode D and a channel layer C, and a data bus line119are formed.
FIG. 8Cis a cross-sectional view showing a pixel electrode electrically connected with a thin film transistor ofFIG. 8A, andFIG. 8Dis a schematic view showing a pixel electrode ofFIG. 8C.
Referring toFIGS. 8C and 8D, a pixel electrode114is formed, such that the pixel electrode114makes contact with the drain electrode D. The pixel electrode114comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO). Then, an alignment film (not shown) is formed on the first transparent substrate112. A groove (not shown) for aligning a liquid crystal molecule is formed on the alignment film (not shown).
FIG. 9Ais a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second substrate ofFIG. 1having no common electrode deposited thereon, andFIG. 9Bis a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second substrate ofFIG. 1having a common electrode deposited thereon.
Referring toFIGS. 8D,9A and9B, a black matrix123for shielding a region disposed between the pixel electrodes114of the first transparent substrate110is formed on the second transparent substrate122. The black matrix123may have a rectangular shape.
A color filter125is formed on the second transparent substrate122. The color filter125is disposed between the black matrixes123, such that the color filter125faces the pixel electrode114. A photosensitive material is mixed with a pigment or with dyes. The pigment or the dyes have a red color. The photosensitive material mixed with the pigment or the dyes is coated on the second transparent substrate122, and patterned by a photolithography process, so that a R-color filter125ais formed. A G-color filter125bhaving green color and a B-color filter125chaving blue color are formed on the second transparent substrate122via the same process, respectively.
A common electrode124is formed on the color filter125. The common electrode124comprises Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO).
FIG. 10is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel having no c-plate mono-axial compensating film coated thereon.
Referring toFIG. 10, a first substrate110is assembled with a second substrate120, such that a pixel electrode114of the first substrate110faces a common electrode124of the second substrate120. For example, a cell gap (or a distance between the first substrate110and the second substrate120) is in the range from about 3.75 μm to about 4 μm.
Liquid crystal is injected into a space formed between the first substrate110and the second substrate120. The liquid crystal may be dropped onto the first substrate110or the second substrate120, before the first substrate110is assembled with the second substrate120. Then, the first substrate110is assembled with the second substrate120.
FIG. 11is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a c-plate mono-axial compensating material310disposed over a liquid crystal display panel ofFIG. 10.
Referring toFIG. 11, the c-plate mono-axial compensating material310may be disposed on the first substrate110. The c-plate mono-axial compensating material310has fluidity. The c-plate mono-axial compensating material310may includes an adhesive.
FIG. 12is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a spreading process of the c-plate mono-axial compensating material310ofFIG. 11.
Referring toFIG. 12, a spreader301uniformly spreads the c-plate mono-axial compensating material310disposed on a first substrate110. Then, the c-plate mono-axial compensating material310is hardened, so that a c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is formed. For example, a thickness of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is in the range from about 4 μm to about 5 μm.
The c-plate mono-axial compensating film300has a first refractive index nx, a second refractive index nyand a third refractive index nz. The first refractive index nxis the refractive index of x-direction that is parallel to a surface of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300. The second refractive index nyis the refractive index of y-direction that is parallel to a surface of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300. The third refractive index nzis the refractive index of z-direction that is perpendicular to a surface of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300. In general, the first refractive index nxequals to the second refractive index ny, and the first refractive index nxis larger than the third refractive index nz(nx=ny>nz).
For example, the retardation Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is preferably in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm, where the retardation Rthis represented by the following equation.
Rth=[(nx+ny)/2−nz]·d,<Expression 1>
where ‘d’ is a thickness of the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300.
When the retardation Rthof the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is in the range from about 220 nm to about 270 nm, the luminance and the viewing angle have maximum value as shown inFIG. 4. According to a result of simulation, when the retardation value Rthis smaller than 220 nm or larger than 270 nm, the luminance decreases and the gray scale inversion occurs.
FIG. 13is schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid crystal display panel having a polarizing plate.
Referring toFIG. 13, when a c-plate mono-axial compensating film300is formed, a first polarizing plate210is attached on the c-plate mono-axial compensating film300, and a second polarizing plate220is attached on the second substrate120. An optical axis of the first polarizing plate210may be in parallel with or perpendicular to an optical axis of the second polarizing plate220.
A liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention has reduced thickness, weight. Further, the liquid crystal display device has increased luminance and broad viewing angle.
According to a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device, a number of manufacturing steps and a manufacturing time are reduced.
While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims.
| 6G
| 02 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The composition of the present disclosure is a phase change, curable composition. To provide the curable property of this composition, the composition generally comprises a curable monomer. In embodiments, curing of the monomer is cationically initiated.
In embodiments, the curable monomer is equipped with one or more cationically curable moieties, including, but not limited to, vinyl ethers, epoxides, such as cycloaliphatic epoxides, aliphatic epoxides, and glycidyl epoxides, and oxetanes.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the monomers are urethanes. These compounds are the reaction product of an isocyanate and an alcohol equipped with at least one cationically polymerizable group, as described in Example 1.
Examples of suitable isocyanates include monoisocyanates, diisocyanates, triisocyanates, copolymers of a diisocyanate, copolymers of a triisocyanate, polyisocyanates (having more than three isocyanate functional groups), and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of monoisocyanates include n-octadecylisocyanate, hexadecylisocyanate; octylisocyanate; n- and t-butylisocyanate; cyclohexyl isocyanate; adamantyl isocyanate; ethylisocyanatoacetate; ethoxycarbonylisocyanate; phenylisocyanate; alphamethylbenzyl isocyanate; 2-phenylcyclopropyl isocyanate; benzylisocyanate; 2-ethylphenylisocyanate; benzoylisocyanate; meta and para-tolylisocyanate; 2-, 3-, or 4-nitrophenylisocyanates; 2-ethoxyphenyl isocyanate; 3-methoxyphenyl isocyanate; 4-methoxyphenylisocyanate; ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate; 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyante; 1-naphthylisocyanate; (naphthyl)ethylisocyantes; and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of diisocyanates include isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI); diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI); hydrogenated diphenylmethane-4,4′-diisocyanate (H12MDI); tetra-methyl xylene diisocyanate (TMXDI); hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate (HDI), naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate; 3,3′-dimethoxy-4,4′-biphenyldiisocyanate; 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-bimethyl-4,4′-biphenyldiisocyanate; phenylene diisocyanate; 4,4′-biphenyldiisocyanate; trimethyl-1,6-diisocyanatohexane, tetramethylene xylene diisocyanate; 4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-diethylphenyl isocyanate); 1,12-diisocyanatododecane; 1,5-diisocyanato-2-methylpentane; 1,4-diisocyanatobutane; dimer diisocyanate and cyclohexylene diisocyanate and its isomers; uretidione dimers of HDI; and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of triisocyanates or their equivalents include the trimethylolpropane trimer of TDI, and the like, isocyanurate trimers of TDI, HDI, IPDI, and the like, and biuret trimers of TDI, HDI, IPDI, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of higher isocyanate functionalities include copolymers of TDI/HDI, and the like, and MDI oligomers, as well as mixtures thereof.
Some specific examples of suitably functionalized alcohols include 1,4-butanediol vinyl ether, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol vinyl ether, ethylene glycol vinyl ether, di(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether, glycidol, 3-methyl-3-oxetanemethanol, glycerol diglycidyl ether, all of which are available from Sigma-Aldrich (Milwaukee, Wis.); 3,4-epoxycyclohexanemethanol, which can be prepared as described by Crivello and Liu (J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2000, vol. 38, pp 389-401); and the like.
In particular, the following diurethane divinyl ether oil, bis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]trimethyl-1,6-hexanediylbiscarbamate (mixture of 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-isomers), which is the reaction product of 1,4-butanediol vinyl ether and trimethyl-1,6-diisocyanatohexane (mixture of 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-isomers) (see Example 1), is particularly preferred:
In embodiments, the composition further comprises a photoinitiator that initiates polymerization of the curable monomer. In embodiments, the photoinitiator is activated by ultra-violet light. In preferred embodiments, the photoinitiator is a cationic photoinitiator.
The photoinitiator should be soluble in the composition. Examples of suitable photoinitiators include, but are not limited to, aryldiazonium salts, diaryliodonium salts, triarysulfonium salts, triarylselenonium salts, dialkylphenacylsulfonium salts, triarylsulphoxonium salts and aryloxydiarylsulfonium salts.
The composition of the present disclosure also includes a phase change agent. This phase change agent provides a composition that has an increase in viscosity of at least four orders of magnitude, preferably at least five orders of magnitude. In embodiments, the composition has an increase in viscosity of at least four orders to magnitude, preferably at least five orders of magnitude, from a first temperature, the first temperature being from 50° C. to 130° C., preferably from 60° C. to 120° C., to a second temperature, the second temperature being from 0° C. to 70° C., preferably from 20° C. to 50° C., with the second temperature being at least 10° C. below the first temperature. In further embodiments, the second temperature is at least 20° C. below, or at least 30° C. below, the first temperature. In embodiments, the composition has an increase in viscosity of at least four orders to magnitude, preferably at least five orders of magnitude, from the jetting temperature of the composition, which is preferably between 50° C. and 130° C., more preferably between 60° C. and 120° C., to the temperature at the image, which is preferably less than or equal to 50° C. Thus, at the image, there is a phase change that keeps the composition on the surface of the image.
This phase change agent can be any component that is miscible with the other components of the composition and is solid at the substrate temperature, preferably at a temperature between 20° C. and 50° C. Solid alcohols are generally preferred.
Examples of suitable phase change agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogenated castor oil, 1-octadecanol, 1,10-decanediol and 1,12-dodecanediol. Other suitable phase change agents include hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene waxes such as mixtures of carbon chains with the structure CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH, where there is a mixture of chain lengths, n, where the average chain length is preferably in the range of about 16 to about 50, and linear low molecular weight polyethylene, of similar average chain length. Suitable examples of such waxes include, but are not limited to, UNILIN® 350, UNILIN® 425, UNILIN® 550 and UNILIN® 700 with Mnapproximately equal to 375, 460, 550 and 700 g/mol, respectively. All of these waxes are commercially available from Baker-Petrolite (Sand Springs, Okla.).
Other examples of mono functional alcohols that can be employed as phase change agents herein include 1-tetradecanol, 1-pentadecanol, 1-hexadecanol, 1-heptadecanol, 1-nonadecanol, 1-eicosanol, 1-tricosanol, 1-tetracosanol, 1-pentacosanol, 1-hexacosanol, 1-heptacosanol, 1-octacosanol, 1-nonacosanol, 1-tricontanol, 1-dotriacontanol, 1-tritriacontanol, 1-tetratriacontanol. Also suitable are Guerbet alcohols such as 2-tetradecyl 1-octadecanol, 2-hexadecyl 1-eicosanol, 2-octadecyl 1-docosanol, 2-nonadecyl 1-tricosanol, 2-eicosyl tetracosanol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable diols include 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,13-tridecanediol, 1,14-tetradecanediol, 1,15-pentadecanediol, 1,16-hexandecanediol, 1,17-heptadecanediol, 1,18-octadecanediol, 1,19-nonadecanediol, 1,20-eicosanediol, 1,22-docosanediol, 1,25-pentacosanediol, and mixtures thereof.
In preferred embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure is colorless and substantially transparent.
The compositions of the present disclosure are preferably formulated, filtered and jetted through piezoelectric print heads. Formulations particularly suitable for over-printing images generally have viscosities between 8 and 15 cP, preferably between 10 and 12 cP, at a temperature between 50 and 130° C. However, the jetting temperature must be within the range of thermal stability of the composition, to prevent premature polymerization in the print head.
In embodiments, the composition is applied over the image pixel by pixel. In other embodiments, the composition is applied through full coverage over the substrate. Techniques for coating an image are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/838,212, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The formulations generally exhibit an increase in viscosity of at least four orders of magnitude at the substrate temperature, preferably less than or equal to 50° C., to facilitate enough solidification that the composition will remain on the substrate surface until it is cured. After the curable composition is printed over the toner image, it is preferably immediately exposed to radiation to polymerize the reactive groups contained in the formulation to form a robust polymer coating.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the image is a toner image. The toner image may be formed from emulsion aggregation toner. However, the composition of the present disclosure can also be used to coat images other than toner images, such as ink images.
Since the composition is being used as an overprint composition, at least in embodiments, it is possible to see the image through the coating composition. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the coating is colorless and substantially transparent.
In embodiments, the composition further comprises a low viscosity additive to reduce the jetting viscosity. Examples of this additive include, but are not limited to, VECTOMERS® 4230, 3080 and 5015 (available from Morflex Inc. Greensboro, N.C.), which have the following chemical structures:
Another suitable low viscosity additive is bis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]dodecanedioate:
In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises about 40 to about 70 wt % UV curable monomer, about 10 to about 50 wt % phase change agent, about 1 to about 15 wt % photoinitiator, and 0 to about 20 wt % low viscosity additive.
Additional optional additives include, but are not limited to, surfactants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers, which absorb incident UV radiation and convert it to heat energy that is ultimately dissipated, antioxidants, optical brighteners, which can improve the appearance of the image and mask yellowing, thixotropic agents, dewetting agents, slip agents, foaming agents, antifoaming agents, flow agents, waxes, oils, plasticizers, binders, electrical conductive agents, fungicides, bactericides, organic and/or inorganic filler particles, leveling agents, e.g., agents that create or reduce different gloss levels, opacifiers, antistatic agents, dispersants, and the like. The composition may also include an inhibitor, preferably a hydroquinone, to stabilize the composition by prohibiting or, at least, delaying, polymerization of the oligomer and monomer components during storage, thus increasing the shelf life of the composition. However, additives may negatively affect cure rate, and thus care must be taken when formulating a composition using optional additives.
EXAMPLES
The following examples illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art would recognize that the appropriate reagents, component ratio/compositions may be adjusted as necessary to achieve specific product characteristics. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.
Example 1
Preparation of Bis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]trimethyl-1,6-hexanediylbiscarbamate (mixture of 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-isomers)
To a 2 L three neck flask equipped with a dropping funnel, stopper and reflux condenser was added trimethyl-1,6-diisocyanatohexane (mixture of 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-isomers, 118.9 g, 0.57 mol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.), dibutyltindilaurate (3.60 g, 5.7 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (1 L). To this solution was added 1,4-butanediol vinyl ether (133.2 g, 1.2 mol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) via the dropping funnel. After addition of the alcohol, the reaction mixture was stirred at reflux until an FT-IR analysis of an aliquot indicated that all the NCO functionality was consumed. Specifically, the FT-IR showed the absence (disappearance) of a peak at ˜2285 cm−1(NCO) and the appearance (or increase in magnitude) of peaks at ˜1740-1680 cm−1and ˜1540-1530 cm−1corresponding to urethane frequencies. At the completion of the reaction, the solution was cooled to room temperature and methanol (500 mL) was added to quench any residual isocyanate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for an additional hour at room temperature before removing the solvent in vacuo. The resultant oil was triturated with hexane (3×250 mL), dissolved in methylene chloride (500 mL) and washed with water (3×500 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 244 g (97% yield) of a pale yellow oil.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ6.47 (2H, dd, J=14.3, 6.8 Hz), 4.88-4.62 (2H, br. m), 4.19 (2H, dd, J=14.3, 1.8 Hz), 4.09 (4H, br. s), 4.00 (2H, dd, J=6.8, 1.8 Hz), 3.70 (4H, br. s), 3.18-2.91 (4H, m), 1.72-1.01 (13H, m), 1.01-0.88 (9H, m).
Example 2
Preparation of Bis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]dodecanedioate
To a 1 L two neck flask equipped with a stir bar, argon inlet and stopper was added dodecanedioic acid (10.0 g, 43 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.), 1,4-butanediol vinyl ether (10.1 g, 87 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (1.07 g, 8.8 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (1.18 g, 8.7 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and methylene chloride (500 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (16.6 g, 87 mmol, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) was added portionwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 0.5 h, followed by stirring at room temperature until the reaction was deemed complete by1H NMR spectroscopy in DMSO-d6(usually 2 h): the signal corresponding to the methylene protons alpha to the carbonyl groups of 1,12-dodecanedioc acid (4H, triplet at δ2.18) was consumed and was replaced by a triplet at δ2.27 (4H), corresponding to [H2C═CHO(CH2)4OOCCH2(CH2)4]2. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (300 mL). The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×150 mL) and water (2×150 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was recrystallized from methanol to afford 13.5 g (73% yield) of a white solid (mp=42-43° C.).1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ6.47 (2H, dd, J=14.3, 6.8 Hz), 4.19 (2H, dd, J=14.3, 1.9 Hz), 4.10 (4H, br. t, J=6.0 Hz), 4.00 (2H, dd, J=6.8, 1.9 Hz), 3.70 (4H, br. t, J=5.7 Hz), 2.29 (4H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 1.76-1.71 (8H, m), 1.63-1.56 (4H, m), 1.28 (12H, br. s).
Examples 3-5
Compositions were made containing the components listed in Table 1.
TABLE 1Formulation (wt %)FunctionComponentExample 3Example 4Example 5UV curablebis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]516055monomertrimethyl-1,6-hexanediylbiscarbamate(mixture of 2,2,4- and2,4,4-isomers)phase changehydrogenated Castor oil29——agent1-octadecanol—3040viscosity modifierbis[4-(vinyloxy)butyl]10——dodecanedioatephotoinitiator10105R-GEN ® BF-1172 (ChitecChemical Co., Ltd, Taiwan,R.O.C.)
The samples described in Examples 3-5 were formulated as follows: the UV curable monomer, photoinitiator and, if applicable, viscosity modifier were heated, with stirring, to 100° C. for 0.5 hour, after which time the phase change agent was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 0.5 hour. The rheological profiles of these compositions are depicted in the FIGURE. The viscosities were measured on a Rheometrics Fluid Spectrometer RFS3 with cone and plate geometry equipped with a Peltier plate at a frequency of 1 Hz. As depicted in the FIGURE, each composition had a viscosity at least four orders of magnitude higher at a temperature between 20° C. and 50° C. as compared to its viscosity at a temperature between 50° C. and 130° C.
It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
| 2C
| 09 | D |
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the design example, the implementation of the invention procedure in the
invention computer system is described, where the computer system consists
of one or more invention computer units on which one or more invention
program modules are running.
FIG. 1a shows a computer system CS with three computer units C1 to C3 which
communicate with one another.
The computer units C1 to C3 can be a computer, a printer or network
elements, for example, in a communication network. They each possess a
hardware platform consisting of processors, memory devices and peripheral
components, a software platform which includes, for example, an operating
system and a database system and applications which are formed from
application program modules which are running on the software platform.
The computer units C1 to C3 are conected with one another using one or
more communication networks, for example using X.25, #7, Ethernet or token
ring communication systems. The software platform of the computer units C1
to C3 provides the necessary data transmission services here.
The application program modules are modelled as objects (managed objects),
i.e. the code and the data of an object are represented by a sum of
attibutes and functions which other objects can access. The alternately
directed accessing and interaction of a number of such objects then
produces the application functions of the CS computer system.
According to the CORBA architecture, the computer units C1 to C3 possess
several CO client objects and SO server objects and several ORB object
request brokers.
From the point of view of service, the CO and SO objects can be seen as one
encapsulated unit which makes available one or more services which can be
requested by a client. The CO objects request services (client objects)
which are produced by SO objects (server objects).
To request a service, a CO transmits a request to a SO. Such a request
contains the following information: an operation, a target object, any or
no parameters and, as an option, a request context. After producing this
service, the SO transmits an outcome back to the CO which is defined for
this request.
To transmit and receive the requests and outcomes, the SO and CO objects
have an interface unit IU available.
Object request brokers (ORB) make available an infrastructure which allows
objects to communicate in a distributed environment. It is therefore
unimportant for the CO objects, on which of the other computer units C1 to
C3 a SO object is based, and from which they want to request a service,
and on which special platform or in which implementation process the
object is realised.
To do this, each object knows at least one object request broker and knows
how to contact this local object request broker. Each object request
broker knows how to contact other object request brokers and how to
communicate with them. To do this, it uses remote procedure call
mechanisms. An object thus transmits a request and an ORB; the
transmission of the request to the target object is dealt with by the
CORBA infrastructure formed by the ORB.
FIG. 1b shows a representation of the communication mechanisms for
communications between a CO and a SO. FIG. 1b shows a communications layer
ORB core, an overlying communications layer with five function units DII,
IDLSubs, ORBI, SKEL and BOA and two objects, CO and SO, accessing these
function units.
In order to be able to interact over the CORBA infrastructure by means of
the CORBA mechanisms and to be able to work with other objects on this
infrastructure, each of the CO and SO objects must have a CORBA specific
interface. Such an interface contains a description of a block of possible
operations which can request another object from this object. The
interfaces of objects are defined in Interface Definition Language which
is a pure interface description language. The inheritance of this
interface allows one object to support several interfaces.
In CORBA, an object is directly accessed over this CORBA specific
interface. The implementation of this interface is the object itself. It
consists of code and data and thus does not require an agent entity as is
the case if an object is represented purely by a data structure.
In order to be able to transmit a request, the CO object requires access to
the object reference of the SO object, requires knowledge of the type of
the SO object and the operation which is to be executed by it. The CO
object initiates the request by calling up subroutines of the IDLSubs
(Interface Definition Language Subroutines) or by dynamically creating the
request by means of the function unit DII (Dynamic Invocation Interface).
The second procedure allows a service to be requested which was not known
at the time of the development of the CO object.
In the SO object, the receipt of the request is supported by functions in
the DOA function unit (Basic Object Adapter). It is also possible for the
object to offer an interface which corresponds to the two possibilities
above, through the functions of the SKEL function unit.
It is also possible for the computer system to contain objects in addition
to the CO and SO objects which are not specified in CORBA and which
interact with each other and with the CO and SO objects over special
interface units in the CORBA infrastructure described above. For a further
explanation of the design example it is assumed that the CS computer
system has such objects being differently implemented in the CORBA
infrastructure.
The use of such hybrid components in a CORBA infrastructure has the
advantage here that objects which already exist here and which are already
specified according to another object model architecture can be reused and
such objects can work together with CORBA objects. This has great
advantages, in particular in the area of network management, as there are
already many objects in this area which are specified according to OSI
object models. OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) network management
components, such as managers, agents and mediation devices, for example,
are each formed from one or more such OSI objects.
For the area of network management, an object model is standardised by the
OSI (Open System Interconnection) (Management framework for open systems
interconnection, ITU-T recommendation X.700, 1992). In addition to the
object model (SMI=Structure of Management Information), fundamental
objects are also specified, as well as a set of management services (CMIS
common management information service definition) and a network management
protocol (CHIP=Common Management Information Protocol) for the objects to
communicate with one another. Objects are specified in the description
language GEMO which uses ASN (Abstract Syntax Notation) syntax and
contains its own additional macros.
The principal difference between "natural" CORBA objects and "natural" OSI
objects is that the CORBA objects represent the implementation of the
CORBA interface whereas the OSI objects of a network management element
are filed as data structure in the MIB data set (Management Information
Base) and are manipulated through an agent with which communications are
made by means of the CEMIP protocol.
In addition, naming and addressing in CORBA and OSI are different. In
CORBA, an object has two addresses: a logical address, for example a name
in a certain context, and a physical address (object reference) which
states the physical location of the object, for example the address of the
server on which the object is running. This address Is decisive for
locating and interacting with a CORBA object. In OSI, an object has only
one logical address (full distinguishing name) which results from its
position in the objects' dependency tree. This address consists of the
names of all objects from the root of the dependency tree to the object.
FIG. 2 shows a representation of the logical dependency between components
in the computer system CS when non-CORBA specified objects are also
implemented in the CORBA infrastructure on the CS computer system.
FIG. 2 shows two areas AREA1 and AREA2, a service NS and several components
M01 to M05, IA1, IA2 and GA (Gateway Area), between which a logical
dependency relationship is defined.
In the area AREA1, the interaction of objects occurs by means of CORBA
mechanisms based on a CORBA infrastructure. In the area AREA2, the
interaction of objects occurs by means of the CEMIP (Configuration
Efficient Management Internet Protocol) protocol.
Each of the components M01 to M05, IA1, IA2 and GA contains one or more
objects and is responsible for the naming management of the components
which immediately follow it. The root of the dependency tree so defined
forms the NS service. This is responsible for the naming management of
components M01, IA1 and M02. This means that the name of the components
M01, IA1 and M02 is contained in its naming context. The component M01 is
responsible for the naming management of components M02 and M04. The
component M02 is responsible for the naming management of components M05
and GA. The component M05 is responsible for the naming management of
component IA2.
The components M01 to M05 are "natural" CORBA objects as described in FIG.
1a and FIG. 1b. A CORBA object is thus allocated to this component. The
dependency relationship between these components follows the dependency
relationship between the objects. A CORBA server can also include several
CORD objects.
With both the IA1 and TA2 components, there are one or more objects which
are specified in CORBA and which by means of a special interface unit are
encapsulated so that they can act over CORBA mechanisms over the CORBA
infrastructure. Each of these components thus forms an independent naming
area which is internally managed.
Examples of the production of such components can be seen in FIG. 3a and
FIG. 3b.
FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b show a representation of the communication mechanisms
for communications between two components IA1 and IA2 over the CORBA
infrastructure. The components IA1 and IA2 are indicated in the
description of FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b using M and A.
FIG. 4a shows a communication layer CORBA/ORB, several CMISE (Common
Management Information Service Element) services generally available over
this communication layer, two network management components M and A and
two communication functions GMO/C++ and CMISE/IDL between these objects
and the communication layer CORBA/ORB.
In the components M and A we are not dealing with CORBA objects but one or
more OSI objects OM or OA and a manager or agent function unit. By means
of the agent or manager function units, operations are executed on these
objects or requests are sent to other objects. Agent and manager function
units communicate over the CMIP protocol. From the point of view of the
network management, the component M takes on the rile of manager and the
component A that of agent.
The communication unit GDMO/C++ (Guidelines for Definition of Managed
Objects in C++) consists of one or more special access objects which
facilitate he execution of CMISE operations on object OA or OM.
The CHISE management services are realised by a CMISE object on the part of
the OA object. The interface unit-CMISE/IDL contains this CMISE object and
the services allocated to this object. The CMISE object of the interface
unit CMISE/IDL is specified by an IDL interface and acts and gives the
external impression of a CORBA object. In order to facilitate this
specification and thus the providing of a CORBA interface to the object
OA, a type conversion of ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation.1) into IDL types
is required. CMISE services thus make a set of CORBA objects available.
Through CORBA requests routed over the CORBA infrastructure, CMISE
operations can thus be executed on the object OA. The same applies for the
object MO.
A second possible way of connecting OSI objects over a CORBA infrastructure
is shown in FIG. 3b.
FIG. 3b shows a communication layer CORB/ORB, several CMISE services
generally available over this communication layer, the objects OM and OA
and two communication functions GDMO/IDL and CMISE/IDL between these
objects and the communication layer CORB/ORB.
Through the interface unit GDMO/IDL, the OSI objects of components A and M
specified in GDMO are translated into a specification as an IDL interface.
An object specified in such a way can be accessed through classic CORBA
messages. Each of these OSI objects is thus transformed into a pure CORBA
object. As the specifications in IDL and ASN.1 have different natures
(interface description<-->object specification), a complete translation is
not possible and only a subset of CMISE operations can be executed on the
transformed CORBA objects.
The objects in components IA1 and IA2 have a dependency relationship which
is represented by the data structure in the MIB data set. Each of the
components IA1 and IA2 have a name which is registered as a naming context
in the preceding components and is managed by them. This naming context
thus represents the root of the internal dependency tree for components
IA1 and IA2. One could also say that this context represents the root of
the naming area of components IA1 or IA2. The agent of components IA1 and
IA2 independently manages the naming of the component dependent on the
root of the internal dependency tree; the naming management of MIB is
regulated independently like this. In addition, due to the recursive
nature, this naming management also forms a part unit of the CORBA naming
management and also interacts with the other parts of the CORBA naming
management.
In the GA component we are dealing with several network management elements
(CMIP agents) which interact over the CHIP protocol and which are
connected with the CORBA infrastructure by means of a gateway GATE. These
network elements together form an independent naming area which is
connected over the GATE gateway.
In FIGS. 4a and 4b, possible ways of interacting such network management
components over the GATE gateway are shown. The exact method of function
can be seen in the representations in FIGS. 4a and 4b together with the
description of the corresponding units which has already been made in the
description of FIGS. 3a and 3b.
The interface to the GA component forms the GATE gateway. The naming of the
GA component is managed by the component M02. There are as many naming
contexts for the GA component contained in this as there are roots of
internal dependency trees in the AREA2 area. Normally, each CA network
element contains a MIB (Management Information Base) data set with a
dependency tree which has one root. Thus in the naming management of
component M02 two naming contexts are stored and managed for the component
GA, for example, which each represent the root of an OSI dependency tree.
One could also say that this naming context represents the root within the
independent naming area of the component GA.
Further naming management within the area AREA2 is executed by means of the
naming management designed within the OSI architecture.
In addition, this naming management also forms a part unit of the CORBA
naming management due to its recursive nature and thus also interacts with
the other parts of the CORBA naming management.
The parts of this CORBA naming management each offer an access interface
which corresponds to the access interface of the CORBA naming service.
Thus a uniform access to all parts of the naming management is possible.
If the translation of a logical address into a physical CORBA address is
now requested by such a part of the naming management, then this part of
the naming management will interact according to a recursive algorithm
with the other parts of the naming management. This recursive algorithm
involves going from one part of the naming management to the next part of
the naming management, according to the logical address in the components'
dependency tree, until the part of the naming management is reached in
which the logical address of the object sought is stored. This can be the
allocated part of the naming management which is responsible for the
naming of the component which is allocated to this object if we are
dealing with a CORBA object in the component. It can also be a case of the
internal naming management of the component to which the object is
allocated if, for example, we are dealing with a component of the
component type IA1, IA2 or GA. | 6G
| 06 | F |
BEST MODE
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a local mobility management apparatus which receives data toward a terminal of which location is registered from a home agent for managing total mobility between local domains and transmits the data to a mobile access gateway that manages an area in which the terminal located, the local mobility management apparatus comprising: a local domain mobility registration request message receiving unit receiving a local domain mobility registration request message on the terminal from the mobile access gateway that receives a network attach message including information on the home agent from the terminal moving from a first local domain to a second local domain; a location registration unit registering the current location of the terminal in an area managed by the mobile access gateway according to the local domain mobility registration request message; and a global domain mobility registration request message transmission unit transmitting a global domain mobility registration request message for reporting registration of the location by the location registration unit to the home agent.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a total mobility management method which receives data toward a terminal of which location is registered from a home agent for managing total mobility between local domains and transmits the data to a mobile access gateway that manages an area in which the terminal located, the total mobility management method comprising: (a) receiving a local domain mobility registration request message on the terminal from the mobile access gateway that receives a network attach message including information on the home agent from the terminal moving from a first local domain to a second local domain; (b) registering a location of the terminal in an area managed by the mobile access gateway according to the local domain mobility registration request message; and (c) transmitting a global domain mobility registration request message for reporting registration of the location in (b) to the home agent.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a total mobility management system comprising: a home agent managing total mobility between first and second local domains; a mobile access gateway receiving a network registration message that includes information on the home agent from a terminal moving from the first local domain to a management area in the second local domain and generating a local domain mobility registration request message on the terminal; and a local mobility management apparatus receiving the local domain mobility registration request message from the mobile access gateway, registering a location of the terminal in an area managed by the mobile access gateway, and transmitting a global domain mobility registration request message for reporting registration of the position to the home agent.
MODE FOR INVENTION
The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Accordingly, functions of various elements shown in the attached drawings including functional blocks represented as processors or similar concepts may be provided by using hardware with a function for performing suitable software in addition to dedicated hardware. When the functions are proved by the processors, the functions may be provided by a single shared processor or a plurality of individual processors. Some of the individual processors may be shared. In addition, terms used for a processor, a control, or similar concepts should not exclusively represent hardware with a function of executing software. It will be understood that the terms represent digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, ROM, RAM, and non-volatile memory for storing software without limitation. Other well-known hardware may be represented by the terms.
The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of commonly-used technologies or structures related to the invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by explaining exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1illustrates a network configuration for managing mobility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring toFIG. 1, the network configuration according to the embodiment is constructed with local domains110and120and a global domain130including the local domains110and120.
In a local domain110, a base station or access point BS/AP1102for providing a wireless access to a terminal101, a mobile access gateway130and a local mobility management device104are located.
A mobile access gateway103processes a mobility registration request of a terminal that accesses an area (sub-network) managed by the mobile access gateway103instead of the terminal so as to manage local mobility.
The local mobility management apparatus (local mobility anchor)104receives the mobility registration request of the terminal from the mobile access gateway103located at local domain110, registers the current location of the terminal located at the area managed by the mobile access gateway103and manages local mobility of the terminal.
Then, a home agent108serves to manage global mobility among local domains. The local mobility management apparatus104may serve as a home agent. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1, a centralized home agent may exist separately from the local mobility management apparatus104. In the latter case, the global domain130is formed as an area managed by the home agent. In this case, the global domain130may include a plurality of local domains.
FIG. 2illustrates a structure of a local mobility management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a flowchart of a total mobility management method performed by the local mobility management apparatus shown inFIG. 2.
Referring toFIG. 2, the local mobility management apparatus204includes a local domain mobility registration request message receiving unit205, a location registration unit206, and a global domain mobility registration message transmission unit207.
The local domain mobility registration request message receiving unit205receives a local domain mobility registration request message of a terminal201from a mobile access gateway203which receives a network attach message including information on a home agent208from a terminal201that moves from a first local domain to a second local domain in operation S305. The local domain mobility registration request message that is transmitted from the mobile access gateway203includes information on the terminal201, information on the mobile access gateway203, and information on the home agent208which is included in a network attach message and transmitted.
The location registration unit206registers the current location of the terminal in an area (sub-network) managed by the mobile access gateway203according to the local domain mobility registration request message received by the local domain mobility registration request message receiving unit205in operation S306.
The global domain mobility registration message transmission unit207transmits the global domain mobility registration request message for reporting the location registration of the location registration unit206to the home agent208in operation S307.
The home agent208may be a local mobility management apparatus that covers a first local area or a centralized global mobility management apparatus that covers a global domain including at least one local domain.
FIG. 4illustrates a mobility management process in a total mobility management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring toFIG. 4, a terminal401moves from a first local domain410to a second local domain420and wirelessly accesses a new base station or an access point422.(OK) If the terminal401normally accesses the new base station or access point422, the terminal401transmits a network attach request message441to a mobile access gateway423. At this time, in the terminal401, the network attach request message441includes information on a home agent which manages global mobility of the terminal401.
If the network attach is normally performed, the mobile access gateway423reports to a local mobility management apparatus424that the terminal401is located in an area managed by the mobile access gateway423and transmits a local domain mobility registration request message442for requesting the current location of the terminal to be registered.
The local mobility management apparatus424manages mobility of the terminal by registering the location of the terminal according to the local domain mobility registration request message442. Then, the local mobility management apparatus424transmits a global domain mobility registration request message443for reporting to the home agent that the terminal is located at an area covered by the local mobility management apparatus424and the local mobility management apparatus424registers the location.
The home agent that manages the global mobility of the terminal may be a centralized home agent428(case of443-1transmission) or a local mobile management apparatus414which manages the first local domain (case of443-2transmission). Since the network attach message that is transmitted by the terminal includes information on the home agent of the terminal, the local mobility management apparatus can directly transmit a message to the home agent of the terminal.
The total mobility management method according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet). The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium such as ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, hard disks, floppy disks, flash memory, optical data storage devices, and the like which can be read by a computer through a font ROM data structure.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
| 7H
| 04 | W |
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical application in which the improved system and
method of the present invention will be utilized. A mobile vessel
indicated generally at 1, usually referred to in the industry as a roofing
kettle, includes a trailer 2 mounted on wheels 3 to provide mobility
thereto. Trailer 2 usually will be provided with a draw bar 4 for
attachment to a towing vehicle or could have its own power drive mechanism
if desired. One type of vessel is shown in greater detail in pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/768,963. However, various other types of
less detailed kettles can be utilized without affecting the concept of the
invention. Vessel 1 will usually have an insulated outer housing 6 as
shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4, with a hollow material storage
chamber 7 formed therein. Heating usual heating pipes 9 are mounted within
storage chamber 7 for heating a supply of roofing material 10 contained
therein. Material 10 preferably will be an asphalt or a bituminous type of
material of the type used for most roofing applications, although other
types of materials can be used without affecting the concept of the
invention.
An inlet 12 is located generally adjacent the bottom of storage chamber 7
and is connected to a pump 13 by a delivery line 14 (FIGS. 3 and 4). An
outlet pipe 16 extends upwardly from pump 13 and through roof 17 of
housing 6 for subsequent connection to a delivery conduit 20. Pump 13 may
be actuated by a shaft 22 connected to a power unit or motor 23 which is
mounted by a bracket 24 on roof 17. Motor 23 and pump 13 preferably are
controlled by an operator 21 at roof level by a control box 19 which is
operatively connected to the motor and pump by a control line 18. The
return of material is either manually or automatically activated.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, delivery conduit 20 will extend from mobile
vessel 1 onto a roof 25 of a building 26. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, the heated material 10 is delivered to a portable carrier 28, usually
referred to in the roofing industry as a roof lugger. The lugger then is
moved to various locations on the roof for subsequent application of the
heated material, such as by an application mop 29, afterwhich strips of
roofing material 31 are unwound and secured to the roof. A plurality of
support dollies 30 may be located on roof 25 for movably supporting
delivery conduit 20.
Another application is shown in FIG. 2 wherein delivery conduit 20 is
connected to a hose 33 which is connected directly to a spray wand 34
having a manually controlled ON/OFF valve 35 for directly spraying or
applying the heated material 10 onto roof 25.
In accordance with the main feature of the invention, pump 13 will be a
reversible pump and/or motor 23, whereby the material will be drawn
through inlet 12 in the direction of arrows A (FIG. 3) for movement in a
first direction through conduit 20 for discharge into lugger 28 (FIG. 1)
or for direct application to the roof as shown in FIG. 2. However, upon
reversing of motor 23 and correspondingly of pump 13, the heated material
will move in the direction of arrows B as shown in FIG. 4, where it is
returned through conduit 20, and delivery lines 16 and 14 and through
inlet 12 back into storage chamber 7 where it is reheated and reused with
the heated material 10.
Thus, should the heated material in delivery conduit 20 or in roof lugger
28 becomes too cool it can be withdrawn and pumped back into the kettle by
simply reversing the direction of pump 13, usually by actuating reversible
motor 23. Thus, all of the material will be pumped back into storage
chamber 7 for recirculating and reheating with material 10 by heaters 9.
This could occur at the end of a work shift, at a lunch break, or should
the application of the roofing material be stopped at any time for various
reasons. It requires very little work on the part of the workers other
than the actuation of reversible motor 23 and pump 13. If material is not
being pumped up to the roof through conduit 20, pump 13 automatically
reverses, preferably for about 45 seconds, to clear conduit 20 of the
material.
In further accordance with the invention, a bypass line indicated at 38,
extends from an upper end of pipe 16 and through an opening in roof 17 and
terminates at a discharge opening 39 which will generally terminate above
the usual level of heated material 10 within storage chamber 7. A manually
controlled one way valve 40 will be mounted in bypass line 38 and will be
opened when there is a malfunction of pump 13 or motor 23. This will
enable the heated, but now cooled material, to flow in the direction of
arrow B through pipe 38 and into storage chamber 7 by gravity. During the
normal reversing operation of pump 13, valve 40 will be closed ensuring
that all of the material is being pumped back into the storage chamber
through pipe 16 and 14 and then out through inlet 12. This bypass can be
used to vary the delivery pressure to the applicator, such as a spray wand
34, at the ground level, allowing the operator to concentrate on ON-OFF
control only, if desired.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, delivery conduit 20 is
provided with auxiliary heating means such as an electric heating cable
43, which is wrapped about conduit 20 and connected to an electric power
source at 44, for heating delivery conduit 20 in order to assist in
maintaining the temperature of conduit 20 to minimize frictional losses in
pipe. Preferably the conduit is heated at a maximum of 20 watts/ft which
allows approximately 80% of the material to flow back into the storage
chamber 7. A plurality of quick-connect electric connectors 45 are
provided for achieving various lengths of heating cable to correspond with
the length of delivery conduit 20.
Also to assist in maintaining the desired temperature within the various
delivery pipes, a housing 47, which preferably is insulated, is mounted on
roof 17 of mobile vessel 1 and encloses delivery pipe 16 and bypass line
38. Housing 47 could be uninsulated if desired and heated by the heat
trapped within the top of storage chamber 7.
Another type of auxiliary heating means is shown particularly in FIG. 6,
and includes a circulating tube 50 which extends throughout a
predetermined length of conduit 20 within the interior thereof. An
auxiliary pump (not shown) is located at the lower or entrance end of tube
50, which communicates with the supply of heated material within storage
chamber 7, and pumps and recirculates a small quantity of the heated
material through circulating tube 50 which will then heat interior 52 of
conduit 20, through which the main supply of roofing material 10 is
flowing as shown by arrows D. As an example, conduit 20 will have an
outside diameter (OD) of approximately 2 inches with the OD of tube 50
being 1/2 inch thereby providing a sufficient cross-sectional area within
conduit 20 for the passing of the heated material therethrough, yet
provide a sufficient flow of the auxiliary heated material to maintain the
material at its desired temperature.
A low friction material 51 may be applied to the inside surface of delivery
conduit 20 to assist in the flow of the heated material therethrough. One
type of low friction material is sold under the trademark Teflon although
other types could be utilized without affecting the concept of the
invention. Also, delivery tube 20 could be insulated with a calcium
silicant of fiberglass wrapping or the like eliminating the use of heating
cable 43 and interior circulating tube 50 without affecting the concept of
the invention.
FIG. 5 shows another type of insulation in which a reversible pump and/or
motor indicated generally at 55, which will be considerable smaller and
less powerful than pump 13 and motor 23, is mounted on an insulated
container 56. Container 56 is supported on a mobile carrier 57 and is
connected to hose 33 and wand 34 for direct application to roof 25.
Carrier 57 may be manually moved by a handle 58 to desired locations on
the roof and may eliminate the use of the larger mobile vessel or kettle 1
at the ground level. In the alternative, container 56 may be connected to
vessel 1 by delivery conduit 20 and once filled with the heated material
will be maintained at a desired temperature by heating unit 59 contained
within the container.
Accordingly, the improved distribution system and method is simplified,
provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device and
sequence of operation which achieves all the enumerated objectives,
provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices and
methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used fro brevity,
clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be
implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such
terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly
construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention us by way of
example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the
invention, the manner in which the improved distribution system and method
is constructed, used and carried out, the characteristics of the system
and method, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new
and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts,
combinations and method steps, are set forth in the appended claims. | 1B
| 05 | C |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a reclining chair10, in particular, a chair10for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft or bus. The chair, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, is comprised of a base assembly12, a seat frame14located above the base assembly12, a seat16attached to the seat frame14, and a seat back18connected to the seat frame14.
FIG. 3shows the base assembly12which includes a first and second base rail20,22that are spaced apart from and substantially parallel26to each other. Each base rail20,22has an elongated portion24that defines at least one opening26. Additionally, each of the base rails20,22has a first end28that terminates in a first leg member30. In one embodiment, the first leg member30is angled downward at approximately a 45° angle from the elongated portion24. A second leg member32is also angled downward at approximately 45° from the elongated portion24of each base rail20,22. This second leg member32is located proximal to a second end34of the elongated portion24, as shown inFIG. 4. A tubular mounting bracket36connects the first base rail20to the second base rail22, as shown inFIG. 3. The mounting bracket36has a first end38and a second end40with the first end38received in the at least one opening26in the first base rail20and the second end40received in the at least one opening26in the second base rail22.
In one embodiment of the invention, each of the base rails20,22has two openings26,42. In this version, the first opening26is located approximately midway along the length of the base rail20and a second opening42is located proximal to the second end34of the base rail20.
The first and second leg members30,32of the base rails20,22may be capable of attaching to a floor fitting44, as shown inFIG. 3. As such, the first and second leg members30,32may terminate in a pair of attachment prongs46. These attachment prongs46may be spaced apart from one another so as to allow for attachment to a fitting44secured to the floor of the vehicle as shown inFIG. 3.
As shown inFIG. 3, a first and second tubular mounting bracket36,37may be used to connect the base rails20,22. Each of these mounting brackets36,37has a first end38and a second end40. In order to connect the base rails20,22, the first and second end38,40of the first tubular mounting bracket36is placed in the first opening26of the first and second base rail20,22, and the first and second end38,40of the second tubular mounting bracket37is placed in the second opening42of the first and second base rail20,22, respectively.
When in operation, the angling of the leg members30,32helps the base rails20,22to absorb energy during a dynamic event. This reduces the structural loading on the base rails20,22during pitch and roll, thereby helping to reduce aircraft floor warping in the event of a major dynamic load.
Furthermore, the prongs46of the leg members30,32in one embodiment allow the base rail to be attached to an articulating foot fitting similar to the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,487, filed Sep. 17, 2004, entitled Attachment Assembly for Mounting a Seat to the Floor of a Vehicle, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This also helps the base rails20,22to absorb dynamic loads by allowing the rail20,22to rotate slightly with respect to the floor of the vehicle in the event of an abrupt stop caused by an emergency or crash.
In yet another version, the first and second leg members30,32are attached to the elongated portion24of the base rail20. In still another version, the second leg member32extends from the second end34of the base rail20.
As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a seat frame14is located above the base assembly12. As shown inFIG. 5, the seat frame14includes elongated first and second side rails50,52that are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to one another. As shown inFIG. 6, a seat back connection point54is defined by an aperture or opening in the side rail proximal to a first end56of the side rail. This seat back connection point54is usually elevated with respect to a top edge58of the side rail50, and at least one connection bracket60connects the first side rail50to the second side rail52. Attachment points62used to connect the seat frame14to the chair10may be located proximal to each of the side rails50,52. These attachment points may be displaced downward from a bottom edge64of the side rail50, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.
When in use, the seat frame14is positioned above the base assembly12, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The seat frame14may be adapted to connect directly with the base assembly12, or it may be mounted to a tracking assembly66, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. By mounting the seat frame14to a tracking assembly66, the seat frame14is capable of moving laterally with respect to the base assembly12.
A seat back18is connected to the seat frame14, as shown inFIG. 7. The seat back18includes a first and second backrest rail68,70like the one shown inFIG. 8. The second backrest rail70is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first backrest rail68. Each of the backrest rails68,70have a front and back edge72,74. A first and second end76,78distal from one another connect the front and back edge,72,74and a pivot point is defined by an aperture or opening80proximal to the front edge72and first end76.
As shown inFIGS. 7,7(a) and9–11, a pivot arm82includes a first portion and a second portion. As best illustrated inFIG. 2, the first portion extends generally perpendicular from the back edge74of the seat back18and the second portion extends generally perpendicular to the first portion and past the end76. The pivot arm82has an end point84that extends below the pivot point80of the backrest rail68when the seat back18is in a substantially vertical position, as shown inFIGS. 7,7(a) and10, and forward of the pivot point80when the seat back18is in a horizontal position, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 11. A pivot member86passes through both the opening80in the backrest rail68and the opening54in the side rail50of the seat frame14, as shown inFIG. 12. This pivot member86, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14(a–c), has a seat belt anchor88located at one end. This eliminates the need for a separate seat belt anchor component and additional mounting hardware. The pivot member86is installed through the backrest side rail68from the inside face90of the rail68. In one version of the pivot member86, a nylon washer92is installed on the pivot member86on either side of the backrest rail68, sandwiching the backrest rail68, and a jam nut94is threaded or otherwise installed onto the threaded (e.g., screw) portion before the pivot member86is extended through the seat frame rail50, as shown inFIG. 12. This leaves the end of the pivot member86which serves as the seat belt anchor88exposed on the outside of the seat frame side rail50, as shown inFIGS. 12,15and15(a).
In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS.15and23–26, at least one support beam150extends between the first and second backrest rails68,70. A torque box152may also be positioned between the first and second backrest rails68,70, as shown in FIGS.15and23–26.
As shown inFIGS. 27–29, the torque box152has a rectangular shaped cross section and may include a first and a second section154,156(e.g., square U-shaped channel members), each having at least three sides158,158(a),160,160(a),162,162(a) with a fourth side defined by a channel164. The first and second sections154,156are positioned opposite each other, as shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, so that two sides160,162of one of the first and second sections154,156are received in the channel164of the other one of the first and second sections154,156. At least one opening166exists in the side158of the first section154opposite the channel164to receive a headrest support bracket168.
The torque box152serves as the primary structural member of the seat back18. Because of its box shape, the torque box152is able to transfer shoulder harness induced loading from the backrest rail68nearest the harness to the opposite backrest rail70in the forward facing static and dynamic test conditions. In contrast to existing seat designs that utilize torque tubes, the torque box152has a rectangular cross section that allows for a wider separation between headrest support brackets168, particularly for a headrest utilizing longer brackets. Furthermore, the torque box152provides sufficient space to house an inertial reel (not shown), electric headrest mechanism (not shown) and longer headrest support brackets168.
When in operation, as the seat back reclines, there is a tendency for the unsupported side of the seat back18to drop away from the seat occupant. The torque box152, which can be used with both electric and non-electric type headrests, prevents this from happening because the torque box152is attached to each backrest rail68,70, as shown inFIGS. 23–29, thereby providing support for both sides of the seat back18. Furthermore, the square bottom shape of the torque box152allows the bottom edge of the seat back18to track around the rear edge of the bottom cushion while the seat back18is reclining, thereby eliminating the gap between the seat back18and the bottom cushion.
FIGS. 1–2,16and17show a chair10that includes a seat articulator96that has a first and second ramp bar98,100separated from and substantially parallel to one another. Each of the ramp bars98,100has a first end,102and a second end104with a ramp portion106there between them. Each ramp portion106has an incline portion108and a decline portion110. As shown inFIG. 22, the second end104of each ramp bar98is positioned on a roller112attached to the seat frame14while the first end102of each ramp bar98is attached to the seat back18and the seat frame14. In one version of the embodiment, the ramp106may be located proximal to the second end104of the ramp bar98.
A seat pan114which is positioned on the seat pan articulator96has a first and second side116,118spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, as shown inFIG. 18. Each side of the seat pan114has a first end120that is connected to the seat frame14, as shown inFIG. 20, and a roller122attached proximal to a second end124, as shown inFIG. 18. These rollers122are positioned on the respective ramp bars98,100, as shown inFIG. 20.
When in a neutral, upright position, as shown inFIG. 20, the seat back18is oriented approximately 14° from the vertical. When in operation, the seat back18is reclinable using any known mechanical or electrical system. As the seat back18reclines from 14° to approximately 52°, the seat pan114correspondingly raises to create a “cradled” position. This results from the ramp bars98,100moving forward as the seat back18reclines, thereby raising the seat pan114as the ramp portion106rides up the roller122. As shown inFIG. 20, after approximately 52°, the rollers122reach the apex of the ramp portion106and begin rolling down the ramp. This causes the ramp bars98,100to continue to move forward as the seat back18reclines further. This allows the seat pan114to move back to the horizontal position where the occupant achieves a fully berthed seat condition with the seat at a full recline position 90° from the vertical, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 21.
As can be seen fromFIGS. 19–22, the seat has three transition points as it travels through approximately 76° of rotation so as to achieve a truly horizontal position when the seat is fully reclined. These transition points are the upright position where the seat back is approximately 14° from the vertical, as shown inFIG. 19, the midway or “cradled” position at 52° from the vertical, as shown inFIG. 20, and the fully flat bed position where both the seat back and the seat pan are 90° from the vertical, as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. When the seat back18reclines, the occupant's weight tends to have a horizontal aft component and his back a vertical forward component. These two forces balance each other out causing one to adhere to the seat. The further the seat back18reclines, the more lift is generated as the back moves from an upright position generating a forward component, to a more horizontal position, thereby increasing the vertical component. By articulating the seat pan, the horizontal aft component of the seat becomes more downward, thereby offsetting the increased vertical component of the reclined seat back.
A fully horizontal position can be achieved because, as shown inFIGS. 7–11and19–22, the location of the pivot axis has been advanced forward towards the leading edges of the backrest front edge so as to minimize any gaps or mismatches of the backrest and the bottom cushions of the chair during full recline. This location of the pivot point eliminates the requirement for a seat pan lifter to align the surface of the bottom cushion with the surface of the back cushion when using the chair as a bed.
As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the seat back pivot arm82is capable of providing a mechanical advantage during the inclining of the seat from a full recline position. This is because by lengthening the pivot arm82, a longer moment arm is provided that, in the reclined position, provides for a stronger restoring moment to the seat back as the seat is returned to the upright position. This eliminates the need for the occupant to pull the seat back to the upright position.
In another embodiment, the invention involves a chair10comprised of a base assembly12, a seat frame14located above the base assembly12, a seat16and seat back18are attached to the seat frame14. Additionally, an arm rest126, as shown inFIGS. 30,38,39and40, is attached to the seat frame14, wherein the arm rest126includes a top and bottom support frame128,130separated from one another, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31. The top support frame128, as shown inFIGS. 30,31and33, may define a channel132proximal to the bottom support frame130. A mounting block136is pivotally attached at one end of the top support frame128and a support bracket140is attached to the mounting block136and connected to the bottom support frame130. A spring170is attached to an end of the support bracket140connected to the bottom frame130, as shown inFIGS. 38,41and42.
As shown inFIGS. 30,31and36,38,39,40, and41, a positioning member142extends from the top support frame128. The positioning member142has a guide pin144that extends from an end146distal to the top support frame128. A guide slot148that is capable of receiving the guide pin144is attached to the bottom support frame130, as shown inFIGS. 34 and 36.
The chair10, described in accordance with this invention, may be suitable for use as a passenger seat in any vehicle including, without limitation, an aircraft, bus or mobile home. In one embodiment, the top and bottom support frames128,130of the arm rest126may be substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the guide slot148may be in the shape of the letter M, as shown inFIG. 35, and may be manufactured using a plastic-like material.
In one embodiment, the mounting block136, as shown inFIG. 32, and the bottom support frame130, as shown inFIGS. 31 and 37, each define an opening137,134, respectively. In this embodiment, one end of the support bracket140is received in the opening137in the mounting block136, while a second end is received in the opening134in the bottom support frame.
In one embodiment, the top support frame128has a first end138, and a second end139. A mounting block136is pivotally connected at each of the first and second ends138,139. As shown inFIG. 37, the bottom support frame130also has a first and a second end152,154with an opening134,135at each end. A support bracket140is attached to the respective mounting block136at each end138,139of the top support frame, the support brackets140extend, respectively, through the opening134,135at each end of the bottom support frame130, thereby connecting the top support frame128to the bottom support frame130, as shown inFIGS. 30 and 31.
When in use, the guide pin144is positioned in the nadir of the v-shaped portion of the M-shaped guide slot148. By lifting up on the arm rest126, an occupant can lift the guide pin144off of the nadir and guide the pin144up the slots to the top of the leg portion of the M. The occupant then lowers the arm rest126and the guide pin144travels down the respective leg of the M to a new, lower position. During this movement, the spring170acts as a dampener to prevent various components of the arm rest126, in particular the bottom support frame130and the mounting plate176from slamming together.
As can be seen fromFIG. 35, one leg of the M can be shorter than the other, thereby allowing for an intermediate height position for the arm rest126.
The bottom support frame130, which is attached to the seat frame14, may be a CNC machined guide and the M-shaped guide slot148may be manufactured of plastic-like material, thereby reducing the amount of noise caused by the movement of the arm rest126.
The structure of the arm rest126allows for the manufacture of arm rests126having various profiles as one is able to vary the height of the support brackets140in order to adjust the angle of the top support frame128. This is accomplished by pivoting the mounting block136about its attachment point172in the opening or slot174in the top support frame128, as shown inFIGS. 41 and 42.
Because, in one embodiment, the sides of the top support frame128extend beyond the top surface, as shown inFIG. 33, the mounting block136is free to pivot up and down to accommodate the lengthening or shortening of the support bracket140. This allows one to change the profile of the arm rest126, as shown inFIGS. 38,41and42.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1shows an automotive engine mount10as a first embodiment of the fluid-filled vibration damping device with a structure according to the present invention. The engine mount10has a structure where a first mounting member12and a second mounting member14are elastically connected by a main rubber elastic body16. In the following descriptions, “up-down direction” generally means the up-down direction inFIG. 1, which coincides with the direction of the mount's central axis.
More specifically, the first mounting member12is a high-rigidity member formed of metal such as iron or aluminum alloy or the like, and is made in an approximate shape of a circular block as a whole where a screw hole18is formed to extend up and down along the central axis opening to the top face.
Also, below the first mounting member12, a sleeve member20is arranged. The sleeve member20is a high-rigidity member like the first mounting member12being made in an approximate shape of a thin and large diameter circular cylinder.
Then, the first mounting member12and the sleeve member20are arranged above and below on the same central axis and are elastically connected to each other by the main rubber elastic body16. The main rubber elastic body16is made in an approximate shape of a thick and large diameter truncated cone, the smaller diameter end of which is bonded by vulcanization to the first mounting member12, while the outer peripheral face of the large diameter end is bonded by vulcanization to the inner peripheral face of the sleeve member20. In addition, a large-diameter recess22is formed in the main rubber elastic body16. The large-diameter recess22is a recess that opens to the large diameter side end face of the main rubber elastic body16being made in an approximate shape of a reverse bowl with its diameter gradually increasing toward the opening. The main rubber elastic body16is formed as an integral vulcanization-molded product provided with the first mounting member12and the sleeve member20, and by means of applying a crimping process to the sleeve member20after vulcanization molding of the main rubber elastic body16, the tensile strain caused by contraction of the main rubber elastic body16after the molding is reduced.
Also, the sleeve member20is attached with a flexible film24. The flexible film24is a thin rubber film in an approximate shape of a disc or a circular dome being made easily deformable by deflection in the up and down direction.
In addition, at the outer peripheral edge of the flexible film24, a fixing member26is bonded by vulcanization. The fixing member26is in an approximate shape of a thin and large diameter circular cylinder as a whole, and the upper part of a step portion28formed in the middle portion has a larger diameter than the lower part thereof where an inner flange30is integrally formed to protrude inward from the bottom edge. Then, the outer peripheral edge of the flexible film24is bonded by vulcanization to the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange30all around the circumference and the bottom opening of the fixing member26is closed by the flexible film24in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, a first sealing rubber layer32is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the smaller diameter section of the fixing member26, while a second sealing rubber layer34is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the larger diameter section of the fixing member26. In the present embodiment, the first sealing rubber layer32is integrally formed with the flexible film24, while the second sealing rubber layer34is made separately from the flexible film24.
Then, by means of having the larger diameter section of the fixing member26fitted externally onto the sleeve member20to be fixed in place by a diameter-reducing process such as all-round crimping, the second mounting member14is composed of the sleeve member20and the fixing member26. The second sealing rubber layer34is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve member20so that the space between the fixing member26and the sleeve member20is sealed in a liquid-tight manner.
This allows a fluid chamber36to be formed between the opposing faces of the main rubber elastic body16and the flexible film24that is separated from the exterior space in a fluid-tight manner, and a non-compressible fluid is sealed in the fluid chamber36. The non-compressible fluid sealed therein is not particularly limited, but for example, liquid such as water, ethylene glycol, alkylene glycol, polyalkylene glycol, silicone oil, or a mixture liquid thereof or the like can be adopted. In addition, a fluid of low viscosity at 0.1 Pa·s or less is preferably used in order to efficiently obtain the vibration damping effect based on the fluid flow action described in later paragraphs.
Also, a partition member38is arranged in the fluid chamber36. As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, the partition member38is in an approximate shape of a disc and is formed of metal such as aluminum alloy or hard synthetic resin. In addition, as shown inFIG. 1, an upper recess40opening to the top face and a lower recess42opening to the bottom face are formed in the center of the partition member38in the radial direction.
Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, a peripheral groove44is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the partition member38. The peripheral groove44extends for a length slightly less than two rounds of circumference in a helical manner opening toward the outer periphery, one end of which is communicated with the upper recess40via an upper communication hole46, while the other end is communicated with the lower recess42via a lower communication hole48.
Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, a concave portion50is formed in the middle of the peripheral groove44in the length direction as a turbulence generating part opening on the inner peripheral face thereof. The concave portion50is formed at one part of the peripheral groove44in the length direction, and in the present embodiment, it is formed at a location biased to the side of the lower communication hole48in the length direction of the peripheral groove44. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the concave portion50of the present embodiment extends in the radial direction with nearly a constant cross-section, while a pair of side wall inner surfaces52a,52bpositioned on both sides of the circumferential direction extend in a direction nearly perpendicular to the length direction of the peripheral groove44.
Then, as shown inFIG. 1, the partition member38is arranged to extend in the axis-perpendicular direction within the fluid chamber36with its outer peripheral edge supported by the second mounting member14. More specifically, the partition member38is inserted into the smaller diameter section of the fixing member26from above, and thereafter the integral vulcanization-molded product of the main rubber elastic body16is inserted into the larger diameter section of the fixing member26from above, and then diameter-reducing work is applied to the fixing member26. This allows the outer periphery of the upper end of the partition member38to be pinched in the up-down direction between the main rubber elastic body16and the fixing member26, while the outer peripheral face of the partition member38is pressed against the smaller diameter section of the fixing member26via the first sealing rubber layer32so that the partition member38gets supported by the second mounting member14.
By such an arrangement of the partition member38within the fluid chamber36, the fluid chamber36is divided into upper and lower sections across the partition member38. That is, above the partition member38, part of the wall is composed of the main rubber elastic body16, and a pressure-receiving chamber56is formed where internal pressure fluctuations are caused at the time of vibration input. Meanwhile, below the partition member38, part of the wall is composed of the flexible film24, and an equilibrium chamber58is formed that easily allows volume changes therein. Needless to say, the pressure-receiving chamber56and the equilibrium chamber58are each filled with a non-compressible fluid sealed therein.
Also, by having the opening of the peripheral groove44on the outer peripheral side covered by the second mounting member14in a fluid-tight manner, a tunnel-like flow passage is formed to extend along the circumference, and one end of the tunnel-like flow passage is communicated with the pressure-receiving chamber56via the upper communication hole46, while the other end thereof is communicated with the equilibrium chamber58via the lower communication hole48. This allows an orifice passage60that communicates the pressure-receiving chamber56and the equilibrium chamber58with each other to be formed using the peripheral groove44. The tuning frequency of the orifice passage60of the present embodiment, which is the resonance frequency of the flowing fluid, is set low at about 10 Hz, equivalent to that of engine shake by means of adjusting the ratio (A/L) of cross-sectional area (A) of the passage to the passage length (L) in consideration of rigidity of the wall spring of the fluid chamber36.
Furthermore, a concave portion50, as a turbulence generating part, opens on the wall inner surface of the orifice passage60on the inner peripheral side. This makes the cross-sectional area of the orifice passage60partially larger at a location on the circumference where the concave portion50is formed (seeFIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the side wall inner surfaces52a,52bof the concave portion50are approximately perpendicular to the length direction of the orifice passage60, and the cross-sectional area of the orifice passage60is drastically increased at the formation of the concave portion50.
The engine mount10with the structure described above is interposed between a power unit and a vehicular body by having the first mounting member12mounted to the power unit, not shown, and the second mounting member14mounted to the vehicular body, not shown.
Under an on-vehicle condition of such engine mount10, once a low frequency high amplitude vibration is inputted equivalent to that of the engine shake, a fluid flow through the orifice passage60is generated between the pressure-receiving chamber56and the equilibrium chamber58due to the relative pressure fluctuations in the two chambers. As a result, the desired vibration damping effect (high attenuation effect) is achieved based on flow actions such as resonance action of the fluid.
Meanwhile, when a shockingly large load is inputted between the first mounting member12and the second mounting member14to produce a large negative pressure in the pressure-receiving chamber56, the fluid tries to flow from the equilibrium chamber58into the pressure-receiving chamber56via the orifice passage60due to the relative pressure fluctuations in the two chambers. Under these circumstances, cavitation noise is reduced or avoided in the engine mount10by having the concave portion50formed to open on the wall inner surface of the orifice passage60.
Such a preventive effect against cavitation noise is deemed to be exerted, for example, in the following manner. That is, air bubbles produced by cavitation are known to be generated around the opening of the orifice passage60in the pressure-receiving chamber56, which is assumed to be caused by a drastic drop of the liquid pressure in the pressure-receiving chamber56around the opening of the orifice passage60due to local pressure loss caused by fine-scale eddies resulting from turbulence generated when the fluid flows from the orifice passage60into the pressure-receiving chamber56. Since the magnitude of such pressure loss is significantly related to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the orifice passage60, the pressure loss is considered effective in reducing the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the orifice passage60.
Now, in the orifice passage60of the engine mount10, the cross-sectional area is partially modified at the formation of the concave portion50so as to magnify the generation of energy loss of the flowing fluid by having turbulence at the concave portion50as opposed to an orifice passage with the conventional structure with a constant cross-sectional area of the passage. In other words, by means of forming the concave portion50, the flow resistance is made to increase when the fluid flow rate is increased through the orifice passage60. This suppresses the fluid flow rate through the orifice passage60and reduces the pressure loss when the fluid flows from the orifice passage60into the pressure-receiving chamber56, thus preventing cavitation air bubbles caused by a local negative pressure of a significant magnitude.
The energy loss caused by the concave portion50is exerted sufficiently enough when a shockingly large load that causes a problem of cavitation is inputted because of the high flow rate in the orifice passage60, resulting in effective suppression of such flow rate. Meanwhile, when a vibration to be damped equivalent to that of engine shake and the like is inputted, the energy loss caused by the concave portion50hardly affects the flow characteristics of the fluid due to the comparatively low flow rate in the orifice passage60, thus effectively exerting the vibration damping effect due to the flow action of the fluid. Therefore, the simple structure with the formation of the concave portion50that opens on the wall inner surface of the orifice passage60enables to prevent generation of cavitation noise while effectively achieving the desired vibration damping effect.
Also, at the formation of the concave portion50, cavitation is likely to occur due to the local pressure loss caused by fine-scale eddies resulting from turbulence, while the cross-sectional area of the orifice passage60is partially made larger so that the capacity per unit length of the passage, and therefore, the dissolved gas volume per the unit length of the passage gets larger. For these reasons, cavitation air bubbles can occur also at the formation of the concave portion50at the input of a shockingly large load. As a result, the sealed fluid that can be primarily considered as a non-compressible fluid (fluid flowing through the orifice passage60) also exhibits some characteristics of a compressible fluid due to the gas-liquid phase separation, and at the opening to the pressure-receiving chamber56located downstream from the concave portion50, conformability of the flowing fluid to the pressure fluctuations gets improved, while the pressure differential is alleviated due to the compressibility of the air bubbles generated at the concave portion50, and as a result, the negative pressure created in the pressure-receiving chamber56can be reduced, thus enabling to suppress generation of cavitation air bubbles caused by the gas-liquid phase separation in the pressure-receiving chamber56.
It has been verified by experimental tests that the fluid-filled vibration damping device relating to the present invention reduces the cavitation noise as opposed to a fluid-filled vibration damping device with the conventional structure. That is.FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow measurement results of a dynamic load applied to a fluid-filled vibration damping device with the structure according to the present invention with the orifice passage60provided with the concave portion50(Example) and measurement results of a dynamic load applied to a fluid-filled vibration damping device with the conventional structure without the concave portion50(Comparative Example). In the experiment to obtain the measurement results shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, measurements were conducted by inputting vibration loads with the frequency of 10 Hz and the amplitude of ±1.5 mm as a condition of inputting large loads that cause a problem of cavitation (FIG. 5A), while other measurements were conducted by inputting vibration loads with the frequency of 10 Hz and the amplitude of ±0.5 mm as a condition of inputting normal vibration to be damped (FIG. 5B).
According to the measurement results ofFIG. 5A, it is obvious that the dynamic load of the Example is much less than that of the Comparative Example at a large load input that causes a problem of cavitation. From these measurement results, it is inferable that the shock wave caused by cavitation is reduced in the Example pertaining to the present invention as opposed to the Comparative Example relating to the conventional structure, and thus the reduction in the noise caused by cavitation has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, according to the measurement results ofFIG. 5B, the difference in dynamic loads between the Example and Comparative Example is significantly smaller than that of the measurement results ofFIG. 5A, which leads us to believe that the Example exhibits a vibration damping effect to the equivalent of the Comparative Example.
As described above, it was confirmed from the measurement results of the experiment that the vibration damping effect by the orifice passage is effectively exerted at an input of normal vibration to be damped in the fluid-filled vibration damping device relating to the present invention, while the noise caused by cavitation is attenuated at the time of shockingly large load input.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those specific descriptions. For example, in the embodiment described above, the concave portion50is formed in the orifice passage60near the equilibrium chamber58, but the formation location of the concave portion50in the orifice passage60is not particularly limited, and it can be formed at a location closer to the pressure-receiving chamber56or a location equally away from both the pressure-receiving chamber56and the equilibrium chamber58.
In addition, the concave portion50can be formed in plurality on the orifice passage60, in which case the shape and size can differ from each other. Furthermore, the specific shape of the concave portion50shown in the embodiment described above is just an example, and the side wall inner surfaces of the concave portion can be made tapered and inclined against the length direction of the orifice passage60, for example, and the cross-sectional area of the orifice passage60can be gradually varied at the formation of the concave portion50.
Moreover, the concave portion does not necessarily have to be formed to open on the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall of the orifice passage but can be formed to open on the inner surface of the upper and lower walls, or the outer peripheral wall of the orifice passage.
Also, in the embodiment described above, the concave portion50is exemplified as a turbulence generating part, but this turbulence generating part may have a structure such that the cross-sectional area of the orifice passage60is partially modified so as to cause larger energy loss in the flowing fluid than other sections of the orifice passage, and even a projection or the like that partially narrows down the passage can be adopted, for example.
Also, the orifice passage is not limited to the one extending in the circumferential direction, but for example, a linear passage that extends in the axial direction can be adopted. In addition, even when the orifice passage extends in the circumferential direction, it can be formed in a length a little less than one round or no less than two rounds of the circumference.
Furthermore, the orifice passage can be provided in plurality with different tunings from each other, in which case the turbulence generating part is provided in at least one of the orifice passages. Also, the present invention is applicable to a switchable fluid-filled vibration damping device that can switch on and off the plurality of orifice passages with valves or even an active-type fluid-filled vibration damping device that offsets any vibration input by applying an active exciting force to the pressure-receiving chamber.
Also, the applicable range of the present invention is not limited to the engine mount, but can be expanded to the sub-frame mount, body mount and differential mount and so forth. In addition, the present invention is not only applicable to the fluid-filled vibration damping device for automobiles but is also favorably applicable to the fluid-filled vibration damping device for motorcycles, railroad cars, industrial vehicles and the like.
| 1B
| 60 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a known sealed cabinet and heat
exchanger arrangement, shown in partial cutaway isometric view. The sealed
cabinet 10, houses heat generating equipment 12 and is cooled by an
externally mounted heat exchanger 14. FIG. 2 provides detail of the
structure of the heat exchanger 14 of FIG. 1. The heat exchanger 14
includes an inlet shroud 16 and an outlet shroud 18, longitudinally
corrugated fins 20 which form a plurality of horizontal channels 22
coupling the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchanger 14, intervening
transversely corrugated fins 24 form a plurality of vertical channels 26
which are exposed to air outside the sealed cabinet. Longitudinally
corrugated fins 20 and horizontally corrugated fins 24 are separated by
separator sheets 27. A baffled fan 28 is mounted within the outlet shroud
18.
In operation, the fan 28 draws cabinet air into the inlet shroud 16, along
the plurality of horizontal channels 22, and out through the outlet shroud
18 back into the cabinet 10. Air exterior to the cabinet 10 moves upwardly
through the plurality of vertical channels 26 under natural convection.
Heat from the equipment 12 is carried by the cabinet air to the
longitudinally corrugated fins 20. The heat is then conducted from the
longitudinally corrugated fins 20 through a separator sheet 27 to
transversely corrugated fins 24. From the transversely corrugated fins 24,
which are oriented vertically, the heat is transferred to the outside air
by natural convection.
For equipment requiring relatively low heat dissipation and in a relatively
clean, albeit hostile environment, a heat exchanger arrangement such as
that of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides simple and reliable cooling. The
arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 also prevents the admixture of cabinet air
with outside air. However, for cabinets situated outdoors, exposed to
weather which may include direct sunlight, dirt or snow accumulation,
exposed fins may be problematic.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an oblique view of a cabinet in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A cabinet 30
includes access doors 32 and a head space 34 for housing a heat exchanger
(not shown in FIG. 3). Air access to the heat exchanger is provided by a
plurality of louvered openings 36 on each side of the cabinet 30 within
the head space 34. The access doors 32 are provided with sealing gaskets
in known manner to prevent infiltration of outside air when closed.
FIG. 4. illustrates the heat exchanger mounted in the cabinet in a
partially cutaway oblique view. Within the head space 34, is housed a heat
exchanger 38. The heat exchanger 38 includes a plurality of fans 40 on
both ends for forcing through outside air. The heat exchanger also
includes a plurality of fans 42 along the length of both sides for forcing
through cabinet air. A bracket 44, shown partially cutaway, and
elastomeric gasket 46, shown partially cutaway, at each end of the heat
exchanger 38 provides for mounting within the cabinet 30 and separation of
the cabinet air and the outside air.
In operation, the plurality of fans 42 draws cabinet air across the heat
exchanger 38 then back into the cabinet 10. The plurality of fans 40 draws
outside air along the length of the heat exchanger 38. Heat from equipment
(not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) within the cabinet 30, is carried by the
cabinet air to the heat exchanger 38, where it is transferred to the
outside air. Also shown in FIG. 4, is a layer of insulation 58 which lines
the upper inner surface of the cabinet head space 34 and the front and
rear (not shown in FIG. 4) inner surfaces. Details of the heat transfer
are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a cross-section through A--A of
the heat exchanger 38 mounted in the cabinet 30 of FIG. 3. The heat
exchanger 38 comprises a stacked arrangement of longitudinal convoluted
fins 50 and transverse convoluted fins 52 each separated from the other by
separator sheets 54. Each layer of longitudinal convoluted fins 50
together with adjacent separator sheets 54 form a plurality of air
channels (not shown in FIG. 5) along the length of the heat exchanger 38.
Each layer of transverse convoluted fins 52 together with adjacent
separator sheets 54 forms a plurality of air channels 56 across the heat
exchanger 38. Bonding of the separator sheet along its edges to the
convoluted fin adjacent and parallel to those edges, prevents admixture of
air flowing in the transverse and longitudinal convoluted fins at the
longitudinally and transversely opposed faces of the heat exchanger. Such
bonding may be by any convenient method which ensures an airtight seal,
for example epoxy bonding. One of the plurality of fans 40 at each end of
the heat exchanger is shown. The plurality of fans 42 along one side of
the heat exchanger 38 is shown in broken line outline. Between the
plurality of fans 40 and the plurality of louvered openings 36 is an air
filter 58. The bracket 44 and elastomeric gasket 46 form a seal between
the outside air and cabinet air within the headspace 34.
Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a cross-section through B--B of
the heat exchanger mounted in the cabinet of FIG. 3. The plurality of air
channels 62 along the length of the heat exchanger 38 are shown in this
cross-section. Also shown in FIG. 6, is the layer of insulation 48 which
lines the upper inner surface, and the front and rear inner surfaces of
the head space 34.
In operation, the plurality of fans 40, shown in broken line outline in
FIG. 6, draws outside air into the heat exchanger 38 via the louvered
openings 36, in the direction of arrows 60. The outside air passes through
the heat exchanger via the plurality of air channels 62 formed by the
stacked arrangement of longitudinal convoluted fins 50 and separator
sheets 54. The plurality of fans 40 draws the outside air out the other
set of the plurality of louvered openings 36. Heat from equipment (not
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) within the cabinet and carried by the cabinet air
to the heat exchanger 38 is then transferred by conduction from the
longitudinal convoluted fins 50 through the separator sheets 54 to the
transverse convoluted fins 52. The plurality of fans 42 draws cabinet air
into the heat exchanger 38 from the rear of the cabinet 30 as indicated by
an arrow 64. Cabinet air passes through the heat exchanger via the
plurality of air channels 56 formed by the stacked arrangement of
transverse convoluted fins 52 and separator sheets 54. The plurality of
fans 42 then returns cabinet air from the heat exchanger 38 to the front
of the cabinet 30 as indicated by an arrow 66.
FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric detailed view of a portion of the heat
exchanger of FIGS. 4-6. Alternate layers of the longitudinal convoluted
fins 50, separator sheet 54, and transverse convoluted fins 52 are shown.
In an embodiment of the present invention the following components are
used. The convoluted fins are manufactured by EG&G Wakefield Engineering.
Typical dimensions for the convoluted fins are a fin height H of 0.6 inch,
pitch P of 12 fins per inch, and thickness T of 0.010 inch. The convoluted
fins are irridited by anti-corrosion chromate for protection from humidity
and salty coastal environments. The separating sheet 54 is an aluminum
plate with a typical thickness of 0.025 inch. The insulation 48 is
provided by an insulation board of one inch thickness with an R value of
8. The fans 40 and 42 are 6 inch 240 cfm operating on -48 Vdc. The air
filters 58 are 0.5 inch thick 30 PPi foam.
An advantage of the present invention is sheltering and insulating the heat
exchanger from direct exposure to outside weather conditions. This
eliminates problems of contamination of the heat exchanger fins by sand,
mud, snow or ice and of solar gain through direct exposure to solar
radiation. Another advantage is the use of convoluted fins which provide a
relatively large heat transfer surface compared with that provided by the
corrugated fins of Agree et al. Convoluted fins are also corrosion
protected as described above.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the
particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing
from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims. | 5F
| 28 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, wherein like numerals
represent like parts, FIG. 1 shows a portable dog run spool unit 18. The
spool unit may be made of a lightweight material, such as plastic, for
greater portability, and in preferred form, the approximate size of the
unit should be no greater than 12".times.12".times.4". The unit is
equipped with a stationary handle 12 and crank handle 26 for conveying the
unit to its various sites. A connector 21, such as a open eye swivel snap,
is located on the spool unit.
A spool 29 is housed inside the spool unit 18. On the spool is a locking
mechanism 23 and 25 for locking the spool in one position. A pin 25 and
pin slots 23 are shown in the illustration, but locking means such as a
key and keyway, or, if one desires to prevent the reversal of the spool
while unwinding a line or cable, a pawl and ratchet 26 may also be used.
An elongate member 16 is wound about the spool. In the preferred
embodiment, the elongate member is a 100 foot cable, but as one of
ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, any flexible elongate member,
such as rope, line, chain, wire, etc. of any desired length would also be
suitable. A coiled spring 27 allows the elongate member 16 to easily
retract into the spool after being extended. A spool handle (not pictured)
may also be used in place of the coiled spring.
While one end of the elongate member 16 is attached to the spool 29, the
other end is attached to a connector 14. Connector 14 is located opposite
of the connector 21 on the spool unit. Both connectors 14 and 21 are shown
as swivel open eye spring snaps, but are not limited to such. Swivel snap
21 is connected to a ring that is attached to the spool unit.
The elongate member 16 extends through an opening 15 in the spool unit 18.
In operation, the spool unit 18 is connected to a structure 38 through
connectors 21 and 31 as shown in FIG. 2. The elongate member is then
extended from the spool while the locking mechanism is in an unlocked
position. The elongate member extends in direction B as the spool rotates
in direction A (FIG. 1).
Elongate member 16 is then attached to another structure, such as a fence
post 36 with an eyebolt 34, through connector 14. The elongate member is
brought into a taut configuration, either through the coiled spring, or
the spool handle.
The spool is then placed in a locked position. An animal leash 32 attaches
to the elongate member by a 100 p or clip 33 so that an animal 35 will
have a limited range of movement between the structures when the animal 35
is connected to an animal leash attachment loop or clip 37.
One important aspect of the invention is the variety of connectors which
allow for the flexibility of what constitutes a structure. Structures 38
and 36 may easily be a tree as well as a house, a pole, and similar
structures. Three such connectors used for connector sites 31 and 34 are
shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.
The typical connector used for a pole, house, or camper is shown in FIG. 3.
An eyebolt 51 is screwed into structure 38. The swivel snap on the spool
unit or elongate member then connects to the eyebolt 51.
Another connector as shown in FIG. 4 may be used in attaching the portable
dog run to a tree or similar structures. A ring 42 encircles an adjustable
lashing type strap 41. The strap 41 is adjusted by an adjustor 43 so that
the strap is securely fastened around the desired structure. The strap may
be approximately 12 feet to accommodate most structures. The swivel snap
on the spool unit or elongate member then connects to the ring 42.
FIG. 5 illustrates a connector which may be used as a sling-type connector.
A line 56 ends in two swivel open eye spring snaps 54 and 55. The line may
be cable, rope, chain, wire or similar to such. The line 56 may fasten
around a limb of a tree whereas connectors 54 and 55 then connect to the
swivel snap on the spool unit or the elongate member.
When no structures are available, a portable pole unit 36 such as shown in
FIG. 2 may be used. The pole unit 36 may be a 21/2" galvanized standard
fence post with a standard 5/16.times.6 screw eyebolt 34. The pole unit
may also be detachable in 1 to 4 areas, such as a tent pole, to be made
more compact while traveling.
While a preferred embodiment of the foregoing invention has been set forth
for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be
deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various
modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present
invention. | 0A
| 01 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Refer to FIGS. 1 to 5 which show a first embodiment of a double-acting
hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the present invention. The hydraulic
cylinder is mounted on an exercising apparatus (not shown) to provide a
resistance to a user of the exercising apparatus whereby the user's
muscles may be exercised.
The hydraulic cylinder generally consists of a cylindrical body defining an
outer wall 20 and an inner wall 10, a communicating tube 60 extending
between the outer wall 20 and the inner wall 10, a front seat 30 fixedly
mounted on a front end of the body and a rear seat 40 fixedly mounted on a
rear end of the body. A rear cap 21 is hermetically and fixedly mounted on
the rear end of the body and houses a rear portion of the rear seat 40. A
rear ring 22 is fixedly attached on the rear cap 21. The rear ring 22 is
also fixedly connected to the exercising apparatus (not shown).
A piston rod 50 is slideably mounted in the inner wall 10. A front ring 51
fixedly attached on a front end of the piston rod 50. The front ring 51 is
used to connect with a suitable means (not shown) for the user to grip so
that the user can exert a pushing or pulling force on the hydraulic
cylinder.
A piston 52 is fixedly mounted on a rear portion of the piston rod So and
hermetically engages with the inner wall 10. The piston 52 divides an
inner space of the inner wall 10 into a front chamber 502 and a rear
chamber 504. An upper hole 53 and a lower hole 53' are respectively
defined in an upper portion and a lower portion of the piston 52. The
upper hole 53 has a front end communicating with the front chamber 502 via
a first slit 54 and a rear end normally being closed by a first disk 521.
The lower hole 53' has a front end normally being closed by a second disk
521' and a rear end communicating with the rear chamber 504 via a second
slit 54'. A first spring 55 is mounted between the second disk 521' and
the piston rod 50 to exert a pushing force on the second disk 521'. A
second spring 56 is mounted between the first disk 521 and a first stop
member 57 to exert a pushing force on the first disk 521. A nut 58 is
threadedly engaged with a rear end of the piston rod 50 to fixedly mount
the first stop member 57, the second spring 56, the first disk 521, the
piston 52, the second disk 521' and the first spring 55 on the rear
portion of the piston rod 50.
A second stop member 46 is formed to have a central hole 42 communicating
the communicating tube 60 with the rear chamber 504 via a first space 422
between the rear seat 40 and the rear cap 21. The rear seat 40 is formed
with a first L-shaped bypass 41 having a rear end in communication with a
second space 506 defined between the outer wall 20 and the inner wall 10
and a front end normally closed by a third disk 44. The second stop member
46 is fixedly fitted in a central portion of the rear seat 40 and defines
a front flanged end 462. The third disk 44 is mounted around the second
stop member 46 and is pushed toward to the rear seat 40 by a third spring
45 compressed between the third disk 44 and the front flanged end 462 of
the second stop member 46.
A block 302 which defines a second L-shaped bypass 34 is mounted between
the piston rod 50 and the inner wall 10. The second L-shaped bypass 34
communicates the second space 506 defined between the inner and outer
walls 10 and 20 with the front chamber 502. The block 302 is located a
distance behind the front seat 30. The block 302 defines a plurality of
first communicating passages 304 extending therethrough and located
neighboring the piston rod 50. A cup-shaped third stop member 38 is
mounted between the inner wall 10 and the piston rod 50 and located a
distance behind the block 302. The third stop member 38 has a front end
clamped between the inner wall 10 and the block 302 and defines a
plurality of bores 382 on a rear side thereof. A fourth disk 36 is mounted
around the piston rod 50 and located between the block 302 and the third
stop member 38. A fourth spring 37 is compressed between the third stop
member 38 and the fourth disk 36 to push the fourth disk 36 toward the
second L-shaped bypass 34 and thus the second L-shaped bypass 34 is
normally closed by the fourth disk 36.
Particularly referring to FIG. 3, the front seat 30 is formed to have a
first control channel 31, a second control channel 32, a communicating
channel 33 and a communication conduit 35 defined in a rear end face of
the front seat 30. The first and second control channels 31, 32 are
communicated with the communicating channel 33 and each other at a common
end thereof. At the portion other than the common end, the first and
second control channels 31, 32 are separated from each other by a first
partition 332 formed by the front seat 30 and located between the two
channels 31, 32. A plurality (three) of second communicating passages 301
are defined in an inner periphery of the front seat 30.
The second communicating passages 301 are communicated with the front
chamber 502 via the first communicating passages 304 and the bores 382 in
the third stop member 38. The communication conduit 35 is formed into a
circular conduit portion with a communication hole 351. The communication
hole 351 is arranged in communication with the communicating tube 60. The
communication conduit 35 is separated from the first and second control
channels 31 and 32 and the communicating channel 33 by a second partition
334 formed by the front seat 30 and located between the communication
conduit 35 and the second control channel 32 .
Particularly referring to FIG. 4, the first control channel 31 has a depth
variable along a length thereof. The first control channel 31 has a depth
gradually increasing from a distal end to the end near the communicating
channel 33. The second control channel 32 has a similar configuration as
the first control channel 31. Particularly referring to FIG. 5, unlike the
control channels 31 and 32, the communication conduit 35 has a constant
depth from the communication hole 351.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first sleeve 25 is rotatably mounted on
a rear end of the front seat 30 and defines a lower passage 251 in
communication with the first control channel 31 and an upper passage 252
in communication with the communicating tube 60 via the communication
conduit 35 and the communication hole 351 and the second control channel
32 wherein the circular conduit portion of the communication conduit 35 is
always kept in communication with the upper passage 252 irrespective of
rotation of the first sleeve 25.
A second sleeve 24 has a rear end fixedly connected with a rear end of the
first sleeve 25 and a front end rotatably mounted the front end of the
piston rod 50. When the second sleeve 24 is rotated, the first sleeve 25
rotates accordingly. A third space 253 is defined between the first sleeve
25 and the second sleeve 24. The third space 253 is in communication with
the lower passage 251 defined by the first sleeve 25 and the second
communicating passages 301 defined by the front seat 30. A large seal 26
is mounted in the third space 253 and hermetically engages with the piston
rod 50. A fifth spring 27 is compressed between the large seal 26 and the
first sleeve 25.
A control ring 23 is fixedly mounted on a front end of the second sleeve 24
so that when the control ring 23 is rotated, the second sleeve 24 rotates
accordingly. A mounting ring 232 is mounted between the control ring 23
and the first and second sleeves 25, 24 and has a rear end fixedly and
hermetically engaging with a front end of the outer wall 20. A third slit
234 is defined between the mounting ring 232 and the front seat 30. The
communicating channel 33 is communicated with the second space 506 via the
third slit 234.
A small seal (not labeled) is respectively mounted on the first sleeve 25
and the second sleeve 24 to provide a hermetical engagement between the
first and second sleeves 25, 24 and the mounting ring 232.
The following description is related to how the hydraulic cylinder in
accordance with the present invention works.
The hydraulic cylinder is filled with oil. When the front ring 51 is pulled
by a user to move toward the right of FIG. 1, a minor portion of the oil
in the front chamber 502 will firstly flow backwardly through the first
slit 54 and the upper hole 53 to open the first disk 521 to enter the rear
chamber 504, thereby to facilitate the initial movement of the piston 52;
otherwise, since the path for the oil in the front chamber 502 to flow
into the rear chamber 504, which includes the first and second
communicating passages 304 and 301, the lower and upper passages 251 and
252 defined by the first sleeve 25, the communicating tube 60, etc., is
relatively long, an initial movement of the piston 52 may only compress
the oil, which causes the initial movement of the piston 52 to become very
difficult.
During the movement of the piston 52 toward the right, a major portion of
the oil in the front chamber 502 will flow through the bores 382, the
first communicating passages 304, the second communicating passages 301,
the third space 253, the lower passage 251 defined by the first sleeve 25
to enter the first control channel 31 defined in the rear end face of the
front seat 30. The oil entering the first control channel 31 will have a
portion flowing through the second control channel 32, the communication
conduit 35, the communication hole 351, the communicating tube 60, the
first space 422, the central hole 42 of the second stop member 46 to enter
the rear chamber 504 and a further portion flowing into the second space
506 defined between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 20 via the
communicating channel 33 and the third slit 234. The oil entering the
second space 506 then will flow into the rear chamber 504 via the first
L-shaped bypass 41.
Moreover, immediately after the piston 52 is moved to the right, a vacuum
pressure will be created in the rear chamber 504. The vacuum pressure will
induce the third disk 44 to leave the front end of the first L-shaped
bypass 41 and the oil already existing in the second space 506 defined
between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall 20 to immediately flow into
the rear chamber 504.
Alternatively, when the piston 52 is pushed toward the left, a minor
portion of the oil in the rear chamber 504 will flow forwardly through the
second slit 54' and the lower hole 53' to open the second disk 521' to
enter the front chamber 502 to facilitate the initial movement of the
piston 52.
Moreover, immediately after the piston 52 is moved to the left, a vacuum
pressure will be created in the front chamber 502. The vacuum pressure
will induce the fourth disk 36 to leave the rear end of the second
L-shaped bypass 34 and the oil in the second space 506 defined between the
inner wall 10 and the outer wall 20 to immediately flow into the front
chamber 502 via the L-shaped bypass 34 and the bores 382.
Since in this embodiment, the L-shaped bypass 34 is located nearer a center
of the hydraulic cylinder, even if the cylinder is not fully filled with
oil, when the piston rod 50 is pushed to the left in the drawings, oil in
the second space 506 defined between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall
20 also can quickly flow into the front chamber 502 via the L-shaped
bypass 34.
During the movement of the piston toward the left, a major portion of the
oil in the rear chamber 504 will flow through the central hole 42 of the
second stop member 46, the first space 422, the communicating tube 60, the
communication hole 351, the communication conduit 35, the upper passage
252 of the first sleeve 25 to enter the second control channel 32. The oil
entering the second control channel 32 then will have a portion flowing
into the second space 506 defined between the inner wall 10 and the outer
wall 20 via the communicating channel 33 and the third slit 234, and a
further portion flowing through the first control channel 31, the lower
passage 251 of the first sleeve 25, the third space 253, the second
communicating passages 301 of the rear seat 30, the first communicating
passages 304 of the block 302 and the bores 382 of the third stop member
38 to enter the front chamber 502.
No matter whether the piston 52 is moved to the left or the right, the
chamber 504 or 502 can be immediately supplied with the hydraulic oil in
the second space 506 defined between the inner wall 10 and the outer wall
20 via the bypass 41 or 34; thus, the hydraulic cylinder in accordance
with the present invention can enable a user thereof to very smoothly
operate the exercising apparatus.
Furthermore, by rotating the control ring 23 to rotate the first sleeve 25
via the second sleeve 24 to change the position of the lower and upper
passages 251 and 252 of the first sleeve 25 relative to the first and
second control channels 31 and 32 of the front seat 30, the
cross-sectional area of the channel by which the oil can flow from the
rear chamber 504 to the front chamber 502 or vice versa can be changed,
the counterpressure of the hydraulic oil acting on the piston 52 when the
piston 52 is forced to move can be changed; thus, the resistance of the
hydraulic cylinder in accordance with the present invention can be
adjusted by simply rotating a single control ring.
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention which, except the
addition of a small seal (not labeled) between the first and second
sleeves 25, 24 and the configuration of the upper passage 252, has a
structure substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In the
first embodiment, the upper passage 252 is defined as a single recess
simultaneously in communication with the second control channel 32 and the
communication conduit 35 while in the second embodiment, the upper passage
252 defines a first horizontal blind hole 254 in communication with the
second control channel 32, a second horizontal blind hole 255 in
communication with the communication conduit 35 and a vertical blind hole
256 connecting the first and second horizontal blind holes 254 and 255.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Except for
the following differences, the third embodiment has a structure
substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In the third
embodiment, the front seat 30 defines a hole 303 axially extending
therethrough. The first sleeve 25 defines a first control channel 31 in
communication with the hole 303, a second control channel 32 in
communication with the communicating tube 60, and a communicating hole 333
connecting the first and second control channels 31 and 32.
As in the control channels in the first embodiment, each of the control
channels in the third embodiment also has a variable depth along its
length whereby the resistance of the hydraulic cylinder can be adjusted
when the first sleeve 25 is rotated relative to the front seat 30 by
rotating the control ring 23.
In the third embodiment, when the piston (not shown) is moved to the right,
the oil in the front chamber 502 will flow through the bores 382, the
first communicating passages 304, the hole 303, the first control channel
31, the communicating hole 333, the second control channel 32, the
communicating tube 60 to reach the rear chamber 504 (not shown). When the
piston is moved to the left, the oil in the rear chamber will flow through
the above mentioned path but in a reversed sequence to reach the front
chamber 502.
FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Except for the
following differences, the fourth embodiment has a structure substantially
the same as that of the first embodiment. The first and second control
channels 31, 32 are respectively formed on a bottom face and a side face
of the first sleeve 25. A vertical communicating hole 335 connects the
first and second control channels 31, 32, and a communication conduit 352
in the front seat 30 connects the first control channel 31 and the second
communicating passages 301. The second control channel 32 is in
communication with the communicating tube 60.
As in the control channels in the first embodiment, each of the control
channels in the fourth embodiment also has a variable depth along its
length whereby the resistance of the hydraulic cylinder can be adjusted
when the first sleeve 25 is rotated relative to the front seat 30 by
rotating the control ring 23.
In the fourth embodiment, when the piston (not shown) is moved to the
right, the oil in the front chamber 502 will flow through the bores 382,
the first communicating passages 304, the second communicating passages
301, the communication conduit 352, the first control channel 31, the
communicating hole 335, the second control channel 32, the communicating
tube 60 to reach the rear chamber (not shown). When the piston is moved to
the left, the oil in the rear chamber will flow through the above
mentioned path but in a reversed sequence to reach the front chamber 502.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of
particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been
made by way of example only and that numerous changes in the detailed
construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted
to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
hereinafter claimed. | 0A
| 63 | B |
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIG. 1, there is shown a washing machine10including a water vacuum break assembly12connected to washing machine10. Washing machine10includes a housing14with an exterior wall of metal construct.
Now, additionally referring toFIGS. 2-5, housing14has a series of slots therein including upper mounting slots16, lower mounting slots18and elongated curved openings20. Slots16and18interact with connection features of vacuum break assembly12discussed hereinafter. Elongated curved openings20accommodate the insertion and sliding of hose connectors that are part of water vacuum break assembly12. Within housing14there are various constraints within washing machine10including a top constraint22, which may be a top portion of washing machine10. Further the positioning of tub24serves as a constraint for the positioning of water vacuum break assembly12. Water vacuum break assembly12supplies water to tub24during the operation of washing machine10.
Water vacuum break assembly12includes thermal sensor assembly26, valve assemblies28, upper grooved lips30, lower grooved lips32, upper retaining snaps34, and lower retaining snaps36. Thermal sensor assembly26is associated with water vacuum break assembly12to sense the temperature of the water passing through water vacuum break assembly12and the information from the sensor is sent to a controller that then provides control signals to valve assemblies28to control the volume and temperature of the water flowing through water vacuum break assembly12.
Valve assemblies28, are associated with water vacuum break assembly12although they can be separate located. Valve assembly28is located at each side of12and is snapped into position, one for the supplying of cold water and the other for the supplying of hot water. Valve assemblies28include a solenoid38and a hose connector40. Solenoid38is electrically connected to a controller, which activates solenoid38at appropriate times. Hose connector40extends through elongated curved opening20when water vacuum break assembly12is inserted through housing14in direction52and then once inserted water vacuum break assembly12is moved in direction54. Direction52is substantially orthogonal with the exterior wall of housing14and direction54is substantially parallel with the exterior wall of housing14.
Grooved lips30and32are L-shaped protrusions that extend generally outwardly and downwardly from the back portion of water vacuum break assembly12. Lips30and32are arranged so that they will extend through slots16and18, respectively, and then slide over an outer portion of the exterior wall of housing14. When grooved lips30and32are pushed into position through slots16and18, and then downwardly, retaining snaps34and36snap into position to hold water vacuum break assembly12in a fixed position relative to the exterior wall of housing14.
Upper retaining snaps34include a flexible arm42, a retaining edge44and a retaining extension46. Flexible arm42is molded from the same material as the bulk of water vacuum break assembly12and is shaped and formed to take advantage of the flexible nature of a reduced cross-sectional area of the material. Retaining edge44is positioned relative to the bottom of grooved lip30so that when grooved lip30is fully inserted and extends over a portion of the exterior wall of housing14that retaining edge44snaps into position within an upper mounting slot16. Retaining extension46serves to not allow retaining edge44to extend too far through slot16and to additionally allow another portion of washing machine10, not shown, to be mounted after water vacuum break assembly12to thereby prevent incidental disconnection of water vacuum break assembly12from washing machine10. In a similar manner lower retaining snaps36include a flexible arm48and a retaining edge50. Flexible arm48serves a dual purpose to allow the flexing of snap36and also prevents retaining edge50from extending too far through slot18. As with retaining snap34, retaining snap36is shaped and positioned such that when grooved lip32is in position retaining edge50engages an edge of slot18to prevent the removal of vacuum break assembly12from the exterior wall of housing14.
The insertion of water vacuum break assembly12includes moving assembly12in first direction52until grooved lips30and32extend, respectively through slots16and18. At this point in the operation snaps34and36are flexed away from their normal position until water vacuum break assembly12is moved in second direction54thereby allowing flexible arms42and48to return to their normal position thereby causing retaining edges44and50to engage upper portions of slots16and18, respectively. In this position hose connectors40extend through the exterior wall of housing14allowing the connection of the water hose to each hose connector40.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
| 3D
| 06 | F |
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the ensuing description reference is now made to the drawings and
especially FIG. 1 where the nut of the invention is enumerated generally
as 10 and includes in its major parts a base plate 12 which abuts against
a major surface of a panel 14 in a way that will be described when a
sleeve 16 integral with the base plate is fully extended through a panel
opening 18. When so mounted, at opposite sides of the nut there are
provided first locking means 20 which automatically extend to a position
opposite the lower major surface 22 of the panel to which the nut is
affixed and also second locking means 24 which frictionally contact the
panel opening 18 edges (FIG. 5).
As will be more particularly described, the combined action of the locking
means 20 and 24 serve to fully secure the nut within opening 18 of the
panel enabling receipt of a threaded bolt 26 therewithin and securing
other apparatus to the panel which other apparatus is more generally shown
and enumerated as 28.
With reference now particularly to FIG. 4 there is shown an overall
generally rectangular blank 30 made of sheet metal (e.g., steel) from
which the nut 10 of this invention is formed. In its major parts, the
blank includes a central generally rectangular base plate (identical to
base plate 12) having an edge dimension D which exceeds the width of panel
opening 18 and in that way will prevent the nut from passing completely
through the opening 18. A sleeve 16, either drawn or roll-formed, is
provided in upstanding relation in the central region of the base plate
and includes one or more internal threads. First and second identical sets
of sidewall members 36 and 38 extend from opposite sides of the base 12 in
opposite directions from one another and generally at 90 degrees to the
base sidewall.
Only the sidewall members 36 will be described in detail since the sidewall
members 38 have corresponding component parts constructed in the same
manner. More particularly, the sidewall member 36 includes a generally
rectangular extension 40 with an included opening 42 formed at the
adjacent edge of the base plate, which opening primarily serves to reduce
spring resistance in that region and in that way reduce nut installation
force. Outwardly of the opening 42 the extension 40 includes first and
second generally rectangular, elongated, locking strips 44 and 46 in
spaced apart and generally parallel relation. The two sets of locking
strips collectively form the first locking means 20.
Intermediate the two locking strips 44 and 46 there is provided a panel
edge securing means 48 which is substantially rectangular and extends
generally parallel to the adjacent locking strips. After initial forming,
the outer end portion 50 of the panel edge securing means 48 is provided
with a good frictional surface such as, for example, by knurling.
The dotted lines 52, 54 and 56 on the blank 30 are bend lines for forming
the blank component parts into the desired shape of the nut 10.
Preferably the blank 30 is formed to desired shape by a conventional press
or stamping process. Also, in all forming steps to be discussed, the bend
lines should be sufficiently radiused so as not to weaken the resulting
nut construction by the inclusion of sharp corners.
As a first step in the formation of the nut 10, the blank is treated
preferably by a set of conventional progressive dies (not shown) which
successively apply pressure to the blank metal for drawing or roll-forming
the sleeve 16 and then accomplish internal threading of the sleeve.
Following the sleeve formation, the panel edge securing means 48 have their
outer end portions 50 on the major surface facing in the same direction
that the sleeve extends treated to provide a scored surface with
relatively sharp ridges facing outwardly from the metal surface for biting
into the panel opening inner edge during use. Preferably, the ridges
extend at an angle that will provide a good gripping engagement with the
inner edges of panel opening 18 (e.g., generally parallel to opening edges
as in FIG. 3, or at an angle differing from 90 degree engagement with
opening edges as in FIG. 1).
Finally, the strips 44 and 46 and the means 48 are bent along the bend
lines 52-56 in order to provide the final arrangement as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, for example. More particularly, in final formed condition, the two
extensions 40 are bent about the respective lines 52 so as to extend
angularly toward each other with the further bend line 54 lying within the
projected cross sectional area of the sleeve bore (FIG. 2). Also, strips
44, 46 and means 48 are bent about line 54 so as to be outward of the
respectively adjacent extension 40 and generally parallel thereto. Still
further, the outer end portion 50 is bent about line 52 toward the
extension 40 so the tip 58 of means 48 is just within the opening 42 (FIG.
1).
In use, the nut 10 is received within the generally rectangular opening 18
in the panel 14 which is appropriately dimensioned for sliding receipt of
the nut therein. When the forward portions of the locking strips 44 and 46
pass through the opening 18 the strips are laterally compressed slightly
and so dimensioned that as the strip ends 60 extend completely through the
opening, they spring laterally outwardly behind the panel edges now
preventing withdrawal of the nut therefrom.
It is also important to note that in final form that the means 48 are
positioned inwardly of strips 44 and 46 (FIG. 2) sufficiently so that when
the nut is inserted in the panel opening the means 48 pass through the
opening with at most only slight compression. At this time the specially
prepared frictional end portions 50 of the means 48 are located in
slightly spaced or barely contacting relation with the edge portions of
the panel opening. Accordingly, installation force of the nut into the
panel opening is determined substantially solely by the spring reaction
caused by the strips 44 and 46 as they pass through the panel opening.
On a bolt 62 being threaded into the nut sleeve as shown in FIG. 5 and
outwardly of the threaded sleeve, it engages the bend-line locking strip
ends 64 and separates them. By this action, the scored regions 50 of the
panel securing means 48 engage the inner edges of the panel opening 18
which not only increases the locking force against withdrawal of the nut
from the opening, but also secures the nut against lateral movement within
the opening.
Although the invention has been described in the preferred embodiment as
having a threaded sleeve for receiving a similarly threaded bolt 62, it is
contemplated that the invention can be advantageously employed with other
fastening arrangements, such as caged or so-called clinch nuts.
As shown in FIG. 5 the tips 60 of strips 44 and 46 contact the lower
surface of panel 24 when bolt 62 is fully received within the nut. The
spacing d (FIG.) between tips 60 and the base plate 12 is made so as to
enable accommodating a range of panel thicknesses as opposed to a single
precise thickness, for example.
More particularly, when the nut of the invention is mounted into a panel
opening, it is not only prevented from being withdrawn from the opening
without special tooling, but also provides a firm and reliable positioning
of the nut within the opening which is desirable and promotes ease of
mounting of a bolt with associated apparatus to the nut.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that those skilled in the art
may provide modifications which come within the spirit of the invention as
described and within the ambit of the appended claims. | 5F
| 16 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present inventors have now discovered a paper substrate having a pH of at least 7.0 which, until now, was unable to meet the stringent physical properties required by the construction industries, as well as methods of making and using the same.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain recycled fibers and/or virgin fibers. Recycled fibers differ from virgin fibers in that the fibers have gone through the drying process at least once.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 1 to 99 wt % of cellulose fibers based upon the total weight of the substrate, including 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 99 wt %, and including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
Preferably, the sources of the cellulose fibers are from softwood and/or hardwood. The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 50 to 100 wt %, preferably from 80 to 95%, cellulose fibers originating from softwood species based upon the total amount of cellulose fibers in the paper substrate. This range includes 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 wt %, including any and all ranges and subranges therein, based upon the total amount of cellulose fibers in the paper substrate.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 0 to 50 wt %, preferably from 5 to 20%, cellulose fibers originating from hardwood species based upon the total amount of cellulose fibers in the paper substrate. This range includes 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 wt %, including any and all ranges and subranges therein, based upon the total amount of cellulose fibers in the paper substrate.
Further, the softwood and/or hardwood fibers contained by the paper substrate of the present invention may be modified by physical and/or chemical means. Examples of physical means include, but is not limited to, electromagnetic and mechanical means. Means for electrical modification include, but are not limited to, means involving contacting the fibers with an electromagnetic energy source such as light and/or electrical current. Means for mechanical modification include, but are not limited to, means involving contacting an inanimate object with the fibers. Examples of such inanimate objects include those with sharp and/or dull edges. Such means also involve, for example, cutting, kneading, pounding, impaling, etc means.
Examples of chemical means include, but is not limited to, conventional chemical fiber modification means. Examples of such modification of fibers may be, but is not limited to, those found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,592,717, 6,582,557, 6,579,415, 6,579,414, 6,506,282, 6,471,824, 6,361,651, 6,146,494, H1,704, 5,698,688, 5,698,074, 5,667,637, 5,662,773, 5,531,728, 5,443,899, 5,360,420, 5,266,250, 5,209,953, 5,160,789, 5,049,235, 4,986,882, 4,496,427, 4,431,481, 4,174,417, 4,166,894, 4,075,136, and 4,022,965, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain at least one wet strength additive. The wet strength additive may be cationic, anionic, neutral, and amphoteric. A preferred wet strength additive is cationic and/or contains a basic functional group. Examples of the wet strength additive may be, but is not limited to, polymeric amine epichlorohydrin (PAE), urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde and glyoxylated polyacrylamide resins. Further examples of wet strength additives that may he incorporated in to the present invention may include, but is not limited to, those found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,355,137 and 6,171,440, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. Preferred wet strength additives include, but are not limited to, polymeric amine epichlorohydrin (PAF).
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 0.25 to 2.5 wt % of the wet strength additive based upon the total weight of the substrate. This range includes 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 1.3, 1.4 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 wt %, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain at least one alkaline sizing agent. Examples of the alkaline sizing agent may be, but is not limited to, unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, such as C6 to C24, preferably C18 to C20, unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds and mixtures thereof.
Further examples of alkaline sizing agents that may be incorporated in to the present invention may include, but is not limited to, those found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,595,632, 6,512,146, 6,316,095, 6,273,997, 6,228,219, 6,165,321, 6,126,783, 6,033,526, 6,007,906, 5,766,417, 5,685,815, 5,527,430, 5,011,741, 4,710,422, and4,184,914, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. Preferred alkaline sizing agent may be, but not limited to, alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer and alkenyl succinic anhydride.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 0.05 to 1.5 wt % of the alkaline sizing agent based upon the total weight of the substrate. This range includes 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 wt %, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain at least one anionic promoter. Examples of the anionic promoter may be, but is not limited to, polyacrylates, sulfonates, carboxymethyl celluloses, galactomannan hemicelluloses and polyacrylamides. Preferred anionic promoters include, but are not limited to polyacrylates such as Nalco 64873.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 0.05 to 1.5 wt % of the anionic promoter based upon the total weight of the substrate. This range includes 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 wt %, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may have a MD tensile as measured by conventional TAPPI method 494 of from 25 to 100, preferably from 40 to 90 lbf/inch width. This range includes MD tensile of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 lbf/inch width, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may have a CD tensile as measured by conventional TAPPI method 494 of from 5 to 50, preferably from 20 to 50 lbf/inch width, most preferably 25 to 40 lbf/inch width. This range includes CD tensile of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 lbf/inch width, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may have a wet strength as measured by conventional TAPPI method 456 of from 5 to 50, preferably from 10 to 25, most preferably from 15 to 25, lb/inch width. This range includes wet strengths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 lb/inch width, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may have an internal bond as measured by conventional TAPPI method 541 of from 25 to 350, preferably from 50 to 250, most preferably from 100-200, mill ft-lb/sq. in. This range includes internal bond of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325 and 350 milli ft-lb/sq. in, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may have a pH of at least about 7.0 as measured by any conventional method such as a pH marker/pen and conventional TAPPI methods 252 and 529 (hot extraction test and/or surface pH test). The pH of the paper may be from about 7.0 to 14.0, preferably about 7.0 to 9.0, most preferably from about 7.1 to 8.5. This range includes pHs of 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.2, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.8, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, and 14.0, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate according to the present invention may be made off of the paper machine having a basis weight of from 50 lb/3000 sq. ft. to 120 lb/3000 sq. ft, preferably from 70 to 120, and most preferably from 80-100 lb/3000 sq. ft. The basis weight of the substrate may be 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 98, 100, 105, 110, 115 and 120 lb/3000 sq. ft, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate according to the present invention may be made off of the paper machine having an apparent density of from 5.0 to 20.0, preferably 9.0 to 13.0, most preferably from 9.5 to 11.5, lb/3000 sq. ft.per 0.001 inch thickness. The apparent density of the substrate may be 5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.8, 6.0, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0, 19.5 and 20.0 lb/3000 sq. ft.per 0.001 inch thickness, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate according to the present invention may have a width off the winder of a paper machine of from 5 to 100 inches and can vary in length. The width of the paper substrate may be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 inches, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
Additionally, the paper substrate according to the present invention may be cut into streamers that have a width of from 1.5 to 3.25 inches wide and may vary in length. The width of the paper substrate streamer may have a width of 1.50, 1.60, 1.70 1.75, 1.80, 1.85, 1.9, 1.95, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, 2.30, 2.40, 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, 2.80, 2.90, 3.00, 3.05, 3.10, 3.15, 3.20, and 3.25 inches, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may also include binders and inert substances including fillers, thickeners, and preservatives. Other inert substances include, but are not limited to silicas such as colloids and/or sols. Examples of silicas include, but are not limited to, sodium silicate and/or borosilicates. Another example of inert substances is solvents including but not limited to water. Examples of fillers include, but are not limited to; calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and calcium sulfate dehydrate. A preferable filler is calcium carbonate. Examples of binders include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, Amres (a Kymene type), Bayer Parez, polychloride emulsion, modified starch such as hydroxyethyl starch, starch, polyacrylamide, modified polyacrylamide, polyol, polyol carbonyl adduct, ethanedial/polyol condensate, polyamide, epichlorohydrin, glyoxal, glyoxal urea, ethanedial, aliphatic polyisocyanate, isocyanate, 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate, diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, polyester, polyester resin, polyacrylate, polyacrylate resin, acrylate, and methacrylate.
The paper substrate of the present invention may contain from 0.001 to 20 wt % of the inert substances based on the total weight of the substrate, preferably from 0.01 to 10 wt %, most preferably 0.1 to 5.0 wt %, of each of at least one of the inert substances. This range includes 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.006, 0.008, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 wt % based on the total weight of the substrate, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate of the present invention may also contain starch at a wt % of from 0.05 wt % to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the substrate. The wt % of starch contained by the substrate may be 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20 wt % based on the total weight of the substrate, including any and all ranges and subranges therein.
The paper substrate may be made by contacting a plurality of cellulose fibers with a wet strength additive, an alkaline sizing agent, and an anionic promoter consecutively and/or simultaneously. Further, the contacting may occur in an aqueous environment having a pH of from 7.0 to 14.0. Still further, the contacting may occur at acceptable concentration levels that provide the paper substrate of the present invention to contain any of the above-mentioned amounts of cellulose fibers, wet strength additive, alkaline sizing agent, anionic promoter, filler, binder, thickener, and plasticizer isolated or in any combination thereof. The contacting may occur anytime in the papermaking process including, but not limited to the thick stock, thin stock, head box, size press, water box, and coater. The cellulose fibers, wet strength additive, alkaline sizing agent, anionic promoter may be contacted serially, consecutively, and/or simultaneously in any combination with each other. The cellulose fibers, wet strength additive, alkaline sizing agent, anionic promoter may he pre-mixed in any combination before addition to the paper-making process.
These methods of making the paper substrate of the present invention may be added to any conventional papermaking processes, as well as converting processes, including abrading, sanding, slitting, scoring, perforating, sparking, calendaring, sheet finishing, converting, coating, laminating, printing, etc. Preferred conventional processes include those tailored to produce paper substrates capable to be utilized as wallboard tape. Textbooks such as those described in the “Handbook for pulp and paper technologists” by G. A. Smook (1992), Angus Wilde Publications, describe such processes and is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference.
The present invention is explained in more detail with the aid of the following embodiment example which is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Method
A method of making the product of the present invention is depicted inFIG. 1.FIG. 1demonstrates a flow diagram of a specific papermaking process incorporating the serial and/or simultaneous addition of a wet strength additive, an alkaline sizing agent, an anionic promoter with a plurality of softwood and hardwood cellulose fibers at any one or more entry points selected from A, B, C, and/or D. The resultant paper substrate is summarized in Table 1. The papermaking process utilized the following stations of: pulp chest, refining, blending, sheet forming, drying, pressing, size press treatment, drying, calendaring, reeling, and winding. This can be followed by any conventional converting methods to produce, preferably, a wallboard tape.
TABLE 1Paper substrate product made from the processsummarized above and in FIG. 1Wt % based in the totalweight of the paperIngredientsubstrateAlkaline Sizing Agent0.1%Wet Strength Additive1%Anionic Promoter0.25%Inert substances8.65%Cellulosic Fibers90%(of which 90% Softwoodand 10% Hardwood basedon total weight ofCellulosic Fibers)
As used throughout, ranges are used as a short hand for describing each and every value that is within the range, including all subranges therein.
Numerous modifications and variations on the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the accompanying claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
All of the references, as well as their cited references, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference with respect to relative portions related to the subject matter of the present invention and all of its embodiment
| 3D
| 21 | H |
EXAMPLES 1 TO 11
Production of activated carbon and, optionally, crystalline wide-pored
SiO.sub.2 -containing sorbents based on amorphous SiO.sub.2.
General Preparation Rule:
A sodium silicate solution containing 6.30% by wt. of Na.sub.2 O and 21.16%
by wt. of SiO.sub.2 and having a density of d.sub.20 =1.256 was used as a
source for the amorphous SiO.sub.2. Activated carbon or graphite and,
optionally, wide-pored SiO.sub.2 (finely divided particles, pore diameter
20 to 30 .ANG.) were added to the sodium silicate solution in the form of
an aqueous suspension (mash). Precipitation was carried out by mixing with
an acid solution which was an aqueous sulfuric acid having a concentration
of 7.87% by wt. of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and a density of d.sub.20 =1.049. A pH
value of 6.9 was obtained upon mixing the alkaline solution and the acid
solution. The mixture was immediately introduced into a precipitation oil
and the resultant beads, optionally following an ageing step, were washed
until they had been freed from sulfate. A base exchange was then
performed, the beads being specifically contacted with 0.5% by wt. of
H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -containing sulfuric acid for 5 times 3 hours each. A
recirculating drier was then used for drying at 180.degree. C. with steam
for 3.5 hours. Tempering was subsequently performed. Following ageing,
drying was performed in Example 5 and the dried beaded bodies were
subjected to a base exchange by contacting the same with sulfuric acid of
a concentration of 0.5% by wt. of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 five times for 3 hours,
and were then washed until freed from sulfate. Instead of sulfuric acid,
0.5% by wt. of Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 solution was used in Example 1.
EXAMPLES 12 AND 13
Beaded amorphous SiO.sub.2 was used in the form of the commercial product
"AF25.sup.R " of Solvay Catalysts GmbH. These are beads having a diameter
of from 2 to 6 mm. These beads were sprayed with an aqueous graphite
suspension and then dried at 200.degree. C. for 18 hours.
The process parameters and properties of the resultant sorbents are
summarized in the following Table 1:
TABLE 1
__________________________________________________________________________
Cont. of
Mean Volume Act.
Cont. of
Part.
Ratio Carbon
Mash
Size Mash: Vibrat.
Pore Bursting
or Graph.
Used % by
micron!
Water
Ageing
Temper.
Weight
Volume
Surface
Pressure
% by
Example
Mash wt.!
(8) Glass
h! h; .degree.C.
g/ml!
ml/gl!
m.sup.2 /ml!
kg! wt.!
__________________________________________________________________________
1 Act. 13.8
4.7 0.438
2 18/200 0.91
817 2.7 20
Carbon
(1)
2 Graphite
21.4
8.6 0.375
2 18/200
0.53
0.63
680 3
SiO.sub.2
21.4
4.2
wide-
pored
3 Graphite
21.4
8.6 0.375
2 18/200
0.59 11.3
SiO.sub.2
21.4
wide-
pored
4 Act. 16.1
4.8 0.411
18 18/200
0.40
1.01
675 1.4 6.4
Carbon
(2)
5 Act. 21.4
5.2 0.411
18 4/180 +
0.41
1.07
285 7.2 6.4
Carbon 18/200
(2)
6 Act. 15.3
2.8 0.395
4 6/200 0.79
758 3.7 20
Carbon
(3)
7 Act. 13.0
2.8 0.464
4 6/200
0.49
0.73
739 2.9 20
Carbon
(3)
8 Act. 15.5
2.6 0.390
4 6/200
0.43
0.90
745 0.9 20
Carbon
(4) (11)
9 Act. 10.8
2.8 0.562
4 6/200
0.48
0.76
719 3.2 20
Carbon
(5) (12)
10 Act. 14.3
0.9 0.423
4 6/200 0.95
592 20
Carbon
(6)
11 Act. 12.1
1.4 0.500
4 6/200
0.52
0 68
722 6.9 20
Carbon
(7) (13)
12 Graphite
21.4
8.6 (9)
-- 18/200
0.48 8.0
13 Graphite
21.4
8.6 (10)
-- 18/200
0.47 4.2
__________________________________________________________________________
Explanations regarding Table 1:
(1) product Lurgi AS 4/420.sup.R
(2) AKohle Riedel 18003.sup.R
(3) Norit P1.sup.R, American Norit Co.
(4) Lurgi Carbopol SC 44/1.sup.R
(5) Lurgi GnA.sup.R
(6) Degussa Flammru.beta..sup.R
(7) Norit SA 1.sup.R
(8) d.sub.50 determined according to the Cilas method
(9) finished SiO.sub.2 beads, sprayed
(10) finished SiO.sub.2 beads, sprayed
(11) bulk density: 0.40 g/ml
(12) bulk density: 0.45 g/ml
(13) bulk density: 0.48 g/ml | 1B
| 01 | D |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, a booster shell 1 of a tandem type vacuum booster B
comprises a pair of front and rear shell halves 1a and 1b coupled at their
opposed ends to each other, and a partition wall plate 1c which is clamped
between both the shell halves 1a and 1b to divide a chamber between both
the shell halves 1a and 1b into a front shell chamber 2 and a rear shell
chamber 3. A brake master cylinder M is attached to a front face of the
front shell half 1a, and the rear shell half 1b is secured to a vehicle
body which is no shown.
The front shell chamber 2 is divided into a foreside front vacuum chamber
2a and a backside front working chamber 2b by a front booster piston 4
longitudinally reciprocatably received in the front shell chamber 2 and by
a front diaphragm 5 superposed on and coupled to a rear face of the piston
4 and clamped between the front shell half la and the partition wall plate
1c. The rear shell chamber 3 is also divided into a foreside rear vacuum
chamber 3a and a backside rear working chamber 3b by a rear booster piston
6 longitudinally reciprocatably received in the rear shell chamber 3 and
by a rear diaphragm 7 superposed on and coupled to a rear face of the
piston 6 and clamped together with the partition wall plate 1c between
both the shell halves 1a and 1b.
The front and rear booster pistons 4 and 6 are annularly formed from a
steel sheet and secured respectively to opposite front and rear ends of a
piston boss 10 which is made of a synthetic resin and is slidably carried
on a partition wall plate 1c with a bush 8 and a sealing member 9
interposed therebetween. Thus, the booster pistons 4 and 6 are integrally
connected to each other through the piston boss 10.
The piston boss 10 has a valve cylinder 11 integrally provided at its rear
end to project therefrom. The valve cylinder 11 is slidably carried
through a bush 13 and a sealing member 14 on a cylindrical rearwardly
extending part 12 which is projectingly mounted on a rear wall of the
booster shell 1 to cover the valve cylinder 11.
The front vacuum chamber 2a is connected through a vacuum pressure
introducing pipe 15 to a vacuum pressure source which is not shown (e.g.,
an interior of an intake manifold in an internal combustion engine) and
communicates with a rear vacuum chamber 3a through a first port 16 in the
piston boss 10. The front and rear working chambers 2b and 3b communicate
with each other through a second port 17 in the piston boss 10 and adapted
to be alternately put into communication with the front and rear vacuum
chambers 2a and 3a and with an atmospheric air inlet port 19 opened in an
end wall of the cylindrical rearwardly extending part 12 by the operation
of a control valve 18 provided in the valve cylinder 11. The control valve
18 is a known valve operated by a brake pedal 21 through an input rod 20.
An output rod 23 is mounted on the piston boss 10 to project forwardly
therefrom and is connected to a rear end of the piston 22 of the master
cylinder M. A return spring 24 is provided in compression in the front
vacuum chamber 2a for biasing the piston boss 10 in a retreating
direction.
Thus, when the input rod 20 is allowed to advance by depression of the
brake pedal 21, the working chambers 2b and 3b are put out of
communication with the vacuum chambers 2a and 3a and with the atmospheric
air inlet port 19 by the operation of the control valve 18, so that the
atmospheric pressure acts on the working chambers 2b and 3b. A great
difference in air pressure developed between the vacuum chambers 2a and 3a
and the working chambers 2b and 3b causes the booster pistons 4 and 6 to
advance, thereby permitting the piston 22 of the master cylinder M to be
boostingly operated through the output rod 23. If the brake pedal 21 is
released to permit the retreating of the input rod 20, the working
chambers 2b and 3b are put out of communication with the atmospheric air
inlet port 19 and into communication with the vacuum chambers 2a and 3a by
the operation of the control valve 18, so that the difference in air
pressure between the working chambers 2b and 3b and the vacuum chambers 2a
and 3a decreases and hence, the booster pistons 4 and 6 can be retreated
by a force of the return spring 24.
Description will now be made of a coupled structure of the front and rear
shell halves 1a and 1b and the partition wall plate 1c.
The front shell half 1a is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with
its rear end opened, and is provided, at its central portion, its
rearwardly intermediate portion and its rear end, with first, second and
third annular radially outwardly extending steps 25, 26 and 27 and first,
second and third cylindrical portions 28, 29 and 30 extending rearwardly
from outer peripheral ends of these steps, respectively. The cylindrical
portions are formed such that rearer one has a larger diameter.
The partition wall plate 1c is formed with fourth and fifth annular steps
32 and 33 opposed respectively to the first and second steps 25 and 26
within the shell half 1a, a first flange 34 abutting against the third
step 27, and fifth and sixth cylindrical portions 35 and 36 fitted
respectively in the first and second cylindrical portions 28 and 29.
Further, the partition wall plate 1c has a locking projection 38 formed
thereon in a bent manner and protruding diagonally and forwardly from an
inner peripheral edge of the fourth step 32 to define an annular groove 37
between the projection 38 itself and fourth step 32. A leading end of the
locking projection 38 is opposed to the first step 25 at a given distance.
An outer peripheral bead 5a of the front diaphragm 5 is mounted in the
annular groove 37, with its base portion clamped between the first step 25
and the locking projection 38.
The fifth step 33 is in proximity to the second step 26 to an extent that
it is not in contact with the second step.
On the other hand, the rear shell half 1b is dish-shaped with an front end
opened and is formed with a second flange 39 superposed on to a back of
the first flange 34, and a locking projection 41 protruding diagonally and
forwardly from a peripheral edge of the second flange 39 to define an
annular groove 40 between the projection 41 itself and the second flange
39. A leading end of the locking projection 41 is opposed to the fifth
step 33 at a given distance. An outer peripheral bead 7a of the rear
diaphragm 7 is mounted in the annular groove 40, with its base portion
clamped between the fifth step 33 and the locking projection 41.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the third cylindrical portion 30 has a number of
locking claws 42.sub.1, 42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n formed thereon at
circumferentially equal distances by cutting and raising the cylindrical
portion 30 radially inwardly. The claws are capable of clamping the first
and second flanges 34 and 39 to the third step 27 by engagement with a
back face of the second flange 39. The position of the flanges 34 and 39
at this time is referred to as an assembled position A.
On the other hand, the first and second flanges 34 and 39 superposed on one
another have notches 43.sub.1, 43.sub.2 - - - 43.sub.n and 44.sub.1,
44.sub.2 - - - 44.sub.n, of the same number as the locking claws 42.sub.1,
42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n, provided at their peripheral portions
corresponding to the claws 42.sub.1, 42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n. Thus, if the
phase positions of the notches 43.sub.1, 43.sub.2 - - - 43.sub.n and
44.sub.1, 44.sub.2 - - - 44.sub.n and the locking claws 42.sub.1, 42.sub.2
- - - 42.sub.n are aligned with each other, the locking claws 42.sub.1,
42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n can be passed through the notches 43.sub.1,
43.sub.2 - - - 43.sub.n and 44.sub.1, 44.sub.2 - - - 44.sub.n. The
position of the flanges 34 and 39 at this time is referred to as a
disassembled position D.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the second flange 39 also has a positioning
notch 45 provided between the adjacent locking claw 42.sub.2 and notch
43.sub.1 when the second flange 39 occupies the assembled position A, and
a projecting piece 46 is connected to a rear end of the sixth cylindrical
portion 36 and adapted to be passed through and engaged in the positioning
notch 45. The projecting piece 46 is formed by felling of the first flange
34. The positioning notch 45 and the projecting piece 46 constitute
positioning means 47 by engagement with each other, which makes it
possible to provide the alignment in phase position of the notches
43.sub.1, 43.sub.2 - - - 43.sub.n and 44.sub.1, 44.sub.2 - - - 44n of the
flanges 34 and 39.
The projecting piece 46 is warped radially outwardly as leading rearwardly.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, the second flange 39 is formed with
a first 49 and a second projection 50. The first projection 49 is intended
to abut against a predetermined one of the locking claws, e.g., 42.sub.1
at the assembled position A of the second flange 39 to prevent the
rotation of the second flange more than required, and to assure such
prevention, a wall of the projection 49 rises at a right angle from the
back face of the second flange 39.
On the other hand, the second stop projection 50 is intended to abut
against a locking claw, e.g., 42.sub.2, other than the predetermined
locking claw 42.sub.1 at the assembled position A of the second flange 39
to provide a resistance to the rotation of the second flange 39 toward the
disassembled position D, and has a side wall rounded to permit passing of
such locking claw 42.sub.2 when the projection 50 has been subjected to a
load larger than a given value from such locking claw 42.sub.2.
The operation of this embodiment will be described below. In assembling the
booster shell 1, first, the rear shell half 1b with the outer peripheral
bead 7a of the rear diaphragm 7 mounted in the annular groove 40 is fitted
to the partition wall plate 1c with the outer peripheral bead 5a of the
rear diaphragm 5 mounted in the annular groove 37, thereby causing the
first and second flanges 34 and 39 to be superposed one on another, while
permitting the projecting piece 46 to be passed through the positioning
notch 45 into engagement in the latter.
In this case, because the projecting piece 46 is inclined as described
above with its leading end spaced from the outer peripheral bead 7a of the
diaphragm 7, the outer peripheral bead 7a cannot be damaged by the leading
end of the projecting piece 46 during such fitting.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the partition wall plate 1a and the rear shell
half 1b are fitted to the front shell half 1a in the disassembled position
D in which the notches 43.sub.1, 43.sub.2 - - - 43.sub.n and 44.sub.1,
44.sub.2 - - - 44.sub.n of the first and second flanges 34 and 39 are
aligned with the locking claws 42.sub.1, 42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n. Then,
with the first flange 34 allowed to abut against the third step 27 of the
front shell half 1a, the rear shell half 1b is rotated relative to front
shell half 1a in a direction of an arrow R in FIG. 3, i.e., toward the
assembled position A. During this time, the partition wall plate 1c is
rotated in unison with the rear shell half 1b, because it has been in
engagement in the positioning notch 45 of the second flange 39. In this
case, even if the projecting piece 46 and the second flange 39 have a
smaller thickness, the abutting areas thereof are relatively large and
hence, the surface pressure during such rotation can be reduced, because
the projecting piece 46 diagonally intersects the second flange 39 within
the positioning notch 45.
When with the rotation of the rear shell half 1b in the direction R, the
locking claw 42.sub.2 approaching the second stop projection 50 has passed
over the second stop projection 50 and ultimately, the rear shell half 1b
has reached the assembled position A, another locking claw 42.sub.1
immediately abuts against the first stop projection 49 to prevent the
rotation of the rear shell half 1b more than required and hence, the
locking claw 42.sub.2 having passed over the second stop projection 50
cannot be led to bump against the projecting piece 46 of the positioning
means 47.
Thus, the first and second stop projections 49 and 50 are capable of
retaining the shell halves 1a and 1b in the assembled position A by
clamping the plurality of locking claws 42.sub.1 and 42.sub.2 therebetween
and therefore, capable of reliably clamping and locking the first and
second flanges 34 and 39 to the third step 27 by all the locking claws
42.sub.1, 42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n.
Even after assembling, the engagement between the positioning notch 45 and
the projecting piece 46 can be observed from the rear of the rear shell
half 1b and hence, it is possible to judge the alignment and misalignment
of the phases of the flanges 34 and 39 from such engagement condition.
The disassembling of the booster shell 1 is achieved by reversely
conducting the above-described operation. In this case, the locking claw
42.sub.2 is somewhat deformed due to its repassage over the second stop
projection 50, but no deformation is produced in another locking claw
42.sub.1 opposed to the first stop projection 49. Therefore, even during
reassembling, the rear shell half 1b can be reliably stopped in the
predetermined assembled position A by abutment of the locking claw
42.sub.1 against the first stop projection 49.
It should be noted that in assembling in a manufacture factory, the
partition wall plate 1c and the rear shell half 1b may be fitted to the
front shell half 1a prior to the formation of the locking claws 42.sub.1,
42.sub.2 - - - 42.sub.n on the third cylindrical portion 30 of the front
shell half 1a, and then, the locking claws 42.sub.1, 42.sub.2 - - -
42.sub.n may be formed on the third cylindrical portion 30, as shown in
FIG. 2. | 5F
| 01 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now toFIG. 1, a typical tip-shrouded turbine bucket10includes an airfoil12which is the active component that intercepts the flow of gases and converts the energy of the gases into tangential motion. This motion, in turn, rotates the rotor to which the buckets10are attached.
A shroud14(also referred to herein as a “tip shroud”) is positioned at the tip of each airfoil12and includes a plate supported toward its center by the airfoil12. The tip shroud may have various shapes as understood by those skilled in the art, and the exemplary tip shroud as illustrated here is not to be considered limiting. Positioned along the top of the tip shroud14is a seal rail16which minimizes passage of flow path gases through the gap between the tip shroud and the inner surface of the surrounding components. The rail16typically provided with a cutting tooth (not shown) for a purpose described below.
As shown inFIG. 1, the surrounding stationary stator shroud18mounts a honeycomb seal structure20confined within a recessed portion of the stationary shroud as defined by wall surfaces22,24and26.
Operating at transient conditions (e.g., during start-up, during significant load changes, and during shut-down), and prior to reaching a state of thermal equilibrium among the turbine hot gas path components, different axial and radial thermal expansion properties of the buckets or blades10relative to the stator will cause the rail16and its cutting tooth to cut through the honeycomb seal structure20, forming a substantially C-shaped groove30. Because the honeycomb seal structure is formed at least in part by radially-extending wall surfaces28that extend radially and substantially transverse to the rotor axis, the combustion gas leakage flow crossing over the rail16turns radially inwardly to the main flow passage (as shown by the flow arrows F) as it enters and exits the groove30cut through the honeycomb seal structure. This inward turning causes the leakage flow and the main flow to interact in the area designated32, thus creating a relatively large mixing loss.
To more fully understand this phenomenon, the construction of the honeycomb seal structure20includes, in addition to the annular (or part-annular) radially-extending, axially-spaced walls28, plural axially-extending, circumferentially-spaced walls that combine with the walls28to form individual cells. The shape and arrangement of the walls28and34may vary but in all cases, it is the presence of axially-spaced, radially-extending annular or part-annular wall portions28in the individual cells, that are substantially transverse to the rotor axis, that force the tip leakage flow about the rail16to turn radially inwardly to interact with the main flow as previously described.
With reference now toFIG. 2, an exemplary but nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. For convenience, reference numerals as used inFIG. 1, but with a prefix “1” added, are used inFIG. 2to indicate corresponding components. The difference lies in the construction of the cellular structure120. Initially, it is noted that in the prior arrangement described above, the seal structure is properly characterized as a “honeycomb” configuration. As will become apparent below, however, the seal structure need not be of honeycomb configuration and, in fact, may take on any number of cellular configurations so long as certain criteria are met as explained below.
More specifically, the honeycomb structure20ofFIG. 1has been discarded in favor of a cellular seal structure120as shown inFIG. 2, located in the recessed portion of the shroud as defined by walls122,124and126. Of significance to the modified design is the absence of any axially-spaced, radially-inwardly extending annular or part-annular walls that are substantially transverse to the rotor axis, and that would otherwise obstruct and turn radially inwardly the tip leakage flow.FIG. 2Ais a schematic reference view of the new cellular (or cell) structure120as viewed in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 2. It will be understood that the structure is shown in a flat projection but, in fact, has an arcuate cross-section, the arcuate length of which is determined by the arcuate length of the stator segment supporting the seal. The cellular structure120is comprised of circumferentially-spaced, axially-extending, radial partitions134and plural, substantially concentric, radially spaced and axially-extending annular walls136. The combination of walls134and136create individual cells or passages138that extend in a substantially horizontal, (or axial) direction continuously along the cellular seal structure120, without obstruction, from one end of the seal structure at wall122to the opposite end of the seal structure indicated at wall126. This means that when the groove130is cut into the cellular structure120by the rail116(and, specifically, the rail's cutting tooth, not shown), the tip leakage flow, once it crosses over the bucket tip rail116, will flow in an axial direction without obstruction and with the concentric, radially-spaced walls136preventing the tip leakage flow from turning radially into the main flow, hence avoiding or at least minimizing the previously-described mixing losses.
Additional benefits of the above-described cellular structure are illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. InFIG. 3, similar reference numerals but with the prefix “2”, are used to designate corresponding components where applicable. Thus, the cellular structure220is located in a recessed portion of the shroud and as defined by walls222,224and226. For a last stage row of buckets, the high energy tip leakage flow can be aligned with an exhaust diffuser240by altering the exit angle of the cell walls242at the downstream end of the cell structure220(and downstream of the aft edge of the bucket) to align the tip leakage flow with the angle of the exhaust diffuser, and thereby attach the flow to the diffuser. This can improve the performance of the diffuser apart from improving the stage performance mixing loss reduction.
FIG. 4illustrates yet another advantage of the axially-oriented cell structure in that it provides relatively better insulation for the stationary shroud or stator from the hot gas path. This may also be utilized as an improved cooling circuit for the stationary shroud. Here again, similar reference numerals as applied inFIGS. 2 and 3, but with the prefix “3”, are used to indicate corresponding components, again where applicable. Here, the cellular seal structure320is located in a recessed portion of the shroud formed by walls322,324and326. More specifically a coolant flow conduit344and suitable supply means are used to supply coolant to the passage324in the cellular structure320, closest to the stator wall348, thus cooling the stator or shroud wall324, by convection. The cooling air then joins with the main flow in a smooth transition, with little or no disruptive mixing.
FIGS. 5-10illustrate exemplary but nonlimiting alternative cell configurations within the scope of the present invention. These alternative cell constructions are viewed from the same perspective asFIG. 2A. In each case, an array of unobstructed, axially-oriented cells are created by the internal structure to cause tip leakage flow to remain in a substantially axial or horizontal orientation, so as to be prevented from turning radially inward into the main flow. Thus, inFIG. 5, a combination of alternating “corrugated” walls410and radially-spaced, annular concentric walls412create a plurality of triangular cells414extending continuously without obstruction in the axial or horizontal direction between the radial walls122and126of the stationary shroud118(FIG. 2).
In the cellular structure shown inFIG. 6, alternating corrugated walls510,512are inverted relative to each other so that, when combined with the radially-spaced, annular concentric walls514the triangular cells516are substantially identical to those formed in theFIG. 5construction, but the cells are aligned differently with the cells in adjacent rows.
FIG. 7illustrates another example embodiment where the individual cells610are created by an array of oppositely-oriented, angled (or criss-crossed) walls612,614creating axially- or horizontally-extending diamond-shaped cells616(but modified along the margins as shown).
InFIG. 8, the cells710are created by an array of axially- or horizontally-extending tubes712, each of which has a polygonal shape and which are engaged by like tubes in both circumferential and radial directions.
FIG. 9illustrates a construction generally similar to that shown inFIG. 8but wherein the cells810are circular in shape as defined by the array of circular tubes812which, again, are engaged both circumferentially and radially. Note that in both embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, additional axial cells are created at714,814, respectively, at the interstices between the tubes712,812.
Other cell constructions are contemplated by the invention, the significant design feature being the creation of axially-extending, unobstructed cells to cause the tip leakage flow to remain in a substantially axial direction, so as to prevent radially inward turning and subsequent mixing of the tip leakage flow with the main combustion gas flow. In this regard, the individual cells in any given cellular structure need not be of uniform size and shape, so long as the design feature mentioned above is satisfied.
To this point, the various cell constructions have been shown to extend substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor. However, as shown inFIGS. 10,11, and12, the cell arrays (using cells138as an example) may be slanted in an axial direction at an angle to one side of the rotor axis to an angle of about −45° (FIG. 10), parallel to the rotor axis (FIG. 11) or slanted to the opposite side (FIG. 12), and angle of to about +45°. The orientation will depend on the direction of the main combustion gas flow. By aligning the tip leakage flow with the main gas flow, it is expected that an even further decrease in air mixing losses will be achieved.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
| 5F
| 01 | D |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided for
carrying or handling a high-density compressed hay bale or a tightened
field bale. The apparatus comprises at least one strap surrounding the hay
bale. A handle extends from an exterior surface of the hay bale and may be
secured around the strap or may be integral to the strap. Alternatively,
the apparatus may comprise a handle coupled to a stopper via a coupler.
The handle in this alternative embodiment extends from the exterior
surface of the hay bale, and the coupler is disposed within the interior
of the hay bale. The stopper may be disposed within the interior of the
hay bale or against another exterior surface of the hay bale that may be
opposing the exterior surface from which the handle extends.
An example of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by
reference numeral 10. As illustrated, this first exemplary embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention comprises a hay bale 11, a
plurality of straps 12-15 that surround and maintain the integrity of the
hay bale 11, and at least one handle 16, 17 for carrying or handling the
hay bale 11.
The hay bale 11 may be either a high-density compressed hay bale used in
primarily overseas shipping or a tightened hay bale used in local
transportation and some long-distance overland shipping applications. As
used herein, "high-density compressed hay bale" or "compressed hay bale"
refers to a hay bale that is used in overseas shipping applications
because of its relatively small volume. The high-density hay bales are
significantly compressed by heavy machinery, making them small, but heavy.
Due to the compression, moreover, the high-density compressed hay bales
are resistant to disintegration, but, as described above, are also so
highly compressed as to resist penetration by a hay hook. As used herein,
"tightened field bale" or "field bale" refers to a hay bale that is
tightened by a field baling machine and that may be used in short-distance
and overland transportation applications. The field bales have a larger
volume then and are less resistant to disintegration than compressed hay
bales, because field bales are merely tightened by in-field machinery,
while compressed bales are highly-compressed by machinery that is
generally not located in the field. Because field bales are not heavily
compressed like high-density compressed hay bales, they may be penetrated
by a hay hook.
The straps 12-15 are tightly secured around the hay bale 11 and help to
hold the hay bale 11 together. In high-density compressed hay bales, the
straps 12-15 are added during the compression process and are so tightly
secured around the compressed hay bales that it is extremely difficult for
a person to fit his fingers or hands between the straps 12-15 and the
surface 18 of the high-density compressed hay bale. Accordingly, the
straps 12-15 on high-density compressed hay bales are not useful for
manual carrying and moving of the hay bale. In tightened field bales, on
the other hand, the straps 12-15 are not as tightly secured around the hay
bale, making it possible for the farmer or other person wishing to carry
or pull the bale to use these straps 12-15. Yet, the straps 12-15 on field
bales are not comfortable or convenient for use in carrying the bales;
rather, the straps 12-15 on field bales are designed merely to maintain
the bale 11 in one piece and are not well-adapted for carrying or pulling
the bale 11.
The straps 12-15 may be made of various materials. Preferably, the straps
12-15 are polypropylene strips having two ends that are welded together to
secure the straps 12-15 around the bale 11. The straps 12-15 may
alternatively be made of twine, nylon, or other similarly strong rope-like
material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the straps 12-15
may be formed from other materials.
Preferably, the bale 11 has four straps 12-15, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.
The four straps 12-15 are disposed along the exterior of the bale 11 such
that they are approximately evenly spaced and substantially parallel to
one another. The left-most strap is located near one end of the bale 11,
while the right-most strap 15 is located near an opposite end of the bale
11. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more
straps may be provided on the bale 11 and that the straps may be disposed
along the bale 11 in a variety of ways. The straps 12-15 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6 are merely exemplary only.
In accordance with the present invention, the handles 16, 17 extend from a
surface 18 of the hay bale 11 so that a person can easily grab the handles
16, 17. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the handles 16, 17 are substantially
orthogonal to the straps 12-15. Preferably, however, the handles are
aligned substantially parallel to the straps 12-15. The handles 16, 17 in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 may be rope, twine, polypropylene, or
any suitable material that can be fed or forced into the surface of and/or
through the interior region 19 of the bale 11.
As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 1, two handles 16, 17 are provided at
convenient locations on the bale 11. Preferably, one of the handles 16 is
located between the two left-most straps 12, 13 (as illustrated in FIGS.
1-3), and the other handle 17 is located between the two right-most straps
14, 15 (see FIGS. 1-3). In this manner, the weight borne by each handle
16, 17 is relatively evenly distributed. Of course, in accordance with the
present invention, one could grab either handle 16, 17 and carry or pull
the bale 11 without severely damaging the bale 11. The two handles 16, 17
are provided for convenience and ease of handling. Thus, for example, if
handle 17 were eliminated and handle 16 retained, handle 16 could be
located as shown in FIG. 1, or it could be placed between straps 13 and
14. Alternatively, more than two handles may be provided, with a third
handle being located, for example, between straps 13 and 14. (See FIG. 4.)
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, preferably the handles 16, 17 form a loop through
the bale 11. That is, each "leg" 24, 25 of the handles 16, 17 is inserted
into the bale 11 at a different point, with the legs 24, 25 extending
through the bale and out another surface 28 of the bale 11 also at
different points, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the legs 24,
25 could be fed together (or side-by-side) through the same point on the
surface 18 of the bale 11 and also exit the opposing surface 28 of the
bale 11 at the same point (or at different points). Together the legs form
a coupler 29, disposed within the interior region 19 of the bale 11. At
the top end of each handle 16, 17 is an arch 26. The arches 26 form, for
example, a continuous loop by which the bale 11 can be carried. At the
bottom end of each leg 24, 25 is a knot 22 that secures the free ends of
the legs 24, 25 together.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the way in which the handles 16, 17 are
inserted into the hay bale 11 will be described. As embodied herein, the
handles 16, 17 may comprise a single strand of cable, rope, twine, or
strap. Each of the two ends of the strand is inserted into the surface 18
of the bale 11 and fed through the bale 11 until the ends protrude from,
for example, surface 28 of the bale 11. Surface 28 is opposing the surface
18 into which the ends of the handles 16, 17 are inserted. (Alternatively,
the ends could be fed through surface 18 of the bale 11 and exit from an
adjacent surface 27 of the bale 11.) The two ends are then joined together
to form a knot 22 (if rope, twine, etc.) or are welded together (if
polypropylene or similar material), or may be fastened via a fastener.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that what is necessary is that the
two ends be secured to the opposing surface 28 of the bale 11 so that the
ends will not pull through when the handle end 26 is pulled outward from
the surface 18 of the bale 11.
Thus, after the handles 16, 17 are inserted into the bale 11 and the ends
knotted (if rope or twine), arches 26 lie adjacent surface 18 of the bale
11, and the knot ends 22 extend from the opposing surface 28 of the bale
11, as illustrated in FIG. 2. When a person grabs the arches 26, the
arches 26 are pulled upward and away from the surface 18 of the bale 11,
and the knot ends 22 are pulled upward toward the opposing surface 28 of
the bale 11, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The arches 26 thereby form loops
that can be grabbed by the person to carry or pull the bale 11.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the bale 11 can be cut into two pieces 31, 32,
with piece 31 having handle 16, and piece 32 having handle 17. Compressed
and field hay bales are often cut into halves to make them lighter, less
bulky, and thus easier to carry and handle. As embodied herein, the bale
11 can be cut into halves 31, 32 between, e.g., straps 13, 14, and each of
the halves 31, 32 of the bale 11 will still have a handle.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the apparatus in accordance
with the present invention will be described. This second embodiment
includes a handle 45, a coupler 41, and a stopper 42. The handle 45
extends from the surface 18 of the hay bale 11. The coupler 41 extends
from the handle 45 and into the interior region 19 of the bale 11. At the
end of the coupler 41 is the stopper 42, which may have a dowel 43 or
other similar element affixed to the stopper 42. As embodied herein, the
handle 45, coupler 41, and stopper 42 are integral, preferably a single
piece of rope, twine, or similar material. As shown in FIG. 4, the stopper
42 may be a knot with the dowel 43 secured to the knot. In this way, the
stopper 42 is securely held within the interior region 19 of the bale 11.
As embodied herein, the handle 45 comprises a loop 44 extending from the
surface 18 of the bale 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the coupler 41 may comprise
the two ends 46, 47 of rope or twine inserted side-by-side into the bale
11, with the stopper 42 imbedded somewhere well within the interior region
19 of the bale 11 to prevent it from being pulled out of the bale 11 when
the handle 45 is pulled upward. Alternatively, the two ends 46, 47 may be
inserted into the bale 11 in a manner similar to the handles 16, 17 shown
in FIGS. 1-3, with the ends 46, 47 spaced apart within the bale 11.
Furthermore, the coupler 41 may comprise a single strand of rope, twine,
or other material, with a handle mechanism (not shown) affixed to the end
of the coupler 41 extending from the surface 18, and with a knot formed in
the stopper end 42 of the coupler 41. Again, a dowel 43 or similar device
may be employed to further secure the stopper 42 within the bale 11.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the handle unit may be incorporated into the
bale 11 during the process of forming the bale. Thus, if the bale is a
high-density compressed hay bale, during formation of the bale 11 in the
machinery, the handle unit (i.e., handle 45, coupler 41, and stopper 42)
is placed within the hay being compressed and the bale is formed around
the unit. When the compressed bale 11 is completed, the handle end 45 will
extend from the bale 11, and the straps 12-15 can be secured around the
bale 11. If the bale is a field bale, the handle unit can be inserted into
the hay while it is being passed through the chute on the field baling
machine.
FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment in accordance with the present
invention. As embodied herein, in this embodiment, the bale 11 is
surrounded by straps 12-15, and a handle unit 50 for carrying the bale 11
is secured substantially or thoroughly to the straps 12-15. The handle
unit 50 comprises a grab loop 59, a first loop 51 surrounding strap 12, a
first portion 58 passed under strap 13, a second portion 57 passed under
strap 14, and a second loop 54 surrounding strap 15. Thus, the first
portion 58 of the handle unit 50 lies between strap 13 and surface 18 of
the bale 11, and the second portion 57 of the handle unit 50 lies between
strap 14 and surface 18. The grab loop 59 extends from surface 18 of the
bale 11, forming a space or loop between the surface 18 and the grab loop
59 in which a person can fit his hand (or some lifting tool) to grab and
carry or pull the bale 11. A first end 53 of the unit 50 is fed under
strap 13 and is looped around strap 12, forming first loop 51, and a first
fastener 52 secures the first end 53 such that the first loop 51 is
secured to strap 12. A second end 56 of the unit 50 is fed under strap 14
and is looped around strap 15, forming second loop 54, and a second
fastener 55 secures the second end 56 such that the second loop 54 is
secured to strap 15.
When the handle unit 50 is pulled at the grab loop 59 to lift the bale 11,
the configuration of the unit 50 prevents it from being pulled free from
the bale 11. When the grab loop 59 is pulled, both loops 51, 54 remain
affixed around straps 12 and 15, respectively, which straps (together with
the fasteners 52, 55) prevent the ends 53, 56 from pulling free of the
bale 11. Because portions 57, 58 are fed under straps 13, 14, grab loop 59
remains intact when the bale 11 is pulled or lifted by the handle 59.
The handle unit 50 may be formed from a polypropylene strap or may be
twine, rope, or other suitable material. Fasteners 52, 55 for securing
such a strap or rope or twine are well-known to those skilled in the art.
If polypropylene, the fasteners 52, 55 may comprise a weld or metallic or
plastic fastener. If rope or twine, the fasteners 52, 55 may comprise a
metallic or plastic fastener or other suitable fastener. The bale 11 may
be supplied with one or more of the handle carrying units 50 disposed
along the straps 12-15. If more than one carrying handle unit 50 is
supplied, the weight of the bale 11 may be distributed more evenly across
each of the various units.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment in accordance with the present
invention. Here, handle units 60a, 60b are provided, which each have a
grab loop 61, a fastener 62 for securing the ends of the grab loop
together, and portions 63, 64 that pass under the straps 12-15. The grab
loops 61 extend from the surface 18 of the bale 11 and form a loop secured
to the bale 11 by two of the four straps 12-15. As with the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, these handle units 60a, 60b may comprise a
polypropylene strap, rope, twine, or other suitable material. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that several or just one such handle
unit 60a, 60b may be supplied on each bale 11, that the handle(s) units
60a, 60b may be located at varying positions on the bale 11, and that the
handle(s) units 60a, 60b may be looped around one or all of the straps
12-15. The fasteners 62 may be like those described above for the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates a handle unit 70 that is integral to the strap 71
surrounding the bale 11. As embodied herein, the strap 71 is a twine or
rope material, and the handle unit 70 includes a handle 72 extending from
surface 18 of the bale 11, and includes a knot 74. The knot 74 may be
replaced by a fastener located where the knot 74 is shown, the fastener
that secures the handle 72 into a loop, like the loop of handle 72
illustrated in FIG. 7. Again, like the embodiments described above, one or
more handle units 70 may be provided on each bale 11.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and variations can be made in the apparatus and method of the present
invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention, provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents. | 0A
| 23 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Making reference now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several figures, a new and improved door closer hold-open apparatus will be described.
Numerous households utilize a storm, screen or a like door to moderate or protect the interior of a house from heat, cold air, insects, etc. As illustrated inFIG. 1, typically a door10is biased in a closed position utilizing a door closer assembly20.
The door closer20generally comprises a pneumatic spring or hydraulic type dampener cylinder22which is connected at a head end to the door10by a bracket26through a pin27or other securing means. One end of reciprocating piston rod24is operatively connected to the cylinder22. Attached to door casing, jamb or frame12at the side where the door10is hinged is a frame bracket32. The frame bracket includes a means for connecting to second end of rod24such as bracket aperture29. Normally an end portion of rod24will include an aperture which will allow pin28to connect rod24and bracket32. The frame bracket32preferably includes mounting apertures31which are elongated to accommodate existing apertures in a door casing to allow for easy connection to door frame12.
Upon opening the door10, piston rod24which is attached to door frame12by bracket32, is pulled out from within the cylinder22. When the door is then subsequently released, the cylinder pulls against rod24, causing the rod to be drawn back within the cylinder22and the door10is thus swung closed. The prior art door closers include a manual locking tab or washer25which extends around rod24and is moveable thereon. The tab25is manually set when the door10is opened at a position along the rod24that will enable the door10to remain open by the blocking action of the tab. The tab25must be again manually moved when the door10is to be closed.
In a preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the hold-open apparatus30of the present invention is operatively connected at one end to the frame bracket32, specifically through mounting aperture33. The hold-open apparatus30can be formed from a rod or bar having a first end portion34, a second end portion35and a central portion36interconnecting the ends34,35.
As shown inFIG. 2, the hold-open apparatus frame bracket mounting aperture33, is separate from the piston rod bracket aperture29to isolate the closing cylinder force from hold-open apparatus in order to permit free radial movement of the hold-open rod. The hold-open apparatus mounting aperture33is generally located to the inside of the piston rod bracket aperture29, closer to the door frame12. The hold-open apparatus frame bracket mounting aperture33is preferably located on bracket32a predetermined distance away from the door frame12which is greater or equal to the width or thickness of the door so that the apparatus has sufficient clearance and will not bind against the door10when in an open position.FIG. 2illustrates one such preferred mounting position.
Modern doors are generally about 1.5 inches thick. Earlier models are generally thinner. Therefore, it is preferred that the mounting aperture33edge be about 1, desirably from about 1.5, or preferably from about 1.75 inches from casing12. Mounting aperture33diameter should be slightly larger than rod diameter, which preferably should be about 0.20 or about 0.25 inch or greater.
One important feature of the invention is that the hold-open apparatus frame bracket mounting aperture33is present on the bracket32having distinct angular characteristics with respect to a vertical axis or the position of the mounting bracket to produce different modes of operation. The hold-open apparatus30embodiments alternatively work in four distinct modes of operation, i.e., (1) lock manually and unlock manually, (2) lock manually and unlock automatically, (3) lock automatically and unlock manually, and (4) lock automatically and unlock automatically.
In one embodiment, the mounting aperture33is located so the central axis38is in a vertical position as shown inFIG. 3A, i.e., straight up and down, or as in further embodiments, the aperture is located incorporating a “tilt” angle of generally about 10 to about 45 degrees, desirably from about 20 to about 40 degrees, and preferably about 30 degrees, with respect to the vertical plane in a predetermined direction as shown inFIG. 3B(about 30 degrees tilt).
To be able to lock and release the door automatically, a preferred embodiment, the above-noted “tilt” angle of vertical axis38places the upper portion or end of the aperture33at a predetermined position on the bracket with respect to the surrounding structure which is discussed hereinbelow.
The position of the top edge of the bracket aperture33is measured in relation to a horizontal plane which runs midway through the aperture33. A zero degree position is a line normal to the plane formed by the door casing12to the center of aperture33as shown inFIG. 2. A270 degree position is a line normal to the plane formed by the door10in a closed position to the center of aperture33as shown in FIG.2. Accordingly, the vertical tilt angle places the upper or top edge of aperture33at a position generally from about 80 degrees to about 120 degrees, desirably from about 85 to about 110 degrees, and preferably about 88 degrees to about 95 degrees, and most preferred about 90 degrees, with respect to the described horizontal plane.
In this manner, gravity is used to lock and unlock the hold-open apparatus since the hold-open apparatus30is biased or tilted towards the cylinder22and rod24due to the position of the mounting aperture, and automatically locks in place when the door is opened to a predetermined angle. To automatically unlock the hold-open apparatus, the door is further opened, a predetermined angle, e.g., about 5 or about 10 degrees or more past the locked open position of the door. For example, if the door is locked open by apparatus at an angle of 80 degrees, the apparatus will unlock when the door is further opened to about 85 degrees.
To maintain the hold-open apparatus central portion36in a relative horizontal position (seeFIG. 1) as the door opens and closes, the angle between the first end34and the central portion36of the hold-open apparatus is varied and is dependent on the tilt angle utilized if any.
The hold-open apparatus30comprises a durable material, preferably a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel, core metal with nickel alloy plating, metal reinforced plastic, or plastic either thermoplastic or thermoset. The apparatus is preferably formed from a rod, tube, or other similar construction. Generally any metal can be used, so long as the choice is strong and durable, with stainless steel being preferred. The hold-open apparatus30includes first end portion34which fits in mounting aperture33and is allowed to move therein. The first end34has a collar34a(FIG. 1) or portion of greater diameter than aperture33to maintain the hold-open apparatus30at a certain height to provide clearance therefore. The central portion36and thus the length of the hold-open apparatus30extends generally about 4 to about 10 inches, desirably from about 6{fraction (3/4)} to about 7{fraction (1/4)}, and preferably about 7 inches when measured from end to end. The length of central portion36is generally determined based on what angle the door is to be maintained in an open position as illustrated in FIG.4. Generally, the longer the hold-open apparatus central portion36, the greater angle the door will be positioned when latched open thereby. It is preferred that the hold-open apparatus30latches door10in an open position at an angle of about 45 degrees (as shown inFIG. 4) to about 100 degrees, desirably from about 70 degrees to about 95 degrees, and preferably from about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to a closed position as shown in FIG.1.
The hold-open apparatus30can also be designed so as to be variable in length as known in the art to accommodate the user's choice of operation and angle of the door open position, etc. Preferably the central portion of the hold-open apparatus length may be varied by utilizing two threaded ends40,41, a threaded collar42and at least one locking element or nut43,44as shown in FIG.5.
To better understand the operation of the hold-open apparatus, it is important to note that the second or cylinder abutting end35of the hold-open apparatus30moves primarily in a horizontal plane and also in a radial arc with respect to the first end of the hold-open apparatus. In use, the first end34is located at the center of a circle and the second end35moves around a portion of the radial edge of the circle. It is also important to note that the second end35of the apparatus will engage in a hold-open position on the end of the closing cylinder that is closest to the door, i.e., between the cylinder and the door as illustrated in FIG.4. There are numerous methods which can be utilized to hold a door in an open position using the hold-open apparatus.
In one embodiment, first end34of the hold-open apparatus30will be substantially perpendicular to the jam bracket with the mounting aperture33present in the bracket32located so the central axis38is in a substantially vertical position as shown in FIG.3A. With this embodiment, the hold-open apparatus must manually be engaged where the second end35is inserted against cylinder end as shown inFIG. 4, in hold-open position, but it will automatically disengage when the door is opened beyond a predetermined angle such as about 85 degrees. Automatic locking and unlocking action can be obtained by using a spring mechanism as explained hereinbelow if desired. In the manual locking embodiment, as the door is first opened, the cylinder exterior wall guides the second end of the hold-open apparatus so the second end swings with a similar angular motion as the door until the end of the cylinder22is extended past the second end of the hold-open apparatus. Then, the cylinder22no longer applies force to the hold-open apparatus. The hold-open apparatus30is then locked or tapped in place manually when the cylinder end is extended past the second end35of the hold-open apparatus30. When the door is then opened wider than the hold-open position, the piston rod24forces the hold-open apparatus towards the door and in doing so disengages the hold-open apparatus30. To close the door, no additional force need be applied to the hold-open apparatus as the second end of the hold-open apparatus will remain stationary as the door is opened beyond the locked position and will not move to a locked open position. As the door is released, the door will close with no interference from the hold-open apparatus30.
In further embodiments of the invention, an additional force such as from a spring, magnet or gravitation force is applied to the hold-open apparatus in order to automatically lock the door in an open position. In one embodiment, the mounting aperture,33present in the bracket32is angled as described hereinabove, and gravitational force will be applied to the hold-open apparatus to provide for automatic locking of door10in an open position as shown in FIG.4.
In a further embodiment, the hold-open apparatus30includes a male/female pin adapter50as shown in FIG.6. Pin50is designed having a portion54or element thereof which can fit within the existing aperture29utilized to secure piston arm24to bracket32while allowing free operation of the hold-open apparatus30. Pin50has a male element or fitting54which is inserted into aperture29to secure piston arm24of the door closer20in typical fashion as shown. The hold-open apparatus30first end portion34is inserted into female connection52and is allowed to freely pivot therein in order to latch the door10in positions as described herein.
If the male/female pin50is allowed to rotate as the door is opened and closed, no automatic action will occur, but, it is much easier to manually use as compared to the washer25that is commonly included with the piston assembly. When the male/female pin50is held fixed with, for example, a spring clip in a further embodiment, it will produce automatic locking/unlocking as explained herein. In one embodiment, the female aperture53present in the male/female pin is formed with an angle the same as described above for bracket aperture33. The male/female pin50will provide automatic gravitationally induced locking and unlocking.
In yet another embodiment, a magnet80can be attached to cylinder22at a butt end thereof as shown in FIG.1. As the door is opened and the end of the cylinder is extended past the second end35of the hold-open apparatus30, the magnet will cause the second end of the hold-open apparatus to move towards the piston rod and will engage in a locked hold-open position. When the door is opened further, the second end of the hold-open apparatus breaks away from the magnetic force and permits an automatic disengagement allowing the door to close freely.
In yet another embodiment as shown inFIG. 7, the hold-open apparatus60includes a fixed coil spring72which is carried at the first end64thereof and maintained by a cotter pin74or other fastener means. The apparatus also includes a stop means comprising a lever or protrusion element68attached to the central portion66or end portion64of apparatus60and a binding post or stop70present on the bracket32produce automatic operation. The coil spring maintains a torque on the hold-open apparatus so the second end is always biased to move towards the piston20and will cause the second end of the hold-open apparatus60to lock open automatically when the door is opened to the desired position. When the door is further opened to a predetermined angle as noted hereinabove, and then released, the protrusion element will temporarily bind against post70and will permit the door to close freely.
Many varieties of springs and resistance binding methods could be used. For example, the binding point could be present between the collar on the first end of the hold-open apparatus and the bracket and would work much like that of a bicycle kick stand. Another method could incorporate parallel leaf springs that would operate on a non-concentric area of the first end of the hold-open apparatus. This method would provide a positive snap action as the hold-open apparatus locks open and also disengages.
Accordingly, the hold-open apparatus of the present invention can advantageously be utilized as an add-on accessory for a door closer mechanism which is already in use with little or no retrofitting necessary and without the need for installation tools. Alternatively, the hold-open apparatus can be included on newly constructed door closer mechanisms fitted to screen and storm doors. The present invention provides a simple method for maintaining a door in a latched position, whether operated manually, or automatically. The apparatus can be utilized by persons who have disabilities and cannot easily manipulate hands, fingers, digits, and/or bend over easily. Further, since the door can be activated to a hold-open position by simply opening the door, accidents that are caused by the closing door catching on the back of the legs or feet are minimized.
The main advantage in all cases to the user and as compared to other similar devices is that the apparatus can be operated completely automatically by simply opening and closing the door without any additional manual operation. This feature is particularly advantageous when the user has both hands full when entering, or when assisting others since the door can be automatically locked open and disengaged by simply moving the door.
In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.
| 4E
| 05 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Technical solutions of embodiments of the present disclosure are clearly and completely described in the following in connection with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Evidently, the embodiments described are only a part rather than all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effects shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
In a RAM MIP structure for a pixel, each pixel circuit is disposed with four signal lines including a high level voltage VDD, a low level voltage VSS, and a forward reference potential FRP and a reverse reference potential XFRP generated by a signal generation sub-circuit (also referred as Vcom sub-circuit). These four signal lines are distributed across the entire display panel, which will cause a more complicated structure on the display panel. Furthermore, the two signals FRP and XFRP are normally square wave signals of 60 Hz, which consume larger power in a low frequency display mode, thereby leading to a larger power consumption for the entire display panel.
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pixel circuit, a display panel and a drive method thereof, which can solve the problem that the circuit structure is complicated and the display panel consumes large power due to a large number of signal lines in the pixel circuit.
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a pixel circuit, as shown inFIG. 1, comprising a switch sub-circuit101, a storage sub-circuit102, and a drive sub-circuit103. The switch sub-circuit101is connected to a gate line Gate, a data line Data, and the storage sub-circuit102, and is configured to transmit a signal on the data line Data to the storage sub-circuit102under the control of a signal on the gate line Gate. The storage sub-circuit102is connected to a first voltage terminal V1, a second voltage terminal V2, and the drive sub-circuit103, and is configured to transmit a signal of the first voltage terminal V1or the second voltage terminal V2to the drive sub-circuit103under the control of the switch sub-circuit101. The drive sub-circuit103is connected to the first voltage terminal V1, the second voltage terminal V2, and a pixel electrode104, and is configured to transmit the signal of the first voltage terminal V1or the second voltage terminal V2to the pixel electrode104under the control of the storage sub-circuit102.
One of the first voltage terminal V1and the second voltage terminal V2is a high level voltage terminal VDD, and the one is a low level voltage terminal VSS.FIG. 2andFIG. 5show examples in which the first voltage terminal V1is the high level voltage terminal VDD and the second voltage terminal V2is the low level voltage terminal VSS. It should be noted that the high and low herein only represent a relative magnitude relationship between input voltages, the specific values of which are not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure and may be set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions.
The specific structures of the switch sub-circuit101, the storage sub-circuit102, and the drive sub-circuit103are not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure as long as respective functions are realized.
In this way, the pixel circuit provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure multiplexes the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal through connecting the drive sub-circuit to the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal, which are enabled to function as the high and low levels as well as FRP and XFRP (i.e., write functions for white signal and black signal). This enables the original two signal lines FRP and XFRP to be removed, thereby resulting in a display panel with simpler wiring, larger pixel space, and lower power consumption.
In an example, with reference toFIG. 6toFIG. 9, the pixel circuit further comprises a common electrode. A voltage Vcom of the common electrode coincides with a voltage of the second voltage terminal V2when a black image is displayed. A difference between the voltage Vcom of the common electrode and a voltage of the first voltage terminal V1is alternating H and −H when a white image is displayed; wherein H is not equal to 0.
In the related art, as shown inFIG. 2toFIG. 5, VDD is always the high level, VSS is always the low level, which function to provide high and low level inputs for the pixel. FRP is a black display signal with a high or low level coinciding with Vcom, a voltage difference between FRP and Vcom is 0 V, liquid crystals are not deflected and the image is displayed as black. XFRP is a white display signal with a high or low level opposite to Vcom, a voltage difference is a voltage of 1H and the image is displayed as white; since XFRP cannot always be the high level or the low level when the display panel is displaying as this may cause the polarization of the liquid crystals, the XFRP signal is alternating between high and low levels, the corresponding Vcom and FRP signals are signals alternating between the high and low levels as well.
In the embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference toFIG. 6toFIG. 8, after employing VDD and VSS multiplexed as FRP and XFRP functions, VDD and VSS do not switch their high or low levels in the display phase as they are DC voltages. In this way, the liquid crystals are always under one bias when the display panel is displaying, which may cause polarization problem. In the present disclosure, the voltage of Vcom is changed, as shown inFIG. 8, when the display is white, a AC voltage with a high voltage of 2H and a unchanged low voltage may be input into the common electrode such that the voltage difference between Vcom and VDD becomes H and −H, switching between the positive and the negative may enable the liquid crystals to be deflected and avoid the polarization problem. Whereas when the display is black, a DC voltage same as VSS may be input into the common electrode, at this moment the liquid crystals remain unmoved and the display is black.
ComparingFIG. 7andFIG. 9of the embodiments of the present disclosure withFIG. 3andFIG. 4of the related art, it can be seen that the signal generation sub-circuit in the embodiments of the present disclosure only needs to generate the Vcom signal without further generating the FRP and XFRP signals, such that after XFRP and FRP signal lines are removed, the structure of the signal generation sub-circuit may be simplified and the number of signal lines on the entire display panel may be reduced largely, further, many resistors and capacitors may be reduced, delays for the resistors and the capacitors may be reduced, and meanwhile the power consumption across the entire display panel may be reduced.
With reference toFIG. 6, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switch sub-circuit101comprises a first transistor M1with a gate connected to the gate line Gate, a first electrode connected to the data line Data, and a second electrode connected to a first node A of the storage sub-circuit102.FIG. 6shows an example in which the first transistor M1is a N-type transistor.
In actual applications, the switch sub-circuit101may further comprise multiple first transistors M1in parallel. The above is merely the illustration of the switch sub-circuit101by way of examples, other structures with same functions as those of this switch sub-circuit are not described in detail herein but shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
With reference toFIG. 6, the storage sub-circuit102comprises a second transistor M2, a third transistor M3, a fourth transistor M4, and a fifth transistor M5, the second transistor M2has a gate connected to the first node A, a first electrode connected to the first voltage terminal V1, and a second electrode connected to a second node B of the storage sub-circuit102; the third transistor M3has a gate connected to the first node A, a first electrode connected to the second voltage terminal V2, and a second electrode connected to the second node B; the fourth transistor M4has a gate connected to the second node B, a first electrode connected to the first voltage terminal V1, and a second electrode connected to the first node A; the fifth transistor M5has a gate connected to the second node B, a first electrode connected to the second voltage terminal V2, and a second electrode connected to the first node A; wherein, the second transistor M2and the third transistor M3, as well as the fourth transistor M4and the fifth transistor M5, are N-type and P-type transistors respectively, or P-type and N-type transistors respectively.FIG. 6shows an example in which the second transistor M2and the fourth transistor M4are P-type transistors and the third transistor M3and the fifth transistor M5are N-type transistors.
In actual applications, the storage sub-circuit102may further comprise multiple switch transistors in parallel with the second transistor M2, and/or multiple switch transistors in parallel with the third transistor M3, and/or multiple switch transistors in parallel with the fourth transistor M4, and/or multiple switch transistors in parallel with the fifth transistor M5. The above is merely the illustration of the storage sub-circuit102by way of examples, other structures with same functions as those of the storage sub-circuit102are not described in detail herein but shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
With reference toFIG. 6, the drive sub-circuit103comprises a sixth transistor M6and a seventh transistor M7; the sixth transistor M6has a gate connected to the second node B, a first electrode connected to the first voltage terminal V1, and a second electrode connected to the pixel electrode104; the seventh transistor M7has a gate connected to the first node A, a first electrode connected to the second voltage terminal V2, and a second electrode connected to the pixel electrode104.FIG. 6shows an example in which the sixth transistor M6and the seventh transistor M7are N-type transistors.
In actual applications, the drive sub-circuit103may further comprise multiple switch transistors in parallel with the sixth transistor M6, and/or multiple switch transistors in parallel with the seventh transistor M7. The above is merely the illustration of the drive sub-circuit103by way of examples, other structures with same functions as those of the drive sub-circuit103are not described in detail herein but shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
In the above, it should be noted that the first electrodes of the above-described transistors may be drains and the second electrodes may be sources; or the first electrodes may be sources and the second electrodes may be drains. This is not limited by the embodiments of present disclosure.
A embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display panel comprising any of the foregoing pixel circuits. The pixel circuit provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure multiplexes the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal through connecting the drive sub-circuit to the first voltage terminal and the second voltage terminal, which are enabled to function as the high and low levels as well as FRP and XFRP (i.e., write functions for white signal and black signal). This enables the original two signal lines FRP and XFRP to be removed, thereby resulting in a display panel with simpler wiring, larger pixel space, and lower power consumption.
Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drive method for any of the foregoing display panels, the drive method comprising: when a black image is displayed, supplying a DC voltage to a common electrode, a difference between a voltage of the common electrode and a voltage of the second voltage terminal is 0; when a white image is displayed, supplying an AC voltage is to the common electrode, a difference between the voltage of the common electrode and a voltage of the first voltage terminal is H and −H, wherein H is a number not equal to 0.
The above is merely the detailed description of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Variations or replacements that can be easily considered by any skilled person familiar with the art within the technical range disclosed by the present disclosure shall be encompassed within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
| 6G
| 9 | G |
DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIG. 1, the adjusting device 10 may be secured to a
flange 11 which extends radially outwardly from the jacket 12 of a
steering column assembly 13. A drive range selecting lever 15 also extends
radially outwardly from the steering column assembly 13, and the mechanism
of the drive range selecting lever 15 is attached, by means well known to
the art, to the core 16 of a control cable 18. One end 19 of the control
cable sheath 20 is secured to the adjusting device 10 in a manner
hereinafter more fully explained, and the other end 21 of the sheath 20 is
secured to the housing 22 of the indicator assembly 23 in a manner well
known to the art.
The indicator assembly 23 may be located where ever desired, but
customarily the indicator assembly 23 utilizes a display 24 that is
presented from the instrument panel (not shown). As shown, the display 24
may present a plurality of symbols P, R, N, D, 2, and 1 which serve to
identify the several operating ranges of the transmission (also not shown)
to which the drive range selecting lever 15 is operatively connected. The
display 24 also includes a pointer element 25, and the pointer element is
attached to the core 16 of the control cable 18 in well known manner. The
pointer element is also operatively connected to a spring means (also not
shown) which biases the pointer element 25 in a direction opposite to the
pull of the control cable core 16. The pull by the core 16 which moves the
pointer element 25 is effected by movement of the drive range selecting
lever 15 in one direction, as is well known to the art. Similarly,
movement of the drive range selecting lever 15 in the opposite direction
allows the spring means to translate the core 16, thereby moving the
pointer element 25 in the opposite direction, as is also well known to the
art. Movement of the drive range selecting lever 15 thus translates the
core 16, and the pointer element 25 attached thereto, so that the pointer
element 25 will be located in proximity to that symbol which represents
the drive range in which the transmission is then operating. The adjusting
device 10 offers the advantage of permitting minute adjustments to the
position of the pointer element 25 relative the drive range symbols, so
that the display 24 will unequivocally register the exact drive range
selected.
As is known, varying the slack in the control cable sheath 20 between
indicator assembly 23 and the adjusting device serves to change the
effective length of the overall control cable 18. This change in the
effective length of the control cable 18 causes the core 16 of the control
cable 18 to move in one direction when the effective length of the control
cable 18 is lengthened and to move in the opposite direction when the
effective length of the control cable 18 is shortened. It has, therefore,
been known in the art to provide devices by which to vary the slack in the
cable sheath 20, and thereby the effective length of the control cable 18.
The present invention provides a new and useful device for accomplishing
such an adjustment.
With more particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjusting device 10
has a base, or frame structure, 28 which includes a mounting arm 29 and a
supporting arm 30 which extends perpendicularly outwardly from the
mounting arm 29, as is perhaps best seen from FIG. 4. With reference to
FIG. 3, the disposition of the mounting arm 29 relative to the face of the
supporting arm 30 may be at some selected angle in order to achieve the
desired orientation of the mechanism mounted on the supporting arm 30, as
will be hereinafter more fully explained.
A plurality of attaching pins 31 extend upwardly from the mounting arm 29.
The attaching pins 31 are depicted as winged push pins. That is, each
attaching pin 31 has a central rib 32 with a pair of resilient wing
members 33 and 34, one on either side of the central rib 32. The wing
members may, as depicted, extend outwardly from the mounting arm 29 and be
attached, at their axially outermost extent 35, to the central rib 32.
Each wing member 33 and 34 has an outwardly extending projection, the
axially outermost surface of which presents a tapered cam 36 which
terminates, at its axially innermost extent, in an axially inwardly
facing, offset shoulder 38. As such, when the attaching pins 31 are
inserted through a receiving aperture (not shown) in the mounting flange
11, the cam surfaces 36 will engage the circumferential boundary walls of
the apertures to flex the wing members 33 and 34 radially inwardly so that
they can pass through the apertures. Once the wing members 33 and 34 have
penetrated the apertures to the point where the mounting arm 29 engages
the flange 11, the wing members 33 and 34 will snap radially outwardly so
that the flange 11 will be engaged between the mounting arm 29 and the
shoulders 38 to secure the adjusting device 10 to the flange 11.
A block 40 is mounted on the supporting arm 30 for reciprocating movement.
The block 40 is preferably of rectangular cross section with four walls
41, 42, 43 and 44 which surround a central opening 45 which may extend
longitudinally through the block 40. Wall 44 is provided with a
longitudinal discontinuity 46 such that the opposed walls 41 and 43 can
flex, from wall 42, toward and away from each other. The opposed walls 41
and 43 are also provided with transverse slots 48 and 49, respectively, so
that when the sheath 20 of a control cable 18 is received within the
central opening 45, the walls 41 and 43 can be flexed toward each other
frictionally to grip the sheath 20 of the control cable 18 and a retaining
clip 50 can be received within the oppositely disposed slots 48 and 49 to
secure the sheath 20 within the central opening 45.
A tracking rib 51 extends outwardly from the wall 41 to be slidably
received within a guideway 52 that is recessed into the supporting arm 30.
The guideway 52 extends only part way along the lateral dimension of the
supporting arm 30 to define the range within which the block 40 can be
reciprocated.
An operating lever 55 is pivotally mounted on the supporting arm 30 by an
axle pin 56 which is received in bearing aperture 58 that penetrates the
supporting arm 30. For convenience of manufacture and assembly, the axle
pin 56 may be a split wing pin. That is, a pair of opposed arms 59 and 60
may extend perpendicularly outwardly from the central portion of the
operating lever 55. The axially outer end of each arm 59 and 60 is
provided with a beveled cam surface 62 on the axially outermost portion
thereof and which presents an offset shoulder 63 on the axially innermost
side thereof. The arms 59 and 60 may be flexed toward each other but will,
when released, spring back to their normal disposition. As such, by
providing a cam surface 62 on the axially outermost portion of each arm 59
and 60 of the axle pin 56 will guide itself into the bearing aperture 58
during assembly, and when the arms 59 and 60 penetrate the supporting arm
30, the arms 59 and 60 will snap apart to grasp the supporting arm 30
between the offset shoulder 63 and the rear surface 64 of the operating
lever 55. Such an arrangement not only provides a secure attachment
between the operating lever 55 and the supporting arm 30 but also permits
the operating lever 55 to be selectively rotated. Even so, such an
arrangement nevertheless allows the operating lever 55 to be removed from
the supporting arm 30 by manually pinching the outermost ends of the arms
59 and 60 so that the offset shoulders 63 on the opposed arms 59 and 60
can be inserted into the bearing aperture.
The operating lever 55 is pivotally connected to the block 40 by an
extension arm portion 64 which is attached to, or integrally formed with,
and extends outwardly from the operating lever 55 to overlie a connecting
arm 65 that extends outwardly from the block 40. The connecting arm may,
as depicted in FIG. 4, be coplanar with the wall 41 of block 40 and
therefore substantially perpendicular to wall 42. A T-head pivot pin 66
extends substantially perpendicularly outwardly from the connecting arm
65. As generally apparent from its name, the pivot pin 66 has a generally
cylindrical shaft portion 69 which extends outwardly from the connecting
arm 65 and terminates in a head portion 70 that is generally elliptical,
as viewed in FIG. 3, and yet has the appearance of the letter "T" when
viewed in the side elevation. The receiving aperture may, therefore, also
be of generally elliptical configuration, as depicted in FIG. 3. As such,
the T-head pivot pin 69 may be conveniently inserted through the receiving
aperture 68 in the extension arm 64 of the operating lever 55 when the
major axis of the head portion 70 is aligned with the major axis of the
receiving aperture 68, and yet when those axes are not aligned, as when
the operating lever 55 and the block 40 are mounted on the supporting arm
30, relative rotation between the extension arm 64 and the connecting arm
65 is permitted but disengagement of the pivot pin 66 from the receiving
aperture 68 is precluded. In view of the afore-described structural
arrangement, rotation of the operating lever 55 about the axis of the axle
pin 56 effects selected reciprocation of the block 40.
A locking means 71 is provided to be operatively effective between the
operating lever 55 and the supporting arm 30. As shown, that end portion
of the supporting arm 30 disposed oppositely of the mounting arm 29
terminates in a quadrant 72, the arcuate surface of which presents a
plurality of uniformly spaced teeth 73. Boundary stops 74 and 75 are
located, one at either end of the quadrant 72. The end of the operating
lever 55 adjacent the quadrant 72 terminates in a latch plate 76 which
extends perpendicularly from the operating lever 55 to overlie the
quadrant 72. One or more uniformly spaced teeth 78 are presented from the
latch plate 76 to engage between an appropriate number of corresponding
teeth 73 on the quadrant 72. The latch plate 76 is permitted to flex in
conjunction with an adjacent portion of the operating lever 55 so that the
teeth 78 on the latch plate can be selectively disengaged from the teeth
73 on the quadrant 72. Thus, one can flex the latch plate 76 to release
the teeth 78 thereon from the teeth 73 on the quadrant 72, and with the
teeth 73 and 78 so disengaged, the operating lever 55 can be rotated to
effect reciprocation of the block 40.
One way in which to provide the desired resilience for the operating lever
55, and particularly the latch plate 76, in order effectively to release
and engage the latching means 71 is to fabricate the operating lever 55
from a material which possesses the desired physical characteristics. As
such, the operating lever 55 can well be made of nylon, a polyester, a
polyolefin or the like. In fact, the entire adjusting device 10 can be
fabricated from such materials.
A restraining arm 80 is preferably employed to prevent the block 40 from
inadvertently disengaging from the supporting arm 30. A spacer bar 81
extends substantially perpendicularly upwardly from the operating lever 55
in proximity to the receiving aperture 68 to support a preferably bowed,
resilient arm 82 which extends over the block 40 in sliding engagement
with the wall 43. Engagement of the bowed arm 82 with the block assures
that the tracking rib 51 remains within the guideway 52, even when the
block 40 might be subjected to a sufficient loading that would otherwise
tend to displace the block 40 outwardly away from the supporting arm 30.
In the embodiment represented in the drawings, the restraining arm 80 is
depicted as extending from operating lever 55. This is a preferable
embodiment because restraining arm 80 will travel with the rotation of the
operating lever 55, and therefore always be in engagement with block 40,
regardless of the position thereof along its linear path.
To summarize, when the operating lever 55 is rotated about the axle pin 56,
the block 40 reciprocates, and because the sheath 20 is secured to the
block 40, reciprocation of the block 40 causes the sheath 20 to slide over
the core 16 received therein, and that movement alters the effective
length of the control cable 18 such that the core 16 effects movement of
the pointer element 25. Specifically, the pointer element 25 moves in an
opposite direction from the movement of the block 40. But after the block
40 has been moved to a sufficient degree to alter the effective length of
the control cable 18 such that pointer element 25 is properly aligned over
the symbol on the display 34 which corresponds to the drive range in which
the transmission has been set, the latch plate 76 is released, causing the
teeth 73 and 78 to re-engage. Because the teeth 73 and 78 cannot disengage
without direct pressure to latch plate 76, the operating lever 55, and
therefore the block 40, are effectively locked in position and cannot move
until the teeth 73 and 78 have been disengaged.
Although the afore-described locking means 71 is particularly effective
without being particularly complicated, it must be appreciated that
locking of the operating lever 55 may be accomplished by other means
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
As should now be apparent, the present invention not only teaches that a
relatively uncomplicated device can be employed for adjusting the position
the pointer element in a vehicle drive range indicator with relative ease
but also that the other objects of the invention can likewise be
accomplished. | 5F
| 16 | C |
Examples of the disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Systems and techniques are disclosed for routing and securing cable harnesses, such as for example within aircraft. The cable harnesses include one or more wires and/or cables that include conductive elements, shielding, and/or insulation. The cable harnesses are mounted on a vehicle such as an aircraft, and can be routed internally within the vehicle. For example, the cable harnesses can be routed within internal areas of one or more of a fuselage, airfoil, engine, tail, and/or other portion of the aircraft.
The systems and techniques described herein allow for improved cable harness routing and securing within a vehicle. The systems and techniques described herein include a cable holder that includes a rotatable cable holding member. A wire and/or cable can be inserted into an opening of the rotatable cable holding member and the rotatable cable holding member can be oriented to minimize stress on the wire and/or cable. The angle that the rotatable cable holding member is oriented to can then be locked into place. The cable holder can also be coupled to the vehicle.
The apparatuses, systems, and techniques described herein can be used for securing wires (e.g., a single conductor surrounded by insulation) and/or cables (e.g., multiple conductors surrounded by insulation) to a vehicle. Such wires and/or cables can include insulation and/or shielding. It is appreciated that this disclosure refers to “cables” generically. As such, for the purposes of this disclosure, “cable” or “cables” may refer to any conductor, including conductors with insulation and/or shielding, such as a single conductor with insulation and/or shielding (e.g., a wire) or multiple conductors with insulation and/or shielding (e.g., a cable), respectively. Additionally, “cables” may also refer to a harness that includes multiple wires and/or cables.
FIG. 1illustrates an aircraft in accordance with an example of the disclosure.FIG. 1illustrates a top view of an aircraft in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The aircraft50ofFIG. 1includes a fuselage170, wings172, horizontal stabilizers174, aircraft propulsors100A and100B, and a vertical stabilizer178. Various controls and sensors are present on the aircraft50. For example, the aircraft50includes a flight deck104where a pilot may input instructions for operation of the aircraft50. The flight deck104of the aircraft50can include controls that can be manipulated by the pilot(s) of the aircraft50to provide instructions for the operation of the aircraft. For example, the flight deck104can include a control or controls configured to control operation of the aircraft propulsors100A and100B. The flight deck104can also include controls for determining a configuration of the horizontal stabilizer or other aerodynamic device of the aircraft50as well as the configuration of the vertical stabilizer.
The inputs can be communicated to the controller108, which can then provide outputs to various systems of the aircraft50(e.g., aircraft propulsors100A and100B). The various systems of the aircraft50can input/output electronic signals and/or be powered electrically by electrical system106. Electrical system106includes one or more wires, cables, and/or wire and/or cable harnesses. Such wires, cables, and/or wire and/or cable harnesses can communicate electrical signals (e.g., inputs, outputs, and/or controller instructors), provide electrical power, and/or provide other electric outputs.
The controller108can include, for example, a single-core or multi-core processor or microprocessor, a microcontroller, a logic device, a signal processing device, memory for storing executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, or other instructions), and/or any elements to perform any of the various operations described herein. In various examples, the controller108and/or its associated operations can be implemented as a single device or multiple devices (e.g., communicatively linked through wired or wireless connections) to collectively constitute the controller108.
The controller108can include one or more memory components or devices to store data and information. The memory can include volatile and non-volatile memory. Examples of such memories include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, or other types of memory. In certain examples, the controller108can be adapted to execute instructions stored within the memory to perform various methods and processes described herein, including implementation and execution of control algorithms responsive to sensor and/or operator (e.g., flight crew) inputs.
The aircraft50described inFIG. 1is exemplary and it is appreciated that in other embodiments, the aircraft50may include less or additional components (e.g., no horizontal stabilizer, additional stabilizers, additional sensors, and/or additional controllers). Additionally, concepts described herein may be extended to other vehicles such as helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, automobiles, ships, etc.
FIG. 2illustrates a view of an orbital cable holder in accordance with an example of the disclosure.FIG. 2illustrates an orbital cable holder200that includes a first loop member arm202, a second loop member arm202, and a rotatable cable holding member212.
The first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are coupled together via a hinge coupling208on a first side and a clamp coupling210on a second side. InFIG. 2, the second side is opposite that of the first side, but other examples can dispose the first and second sides in other positions. The hinge coupling208can be a hinge that allows the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204to rotate relative to each other.
The clamp coupling210is a coupling that is configured to couple together the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204. When coupled together by the clamp coupling210, the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are prevented to rotating relative to one another. The clamp coupling210can be, for example, a nut and/or bolt style coupling that clamps together the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204, a magnetic coupling, a mechanism located on one or both of the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204that includes locked and unlocked positions, and/or another such coupling.
In certain examples, the clamp coupling210can also be configured to secure the orbital cable holder200to a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft). As such, the orbital cable holder200can be coupled (e.g., bolted to) the vehicle via the clamp coupling210. For example, a bolt or threaded insert can be inserted into and/or received by an opening of the clamp coupling210. A nut can then be attached to the threads to secure the orbital cable holder to the vehicle. In certain examples, a spacer can be coupled to the bolt and/or insert to provide proper clearance for the orbital cable holder200from a portion of the vehicle. Certain other examples of the clamp coupling210can include the bolt, threaded insert, nut, and/or other coupling component.
The first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204can, separately or collectively, include and/or define an interior groove. For example, the interior groove can be a cavity within the first loop member arm202and/or the second loop member arm204. The interior groove can be partially spherical and configured to receive the rotatable cable holding member212and allow rotation of the rotatable cable holding member212when the rotatable cable holding member212is disposed within the interior groove.
The rotatable cable holding member212can be a spherical or partially spherical member that can be configured to rotate within the interior groove. In certain examples, the rotatable cable holding member212can be rotated in multiple different directions (e.g., in multiple degrees of freedom). Also, certain examples can allow the rotatable cable holding member212to only be able to rotate when the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are unlocked. When the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are locked, the rotatable cable holding member212is clamped within the interior groove and prevented from rotating.
The rotatable cable holding member212includes an opening206configured to hold and allow one or more cables (e.g., cable106) to pass through. The opening206can hold the cable to rotate the cable along with rotation of the rotatable cable holding member212. The opening206can be shaped to substantially conform to an outer circumference of the cross section of the cable106. As such, the opening206can be configured so that the cable106is snuggly held within the opening206.
In certain examples, the rotatable cable holding member212can include a plurality of rotatable cable holding member pieces. For example, the rotatable cable holding member212ofFIG. 2includes the rotatable cable holding member pieces212A and212B. Other examples can include other numbers of rotatable cable holding member pieces, such as a three piece, four piece, or five or more piece rotatable cable holding member. Such rotatable cabling holding members are configured, when coupled together, to rotate within the interior groove. In certain such examples, the rotatable cable holding member pieces212A and212B are coupled together and collectively define the opening206(e.g., the opening206is defined by features on both the holding member piece212A and the hold member piece212B). The rotatable cable holding member pieces212A and212B can be configured to be assembled around the cable106before being assembled into a complete rotatable cable holding member212and positioned within the opening206. Certain other examples can include one or more openings that are defined by just one of the plurality of rotatable cable holding member pieces.
In certain examples, each end of the opening206defines a support plane (e.g., the support plane is defined by, for example, having each point of the circular cross section of the end of the opening on the support plane) and the opening206is configured to hold the cable106so that the distal axis of the cable106(e.g., the axis defining the length of the cable106) is substantially perpendicular to the plane.
Such a configuration of holding the cable106is desirable in certain examples. For example, certain applications can include design standards directed to how cables are supported. Such standards can include a maximum deviation, from perpendicular, that the cable can be relative to any support of the cable. Conventional cable support techniques can have difficulties meeting such standards as such conventional supports are not movable. In certain applications, the cable may include curves and/or bends along its length. As the curves and/or bends may, fully or partially, be in free space, the cable supported by conventional supports can fail to meet such design standards. The rotatable cable holding member212of the orbital cable holder200allows the cable106to always be held perpendicular to the support even if the cable106has curves within its length, thus meeting such design standards.
In certain examples, a deformable layer is disposed between the first loop member arm202and/or the second loop member arm204and the rotatable cable holding member212. The deformable layer can be a gasket that, when the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are clamped together, can aid in preventing the rotatable cable holding member212from rotating. Additionally, the deformable layer can be deformed even when the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are not fully locked together to prevent the rotatable cable holding member212from inadvertently being moved away from a set position (e.g., while the position of the cable is being set.
FIG. 3illustrates another view of an orbital cable holder in accordance with an example of the disclosure.FIG. 3illustrates the orbital cable holder200ofFIG. 2from a side view. As shown inFIG. 3, the rotatable cable holding member212is rotated within the interior groove defined by the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204. The rotatable cable holding member212can be rotated responsive to, for example, an input from a technician moving the rotatable cable holding member212and/or from a first portion of the cable106on a first side of the orbital cable holder200(e.g., the right hand side of the figure) being disposed higher than a second portion of the cable106on a second side of the orbital cable holder200(e.g., the left hand side of the figure). In certain examples, forces from the cable106can automatically rotate the rotatable cable holding member212to minimize stresses within the cable106and/or to maximize the bend radius of bends within the cable106. As such, in order to minimize stress on the cable106and/or continue to meet cable routing requirements, the rotatable cable holding member212is rotated while holding the cable106.
FIG. 4illustrates a view of a multiple orbital cable holder system in accordance with an example of the disclosure. In certain examples, each of a plurality of cables is required to be separated from other cables by a minimum distance. Such a minimum distance can, for example, decrease and/or eliminate electromagnetic interference from other cables, minimize entanglement of various cables, and/or allow for easier cable routing.
InFIG. 4, a multiple orbital cable holder system400includes orbital cable holders200A-C. Each of the orbital cable holders200A-C includes first loop member arms202A-C, second loop member arms204A-C, and rotatable cable holding members212A-C, respectively. Each of the rotatable cable holding members212A-C are, as shown inFIG. 4, respectively holding one of the cables106A-C.
Orbital cable holders200A and200B are separated by spacer420. Orbital cable holders200B and200C are separated by spacer422. In the example shown inFIG. 4, the spacers can be coupled to the orbital cable holders via the clamp coupling210A-C. For example, the spacers can couple two of the orbital cable holders together or the orbital cable holders can be coupled together via a bolt and the spacers can be sleeves disposed over and/or around the bolt that are configured to bottom against a surface of the clamp couplings to hold two orbital cable holders at a pre-determined distance (e.g., a distance equal or greater to that of the minimum distance).
FIG. 5illustrates a cutaway view of an orbital cable holder in accordance with an example of the disclosure.FIG. 5illustrates a cutaway of orbital cable holder500. Orbital cable holder500is a multi-cable orbital cable holder. As such, orbital cable holder500includes a first loop member arm502, a second loop member arm504, a deformable layer514, and a rotatable cable holding member512.
The first loop member arm502and the second loop member arm504are similar to the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204, respectively, ofFIGS. 2-4. Thus, the first loop member arm502and/or the second loop member arm504define, separately and/or collectively, an interior groove that the rotatable cable holding member512is disposed within.
As shown inFIG. 5, a deformable layer514is disposed between the rotatable cable holding member512and the first loop member arm202as well as the second loop member arm204. The deformable layer514can hold the rotatable cable holding member512in a set position even when the first loop member arm202and the second loop member arm204are not clamped together. The deformable layer514can be, for example, a component made of rubber, compressible plastic, gasket material, and/or another such deformable material.
The rotatable cable holding member512includes a plurality of openings506A-D. Each of the openings506A-D is configured to hold and allow one or more cables to pass through. Each of the openings506A-D rotates along with rotation of the rotatable cable holding member512. Each of the openings506A-D can be shaped to substantially conform to an outer circumference of the cross section of a cable that it is configured to receive and hold. In certain examples, each of the openings506A-D is configured to hold a cable so that the distal axis of the cable (e.g., the axis defining the length of the cable106) is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by, for example, the circular cross section of an end of one of the openings506A-D.
FIG. 6is a flowchart detailing operation of an orbital cable holder in accordance with an example of the disclosure. In block602, a cable is inserted through an opening within the rotatable cable holding member. In certain examples, the rotatable cable holding member is a multi-piece cable holding member and the plurality of cable holding member pieces are assembled around the cable. The rotatable cable holding member is oriented in block604. Orienting the rotatable cable holding member can include rotating the rotatable cable holding member so that stress is minimized on the cable and/or minimizing a rate of curvature of the cable held by the rotatable cable holding member.
Before, after, and/or concurrent with blocks602and604, the cable holder can be coupled to the vehicle. The cable holder can be coupled to the vehicle via, for example, components securing a clamp coupling of the cable holder to the vehicle. After the rotatable cable holding member has been oriented and the cable holder has been coupled to the vehicle, the first loop member arm and the second loop member arm can be clamped together to secure the rotatable cable holding member in the position oriented in block604.
Examples described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.
| 5F
| 16 | L |
GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention improves on the prior art providing for a simplified
method of aligning charts and chart reading windows.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
To allow for correlation of bottom time to pressure groups and bottom time
intervals, chart 1 shows a table of selected pressure groups 2 arranged
vertically. Parallel to the pressure groups 2 are corresponding bottom
time or residual nitrogen tables 3 calibrated in terms of minutes. In this
manner, the pressure group 2 is aligned with bottom times which correspond
to the pressure group 2 for various depths which must be obtained
separately as will be discussed separately.
Also in alignment with the scales for pressure groups 2 and residual
nitrogen tables 3 are surface interval charts 4. All of these charts 2-4
are known in the art from various tables. The inventive concept embodied
herein is the arrangement of these charts in order to correlate these
utilizing a movable depth scale 5 shown in FIG. 2 mounted on slide 10.
Bottom depths for various dives are shown on a lower bottom depth scale 5.
Above these depth scales 5 are maximum depth limits 11. This arrangement
of depths 5 with maximum limits 11 is known in the art. It is utilized in
the present invention in order to assure that the maximum limits are not
exceeded. This depth scale when presented on a slide allows the
information displayed though the window 8 and slot 9. FIG. 3 shows how the
slide 10 fits over the chart 1 so that the two may be read together. As
shown in FIG. 1, the slide has a backing 10a which attaches to either side
of the slide 10 and which serves to hold the slide in position over the
chart by fitting over the back of the chart 1.
Only one window need be utilized. In the preferred embodiment, at least two
separate windows in alignment shown as a pressure group window 8 and a
bottom time slot 9 are provided.
It can be seen that with a single slot 9, all relevant information would be
provided in the slot if it extended across all charts on Table 1. As shown
in FIG. 2, the alternate embodiment has a single window 9.
For purposes of clarity the example using two windows shown in FIG. 1 is
used for the following discussion. The bottom time slot 9 described by the
slide 10 is directly below and travels with the depth scales 5. In this
way, a particular depth on the depth scale 5 may be aligned with specific
bottom time intervals 3. The alignment of pressure groups 2 with the
bottom time intervals 3 allows for the pressure group 2 to be determined
once the bottom time 3 is aligned with the depth 5.
The relative surface intervals 4 available from these scales are aligned so
as to show through slot 9. A second, horizontally disposed pressure group
scale 7 is aligned below and calibrated to the surface interval scale 4.
Once a pressure group from scale 2 is determined utilizing the alignment
of depth 5 and bottom time 3, the surface intervals shown in the far right
side of slot 9 are directly above the corresponding pressure group 7. This
second pressure group 7 is then usable to determine the maximum bottom
time available for the following dive.
Using a sliding scale, 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the scale will always slide
towards the bottom of the chart 1 shown in FIG. 1 reducing the likelihood
of an error. The surface interval yielded a pressure group on horizontal
scale 7. This pressure group 7 is found utilizing the window 8 in vertical
scale 2. When the depth is then found on depth scale 5, the bottom time
can be calculated by subtracting the maximum time allowable shown above
the depth 5 on no decompression limit 11 from the bottom time below the
depth 5 as seen through slot 9.
There is an additional improvement shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a primary
tube 14 having the charts 1 imprinted thereon. As can be seen by reference
to FIG. 4, there is an extension 14a of primary tube 14 which allows the
tube to be turned from the end.
There is a secondary tube 15 which has the information of the slide 10
imprinted thereon positioned around the primary tube 14 so that the
information may be read through the single window or slot 9 in secondary
tube 15.
A stop 12 may be mounted on the secondary tube 15 and interact with teeth
13 on the primary tube 14. This defines a means for restriction
restricting the direction the primary tube 14 moves relative to the
secondary tube 15 in order to prevent error by turning the tubes in the
wrong direction.
Teeth 13 as shown in FIG. 5 define a ramp 13a rising in the direction which
tube would be turned in ordinary use. The ramp 13a ends in a sharp
dropping wall 13b. The stop 12 is flexible so that it bends as it rises up
the ramp 13a. When the stop 12 unbends at the wall 13b it is restricted
from turning back which helps prevent erroneous readings.
EXAMPLES
OPERATION OF THE TUBE
From the portion of the scale 5 on the invention, the user would select the
maximum depth he planned to obtain on his first dive, always using the
next greater depth if the exact depth is not listed.
EXAMPLE 1
The first dive used as an example will be to 100 feet. On the scale 11
above the maximum depth selected for the first dive, you will find the no
decompression limit. It is known that one should always dive within this
limit.
By turning the end of the invention, now dial in your bottom time below the
maximum depth you have selected. Any dive in the scale 3 under the top
three entries of each column of bottom times.
On our first dive we decide to go down for 10 minutes. Your ending pressure
group is now displayed in the pressure group window. For a single dive
this is all that needs to be done.
EXAMPLE 2
Utilizing the information from example, one hundred feet for 10 minutes,
means the user leaves the water as an E diver. When making a repetitive
dive you must choose a surface interval to the right of your maximum
bottom time.
The user must select the surface interval from those available on the chart
and for this example, a one hour surface interval is selected. One hour
falls between 0:39-1:27 on the surface interval scale. The letter in FIG.
2 on scale 6 located below the chosen surface interval is the new
repetitive dive pressure group.
After a one hour surface interval, the user would re-enter the water as a B
diver. Turn the end of the invention until this new pressure group appears
in the pressure group window. You are now ready to begin your second dive.
EXAMPLE 3
The letter B should now appear in the pressure group window. Select depth
for the second dive. General safety requires that the diver always make
the deepest dive first utilizing this method.
The depth is chosen from those available and for this example, the second
dive will be to 80 feet. Subtract the residual nitrogen located below the
selected depth from the no decompression limit which is located above it.
This will give the new, no decompression limit. Again, the user will
always dive within this limit to avoid decompression.
Under this example, the new, no decompression limit is 22 minutes. (30-8=22
minutes.) Select a bottom time which will fall within this new no
decompression limit; and dial it in, by adding it to the residual nitrogen
left over from the first dive.
The second dive will be to 80 feet for 20 minutes. (8+20=28) The ending
pressure group will now be displayed in the pressure group window. For a
repetitive dive, this is all that needs to be done. You're finished.
80 feet for 20 minutes, means you leave the water as a P diver.
EXAMPLE 4
This utilizes the same information for the first dive but assumes a
multi-level dive instead of the repetitive dive just finished in example
3. After following examples 1-3, it can be seen that after a one hour
surface interval the diver re-entering the water is a B diver. So dial B
into the pressure group window. It is now ready to begin the multi-level
dive.
The letter B should now appear in the pressure group window. Select a depth
for the first portion of the multi-level dive. Again, always, make the
deepest portion of the dive first.
This dive will begin at 80 feet. Subtract the residual nitrogen located
below the selected depth from the no decompression limit which is located
above it. This will give the new, no decompression limit. Again, the diver
should always dive with this limit.
The new, no decompression limit is 22 minutes (30-8=22). Select a bottom
time which will fall within this new decompression limit, and dial it in,
by adding it to the residual nitrogen left over from the first dive.
The second dive will be to 80 feet for 10 minutes. Your ending pressure
group will now be displayed in the pressure group window.
80 feet for 10 minutes means the diver is now an I diver. Select the depth
for the second portion of the multi-level dive.
EXAMPLE 5
For the second portion of the dive, the diver wants to ascend to 60 feet.
Subtract the residual nitrogen located below the selected depth from the
no decompression limit which is located above it. This will give the new,
no decompression limit. Again, always dive within this limit.
Your new, no decompression limit is 30 minutes (55-25=30). Select a bottom
time which will fall within this new no decompression limit, and dial it
in, by adding it to the residual nitrogen left over from the first level.
Level two will be at 60 feet for 15 minutes. 15+25=40 minutes. 40 is not
listed on the scale, so you have to go up to 42. The current pressure
group will now be displayed in the pressure group window.
60 feet for 15 minutes means the diver is now a Q diver. Select the depth
for the third portion of the multi-level dive.
For the third portion of the dive, you want to ascend 40 feet. Subtract the
residual nitrogen located below the selected depth from the no
decompression limit which is located above it. This will give the new, no
decompression limit.
The new, no decompression limit is 66 minutes. (140-74=66) Select a bottom
time which will fall within this new no decompression limit, and dial it
in, by adding it to the residual nitrogen left over from the second level.
Level three will be at 40 feet for 20 minutes (74+20=94). 94 is not listed
on the scale, so you have to go up to 97. Your ending pressure group will
now be displayed in the pressure group window. For a multi-level dive,
this is all that needs to be done. | 6G
| 06 | C |
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The embodiment is directed towards a downhole recirculating hammer having a
top sub 10 mounted to one end of a cylindrical casing 11 which supports a
drill bit support 12 at the other end which in turn supports a drill bit
13 which is axially slidable within the drill bit support 12 between two
end positions wherein when the drill bit 13 is at its innermost position
it is abutting relationship with the end of the drill bit support 12 and
when at its outermost position it is retained thereat by the enlarged end
of the anvil portion 17 of the drill bit being in engagement with a bit
retaining ring 18 provided within the drill bit support 12.
The top sub 10 supports an inner tube 14 which is intended to be engaged
with the return flow line of the drill string and which defines an annular
space between the external face of the inner tube 14 and the interior face
of the top sub 10. The annular space is in communication with a source of
fluid pressure and is provided at its innermost end with a series of
radially divergent passageways 15 which communicate with a first annular
passageway 16 provided in the walls of the casing 11. Two sets of axially
spaced fluid inlet ports 20 and 21 are provided on the inner wall of the
casing 11 to provide communication between the first annular passageway 16
and the interior of the casing 11.
The drill bit 13 is formed with a central aperture 22 in its cutting face
13 which opens into a central passageway within the drill bit. The central
passageway of the drill bit supports a first central tube 23 in a counter
bored portion of the central passageway such that it is supported in
spaced relation from the side walls of the central passageway to define a
second annular passageway 24. The counter bored portion extends from the
anvil end towards the cutting face of the drill and terminates in a curved
end face. The outermost end of the first central tube 23 is spaced from
the curved end face 25 of the counter bored portion of the axial
passageway by suitable spacers while the innermost end of the central tube
23 extends beyond the anvil 17 of the drill bit 13. The outermost end of
the second annular passageway 24 terminates with the curved end face 25 of
the counter bored portion which serves to direct any fluid flow flowing
through the second annular passageway towards the flange 25 to be turned
through approximately 180.degree. whereby it is directed axially inwardly
along the interior of the first central tube 23.
The top sub 10 supports a second central tube 26 which is fixed to the top
sub 10 to open into the interior of the inner tube 14 of the top sub 10.
The second central tube 26 is substantially parallel sided for most of its
length, however, at its outermost end it has an increased diameter portion
27 which overlies the innermost end of the first central tube 23 and is
dimensioned such that the inner face of the increased diameter portion of
the second central tube 26 is spaced from the outer face of the innermost
end of the first central tube 23. The second central tube 26 provides an
annular space between the external face thereof and the internal face of
the casing 11.
An annular piston 29 is slidably received within the annular space and has
an outer face of a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the
casing 11 whereby its outer face is substantially slidably and sealingly
engaged with the inner face of the casing 11. A third annular passageway
is formed between the bore of the piston and the outerface of the second
tube 26.
The top sub 10 further supports a third central tube 28 which is of a
larger diameter than the second central tube 26 but extends for only a
portion of the length of the annular space and defines a fourth annular
passageway between the third central tube and the second central tube. The
fourth annular passageway opens into the interior of the inner tube 14 of
the top sub through a set of ports 35 at the junction between the inner
tube 14 and the second central tube 26.
In addition the inner bore of the piston 29 at its innermost end is formed
with a reduced diameter portion 30 which is of a dimension such that it is
slidably and sealingly engaged with the outer face of the third tube 28
when the piston is in its raised position away from the anvil 17 of the
drill bit as shown at FIG. 2. The outermost end of the piston 29 is formed
on its outer face with a reduced diameter portion 31 which is slidably and
sealingly engaged with the innermost end 32 of the drill bit support 12
when the piston is at the impact position and approaching the impact
position as shown at FIG. 1. The piston is formed with two sets of fluid
inlet ports 33 and 34 which periodically communicate with the sets of
fluid inlet ports 20 and 21 respectively in the casing 11 when in
communication therewith to allow for the introduction of fluid into the
space defined between the respective ends of the piston and the casing 11.
When the piston is in its impact position as shown at FIG. 1, the first
inlet port 20 in the casing opens into the first inlet port 33 in the
piston 29 to cause fluid to be introduced into the space defined between
the reduced diameter portion 31 of the piston the inner end 32 of the
drill bit support 12 and the casing 11 to cause sufficient build up in
pressure to drive the piston 29 away from the anvil 17 of the drill bit
13. The other end of the piston 29 is spaced from the outermost end of the
third central tube 28 and as a result fluid is displaced by the axial
movement of the piston 29 into the third annular passageway defined
between the inner radial face of the piston 29 and the outer face of the
second central tube 26 with further axial movement of the piston 29 the
outermost end of the piston disengages from the innermost end 32 of the
drill bit support 12 to allow the fluid entrapped therebetween to be
exhausted into the third annular passageway defined between the inner
radial face of the piston 29 and the outer face of the second central tube
26. At the other end the piston 29 is sealingly engaged with the outermost
end of the third central tube 28 and towards the end of its movement the
second set of inlet ports 34 in the piston communicate with the second set
of inlet ports 21 in the inner wall of the casing to allow for the entry
of fluid into the space defined between the innermost end of the piston 29
and the top sub 10 in order to deccelerate the piston in its movement
towards the top sub 10 and then drive it towards the anvil 17 of the drill
bit 13. During such movement of the piston 29 towards the anvil 17 the
fluid in the space between the drill bit support and the outermost end of
the piston 29 is displaced into the third annular space passageway between
the second central tube 26 and the inner bore of the piston 29 until such
time as the outermost end of the piston sealingly engages the innermost
end 32 of the drill bit support 12.
As a result of the construction of the hammer according to the embodiment
the fluid is exhausted from either end of the piston 29 into the third
annular passageway defined between the piston and the second central tube
26. Such fluid is permitted to exhaust into the interior of the second
central tube 26 through the passageway defined between overlapping spaced
ends of the first and second central tubes 23 and 26. Such fluid is also
permitted to exhaust into the interior of the first central tube 23 by
passing through the second annular passageway and between the outer end of
the first central tube 23 and the curved end face 25. Furthermore, such
fluid is also permitted to enter the interior of the inner tube 14 of the
top sub 10 by passing through the fourth annular passageway between the
second central tube 26 and the third central tube 28 and to the series of
exhaust ports 35 provided in the top sub at the support for the second
central tube 26.
The entry of air into the first central tube 23 at the inner end of the
aperture 22 in the drill bit 13 serves to provide a reduced pressure zone
in the region of the aperture 22 to draw cuttings into the first central
tube 23. The further introduction of fluid into the interior of the second
central tube 26 through the third annular passageway at the junction with
the first central tube 23 serves to enhance the flow of materials along
the second central tube 26. In addition the exhausting of fluid into the
inner tube 14 in the top sub 10 serves to overcome any decceleration of
materials that may result from the increased volume of the inner tube 14
and serves to maintain the cuttings in suspension.
An advantage of the embodiment and invention arises from the circumstance
that no exhaust fluid from the hammer during the operation of the hammer
is injected into the space between the hammer and the bore hole since all
of the exhaust fluid is injected into the central return passageway within
the hammer. As a result none of the substrate through which the bore hole
is being formed is pressurised which can in some instances result in
destabilisation of the substrate to cause the borehole to collapse on the
hammer during its passage through the substrate.
When the hammer is in the blowdown mode as shown in figure 3 the flange
formed at the outermost end of the piston by the reduced diameter portion
31 is in abutment with the innermost end 32 of the drill bit support 12
while the outermost end of the piston is also in abutment with the anvil
17 of the drill bit. The fluid from the first annular passageway 16 in the
casing is caused to enter the annular space between the innermost end of
the piston 29 and the top sub 10 through the second inlet port 21 in the
casing to pressurise that space and is exhausted into the third annular
passageway between the second central tube 26 and the bore of the piston
29 to exit from the space between the outer end of the first central tube
23 and the curved end face 25 of the counter bored portion of the drill
bit and between the spaced overlapping portions of the first and second
central tube 26 and also to exhaust through the space between the second
and third central tubes 26 and 28 respectively.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention need not
be limited to the particular scope of the embodiment described above. | 4E
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of a, an, and the includes plural reference, the meaning of in includes in and on.
As shown in FIG. 1A , one illustrative embodiment of a roller bit 100 employing the invention includes a bit body 110 that has a collar 116 that is affixable to a drill string 12 (not shown), typically by threading, and a plurality of legs 130 depending downwardly therefrom, each leg 130 having an exterior surface 132 . A lateral wall 120 , having an upper surface 122 and an opposite lower surface 124 , connects the legs 130 . The upper surface 122 and the interior of the drill string (not shown) defines a drilling fluid chamber 112 , through which drilling fluid (such as a drilling mud) is pumped to carry away drilling detritus during the drilling process. The lower surface 124 defines a lower open region 114 that is open to the hole 10 being bored.
Each of the legs terminates in an exterior bearing surface 134 and a roller cutter 150 is applied thereto. The exterior bearing surface 134 typically includes an exterior thrust bearing 168 and an exterior journal bearing 166 . A ball bearing/bearing race assembly 154 is also typically provided. The roller cutter 150 , which terminates in a peripheral edge 170 , has an exterior surface adapted for cutting the underlying formation and includes a plurality of teeth 152 . An interior bearing surface 160 , that is complementary in shape to the exterior bearing surface 134 , is defined by the roller cutter 150 . The interior bearing surface 160 includes an interior journal bearing surface 162 and an interior thrust bearing surface 164 . The bearing surfaces 134 and 160 are typically include a lubricant and are sealed with a recess 172 and o-ring 174 assembly to keep contaminants away from the lubricant.
The bit 100 includes a bearing wear sensor that causes a detectable drop in drilling fluid pressure when the bearing surfaces 134 or 160 show excessive wear. The bearing wear sensor includes a duct 190 , which in this embodiment has a first bore 192 that opens to the drilling fluid chamber 112 . A second bore 194 , that opens to the lower open region 114 , intersects the first bore 192 . A brittle plug 196 , typically made from tungsten carbide, prevents leakage of the drilling fluid from the second bore 194 into the lower open region 114 . The brittle plug 196 is disposed adjacent the edge 170 of the roller cutter 150 .
As shown in FIG. 1B , when the bearing surfaces 134 and 160 wear excessively, the roller cutter 150 will begin to oscillate along arrow A and eventually begin abrading the brittle plug 196 . Eventually, the brittle plug 196 will break apart and allow drilling fluid 102 to flow out of the drilling fluid chamber 112 through the first bore 192 and the second bore 194 into the lower open region 114 . This loss of drilling fluid 102 into the lower open region 114 causes a detectable drop in drilling fluid pressure in the drilling fluid chamber 112 , which indicates that a bearing failure is approaching and that the bit 100 should be replaced.
As shown in FIG. 1C , a stopper 204 may plug a portion of the duct 190 and a tracing fluid 202 may be placed therein. In this embodiment, when the plug 196 breaks open, the tracing fluid 202 is released into the drilling fluid and is, thus, detectable at the surface. The tracing fluid 202 should be made of a material that is detectable even if diluted by drilling fluid.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the peripheral edge 170 of the roller cutter 150 could define a groove 212 . A plug 210 shaped complementary to the groove 212 could be used to seal the duct 190 . This embodiment offers an advantage in that lateral movement of the roller cutter 150 will cause the plug 210 to break.
As shown in FIGS. 3A through 3E , the groove 300 can define a notch 310 and the plug can comprises a solid pin 320 that is press fit into the duct 190 . Movement of the rotary cutter 150 causes the pin 320 to be released from the duct 190 and fall into the slot 310 . This causes the rotary cutter 150 to become locked and thereby causes an increase in drill string torque that can be detected on the surface. The duct 190 can be open to the drilling fluid chamber, as shown in FIG. 3D , in which case release of the pin 320 also causes a detectable decrease in drilling fluid pressure. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3E , the duct 190 does not connect to the drilling fluid chamber but forms a blind hole 324 instead. In this case, a spring 326 is disposed in the hole 324 and loads the pin 320 .
One embodiment of a pin 320 used to lock the rotary cutter is shown in FIG. 4 . This embodiment includes a bottom portion 328 , that has a shape that is complementary to the slot, and a pin portion 322 extending upwardly therefrom.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C , the plug 350 includes a disk portion 354 that is shaped to be press fit into a portion of the duct 190 and a rod portion 352 that extends from the disk portion 354 . The rod portion 352 is shaped to extend into a portion of the groove 340 . The rod portion 352 and the disk portion 354 could be made of the same material, for example steel. In another embodiment, the rod portion 352 and the disk portion 354 are made of different materials. In one example, the rod portion 352 is made of steel, while the disk portion 354 has a cast iron rim.
The above described embodiments are given as illustrative examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the specifically described embodiments above.
| 4E
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a washing machine according to the
present invention. The washing machine according to the present invention
has, as the conventional washing machine shown in FIG. 1, an out-casing
115 forming the outer shape thereof, a tub 110 suspended in the out-casing
115 by a number of suspension bars (not shown), and a washing tub 120
accommodated in the tub 110. The laundry and the water used in washing
operation are accommodated in the washing tub 120, and a pulsator assembly
200 according to the present invention is installed on the lower part of
the washing tub 120. A motor 140 and a shaft assembly 150 are installed
under the tub 110. The shaft assembly 150 is driven by the motor 140 and
transmits the torque of the motor 140 to the pulsator assembly 200 or the
washing tub 120 according to the operation mode of the washing machine.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the pulsator assembly in FIG. 3.
The pulsator assembly 200 consists of the first pulsator 130 and the
second pulsator 160. The first pulsator 130 consists of a disc-shaped body
132, a plurality of stirring wings 136 extended upwardly from the upper
surface of the body 132, and a supporting bar 131 being extended to the
axis direction of the body 132 at the center thereof. The stirring wings
136, as in the conventional washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are
disposed radially and symmetrically to the axis, and generate a strong
water current by increasing the resistance power against the water in the
washing tub 120 when the first pulsator 130 rotates. On the middle area of
the supporting bar 131 along the longitudinal direction thereof, a groove
138 is formed along the rotational direction thereof, and a projection 139
is formed on a portion of the groove 138. Also, the supporting bar 131 is
formed with a guide groove 137 connecting the upper end thereof and the
groove 138. The second pulsator 160 is assembled by insertion with the
supporting bar 131 of the first pulsator 130 so as to rotate together with
or relatively to the first pulsator 130, and executes the function
generating a strong water current by providing the impulse in the upper
part in the washing tub 120. (Therefore, we call the second pulsator 160
an impulse pulsator hereinafter.) The impulse pulsator 160 consists of a
cylinder part 161 and a plurality of wings 163 protruded on the outer
surface of the cylinder part 161 to the radial direction thereof.
The cylinder part 161 is formed to have an inner diameter which is almost
the same with an outer diameter of the supporting bar 131 in order to be
assembled with the supporting bar 131. On a part of the inner surface of
the cylinder part 161, a protrusion 167 is formed. The guide groove 137
formed on the supporting bar 131 guides the protrusion 167 into the groove
138 so that the protrusion 167 can be accommodated in the groove 138 when
the cylinder part 161 is being assembled with the supporting bar 131. The
wings 163 are disposed to be at equal angular distances with each other on
the upper part of the outer surface of the cylinder part 161. The wings
163 are made of an elastic material, and preferably of a hard rubber like
a polyurethane.
When the impulse pulsator 160 moves downwardly at the state that the
protrusion 167 of the cylinder part 161 is positioned on the direct upper
position of the guide groove 137 of the supporting bar 131, the protrusion
167 is guided toward the groove 138 through the guide groove 137 so as to
be accommodated in the groove 138, and the first pulsator 130 and the
impulse pulsator 160 become assembled. A fixing member 170 is inserted
into the guide groove 137 at the assembled state of the first pulsator 130
and the impulse pulsator 160. The fixing member 170 is engaged with the
guide groove 137 by form-fitting so that the segregation of the impulse
pulsator 160 from the first pulsator 130 is prevented.
The first pulsator 130 and the impulse pulsator 160 can rotate relatively
to each other. In that situation, the range of the relative rotation
therebetween is confined by the protrusion 167 and the projection 139.
That is, when the supporting bar 131 rotates in a forward or a reverse
direction,(hereinafter, we mean the forward direction as the clockwise
direction, and the reverse direction as the counterclockwise direction)
the first pulsator 130 rotates relatively to the impulse pulsator 160 by
the time the projection 139 arrives at the position of the protrusion 167,
and from the time when the projection 139 arrives at the position of the
protrusion 167, as the rotation continues, the impulse pulsator 160
rotates together with the first pulsator 130. Accordingly, the impulse
pulsator 160 does not rotate until the first pulsator 130 rotates one turn
in the forward or the reverse direction, and thereafter the impulse
pulsator 160 rotates together with the first pulsator 130.
When the washing operation is in progress the torque of the motor 140 is
transmitted to the first pulsator 130 through the shaft assembly 150. At
that time, the first pulsator rotates in the forward or the reverse
direction, and then the water current rotating in the forward and the
reverse rotational direction is generated. In that situation, the torque
of the first pulsator 130 is transmitted to the impulse pulsator 160 after
one turn of the first pulsator 130, and the water current in the upper
part and in the part around the first pulsator 130 is generated. Since the
beginning of the rotation of the impulse pulsator 160 has some time gap
with the beginning of the rotation of the first pulsator 130, each water
current is generated at different times. Accordingly; the water current
becomes more complex than that of the conventional washing machine shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 which generates the water current merely in the lower
part of the washing tub or that of an agitator type washing machine which
generates the water current in the lower part and the upper part
simultaneously, and so the turbulent force between the water and the
laundry becomes greater. When the first pulsator 130 converts the
rotational direction from one direction to the other direction the water
current in reverse direction is generated in the lower part in the washing
tub 120, and the impulse pulsator 160 rotates to the other direction and
provides the impulse toward said the other direction after one turn of the
first pulsator 130. Accordingly, a more complex water current is
generated. As illustrated above, whenever the rotational direction of the
first pulsator 130 is reversed, the complex water current in the washing
tub 120 is generated by the impulse pulsator 160, and the washing
efficiency is improved. If the supporting bar 131 and the cylinder part
161 are constructed to be long so that the wings 163 are positioned at the
more upper part of the washing tub 120, a stronger and more complex water
current in the more upper part in the washing tub 120 can be generated.
When the washing operation ends, the torque of the motor 140 is transmitted
to the washing tub 120 and the dehydration operation begins. At that time,
the shaft assembly 150 rotates the washing tub 120 together with the
pulsator assembly 200 at a high rotational velocity, and then the
dehydration operation of the laundry is carried out.
The wings can be disposed to have a certain inclination against the axis of
the supporting bar 131, and the impulse and the water current can be
varied thereby. Also, in this embodiment, although the example in which
only one projection is formed is shown, the projection can be formed to be
a pair, and preferably these are disposed symmetrically with respect to
the axis of the supporting bar 131. In this case, the angular distance of
relative rotation is a distance corresponding to a half turn of the first
pulsator 130. Accordingly, the time interval until the wings 163 are
actuated is reduced, and another variation of the water current can be
achieved.
As described above, according to the present invention, the washing
efficiency is improved by the strong water current in the upper part in
the washing tub 120, and specifically, as the first pulsator 130 and the
impulse pulsator 160 are actuated at different point of times, a more
complex water current in the washing tub 120 is generated and the washing
efficiency is much improved.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in
detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration
and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation wherein the
spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the terms of
the appended claims. | 3D
| 06 | F |
The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying examples:
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1
Zwitterionic polymer coatings were investigated by allowing pyrene to diffuse into the polymer and studying the degree to which it is taken up, and the effects on the ratio of the fluorescence band intensities to see if there is any significant indication of the type of environment present.
Polymer coatings of interest were dissolved in an appropriate solvent (usually ethanol) at 20 mgml−1. The solution was used to coat polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fluorescence cuvettes by simply pouring into the cuvette, draining, following by an oven curing at 70° C. overnight. Polymers studied were:a) a copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxy ethyl-2′-trimethyl-ammoniumethyl phosphate inner salt (MPC): n-butylmethacrylate: hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPM): trimethoxysilylpropylmethacylate (TSM) 29:51:15:5 (by weight)b) a copolymer of MPC: benzylacrylate: HPM: TSM 29:51:15:5c) a copolymer of MPC: dodecylmethacrylate (DM): HPM: TSM: 45:35:15:5d) a copolymer of MPC: DM: HPM: TSM: 29:51:15:5e) a copolymer of MPC: DM: HPM: TSM: 15:65:15:5f) poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate).
The copolymers a-e were synthesised as disclosed in WO-A-9830615.
Analytical grade pyrene was used in high purity water (8.32×10−4M). The fluorescence spectrum was recorded using an excitation wavelength of 335 nm and scanned from 350-440 nm on a PE LS 50B Luminescence Spectrophotometer. Subtraction of the spectrum of each coating in water was necessary to remove the interference of a small band at 380 nm present in all methacrylate systems.
Environment information could be obtained by comparing the ratio of the intensity of the peaks at 373 nm (I1) and 383 nm (I3) (I3/I1). Where I3/I1 was similar for polymer systems, the comparative amount of pyrene present could be estimated by the maximum intensity of I1; alternatively, the entire peak area may offer an alternative measure of the comparative amount of pyrene present in different coatings. It was important to mark the side of the cuvette to ensure the same orientations was achieved each time it was replaced in the spectrophotometer.
FIG. 3Acompares the fluorescence spectra of pyrene in lauryl methacrylate (dodecyl methacrylate) (8.32×10−4M) and water (8.32×10−5M). For water the I3/I1 ratio is 0.633 (literature value10.63) and the I3/I1 ratio for lauryl methacrylate is 1.029. This indicates the very different environments than might be expected to be seen within the polymer coating.
Pyrene solution added to the coated cuvettes was allowed to stand for 16 h, the cuvette emptied and washed thoroughly with ultrapure water, refilled with ultrapure water and the fluorescence spectrum recorded. The comparative maximum height of I1 was used to estimate the relative amounts of pyrene in the coatings. This was repeated for three cuvettes of each polymer and the average taken. Despite some variations between cuvettes, the trends were the same, indicating that the polymer formulations with more hydrophobic content seemed to contain more pyrene (FIG. 2).
This is in contradiction to the water contents of these materials which vary in the opposite order. Hence for the varying systems, although water contents vary in the order c>d>f>e (88:40:38:27), the final fluorescence intensity (loading of pyrene achieved in the coating) varies according to e>d>c≧f. This indicates that the pyrene is preferentially associating itself with hydrophobic areas within the coating.
The ratio of I3/I1 was also studied (FIG. 1) and again, those polymer with formal hydrophobic chains showed a greater ratio (indicating more hydrophobic environment for the pyrene). This polymer containing the benzyl side chain has a lower than expected I3/I1, initially indicating poor interaction with the pyrene. However, measurement of the I3/I1 for pyrene in the pure benzyl acrylate monomer showed that the maximum I3/I1 that could be expected would be 0.75 (i.e. less of a shift in fluorescent intensity is produced in this aromatic monomer compared to the lauryl monomer). PHEMA coating showed I3/I1 characteristic of pyrene in an aqueous environment (FIG. 3A), suggesting no formal hydrophobic domain exists.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2
Drug-Polymer Interaction Versus Drug Solubility
There are examples of stent-based release of therapeutics that rely upon the poor solubility of the active agent in water to achieve a slow release rate, i.e. by relying for extended release of drug on poor solubility of the drug in water. When a graph of solubility versus release time (T90%) is plotted however, the relationship is extremely poor (R2=0.006) indicating the solubility on its own does not account for the observed release characteristics.
This can be modelled further by comparing the theoretical release of drug into a known volume of water based purely upon its solubility and comparing this with its actual release profile from the polymer system into the same elution volume. Assuming that 100 μg of the drug is place on a surface, and that the drug is eluted off into 5 ml of solution, and then at various arbitrary points, 1 ml removed, and 1 ml of fresh solution added, the dissolution profiles for various drugs could be calculated and compared to experimental data obtained the same way. The variation between calculated and observed could be attributed to the interaction with the polymer matrix.
This is clearly illustrated byFIGS. 4aandb. Here, the theoretical release of dexamethasone (which has a log P where P is the partition coefficient between octanol and water of 2.55) and estradiol have been calculated and plotted on the graph (diamonds/circles) based on the solubility of the compound and the volume of water into which it is being eluted (Details of further loading and elution studies from polymer-coated stents are given below). The difference between this line and the observed data (squares) is the degree of interaction of the compound with the hydrophobic domains within the polymer coating which in this case is polymer d) from Ref. Example 1. It is the interaction that prolongs the release of the compound and offers some capability to control the delivery of the drug to its surrounding environment.
EXAMPLE 1
Estradiol Uptake Studies
1.1 Normal (Low) Loading Level
15 mm BiodivYsio DD stents provided with a cross-linked coating on both inner and outer walls of copolymer d) used in Reference Example 1 were provided with a coating of drug by immersing them in a 20 mg/ml solution of estradiol for 30 minutes, removing the stents from the solution and wick drying them on tissue then allowing them to dry for 2 hours at room temperature. The drug total loading was measured by HPLC, and found to be in the range 45-65 μg per stent.
1.2 High Loading Level
18 mm BiodivYsio stents premounted on their balloon delivery catheter were coated by dipping the balloon and stent in a volume of a 20 mg/ml solution of estradiol in ethanol for 5 minutes, removing and drying for 5 minutes, then pipetting 10 μl of the drug solution on to the stent/balloon and allowing to dry for 1 minute, this pipetting and drying step being repeated once, with a final 10 minute drying period. The balloons were inflated, deflated and the stents removed. The level of drug on each stent and balloon was determined using HPLC. The level of drug on the stents was in the range 225-250 μg per stent, and the amount on each balloon was about 190-220 μg.
1.3 High Loading Level Repeat
The method of example 1.2 was repeated with the stents premounted on either a 3 mm or 4 mm diameter balloon. For the 4 mm balloon system the mean level of drug was 240 with a range for 3 samples of 229-254 μg, giving an area distribution of 2.4 μg/mm2(range 2.3 to 2.6). For the 3 mm balloon system the mean loading per stent was 2.59 μg with a range for 5 samples of 243-276 μg. The area distribution is 2.6 μg/mm2(range 2.4-2.8).
EXAMPLE 2
Estradiol Elution Studies at 25° C.—Non-Flow System
Elution studies were carried out at 25° C. for up to 1 hour in gently agitated PBS. This was done by placing 15 mm DD stents loaded with estradiol, from Example 1.1 individually in vials containing 5 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on rollers. At various time intervals up to 7 hours a 1 ml aliquot was removed and replaced with 1 ml fresh PBS. The stents and water aliquots were measured, to give the amount of drug eluted and the amount of drug remaining on the stents. The results are shown inFIG. 5. It may be seen that during the first hour estradiol was eluted relatively more quickly than the rest of the time and at 4 hours there was still 62% estradiol still remaining on the stent.
EXAMPLE 3
Release of 17β-Estradiol
The elution profile for 17β-estradiol,FIG. 6from the stents produced in example 1.1, was assessed using an in-vitro test where five stents were vigorously stirred in a large volume (1000 ml) of PBS saline solution at 37° C. This test demonstrates that the stent is capable of a sustained release of 17β-estradiol over a duration of at least several hours. Aliquots of buffer were removed at various time points over a 24 hour period and analysed for 17β-estradiol content. The results are shown inFIG. 6. When translated into in-vivo conditions, the release profile is predicted to be over a prolonged period of time.
EXAMPLE 4
Estradiol Elution Studies in Flow-System
The elution of estradiol was examined in a flow system at 37° C. and evaluated over an 8 hour period. PBS was maintained at 37° C. in six stirred reservoirs (500 ml each) within a water bath. A length of silicone tubing (3 mm internal diameter) was attached from each reservoir to one of six stent chambers (4 mm internal diameter 80 mm long) and back to the respective reservoir via a peristaltic pump. The system was pumped using a flow rate of 100 ml/min to reach equilibrium temperature of 37° C. The flow was stopped and two estradiol loaded 15 mm stents loaded as in Example 1 were placed in each of the six stent chambers, and flow recommenced. A stent was then removed at various time periods and wick dried. These were used to measure the amount of estradiol remaining on the stent. The results are shown inFIG. 7. This shows that in this model the estradiol was eluted relatively more quickly than in the stirred 5 ml PBS of Example 2. Since the total volume of PBS passing over the stents inthe flow model is 500 ml, it is likely that throughout the period the rate of desorption of drug from the stent was higher than the rate of absorption from the environment. This condition may not apply to the non-flow method.
EXAMPLE 5
In Vivo Test on Estradiol Loaded Stents
This study investigated the acute and short term effects of deploying estradiol (17β) loaded 18 mm stents produced generally as described in Example 1 above (ie loaded with drug whilst mounted on the balloon using either a single dipping step or the multi-step loading method) in porcine arteries. There were 3 arms to the study: 1) Control, using the non-drug-coated 18 mm BiodivYsio stent with the polymer coating d from the reference example 1, 2) low estradiol dose (about 45-65 μg per stent) using the dip only loading method of Example 1.1, and 3) high dose (about 225-250 μg per stent) by using the multi-step loading method (Ex. 1.2).
A total of 6 animals were each implanted with three stents, one each of the control, low and high dose, one stent in each of three coronary arteries. A balloon:artery ratio of about 1.25:1 (in the range (1.2-1.3):1) was used, the oversizing designed to cause an injury to the artery wall resulting in neointimal formation resembling that occurring in stented human coronary arteries.
One month after implantation observations were made by quantitative coronary angiogram (QCA) of the mean lumen diameter (MLD). Subsequently the results were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis of intimal hyperplasia formation and vessel luminareas, as well as for the extent of re-endothelialisation. The results are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1MLD mmIntimal Area mm2(S.D)Luminal area mm2(S.D)Control2.264.31 (1.1)3.49 (1.41)Low2.313.60 (0.79)4.20 (1.74)High2.532.54 (1.0)5.40 (1.70)
The study showed a 40% reduction in intimal area in the ‘High Dose’ 17β-estradiol loaded stents compared with control stents (p<0.05), seeFIG. 4. There was also a reduction in the Intimal Area/injury score ratio in the ‘High Dose’ 17β-estradiol group compared with the ‘Control’ stents (1.32 ±0.40 mm2vs 1.96±0.32 mm2, for 17β-estradiol vs control respectively, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the injury score for all three study arms.
A trend was noted for the Luminal Area where there was an increase in Luminal Area with an increase in dosage.
Re-endothelialization scores were high for all three study arms, suggesting that 17b-estradiol does not inhibit the healing process.
EXAMPLE 6
α-Methylprednisolone Uptake Studies
6.1 Low Loading Level
15 mm BiodivYsio DD stents provided with a cross-linked coating on is both inner and outer walls of copolymer d) used in Reference Example 1 were provided with a coating of drug by immersing them in a 12.35 mg/ml solution of 6α-methyl prednisolone (MP) for 5 minutes, removing the stents from the solution and wick drying them on tissue then allowing them to dry for at least 1 hour at room temperature. The drug total loading was measured by placing the stent in ethanol (9.0 ml) and sonicated for 30 minutes. The concentration in the ethanol was determined by UV at 246.9 nm compared to standards. The loading was found to be in the range 30-40 μg per stent.
6.2 High Loading Level
18 mm BiodivYsio stents coated with the cross-linked polymer d) on both walls premounted on their balloon delivery catheter were coated by dipping the balloon and stent in a volume of a 12.0 mg/ml solution of MP in ethanol for 5 minutes, removing and drying for 5 minutes, then pipetting 10 μl of the drug solution on to the stent/balloon and allowing to dry for 1 minute, this pipetting and drying step being repeated thrice, with a final 10 minute drying period. The balloons were inflated, deflated and the stents removed. The level of drug on each stent was determined using the technique described above. The level of drug on the stents was in the range 250-300 μg per stent.
EXAMPLE 7
MP Elution Studies at 25° C. —Non Flow System
Elution studies were carried out at 25° C. for up to 1 hour in gently agitated PBS. This was done by placing 15 mm DD stents loaded with MP from Examples 6.1 and 6.2 individually in vials containing 5 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS) on rollers. At various time intervals a 1 ml aliquot was removed and replaced with 1 ml fresh PBS. The stents and water aliquots were measured, to give the amount of drug eluted and the amount of drug remaining on the stents. The results are shown inFIG. 8.
EXAMPLE 8
In Vivo Test on MP and Dexamethasone Loaded Stents
This study investigated the acute and short term effects of deploying MP and dexamethasone loaded 18 mm stents produced generally as described in Example 1 above (i.e. loaded with drug whilst mounted on the balloon using either the single dipping step of example 1.1) or the multi-step loading method of example 1.2) in porcine arteries. There were 4 arms to the study: 1) Control, using the non-drug-coated 18 mm BiodivYsio DD stent (which is coated with polymer d), 2) low Dex dose (about 95 μg per stent) using the dip only loading method, 3) high Dex dose (about 265 μg per stent) by using the multi-step loading method, and 4) high dose MP produced as described in Example 6.2 (about 270 μg per stent).
Stents were implanted into porcine arteries for 5 days, explanted, then assessed for inflammation by H&E staining and the results scored histopathologically and morphometrically on an arbitrary scale.
From nine measurements for each data point the following results were obtained: (p values in parentheses in table), 1=no difference, 0.05=95% confidence of a difference), see table 2.
TABLE 2Histopathological findingsInflammationInjuryThrombusPerivasculitisControl0.730.560.740.48+ Dex0.730.530.770.51Low dose+ Dex0.570.400.54*0.45High dose+ MP0.51*0.420.50*0.39Morphometric ResultsIEL Dia-EEL Dia-Dia Sten (%)Area Sten (%)Lum. DiaLum. DiaControl590.160.47+ Dex4 (0.02)8 (0.14)0.14 (0.18)0.47 (1)Low dose+ Dex4 (0.02)7 (0.005)0.13 (0.009)0.43 (0.24)High close+ MP3 (0)6 (0.001)0.11 (0)0.35 (0)*indicates statistically significant difference from control (p = 0.05)
The results of Examples 6 and 8 show that the high dose stents show a trend towards improved results.
EXAMPLE 9
Re-Endothelialisation of Dexamethasone-Loaded Stents
The dexamethasone-loaded stents (Low Dex) described in example 8 were implanted into porcine coronary arteries for 30 days. After this time the animals were sacrificed and the stented sections of the arteries removed and fixed. The vessel was cut longitudinally and opened out to expose the inner surface which was sputter coated and viewed under by SEM. SEM revealed that the inner surface of the vessel had completely re-endothelialised over the stent struts.
EXAMPLE 10
Clinical Trial Assessment—30 Day Data for 71 Patients
Study of anti-restenosis with the BiodivYsio Dexamethasone eluting stent (STRIDE) which is a multi-centre prospective study performed at 7 centres in Belgium with 71 patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with binary restenosis 6 months after receiving a BiodivYsio stent loaded with dexamethasone i.e. produced by the same technique as the LowDex stent described in example 8. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the incidence of sub(acute) thrombosis to 30 days post procedure and the occurrence of MACE (death, recurrent myocardial infarction or clinically driven target lesion revascularisation) at 30 days and 6 months post procedure.
11, 15, 18 and 28 mm by 3.0 to 4.0 mm diameter BiodivYsio stents loaded with dexamethasone were under investigation. 30 day data for 71 patients (safety analysis set) are reported in this example. Other endpoints have not yet been reached and therefore will not be described.
71 patients (79% male) with an average height of 170 cm and weight of 79 Kg were enrolled into the study. 63% of patients had a history of hypercholesterolaemia and 69% had smoked or were current smokers. 47% of patients had multi-vessel disease and 44% had a history of previous MI. The vessels/lesions treated were in the following categories:
Vessel TreatedLesion ClassificationRCA31%A21%LAD41%B148%Cx19%B227%Other9%C4%
The mean lesion length treated was 9 mm. The majority of patients had either a 15 mm (34%) or an 18 mm (39%) stent implanted.
At 30 day follow-up two patients had a MACE (1 patient died one day post procedure following coronary embolism and 1 patient had a non Q-wave MI) (Table 3). Three patients had serious adverse events that were unrelated to the study treatment
Technical device success defined as intended stent successfully implanted as the first stent was 95%. Clinical device success defined as technical device success in the absence of MACE to discharge was achieved in 94% of patients.
The data presented in this initial interim analysis suggest that the presence of dexamethasone in the coating is not associated with an increased occurrence of MACE or serious adverse events and that the BiodivYsio Dexamethasone stent is safe in the short term for use in patients.
REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3
Assessment of Changing Solvent on DD Stent Delivery System
In order to load the pre-mounted (on a balloon delivery catheter (balloon formed from a nylon blend)) DD stent with non-water soluble drug, the stent/delivery system combination must be immersed in the drug solution. The aim of this experiment was to check if the solvent had a detrimental effect on the balloons. Pre-mounted BioDivYsio stents were placed in solvent for minutes then allowed to air dry to 5 minutes. The mechanical properties of the balloon were then assessed by a burst pressure test.
The samples were connected to a pressure pump and gauge and a positive pressure of 1 atm. (105Pa) applied and left for 30 seconds. The pressure was increased by 1 atm (105Pa) every 30 seconds until the stent was fully deployed i.e. there were no creases or folds in the balloon.
The pressure was then increased to 16 atm. which is the rated burst pressure for the balloon system, and held for 30 seconds. The pressure was then increased in 1 atm. steps and held for 30 seconds at each step, until the balloon burst. The results are in Table 2.
TABLE 3Effect of Drug Loading Solvent on Balloon Burst PressureSolventDeployment Pressure/atm.Burst Pressure/atm.None3>16Ethanol3>16Methanol323 ± 1DMSO324 ± 1
None of the solvents cause detrimental effects on the balloon The choice of drug loading solvent is therefore related to drying rate and solvent toxicity, drug solubility, and swellability of the polymer.
| 0A
| 61 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to FIG. 1, therein is shown a cotton harvester 10 of the
stripper type having a main frame 12 supported by front drive wheels 14
and rear steerable wheels 16 for forward movement through a field planted
with parallel rows of cotton plants. A plurality of stripper row units 20
are supported from a transversely extending cross-auger or main conveyor
22 having a cross auger frame 23 connected by lift arms on the front of
the frame 12. The units 20 include stripping structure 26 for removing
portions of the cotton plants from the row, and conveying structure 28 for
carrying the removed material rearwardly and depositing the material into
the cross-auger 22. The cross-auger 22 includes counter-rotating flights
for moving the deposited material to a central outlet location at the rear
of the auger 22. A dense material separating chamber 32 (FIG. 5) connects
the auger outlet with the input to the main upright duct 34 leading to the
harvester basket 38 and/or cleaner 39 supported on the frame 12. Material
is conveyed by air upwardly and rearwardly to upper grate structure 42 and
then rearwardly into the basket 38 or downwardly into the cleaner 39.
As best seen in FIGS. 2-4, the row unit 20 includes a frame assembly 50
having a rear structural member 52 with an upright transverse rear panel
54. A pair of transversely spaced supports 58 are cantilevered from the
lower portion of the rear structural member 52 and extend forwardly to
define a central row-receiving area 60. Each of the supports 58 includes
planar side wall 62 which extends vertically to bend location 64 where an
angled planar wall 62a (FIG. 4) extends downwardly at an angle of
45.degree. with respect to the wall 62. At a second bend location 66 a
planar bottom 62b extends inwardly 45.degree. from the wall 62a to define
a flat-walled auger trough area 68. Channel members 70 fixed at their aft
ends to the rear structural member 52 extend forwardly on either side of
the row-receiving area 60 to front wall structure 72 (FIG. 3). The
outermost portion of each of the channel members 70 defines an inside
planar wall 72a of the auger trough area 68. Fore-and-aft extending angles
76 are fixed to channel members 70 on either side of the row-receiving
area 60. A cut-off member 78 having a straight cut-off edge 80 is fixed to
the outermost side of each of the channel members 70 with the edge 80
projecting above the channel member.
Upright slots 82 (FIG. 2) elongated in a direction perpendicular to the
forward direction are formed in the trough walls 62 near the forward end
of the unit 20. Slots 84, which are perpendicular to the slots 82 and
parallel to the forward direction, are provided rearwardly of the slots
82.
On each side of the row-receiving area 60, a generally conventional brush
or stripper roll 90 is supported for rotation about the axis of a
fore-and-aft extending stripper roll shaft 91 by an adjustable forward
bearing 92 connected to the front wall structure 72 and by a rear bearing
94 fixed to the rear panel 54. The stripper roll 90 is generally of
conventional construction (rows of brushes, or alternating brushes and
rubber bats) with the exception that the length of the roll is several
inches more than is customary to provide improved stripping in tall, high
yield cotton. The shaft 91 projects rearwardly through the panel 54 with
the shaft axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel 54.
The cut-off edge 80 extends parallel to the axis of the shaft 91 and as
best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 is offset below the shaft axis.
Outwardly of each stripper roll 90, an auger 100 with a shaft 101 is
supported for rotation above the corresponding auger trough 68 by a
forward bearing 102 fixed to the front wall structure 72, and by a rear
bearing 104 supported on the rear panel 54. The auger shaft 101 is
substantially parallel to and offset below the stripper roll shaft 91 and
the cut-off edge 80 and projects through the rear panel 54. The cut-off
edge 80 extends slightly above an imaginary plane which passes through and
is parallel to the axes of the shafts 91 and 101.
Stripper roll and auger drive structure 110 includes gears 112, 114 (FIG.
4) fixed to the shafts 91 and gears 116, 118 fixed to the shafts 101 for
rotation about parallel axes. The gears 112-118 lie generally in a plane
parallel to and offset rearwardly of the rear panel 54. The gear 112
meshes with the gear 114 so that the stripper rolls 90 counter-rotate up
from the row-receiving area 60. A hydraulic motor 120 is connected by a
bracket 122 to the rear panel 54 and includes a drive gear 124 which
meshes with the gears 114 and 118 to drive the right-hand (FIG. 4)
stripper roll 90 and auger 100 in the clockwise direction, and the
left-hand stripper roll 90 in the counter-clockwise direction. An idler
gear 128 supported from the panel 54 by a bearing 130 for rotation about
an axis parallel to the auger and stripper roll axes provides
counter-clockwise drive from the stripper roll gear 112 to the auger gear
116. The motor 120 is connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under
pressure (not shown) on the harvester 10.
Row unit covers 134 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are supported by the row unit frame
assembly 50 on either side of the row-receiving area 60 above the supports
58. Each of the covers 134 includes an upright side wall 136 extending
forwardly from the rear structural member 52 to the front of the support
58. An upper gatherer sheet or panel 140 extends forwardly from the member
52 and inwardly from the wall 136 to an inner edge 142 offset above the
row receiving area 60. A front gatherer sheet or panel 144 extends
downwardly from the panel 140. A flanged support member 148 connected
between the edge 142 and the wall 136 provides unit cover strength and
support for the gatherer panel 144. The panel 140 is preferably fabricated
from a lightweight plastic with a low friction surface and slopes
downwardly from the wall 136 toward the inside of the unit for reduced
cotton loss and low weight. The gatherer panel 144 slopes inwardly and
rearwardly to provide a wide throat area that funnels cotton plants easily
into the row-receiving area 60. The gatherer panel 144 may also be
fabricated from plastic to reduce weight. A forward gathering shoe
assembly 150 is pivotally connected to the support 58 for rocking about a
generally transverse axis to follow the ground contour. The inner portion
of the assembly 150 includes inwardly and upwardly converging plant guides
151 (FIG. 2) for positioning lower portions of the plant with respect to
the stripper rolls. Additional lower guides 152 extend inwardly and
rearwardly from the front of the unit to channel the lower portion of the
cotton plants into the row-receiving area 60.
The row unit 20 is pivotally connected to the cross auger frame 23 by a
bracket 154 (FIG. 3) for rocking about an axis 156. A height control
cylinder 158 is connected between the lower portion of the row unit frame
assembly 50 and the cross auger frame 23 for pivoting the unit about the
axis 156. The harvester header which includes the cross auger 22 and row
units 20 is connected by conventional hydraulically controlled lift arm
structure to the harvester frame 12 for raising and lowering the row units
20.
The separation chamber 32 is supported from the harvester frame 12 and
pivots about the lift arm pivotal axis with the header as the cross auger
22 is raised and lowered. A forward and substantially horizontally
extending portion 162 of the separation chamber 32 communicates with the
auger outlet and has a lower opening 164. An upright portion 166 angles
upwardly and projects into the lower end of the duct 34 above the distal
end of the opening 164. Spaced transverse air tubes 170 of diameter
preferably on the order of three inches extend across the width of the
proximate end of the opening 164 and include rearwardly and upwardly
directed air outlets 172. The tubes 170 are connected to a source of air
(not shown) on the harvester. The outlets 172, which in an alternate
embodiment may simply be holes formed in the tubes, extend generally the
width of the opening 164 and provide a current or flow of air with
sufficient lift in the horizontal run to float the ripe cotton (see 176 of
FIG. 5) while the denser materials such as green bolls (177) fall through
the opening 164. The main air jet 180 which is located about a third of
the way up in the rear wall of the duct 34 provides sufficient suction at
the lower end of the duct 34 to lift the ripe cotton. The air tubes 170
permit the air output at the jet 180 to be reduced from that which would
otherwise be necessary to convey high yielding cotton so that fewer green
bolls and the like are drawn into the duct 34, and so that trash is less
likely to pin against and clog the grates 42 at the upper end of the duct.
In operation, the cotton plants enter the row-receiving area 60 where the
counter-rotating stripper rolls 90 strip cotton bolls and stalk material
from the plants and propel the stripped material over the cut-off member
78 toward the augers 100. The cut-off member 78 prevents cotton from
sticking to the adjacent stripper roll 90, and the edge 80 helps break up
stalk material. The augers 100 convey the stripped material rearwardly,
and the auger housing slots 82 facilitate removal of dirt from the trough
area 68. The slots 84 facilitate stalk breakage and removal. The planar
angled walls of the auger troughs help assure stalk breakage and help
optimize material-location in the trough for better conveying and cleaning
action. The augers 100 direct the rearwardly conveyed material downwardly
through rear openings in the row unit and into the cross-auger 22 where
counter-rotating flights move the material to the central outlet which
opens into the separating chamber 32. The air current from the tubes 170
near the cross-auger outlet lifts and propels the fluffy ripe cotton
rearwardly along the chamber 32 and upwardly toward the bottom of the duct
34 where the suction created by the jet 180 moves the cotton upwardly.
Heavier material such as green bolls fall through the opening 164 of the
separation chamber.
Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become apparent that
various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the accompanying claims. | 3D
| 01 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF
The boundary between a measuring electrode and an electrolytic solution is called an interface. The electrolytic solution is a first phase in which charge is carried by the movement of ions, and the measuring electrode is a second phase in which charge is carried by the movements of electrons.
Two types of processes occur at the electrode-solution interface: (1) the faradaic process involves actual electron transfers between the measuring electrode and the electrolytic solution; and (2) the non-faradaic process involves adsorption and desorption of organic species onto and from the electrode surface where no charge actually cross the interface.
During non-faradaic process, although no charge actually cross the interface, external transient currents are present when the electrical potential, electrode surface area, or the composition of the electrolytic solution changes. These transient currents flow to charge or discharge the electrode-solution interfacial region, which is generally referred to as an electrical double layer.
The capacitance of such electrical double layer (Cd) is a function of the applied electrical potential (E), the composition and concentration of the electrolytic solution, and the active electrode surface area. When the applied electrical potential and the active electrode surface area are constant, the double layer capacitance is directly correlative to the composition and concentration of the electrolytic solution.
Therefore, the present invention in one aspect provides a method for measuring the organic additive (i.e., suppressors, accelerators, and levelers) concentrations in a metal electroplating solution, more preferably a copper electroplating solution, based on the double layer capacitance of a working electrode that is immersed in such metal electroplating solution.
Under a given initial electrical potential or potential step (E), the metal electroplating solution demonstrates a current response that is characterized by an initial current peak or maximum current (Imax) at initial time t0and an exponentially decaying current (I) at subsequent time t, which are determined by:Imax=ERs;(I)I=Imax×ⅇ(-tRsCd)(II)
where Rsis the electrical resistance of the electrolytic solution, and e is the base for natural exponential.
When t=RsCd, the current I has decreased to about 37% of the initial current peak, as follows:
I=Imax×e(−1)=0.368×Imax(III)
The value of RsCdis usually referred to as the time constant tc, which is characteristic to the given electrode-solution interface.
From equations (I)–(III), one can express the double layer capacitance Cdas:Cd=tc×ImaxE(IV)
Therefore, by measuring the current peak Imax, the time constant tcrequired for the current to decrease to about 37% of the current peak Imax, and the initial potential step E, the double layer capacitance Cdof the measuring electrode in the sample electroplating solution can be determined quantitatively.
The current response of an electrolytic solution can be monitored by using one or more measuring devices. For example, an ammeter can be used to directly measuring the current flow through the sample electrolytic solution over time; alternatively, a combination of one or more potentiometers and one or more ohmmeters can be used to measuring the real-time potential and electrical resistance of the sample electrolytic solution, from which the current flow can be calculated.
Preferably, one or more calibration solutions are provided for constructing a correlative data set, which empirically correlates the double layer capacitance with the concentration of an organic component of interest. Specifically, each calibration solution so provided is compositionally identical to the sample electroplating solution but for the concentration of the organic component of interest, and each calibration solution preferably contains said organic component of interest at a unique, known concentration. The double layer capacitance of each calibration solution is measured according to the method described hereinabove and used in conjunction with the respective known concentration of the organic component of interest in each calibration solution to form the correlative data set.
Such correlative data set can then be used for direct mapping of the concentration of the organic component of interest in the sample electroplating solution, based on the double layer capacitance measured for such sample electroplating solution.
Preferably, the present invention employs a computer-based quantitative analyzer, which may comprise a computer, central processor unit (CPU), microprocessor, integrated circuitry, operated and arranged to collect the current response data for determining the double layer capacitance of the sample solution and according to the method described hereinabove and for mapping the organic component concentration. More preferably, such quantitative analyzer has a correlative data set stored in its memory for direct concentration mapping based on the double layer capacitance measured for the sample solution. Alternatively, such quantitative analyzer comprises a capacitance-concentration correlation protocol for in situ construction of such a correlative data set based on current response data collected for various calibration solutions and the respective known organic component concentrations in such calibration solutions. The capacitance-concentration correlation protocol can be embodied in any suitable form, such as software operable in a general-purpose programmable digital computer. Alternatively, the protocol may be hard-wired in circuitry of a microelectronic computational module, embodied as firmware, or available on-line as an operational applet at an Internet site for concentration analysis.
Usage of double layer capacitance for determining organic component concentrations in the present invention is particularly advantageous for analysis of copper electroplating solutions. First, measurement of the double layer capacitance involves little or no reduction of the copper ions (Cu2+), because such measurement is carried out in a potential range that is lower than that required for Cu2+reduction reaction, which protects the measuring electrode from being alloyed with the reduced copper and increases the useful life of the electrode. Further, since measurement of the double layer capacitance does not involve copper deposition, the organic additives contained in the sample electrolytic solution are not consumed, and the concentration of such organic additives in the electrolyte solution throughout the measurement cycles remains constant, therefore significantly increasing the reproducibility of the measurement results.
FIG. 1shows the current response curves of four different electrolytic solutions, which include (1) a first electrolytic solution that contains cupper sulfate, sulfuric acid, and chloride and is additive-free, (2) a second electrolytic solution that is compositionally identical to the first electrolytic solution but for containing a suppressor at a concentration of about 2.0 mL/L; (3) a third electrolytic solution that is compositionally identical to the first electrolytic solution but for containing an accelerator at a concentration of about 6.0 mL/L; (4) a fourth electrolytic solution that is compositionally identical to the first electrolytic solution but for containing a leveler at a concentration of about 2.5 mL/L.
An initial potential step (E) of about −0.208 V is applied to each of the above-listed electrolytic solutions, and the current response curves of the electrolytic solutions under such initial potential step are obtained.
The current peak (Imax) and the time constant (tc) required for the current (I) to drop from the peak value to about 37% of the peak value can be directly read from such current response curves, and from which the double layer capacitance (Cd) can be calculated, according to equation (IV) provided hereinabove.
Following is a table listing the measurements obtained from the current response curves shown inFIG. 1.
Solution(1)Solution (2)Solution (3)Solution (4)Potential Step (E)−0.208 V−0.208 V−0.208 V−0.208 VCurrent Peak(Imax)Ave.−77.6 nA−45.1 nA−58.1 nA−73.8 nARSD−0.20%−1.50%−0.50%−0.50%Time Constant0.065 sec.0.0749 sec.0.0586 sec.0.0684 sec.(tc)Double Layer24.2 nF16.2 nF16.4 nF24.3 nFCapacitance (Cd)Capacitance0%−33%−32%0.04%Change Rate
Among the three organic additives tested, the suppressor as added into solution (2) has the greatest impact on the double layer capacitance, and the leveler as added into solution (4) has the least impact at the given concentration. Therefore, different organic additives have relatively different impact on the double layer capacitance, which can be used for distinguishing said organic components from one another.
While the invention has been described herein with reference to specific aspects, features and embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is intended to be broadly interpreted and construed to encompass all such other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments, as being within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The subject invention reduces a content of a residual styrene monomer in a polyol and forms an improved polyol. The improved polyol has less than 20 parts per million of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol.
In the present invention, the residual styrene monomer typically includes substituted and unsubstituted vinyl aromatic monomers. More typically, the residual styrene monomer includes styrene, para-methyl styrene, and combinations thereof. Most typically, the residual styrene monomer includes styrene. For descriptive purposes only, a chemical structure of styrene is illustrated below.
However, it is contemplated that the polyol may also include a content of additional monomers. Examples of typical additional monomers include esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids, ethylenically unsaturated nitrites and amides, and combinations thereof. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated nitriles and amides include acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, and combinations thereof. Most typically, the polyol may include a content of a residual acrylonitrile monomer.
The residual styrene monomer, as described above, is present in the polyol. The method of the present invention includes the step of providing the polyol that includes the residual styrene monomer. Preferably, the polyol includes polyether polyols, polyester polyols, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the polyol includes a polyether polyol. Most preferably, the polyol includes a dispersion or a solution of addition or condensation polymers, i.e., a graft polyether polyol. Additionally, the dispersion may include styrene.
To reduce the content of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol described above, the method of the present invention includes introducing a peroxide to the polyol to form a mixture. The mixture includes the polyol and the peroxide.
Preferably the peroxide includes the general formula:
wherein R comprises one of an alkyl group, an oxygen-alkyl group and an oxygen-oxygen-alkyl group; X1comprises one of an ester group, an oxygen, and an alkyl group; and X2comprises a methyl group so long as X1is an ester group. More preferably, the peroxide includes monoperoxycarbonates, peroxyketals, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the peroxide includes tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-amylperoxy)butyrate, 1,1-Di(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane, tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-butylperoxy)butyrate, and combinations thereof. For descriptive purposes only, chemical structures of tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-amylperoxy)butyrate, 1,1-Di(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane, tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate, tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, and ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-butylperoxy)butyrate are illustrated below.
The tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® TAEC and commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 131. The ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-amylperoxy)butyrate is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® 533M75. The 1,1-Di(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® 533M80 and commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 122. The tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate is commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 121. The tert-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® TBEC and commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 117. The ethyl-3,3-bis(tert-butylperoxy)butyrate is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® 233M75 and commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 185C75.
Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that peroxide radicals are present in the peroxide due to decomposition of the peroxide. The peroxide radicals take part in a polymerization reaction, described in greater detail below.
After the peroxide is added to the polyol and the mixture is formed, the method of the present invention includes adjusting a temperature of the mixture. It is contemplated that the temperature of the mixture can be either raised or lowered to achieve a preferred temperature. Preferably, the temperature of the mixture can be adjusted to a range of from 110 to 160, more preferably of from 120 to 150, and most preferably of from 120 to 140° C.
Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that once the preferred temperature is achieved, the residual styrene monomer is polymerized through the polymerization reaction of the residual styrene monomer and the peroxide radicals, as first introduced above. If the polyol includes the residual acrylonitrile monomer, it is also believed that, once the preferred temperature is achieved, the residual acrylonitrile monomer is polymerized through the polymerization reaction of the residual acrylonitrile monomer and the peroxide radicals.
Additionally, it is believed that the polymer formed from the reaction of the peroxide radicals and the residual styrene monomer has a reduced volatility such that the polymer includes fewer volatile organic compounds. Similarly, it is also believed that if the polyol includes the residual acrylonitrile monomer, the polymer formed from the reaction of the peroxide radicals and the residual acrylonitrile monomer would also have a reduced volatility.
Preferably, the peroxide radicals are allowed to react with the residual styrene monomer for a time of from 30 to 240, more preferably of from 60 to 180, and most preferably of from 60 to 120 minutes. If the polyol includes the residual acrylonitrile monomer, it is also preferred that the peroxide radicals are allowed to react with the residual acrylonitrile monomer for a time of from 30 to 240, more preferably of from 60 to 180, and most preferably of from 60 to 120 minutes. Once the residual styrene monomer is polymerized, the content of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol is decreased. Consequently, the polyol is improved. Similarly, if the polyol includes the residual acrylonitrile monomer, and the residual acrylonitrile monomer is polymerized, the content of the residual acrylonitrile monomer is also decreased.
To reduce the content of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol, the method of the present invention further includes applying a vacuum to separate the residual styrene monomer from the polyol. If the polyol includes the residual acrylonitrile monomer, the method may also include applying the vacuum to separate the residual acrylonitrile monomer from the polyol.
If the vacuum is applied, the method of the present invention may include adjusting a pressure of the vacuum. If the pressure of the vacuum is adjusted, it is preferred that the vacuum is adjusted to a pressure of from 0.1 to 400, more preferably of from 0.1 to 200, and most preferably of from 0.1 to 65 torr.
The vacuum may be applied to the polyol. If the vacuum is applied to the polyol, the vacuum may be applied to the polyol before, while simultaneously, or after, introducing the peroxide to the polyol to form the mixture. Applying the vacuum to the polyol facilitates separation of the residual styrene monomer or the residual acrylonitrile monomer from the polyol. Additionally, the vacuum may be relieved at any time during the method of the subject invention depending on industrial production needs such as, but not limited to, introducing the peroxide to the polyol.
In addition to applying the vacuum to separate the residual styrene monomer from the polyol, the method of the present invention may also include applying a sparge to facilitate separation of the residual styrene monomer from the polyol. It is also contemplated that applying the sparge may facilitate separation of the residual acrylonitrile monomer from the polyol. Additionally, the sparge may be applied before, while simultaneously, or after, introducing the peroxide to the polyol.
As in known in the art, applying the sparge generally includes bubbling a gas through a solution to remove an undesirable component from the solution. Specifically, according to the method of the present invention, applying the sparge includes bubbling the gas through the polyol. It is also contemplated that, according to the method of the present invention, applying the sparge includes bubbling the gas through the mixture of the peroxide and the polyol. If the sparge is applied according to the method of the present invention, it is preferred that the sparge includes use of nitrogen gas, gaseous water vapor (i.e., steam), and combinations thereof that may be bubbled through the polyol and/or mixture of the peroxide and the polyol.
EXAMPLES
A graft polyol including residual styrene monomers was synthesized according to processes known in the art. Amounts of the residual styrene monomers were measured both prior to and after employing the method of the present invention. The amounts of the residual styrene monomers were measured using column gas chromatography and/or headspace chromatography. Specific components used in the subject invention are set forth in Table 1. Comparative examples are set forth in Table 2.
TABLE 1ComponentExample 1Example 2Example 3Polyol 1 (g)200200Polyol 2 (g)200Peroxide 1 (g)0.20.2Peroxide 2 (g)0.2Reaction Temperature130130130(° C.)Reaction Time (min)120120120Initial Amount of33203320238Residual StyreneMonomer (ppm)Final Amount of Residual0.00.01.0Styrene Monomer (ppm)Atmospheric Pressure760760760(torr)Pressure of the Vacuum454545(torr)
TABLE 2ComparativeComparativeComparativeComponentExample 1Example 2Example 3Polyol 1 (g)200200200Peroxide 1 (g)0.2Peroxide 2 (g)0.2Reaction Temperature (° C.)130130130Reaction Time (min)120120120Initial Amount of Residual332033203320Styrene Monomer (ppm)Final Amount of Residual95578054Styrene Monomer (ppm)Atmospheric Pressure760760760(torr)Pressure of the VacuumN/AN/A45(torr)
Polyol 1 is a secondary hydroxyl-terminated graft polyether polyol that has not been vacuum stripped. Polyol 1 includes approximately 43 parts by weight of the styrene and acrylonitrile monomers in a 1:2 weight ratio of acrylonitrile:styrene, per 100 parts by weight of the polyol. Polyol 1 is commercially available from BASF Corporation of Wyandotte, Mich. under the trade name of Pluracol® 1442 polyol.
Polyol 2 includes the same formulation as the aforementioned Polyol 1. Polyol 2 was vacuum stripped under a reduced pressure of approximately 45 torr prior to use in Example 3.
Peroxide 1 is tert-amylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate which is commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 121.
Peroxide 2 is 1,1-Di(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane which is commercially available from Atofina Corporation of Philadelphia, Pa. under the trade name of Luperox® 533M80 and commercially available from Akzo Nobel Corporation of Louisville, Ky. under the trade name of Trigonox® 122.
Initial Amount of Residual Styrene Monomer is a measurement of the initial amount of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol using column gas chromatography and/or headspace chromatography. The measurement was taken before a vacuum was applied and before a peroxide was added to the polyol. The initial amount of the residual styrene monomer is measured in parts per million.
Final Amount of Residual Styrene Monomer is a measurement of the final amount of the residual styrene monomer in the polyol using column gas chromatography and/or headspace chromatography. The measurement was taken after a vacuum was applied and/or a peroxide was added to the polyol. The final amount of the residual styrene monomer is measured in parts per million.
Pressure of the Vacuum is the pressure of the vacuum that was used to separate the residual styrene monomer from the polyol.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Described herein are techniques for deriving business processes. The following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and may further include obvious modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein.
Embodiments of the present invention includes a system and method for deriving business processes. When business processes are executed, the software typically generates event logs that act as a record of the activities of the system. In one embodiment, the event logs may be accessed and used to derive the business processes that were used to create the events. Embodiments of the present invention may include using domain rules to create an association between event logs and business processes. Event logs may be accessed and applied with the domain rules to extract business processes that were used by software (e.g., legacy software), for example, in generating the events in the event logs.
FIG. 1illustrates a method of deriving business processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. While the method below is illustrated here as a sequence, it is to be understood that some of the steps may be executed in parallel with other steps. At101, a business process is executed. A business process comprises the execution of a sequence of one or more process steps. It may have clearly defined deliverables or outcomes. A business process may be defined by the business event that triggers the process, the inputs and outputs, the operational steps required to produce the output, the sequential relationship between the process steps, the business decisions that are part of the event response, or the flow of material or information between process steps. In general, a business process can be modeled as a sequence of (possibly parallel) actions performed by each of the agents participating in the process, and the message exchanges among them. A business process may be executed on one or more software systems or components (agents). Agents usually represent software systems, but can also involve human interaction. As the business process is executed, the supporting software will typically generate event logs for the various activities triggered by the business process. The activities are observable events. The observable events of a business process may include the message exchanges between the agents and published internal events of the participating agents for example. These observable event logs are the basis of the initial business process analyses and may be used to detect lowest level business process structures, which are then subject to the business process structuring rules. At102, the event logs are generated by a software system executing a particular step of a business process. At103, the event logs may be stored. For example, some software systems may store event logs in a database of event logs. If multiple business processes are supported by the system, the system may store event logs from multiple business processes together in a single location, for example.
At104, domain rules are specified. Domain rules create an association between event logs and business processes. In some applications, event logs may be used to recreate a code base for supporting a variety of existing business processes running on a code base (e.g., a legacy code base). Accordingly, domain rules may be specified by domain experts who may have specialized knowledge of the legacy code or the business processes or both. Rules may transform events into business process components (or steps), as described in more detail below. The rules may also combine identifiable business process components into the complete process. Some embodiments of the present invention may include a business process extractor software component (BPE), which may access event logs and output the business processes that created the event logs. Domain rules may be specified by a domain expert and provided as an input to the BPE. Alternatively, a BPE may include integrated functionality for allowing a domain expert to specify domain rules for a variety of accessible systems. An example of domain rules that may be used in embodiments of the present invention to analyze log data is provided in the Appendix below. At105, the event logs are accessed. For example, event logs for a system running a business process step may be retrieved from database storage by a BPE. Once the log messages are retrieved, the predefined domain rules are accessed at106. Using these predefined domain rules, event logs may be associated with one or more business processes at107. For example, one or more event logs associated with the same business process may be clustered together and used to extract a business processes structure. Accordingly at108, business processes are extracted from these associations. At this step, basic process schemes may be identified. In some applications, this information may be used as input to generate code to support business processes at109.
FIG. 2illustrates a system for deriving business processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. A software application201executes a business process202. The business process may be integrated into the software system code, or the business process may be specified using, for example, a business process markup language (“BPML”), for example. During execution of business process202, event logs203are generated by application201. Events may include messages exchanged between systems or internal events of a single system, or both, for example. The event logs203may be stored in memory such as a cache, database, log file, or similar mechanism for capturing system events. A business process extractor (“BPE”)204may access the event logs203. Once the event logs are retrieved, the BPE204may access domain rules205. BPE204may process the event logs using the domain rules to generate the business process206, representing the structure of the business process as a specification such as XML, as a graph, or as a language, for example.
FIG. 3Aillustrates a method of extracting business processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. When event logs360are accessed, the events may be analyzed using domain rules to extract basic business process components361-363(e.g., steps or schema elements). These basic components may include one or more atomic steps of a complete business process. From the basic business process components, domain rules may be applied to rebuild a complete business process from the component processes. For example, the basic business processes may be input to refinements or transformations364-369implemented using domain rules to recompose larger processes. As shown inFIG. 3A, one set of event logs may produce multiple business process components361-363. The application of the rules to the component processes may cause multiple components processes, such as component362and363, to be combined to form a complete business process374. This may be an iterative process, for example, as illustrated at370-372, wherein component processes may be iteratively pieced together to form the final process.
FIGS. 3B-Cillustrate an example step of a business process and associated events according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the business process is a credit check process300. For example, as part of an electronic transaction, a software system320may execute a process for checking the credit of a buyer. To achieve this, software system320may request a credit check from another software system330that includes functionality for verifying credit. A complete business process may include a credit check component process as part of a larger transaction. The business process may include a first software system320(e.g., an agent) sending a credit check request to another software system330. The second step of the process is when system330returns a verification (OK/Not OK) back to the requesting system. However, the actual processing steps performed to carry out the business process may be much more involved as illustrated inFIG. 3C. System320may start the process at301by generating and sending a request for a session key to system330to open a new session. Event301will be logged by system320. Next, system330may receive the request at302, generate a log entry that a request has been received, and then generate and send back a request for authorization at303. The request for authorization made by system330will also be logged. At304the request for authorization is received by system320and the event logged. At305, system320may access and send back an authorization code. Event305is also logged. The authorization code may be received by system330at306, and the event of receiving the code is logged. After system320is authorized by system330, system330may open a session by generating and sending an encrypted session key at307and logging the event. At308, system320receives the session key and sends encrypted customer data at309, such as an amount of credit to be checked, for example. These events are also recorded by system320. At310and311, system330receives the customer data, performs the credit check, returns an encrypted credit check result, and logs the associated events. At312, system320receives the credit check result and logs the event, thereby completing the business process step. The events from the above transaction contain the information needed to determine that the business process being performed is a credit check process300. For example, domain rules may be defined such that when events on a system (e.g., system330) show that a request for a new session is received, an authorization code is requested, customer data received, and a credit check result transmitted, then the component process300may be extracted from the atomic events represented in the event logs. Similarly, domain rules could be defined for extracting the business process component from events logged on system320. Likewise, domain rules could be defined for extracting business processes from multiple systems. In this example, the domain rules would pertain to business transactions, and in particular, credit check transactions. According to such rules, analysis of the events may be performed to specify the basic business process component that created them.
FIG. 4illustrates derivation of multiple business processes according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, three business processes may be executing across multiple systems. In particular, business process401may run on agent system404. Accordingly, event logs407corresponding to this process will only be found on system404. However, another business process402may run on agent systems404,405, and406. Therefore, to derive this process it may be useful to obtain event logs407,408, and409from all three systems. Similarly, business process403may run on agent systems405and406. Accordingly, event logs corresponding to process403may be found on systems405and406. Embodiments of the present invention may include a business process extractor410(“BPE”). BPE410may retrieve event logs407-409from multiple systems and process the logs using predefined domain rules411. The BPE410may filter or sort events to distinguish between different independent business processes. Two business processes are said to be independent if there is no information exchange going on between the processes. Once the separation has been done, event patterns may be detected and sub-protocols and/or low-level business processes (e.g., the credit check process) may be identified and compiled. BPE410derives the business processes from the event logs and may output the business processes421,422, and423, for example, as business process definitions or specifications.
FIG. 5illustrates clustering of events according to one embodiment of the present invention. A system may generate events corresponding to multiple different processes carried out on the system.FIG. 5illustrates how events from a system event log may be associated with different business processes, or even an event cluster that represents a sub-process. If the events are logged together, it may be desirable to sort the events into groups (or “clusters”) to derive the business processes that generated them. This process may also be used if multiple event logs from multiple systems are retrieved and combined on a single system for analysis. Event log520includes events for two different business processes530and540. As a step in deriving the business process from the event logs, the events are separated into clusters. For example, events501and502are identified has belonging to business process540by analyzing the information associated with each log. Event503is associated with business process530. Event504is associated with business process540. Event505is associated with business process530. Events506-509are associated with business process540. In this example, events503,505,510,511,513and515form a cluster (or group) of events associated with business process530, and events501,502,504,506-509,512, and514form a cluster of events associated with business process540. Similarly, events508,509,512, and514may be identified as part of a sub-process of business process540. Accordingly, these events may form a cluster associated with both business process540and a sub-process541.
FIG. 6is an example of a system for deriving business processes from event logs according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a business process execution manager601(“BPEM”) is used to execute business processes. The business processes may be defined using a business process markup language (“BPML”) or other specification technique that is interpreted and carried out by the BPEM601, for example. Execution of the business process causes the BPEM601to generate event log messages602. The log messages are typically, but not necessarily, stored on the same system. In this example, a business process extractor605(“BPE”) software system includes a log retriever component606for accessing the log messages. For example, log messages602may be retrieved by log retriever606using a JAVA connector604and business application program interfaces603A or603B. BPE605also includes a conversion and reassembly component608. Component608may receive rules for deriving the business processes from the event logs. The rules may be defined by a domain expert with knowledge of the business processes to be extracted from the log files, for example. In one embodiment, BPE605may include a user interface for defining domain rules used to derive business processes from event logs. In this example, the derived business processes are output in an XML format. Accordingly, conversion and reassembly component608may be coupled to an XML library609for generating XML specifications of the derived business process and process components. In this example, the output of component608is an XML representation of the business process. The XML may be provided as an input to a visualization tool611. The visualization tool may convert a specification of the business process, such as XML, into a graphical display of the business process, for example. In another embodiment, the XML may be provided as an input to a code generator for creating code to support the derived business process.
FIG. 7illustrates an example computer system and networks that may be used to implement one embodiment of the present invention. Computer system710includes a bus705or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor701coupled with bus705for processing information. Computer system710also includes a memory702coupled to bus705for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor701, including instructions for performing the methods and processes described above. This memory may also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor701. Possible implementations of this memory may be, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other similar computer-readable mediums. A storage device703is also provided for storing information and instructions. Common forms of storage devices include, for example, a hard drive, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a CD, a DVD, a flash memory, a USB memory card, or any other medium from which a computer can read.
Computer system710may be coupled via the same or different information bus, such as bus705, to a display712, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device711such as a keyboard and/or mouse is coupled to a bus for communicating information and command selections from the user to processor701. The combination of these components allows the user to communicate with the system.
Computer system710also includes a network interface704coupled with bus705. Network interface704may provide two-way data communication between computer system710and the local network720. The network interface704may be a digital subscriber line (DSL) or a modem to provide data communication connection over a telephone line, for example. Another example of the network interface is a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links are another example. In any such implementation, network interface704sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.
Computer system710can send and receive information, including messages or other interface actions, through the network interface704to an Intranet or the Internet730. In the Internet example, software components or services may reside on multiple different computer systems710or servers731across the network. Software components described above may be implemented on one or more local computers or servers. A computer system710may download event logs from one or more servers731-735, through Internet730, local network720, and network interface704to be processed by a BPE on computer system710, for example. This process of accessing events or rules or both may be applied to communication between computer system710and any of the servers731to735in either direction. It may also be applied to communication between any two servers731to735.
The above description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention along with examples of how aspects of the present invention may be implemented. The above examples and embodiments should not be deemed to be the only embodiments, and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Based on the above disclosure and the following claims, other arrangements, embodiments, implementations and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
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| 06 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, the blow gun of the present invention comprises a body1, a volume adjustment device2, a press rod3, a fixing nut4and a blowing pipe5. The body1has a top path11and a bottom path12. An inlet121communicates with the lower end of the bottom path12and an outlet111communicates with the top of the top path. A handle13is connected to the body1and a space14is defined in the body1, wherein the space14communicates with the top and bottom paths11,12. The space14has a first hole141and a second hole142which is smaller than the first hole141so as to define a first stepped portion143between the first and second hole141,142. The top path11communicates with the second hole142and the bottom path12communicates with the first hole141. A hanging hole15is formed at the top of the body1and a slot16is defined at a position where the press rod3is pivotably connected to the body1.
The volume adjustment device2is installed in the space14and in contact with the protrusion32of the press rod3which has one end pivotably connected to the body1and is in contact with the lower end of the volume adjustment device2.
The volume adjustment device2has a valve rod21, a spring22, a rotatable rod23and a nut24. The nut24is connected to the top of the space14by the connection of inner and outer threads. The top of the valve rod21is connected to the first end of the spring22and the second end of the spring22is in contact with the underside of the nut24. The rotatable rod23has a front end231thereof extending through the nut24and located in the spring22. A distance “11” is formed between the top of the valve rod21and the front end231of the rotatable rod23. A knob232is connected to the rotatable rod23and exposed beyond the nut24. The nut24has a through hole241which includes a first cylindrical portion242and a second cylindrical portion243which is smaller than the first cylindrical portion242. A second stepped portion244is defined between the first cylindrical portion242and the second cylindrical portion243. The lower end of the first cylindrical portion243has a recessed portion245and the second end of the spring22is in contact with the recessed portion245. The second cylindrical portion243has inner threads and the rotatable rod23has outer threads which are located corresponding to the inner threads.
The press rod3has one end pivotably connected to the pivotal hole31of the body1and is in contact with the lower end of the volume adjustment device2. The length L2 from the lower end to the pivotal hole31wherein the press rod3is connected is three to eight times of the length L1 from the top end to the pivotal position of the press rod3. The press rod3has a protrusion32which is located at the lateral side of the volume adjustment device2. The protrusion32is in contact with the underside of the volume adjustment device2.
The fixing nut4is connected between the nut24and the knob232.
The blowing pipe5is connected to the top path11and has an exit51. The blowing pipe5has a neck portion52or a cup member54received therein which is located adjacent to the exit51of the blowing pipe5. Two side holes53are defined through the wall of the blowing pipe5and located between the exit51and the neck portion52/cup member54. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the cup member54has an open end and an entrance541in a closed end thereof. The inner diameter of the entrance541is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the neck portion52, about 3.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the blowing pipe5is about 6 mm.
As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the space14is defined between the top and bottom paths11,12, and the volume adjustment device2is installed in the space14. The valve rod21, the spring22, the rotatable rod23and the nut24are installed in the space14in sequence. It is noted that the lower end of the valve rod21has to be in contact with the protrusion32of the press rod3, and the nut24is partially exposed from the body1. The knob232of the rotatable rod23is exposed from the outside of the nut24. The distance “11” is formed between the top of the valve rod21and the front end231of the rotatable rod23. The top of the valve rod21is connected to the first end of the spring22and the second end of the spring22is engaged with the recessed portion245of the rotatable rod23. The distance “11” is the distance for the travel of the valve rod21.
As shown inFIG. 3, when the rotatable rod23is located at the top position of the space14, the valve rod21has the maximum displacement. In other words, the opening of the rotation of the press rod3is the maximum so that the blow gun has the maximum volume for blowing. When the knob232is rotated clockwise and the rotatable rod23is rotated, because of the engagement between the inner threads of the nut24and the outer threads of the rotatable rod23, the rotatable rod23is lowered into the space14so that the distance “11” is reduced. In other words, the opening of the rotation of the press rod3is reduced and the volume for blowing is reduced. The distance “11” is reduced along with the clockwise rotation of the knob232so as to reduce the volume for blowing. When the knob232is rotated counter clockwise, the distance “11” is increased. In other words, the opening of the rotation of the press rod3is increased and the volume for blowing is increased. It is noted that the ratio between the inner diameter “12” of the space14and the outer diameter of the rotatable rod13is larger than that of the conventional blow gun, the maximum volume of the blow gun of the present invention is larger than that of the conventional blow gun.
The length “L3” of the spring is longer than that of the conventional blow gun, so that the blow gun is easily operated and the spring does not reach its fatigue point quickly, a longer life of use of the blow gun is expected.
The blowing pipe5is connected to the top path11and has an exit51. The blowing pipe5has a neck portion52/cup member54received therein which is located adjacent to the exit51of the blowing pipe5. Two side holes53are defined through the wall of the blowing pipe5and located between the exit51and the neck portion52/cup member54. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the air speed passing through the neck portion52/cup member54becomes faster to form a vacuum area so that the outside air is sucked into the blowing pipe5via the two side holes53to increase the volume from the exit51of the blowing pipe5.
As shown inFIG. 4, when the blow gun is not in use, the rotatable rod23is rotated to its lowest position and the knob232is rotated to its lowest position. The distance “11” is zero in this status so that the valve rod21does not have space to move and the press rod3does not any space to be operated to blow air. Therefore, even if the press rod3is unintentionally touched, the blow gun is not activated.
It is noted that before the knob232is rotated, the fixing nut4has to be loosened so that the even if the knob232is unintentionally touched, if the fixing nut4is not loosened, the rotatable rod23is not rotated to change the set volume.
While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
| 1B
| 05 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the portable insulated case according to the
invention is generally illustrated at 11. Portable insulated case 11
defines an insulated enclosure volume, generally designated at 12. This
volume is adequate to accommodate a plurality of food andlor drink items
which are held within the closed case.
Case 11 includes atop panel 13, a bottom panel (not shown) and a sidewall
panel 14. A typical sidewall panel, such as that illustrated, has four
sides in a generally rectangular upstanding arrangement. Other
configurations, arrangements or designs can be practiced in order to
provide a desired container shaping and sizing. Whatever arrangement of
panels is chosen, the insulated case should be water-tight and not leak.
It will be noted that the top panel 13 includes an opening 15 therethrough.
The illustrated embodiment also shows a second opening 16. It will be
appreciated that three or more openings could also be provided, depending
upon the size of the top panel and the intended requirements or selected
specifications of the portable insulated case.
Each panel of the portable insulated case 11 has insulative properties in
that heat transfer is retarded across the panel. An example of a suitable
panel construction in this regard includes an internal core of foam 17.
Suitable foam polymers include ethylpropylene ethylene (EPE). A typical
core will be about 8 mm thick. External or on opposite sides thereof are a
protective and decorative layer of polymer sheeting 18 and another
protective and decorative layer of polymer sheeting 19. Layers 18 and 19
preferably are made of a material which is easy to clean. A suitable
material in this regard is nylon sheeting. It will be appreciated that
other materials and combinations of materials can be suitable.
In order to maintain the soft-sided characteristic of the portable
insulated case, it is preferred that at least the sidewall panel 14 be
pliable. In a typical case, the top panel 13 or the bottom panel, or both,
will also be pliable. When provided, the softwalled nature of the panels
renders them more comfortable to handle, more easily fit into tight spaces
when required, and generally lighter in weight.
Whatever the exact structure of the portable insulated case, a closure
member or assembly, such as the illustrated zipper 21, is positioned with
respect to the top panel 13 and the sidewall panel 14 such that the top
panel is openable. Other closure members or assemblies are possible, such
as snaps, hook-and-loop arrangements, string ties, and the like. The exact
location of the selected closure member can vary, provided it allows for
selective opening and closing of all or a large portion of the top panel,
either alone or together with an upper portion of the sidewall panel. It
is typically preferred that at least a portion of the top panel be able to
remain attached to the rest of the portable insulated case. For example,
in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the top panel remains attached to
the sidewall along a hinge or edge area 22 (FIG. 3).
It will be appreciated that, when the portable insulated case 11 is in the
open configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, the user has ready access to the
insulated enclosure volume 12, thereby allowing items such as filled drink
cans 23 and filled drink bottles (glass or plastic) 24 to be placed within
and removed from the insulated enclosure volume. In an important aspect of
the invention, one or more selected cans 23, bottles 24 or the like can be
accessed without having to undo the closure member, open the top, and
thereby permit undesirable heat transfer through the resulting open area,
whether the transfer be into the insulated case (when it is a cooler) or
out of the insulated case (when it functions to keep warm items warm).
In accomplishing this objective, at least one externally accessible
receptacle is provided. Two such receptacles are illustrated in FIG. 1 and
in FIG. 3. In essence, each receptacle is in general alignment with
opening 15, 16 in the top panel 13. Each externally accessible receptacle
takes a general form desired for the particular end use. These include
sleeves, pockets, shaped cylinders and the like. Each such receptacle
includes a mouth 25. In the illustrated embodiment, mouth 25 conforms to
the shape of the opening 15 and has a perimeter size slightly less than
that of the opening 15. Mouth 25 is selected to have a perimeter and size
which closely approximates the external perimeter shape and size of the
can, bottle or the like to be held. The receptacle provides a downwardly
depending structure which accommodates at least a substantial portion of
the volume of the can, bottle or the like. Preferably, the height of the
receptacle is less than the total height of the can, bottle or the like in
order to permit easy digital access to the can, bottle or the like; that
is, a user can grasp and easily remove the can, bottle or the like from
out of the receptacle when desired, such as in order to drink from or pour
from the can, bottle or the like.
The structure of the receptacle which is illustrated in the drawings
includes a downwardly depending sidewall 26 which is generally vertically
oriented when the portable insulated case is in the upright position as
illustrated in the drawings. The illustrated receptacle further includes a
bottom wall 27 upon which the can, bottle or the like can rest. In the
illustrated form, downwardly depending sidewall 26 has the configuration
of a right cylinder, and the bottom wall 27 takes on the shape of a disc.
This shaping is particularly well-suited for closely accommodating
illustrated can 23 and/or bottle 24.
Preferably, the inner diameter of the downwardly depending sidewall 26
approximates that of a typical can 23 or bottle 24, or both. It is
especially preferred that at least the downwardly depending sidewall 26 be
made of a pliable and somewhat resilient material. In that instance, the
inside diameter of the sidewall 26 can be slightly greater than the
outside diameter of the container 23, 24 so that the container will
slightly compress the sidewall so as to enhance the gripping security
imparted by the receptacle onto the container. A material found to be
suitable in this regard is poly (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene), also known as
polychloroprene or neoprene. Other synthetic rubber materials or pliable
and resilient polymers can be used, for example. For convenience, the
bottom wall 27 can be made of the same material as the downwardly
depending sidewall 26. Preferably, the material of the receptacle is a
waterproof material.
The receptacle is to be integral with the top panel 13 at its opening 15,
16. Single-piece construction is possible in this regard, although often
an assembly can be somewhat more convenient, particularly when the
receptacle material is different from that of the top panel 13. As an
example, a flange member 28 can be used to join the receptacle to the top
panel. Illustrated flange member 28 includes a horizontal plate 29 which
overlies the opening 15, 16 and the adjacent edge of the top panel 13. A
plurality of fastening devices such as the illustrated flexing fasteners
31 project from the horizontal plate 29 and into and through the top panel
13. Another horizontal plate 32 can also be included in order to enhance
the security of the connection between the fastening devices and the top
panel. In this regard, the fastening devices pass through respective
openings provided in the separate horizontal plate 32. The illustrated
flexing fasteners 31 snap into place thereat.
Illustrated flange member 28 also includes a vertical plate 33 which
downwardly depends from the horizontal plate 29. A cut-out or indent 34
can be provided in the receptacle sidewall 26 in order to accommodate the
thickness and height of the vertical plate 33. Alternatively, any inherent
flexibility of the receptacle material can permit compression of that
material which is under the vertical plate 33. By either approach, as
illustrated, the exposed surface of the vertical plate is flush with the
inside surface of the receptacle sidewall, or the vertical plate is
slightly indented with respect to the receptacle. It will be appreciated
that the surface of the receptacle typically will thus engage the
container 23, 24 when same is present within the receptacle.
Typically, the insulated enclosure 12 of the case will also contain a
cooling source which is at a temperature below room temperature and which
is typically below the freezing point of water. Ice or commercially
available freezing packs are suitable. FIG. 3 illustrates the use of a
heavy duty pouch having easy openable and closeable means, such as mating
profile strips 35. Refrigerator ice or the like can be inserted into the
pouch in order to contain, for example, ice as it melts into water.
It will be noted that the receptacles downwardly depend into the insulated
enclosure 12 and thus (when the insulated case is a cooler) within the
cool environment of the insulated enclosure which is caused by items
within the enclosure. Such items include the cooling member which is
typically included therewithin, for example the illustrated heavy duty
pouch 34 containing ice cubes or the like. Also often contributing to this
cool environment within the insulated enclosure 12 are the drink or food
items enclosed therewithin. Because the receptacles are within this
environment, they can be positively affected by the environment of the
insulated enclosure.
More specifically, depending upon the material out of which the receptacles
are made, for example the material of the downwardly depending sidewall 26
and bottom wall 27, a certain degree of heat transfer can occur across the
walls of the receptacle. When this feature is provided, a can of soda, for
example, which is well below room temperature when within the insulated
enclosure 12 will still be subjected to the cooling environment of the
insulated enclosure even after same is outside of the insulated enclosure
volume and is placed within one of the receptacles, as seen in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2. When this feature is provided, the walls of the receptacle, such
as the illustrated downwardly depending sidewall 26 or the bottom wall 27,
or both, allow a greater degree of heat transfer through them than is
allowed by the panels of the portable insulated case 11. It will be
appreciated that, under this circumstance, the rate of thermal transfer
through the receptacle walls will be faster than through the case panels.
When a can, bottle or the like is positioned within a receptacle, such as
is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there occurs a reduction of heat
transfer out of the can, bottle or the like and into the surrounding
atmosphere which is typically at a temperature higher than that of the
can, bottle or the like. Maintaining a cool item cool also is achieved in
part because a substantial portion of the can, bottle or the like is
shaded from the sun or other heat generating sources by virtue of its
being enclosed within the receptacle. In addition, the receptacle itself
has an insulative effect on the portion of the can, bottle or the like
which is enclosed within the receptacle. Such insulating effects occur
irrespective of any cooling effect imparted through the receptacle wall by
virtue of the cool environment of the insulated enclosure 12.
All of the features described above provide a beneficial effect. Each
contributes to the advantage of the invention of assisting in keeping the
can, bottle or the like cool while same is securely held within one of the
receptacles according to the invention. Overall, therefore, the invention
provides advantageous security in preventing spillage of an open drink,
for example, while simultaneously assisting in keeping the drink cool for
a longer period of time than is achieved by approaches that do not combine
a holding function with a cooling function within the same compact,
convenient and portable device.
The illustrated portable insulated case includes a zippered security pocket
36 which is provided for convenient storage of smaller items such as keys,
money, wallets, watches, personal items and the like. It will be
appreciated that the illustrated zipper can be substituted for by using
other closure arrangements. Also illustrated is an outside mesh pocket 37,
which can be suitable for storing other items such as glasses, books,
lotions and the like. The bottom panel (not shown) of the portable
insulated case 11 is preferably made of a non-skid, durable and
water-resistant material, or has an outer layer composed of material
having these types of properties. An adjustable carrying strap 38 can be
included as shown.
While the illustrations of the invention which are specifically shown
herein indicate a fully open mouth 25 for each of the receptacles, it will
be appreciated that temporary covers or closures can be included. For
example, when it is desired to allow for closure of each receptacle mouth
25 when a can or the like is not within the receptacle, a sheet of
material (or other structure) can be positioned for temporary full closure
or partial closure of one (or of each) receptacle mouth. A top cover panel
41 is shown in phantom in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2. A panel of this type can
be provided. This allows the user to cover each receptacle mouth until it
is desired to use the receptacle for holding and maintaining coolness (or
warmness) of the can, bottle or the like by positioning same into the
receptacle. Such a top cover panel can be temporarily secured to the
outside of the insulated case by any suitable connection means, such as
zipper, hook-and-loop components, snaps, tabs, tie strings and the like
(not shown).
A total of two receptacles are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. Other possible
variations provide a single receptacle, which would be particularly
suitable for use by a single person. Larger portable insulated cases can
include a greater number of receptacles in order thereby to accommodate a
greater number of users. Correspondingly, the portable insulated case
itself typically is larger in volume when there are a greater number of
receptacles. In an illustrated arrangement, a single-receptacle portable
insulated case will accommodate from four to six 12-ounce cans, a dual
receptacle portable insulated case will accommodate about twelve such
cans, and a triple-receptacle portable insulated case will accommodate
twenty-four such cans.
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention which
have been described are illustrative of some of the applications of the
principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by
those skilled in-the art without departing from the true spirit and scope
of the invention. | 5F
| 25 | D |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1is a weave diagram showing one pattern repeat of a single layer fabric according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the diagram, the warp yarns100are numbered1to10across the top of the pattern, while the weft yarns200are numbered1to10along the left side. As is conventional in these diagrams, black squares indicate that a warp yarn is passing over a weft yarn at that location in the fabric as woven, while white squares show that a warp yarn is passing under a weft yarn.
As shown inFIG. 1, warp yarn1passes under weft yarn1to interweave with it, and then floats over weft yarns2to10to complete the full pattern repeat. Similarly, warp yarn2floats over weft yarns1,2and3, passes under weft yarn4, then over weft yarns5to10to complete the repeat. All of the warp yarns in the pattern follow paths similar to that described in relation to warp yarns1and2and all form long floats over nine weft yarns in one repeat of the pattern. The knuckles formed by these long floats create localized protrusions and regions of low fiber density in the sheet being formed or conveyed by the fabric.
It can also be seen that any two adjacent warp yarns, such as warp yarns1and2inFIG. 1, both pass together over two common well yarns, such as well yarns2and3, before interlacing with a well yarn to form an MS knuckle. The same interweaving occurs throughout the pattern repeat: warp yarns2and3both pass over well yarns5and6; warp yarns3and4both pass over weft yarns8and9, and so on. Thus, for any two adjacent warp yarns, both will pass together over at least two common well yarns before one of the warp yarns passes under a well yarn to form an MS warp knuckle.
FIG. 2is a photograph of the sheet support surface of a fabric10woven according to the pattern shown inFIG. 1and showing one pattern repeat of the fabric weave pattern shown inFIG. 1. The warp yarns100extend vertically and are arranged from left to right in the photograph while the well yarns200extend horizontally and are arranged from top to bottom and are numbered from 201 to 210; there are ten warp yarns100and ten weft yarns200inFIG. 2; warp yarns101,103,108an109are identified. Each of the warp yarns100forms long floats over nine weft yarns200; warp yarn101is exemplary and floats over weft yarns202to210and then interlaces with weft yarn201in the pattern repeat.
The fabric shown in each ofFIGS. 2 to 5was woven with the following properties:Yarn Count: Warp 43.5/in (17.1/cm) and Weft 40/in (15.7/cm)Warp diameter: 0.35 mm and Weft diameter: 0.45 mm (circular)Air Permeability: 710 cubic feet per minute (11,700 m3/m2/hr)Caliper: 0.044 in. (1.12 mm)Contact area (%): 33.3
While it is not necessary that this be done, the sheet support surface of the fabric shown inFIG. 2has been surfaced by abrasive means so as to remove a portion of the warp yarn material from the warp knuckles, such as the area shown at150, where the abraded region is shown as white, and the unabraded portion remains dark, and to remove a portion of the weft yarn material from the weft yarn knuckles, as shown at220and225; this process increases the surface contact area between the paper sheet and fabric. For example, surfaced area150has had about 0.075 mm of polymeric material removed in the surfacing process; other warp yarns are similar. Following a surfacing process, the fabric10shown inFIG. 2has an MD contact area (i.e. along the warp yarns100) of 32.2% and a CD contact area (i.e. along the weft yarns200) of about 1.1% which together provide for a total fabric contact area between the fabric and sheet of about 33.3%.
It is also possible to weave a fabric similar to that shown inFIG. 2using generally rectangular, square or other non-round cross-sectional shaped monofilaments as either or both the warp and/or weft yarns. If this is done, then the surfacing step utilized in relation to the fabric shown inFIG. 2could either be avoided, or the amount of abrasion could be reduced. The amount of fabric contact area required for fabrics according to the invention will vary depending on the intended end use environment.
FIG. 2also shows a further feature of the fabrics of the invention. It can be seen that weft yarn210forms a knuckle220on warp yarn108as it interlaces with that yarn; similarly, weft yarn207forms a knuckle225as it interlaces with adjacent warp yarn109. As shown in the area250, for each of the two adjacent warp yarns108and109, each warp yarn passes over and adjacently overlaps at least two common weft yarns such as208and209before one of the two warp yarns passes under a weft yarn to form an MS warp knuckle, such as occurs at weft knuckles220and225.
FIG. 3is an enlarged view of a portion of the fabric shown inFIG. 2and showing a further feature of the fabrics of the present invention regarding the overlap region of two adjacent warp yarn floats. As inFIG. 2, the warp yarns such as110are oriented vertically and the weft yarns such as210are oriented horizontally in the photograph. In the fabrics of the invention such as shown inFIG. 3, the MD oriented warp yarn floats on any two adjacent warp yarns will be partly concurrent with each other, and be coplanar, over an MD distance equal to at least about 20% of their float length.FIG. 3shows one concurrent region of two adjacent warp yarn floats, shown as120A and120B in the fabric10. The relative size of this area of concurrency is indicated by the horizontal lines and vertical arrows presented within the circle300. Within this region between the horizontal lines, the warp knuckles120A and120B are coplanar with one another. The knuckles120A and120B are also coplanar with other similar warp knuckles in the sheet support surface of the fabric, regardless of whether or not the fabric has been subjected to a surfacing process.
As noted above, the fabric10shown inFIGS. 2 and 3was woven using circular cross-section 0.35 mm diameter polyester terephthalate (PET) warp yarns such as110, and 0.45 mm diameter PET weft yarns such as210. In the fabric shown inFIG. 3, the total length of a warp knuckle, such as120A or120B as it floats over nine consecutive weft yarns210in the pattern repeat, before interlacing with a tenth weft yarn, was measured and found to be about 3.03 mm; this warp float length recurs throughout the fabric for all of the warp yarn floats. The length of coplanar concurrent paths of adjacent warp yarns120A and120B (as shown between the horizontal lines in the circle300) was also measured and was found to be about 1.25 mm, or about 41% of the total warp float length [i.e. (1.25/3.03)×100=41%]. This large coplanar concurrent path of the warp floats in the fabric10is desirable as it provides a continuity of MD contact area across the warp yarn floats in the fabric and thus in the paper product conveyed by the fabric which in turn improves the reliability of sheet transfer to subsequent downstream machine sections during the papermaking process.
FIG. 4illustrates another feature of fabrics made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.FIG. 4is a photograph of the sheet support surface of the fabrics previously presented inFIGS. 2 and 3in which two representative pockets410and411in the sheet support surface are indicated in white with dotted outline and which are located between adjacent warp knuckles120A,120B and120C. Pocket410, which is the larger pocket, is bordered by warp knuckles120A and120B, and extends in the MD from sheet support surface weft knuckles220A to220B over six weft yarns203to208in the longitudinal direction of the sheet support surface of fabric10. Pocket411, which is the smaller pocket, is bordered by warp knuckles120B and120C, as well as weft knuckles220A and220C and extends over two weft yarns203and204in the longitudinal direction of fabric10. Thus, it can be seen fromFIG. 4that the warp yarn floats such as120A,120B and120C of adjacent warp yarns form both short pockets such as411(between floats120B and120C) and long pockets such as410(between floats120A and120B) throughout the sheet support surface of the fabric. The pocket depth of each pocket410and411is the Z-direction distance perpendicular to the plane of the sheet support surface top of a surfaced yarn, such as120A, to the PS top of the weft yarns, such as weft yarns203to208, which are exposed in the bottom of the pocket and will be at least equal to the thickness, or diameter, of the warp yarns120A,120B at that location. Similarly, the depth of pocket411will be the Z-direction distance from the top of a warp yarn such as120B in the sheet support surface to the tops of the exposed weft yarns, such as203and204in the bottom of the pocket.
In the fabric10, larger pockets such as410have an MD length of about 4.23 mm and a CD width of about 0.21 mm to provide a pocket area of about 0.89 mm2for each larger pocket in the fabric; as woven there are about 26.5 pockets/cm2(171 pockets/in2) similar to larger pocket410throughout fabric10. Smaller pocket411has an MD length of about 1.56 mm, and a CD width of 0.21 mm to provide an area of about 0.33 mm2to the smaller pockets in the fabric; as woven, there are about 26.5 smaller pockets/cm2(171 pockets/in2) throughout the fabric.
As discussed above in relation toFIG. 4, the pockets have a depth extending from the top of the sheet support surface into the fabric interior to the PS tops of the weft yarns over which the warp yarns float. Pocket depth is defined by the Z-direction distance between the top of the warp yarns in the sheet support surface and the top of the weft yarns at the bottom center of the pocket. This feature is illustrated in the photograph shown inFIG. 5which shows a warp yarn such as110interwoven with a plurality of weft yarns such as210in a cross-section through fabric10. The pocket depth, d, is indicated as the distance from the top or maximum height of the warp yarn float to the PS top of the weft yarns210at the bottom center of the pocket. In the fabrics of the invention, this distance d is typically about 60% of fabric caliper (fabric thickness) and is at least equal to the thickness, or diameter, of the warp yarns. In the fabric shown inFIG. 5, this depth d measures about 0.686 mm (0.027 in.) while the overall fabric caliper is about 1.12 mm (0.044 in.).
FIGS. 6A,6B and6C are weave diagrams showing one pattern repeat of three further embodiments of fabrics designed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. In each of these weave diagrams the weft repeat length, or number of weft yarns required in the pattern repeat, is twenty yarns as opposed to ten in the design shown inFIG. 1. In these three figures, as inFIG. 1, the warp yarns are numbered from 1 to 10 across the top of the weave diagram while the weft yarns are numbered from 1 onwards from the upper left of the design. The fabric constructions are all single layer fabrics.
FIG. 6Ashows a first alternate embodiment of the invention, in which warp yarn1is exemplary. In this pattern, warp yarn1passes under weft yarn1(white square at upper left of pattern), then floats over weft yarns2to10to pass under weft yarn11. In this first half of the pattern, warp yarn1forms a float over nine consecutive weft yarns, as in the design shown inFIG. 1. Warp yarn1then floats over weft yarns12,13,14and15, passes under weft yarn16, and then floats over remaining weft yarns17,18,19and20at which point the pattern repeats. Similarly, adjacent warp yarn2floats over weft yarns15,16,17,18,19,20,1,2and3to form a float over nine consecutive weft yarns; warp yarn2then passes under weft yarn4, over weft yarns5,6,7and8, under weft yarn9and then over weft yarns10,11,12and13, and then under weft yarn14at which point the pattern repeats. The remaining eight warp yarns in the pattern are interwoven in a like manner with the weft yarns. Inspection of the pattern shown inFIG. 6Areveals two features of the design: (1) in each repeat of the weave, as in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1, all of the warp yarns each form floats over nine consecutive weft yarns; and (2) in each repeat, all of the warp yarns float over two groups of four successive weft yarns, each group being separated from the next by one weft yarn.
The pattern shown inFIG. 6Bis similar to that shown inFIG. 6A, the main difference being in the paths of warp yarns1,3,5,7and9which are each shifted in relation to their orientation inFIG. 6A. InFIG. 6B, warp yarn1passes under weft yarn1, then over weft yarns2,3,4and5to form a four-weft yarn float; it then passes under weft yarn6, and over weft yarns7,8,9and10to form a second four-weft yarn float. Warp yarn1then passes under weft yarn11, and then over all of weft yarns12to20to form a nine-weft yarn float. Warp yarns3,5,7and9follow paths similar to that of warp yarn1, only each is shifted in relation to warp yarn1(e.g. the first interlacing from the top of the pattern for warp yarn3is at weft yarn7as compared to weft yarn1for warp yarn1, then weft yarn13for warp yarn5, and so on). As inFIG. 6A, warp yarn2floats over weft yarns15,16,17,18,19,20,1,2and3to form a float over nine consecutive weft yarns; warp yarn2then passes under weft yarn4, over weft yarns5,6,7and8, under weft yarn9and then over weft yarns10,11,12and13, and then under weft yarn14at which point the pattern repeats. The path of warp yarns4,6,8and10is identical that of warp yarn2, only each is shifted down in the pattern repeat by six weft yarns in comparison.
All ten warp yarns in the pattern shown inFIG. 6Bexhibit a warp yarn float that extends over nine weft yarns, similar to that shown inFIG. 6A. Unlike the pattern shown inFIG. 6A, it can be seen that, due to the shifted position of the paths of warp yarns1,3,5,7and9there is now formed a broad twill line of warp floats extending from the upper left to the lower right of the pattern and in which no interweaving between the warp and weft occur, and the warp floats thus extend continuously. This serves to increase the contact area between the sheet side of the fabric and the paper product it conveys, which contact area (due to the continuous and long warp floats) also imparts a topography to the paper sheet conveyed by the fabric.
The pattern shown inFIG. 6Cillustrates a further embodiment of the invention. In this pattern, each of warp yarns1,3,5,7and9forms two floats over nine consecutive weft yarns in each repeat of the weave pattern. For example, warp1interweaves with weft1and then floats over weft yarns2to10, passes under to interweave with weft yarn11, and then floats over weft yarns12to20to form two long warp floats in one pattern repeat. Warp yarn3floats over weft yarns18,19and20, then over weft yarns1to6to form a first float over nine weft yarns; warp yarn3then passes under weft yarn7and floats over weft yarns8to16to form a second float over nine weft yarns. The paths of warp yarns5,7and9are similar to those of warp yarns1and3, but they are shifted in the pattern in relation to those yarns. By comparison, warp yarns2,4,6,8and10each form four four-weft yarn floats in the pattern repeat. For example, warp yarn2passes over weft yarns20,1,2and3, under weft yarn4, over weft yarns5,6,7and8to form a first and second float, under weft yarn9, over weft yarns10,11,12and13to form a third float, under weft yarn14, and over weft yarns15to18to form a fourth float. Thus, in the fabric pattern shown inFIG. 6C, every second warp yarn (i.e. 50% of the warp yarns) forms floats over nine weft yarns, while the remainder of the warp yarns form shorter four-weft floats. This may assist to increase the dimensional stability of fabrics woven according to the pattern ofFIG. 6C.
For weaving fabrics according to the patterns shown inFIGS. 6A to 6C, the same physical properties can be selected as for the fabrics ofFIGS. 2 to 5; however, other cross-sectional shapes and yarns sizes may be used depending on the intended end use of the fabric.
The fabrics of the present invention are woven at a mesh (number of warp yarns per unit width) and knocking (number of weft yarns per unit length) that is suitable for their intended end use in the production of tissue and similar products. In general, as noted above, the fabrics of the invention will have an air permeability ranging from about 500 to 900 CFM (about 8300 to 15000 m3/m2/hr). The fabrics will have an open area that may range from about 25% to about 40% and are woven at a mesh (number of warp yarns/unit length) of from 30 yarns/in. to about 80 yarns/in. (11.8 yarns/cm to 31.5 yarns/cm) and knocking (number of weft yarns/unit length) of from about 25 yarns/in. to about 65 yarns/in. (9.8 yarns/cm to about 25.6 yarns/cm). The warp and weft yarn diameters (or thickness if generally rectangular) may range from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm but will ideally be in a range of from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. Thus, the fabrics of the present invention are suitable for use in any of the forming, transfer or TAD sections of the papermaking machine as appropriate.
| 3D
| 21 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of this invention in which the antenna tower is formed as a simulated palm tree is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The tower structure is shown generally at 10 , with a tubular pole 12 serving as the trunk of the palm tree. Pole 12 may be fabricated from metal, concrete, or a fiber reinforced composite, commonly referred to as FRC. By way of illustration, pole 12 may suitably comprise a tubular steel pipe having a diameter of eighteen to twenty four inches with a wall thickness ranging from three-sixteenths to one-half inch. The overall height of the tree antenna tower 10 may range from about forty to more than two hundred feet.
The lower end of pole 12 is secured fixed to a support so that the pole is held in a secure upright position. That may be done, for example, by burying the lower end of the pole in the ground or by welding the pole end to a butt plate 14 which, in turn, is fixed to a foundation 15 that suitably may be a concrete monolith. Ports 17 are provided near the bottom of pole 12 to allow entry of communications cables that pass through the interior of pole 12 and connect to antennas 20 which are mounted on the pole near the top thereof. Antennas 20 are attached to pole 12 by means of an antenna bracket sub-assembly 24 that is shown in more detail in FIG. 6. A plurality of palm fronds 26 , suitably on the order of sixty, are attached to pole 12 adjacent to antennas 20 by means of frond bracket sub-assemblies 27 which are shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The top of pole 12 is closed by a weatherproof cap 28 to protect the wiring and other electronic components that are located within the pole. Also, the exterior of pole 12 is clad by a layer of molded and colored urethane or other suitable polymer to simulate the texture and appearance of a real tree trunk.
The realistic appearance of the cladding that forms the surface of the tree plant trunks, and of the tree branches as well, is obtained first by forming a mold from tree plant parts, either bark or branch, of the pine, or palm, or other plant species tree that is being emulated. Segments of branches or bark are then cast in the mold from a polymeric material such as polyurethane. The surface of the simulated tree plant part is colored to match the local foliage. Coloring is preferably accomplished in a two step fashion. A pigment or other coloring agent is added to the polymeric material used to make the casting to obtain the base coloration of the tree part. Then, darker highlights are added by painting accent areas to more closely match the coloration of the natural tree part.
FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the palm tree antenna tower shown in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment a pod structure 33 that mimics the new growth pod, or pineapple, found on palm trees is mounted underneath the frond brackets 27 . Pod structure 33 , shown in partial break away view, is arranged for the deployment of a set of antennas 35 therein. That set of antennas may be the only antennas carried by the tree tower, or it may be a second set of antennas together with associated hardware. Pod structure 33 preferably is of a generally hemispherical shape, open at the top, and is molded of a fiber reinforce composite or other material that is essentially transparent to electromagnetic radiation. It is preferred that pod 33 be molded in either two or three segments that connect along joints 37 . One or more drain ports 38 are provided at the bottom of pod 33 to prevent rain water from collecting therein. The pod segments are secured to pole 12 by means of clamp means 39 at the lower margin of pod 33 .
Details of frond bracket sub-assembly 27 are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . Bracket 27 , shown in side view in FIG. 4 , comprises a metal collar 42 that fits around and clamps to pipe 12 . A number of receiver fixtures 43 are fixed to collar 42 by welding or other suitable means. In a preferred embodiment, fixtures 43 comprise short lengths of square pipe oriented at various angles 46 to the horizontal. Angle 46 may range from about 90 above the horizontal to about 30 below the horizontal. Collar 42 is preferably formed in segments 48 , suitably three, that are fastened together at junctures 49 by means of bolts 51 to tightly clamp around the exterior of pipe 12 . The vertical height of collar 42 may conveniently range from about six to twelve inches, and each collar segment 48 may have attached thereto as many as ten or more fixtures 43 to hold an equal number of fronds 26 .
It is preferred to mount a pair of brackets 27 on pole 12 , one directly above, and one directly below the antenna bracket sub-assembly 24 that is shown in FIG. 6 . Like frond holding brackets 27 , the antenna bracket 24 comprises a collar that is made up of multiple segments 55 that are fastened together at junctures 57 by means of bolts 58 . Each bracket segment 55 is provided with an antenna mount 61 to which is attached an antenna arm member 63 . Bracket 24 is freely rotatable about pole 12 so as to allow convenient angular orientation of the antenna structure.
FIG. 7 illustrates an artificial palm frond that is fabricated according to this invention. It is constructed of a material, preferably a thermoplastic such as polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, that does not interfere with the radio signals that are transmitted to and from the antennas. The frond includes a flexible rod core 71 that is suitably fabricated from a glass fiber reinforced resin. Rod core 71 is preferably of uniform polygonal cross section, has a plurality of frond leaflets 73 mounted thereon, and terminates at a frond tip 75 which is adhesively secured to an end of rod core 71 . The stem end of rod core 71 , opposite to the frond tip, terminates in a round or polygonal (shown here as square) metal tube member 77 ( FIG. 11 ) that snugly fits into any one of fixtures 43 . Tube member 77 is secured within a fixture 43 using adhesives, or preferably by means of a pin inserted through holes provided in the side walls of fixture 43 and through bore 78 of tube 77 .
As is best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , individual frond leaflets 73 have a pointed tip end 81 and a wider, flattened basal end 83 . The frond leaflets 73 preferably display a generally triangular or shallow V-shape in cross section as is shown in FIG. 9. A hole 85 through basal end 83 is oriented perpendicular to the flattened sides of end 83 . It is preferred that hole 85 be circular to accommodate a generally cylindrical insert 87 that is shown in perspective view in FIG. 12. A bore 89 that generally conforms in size and shape to the polygonal cross section of rod 71 is formed through insert 87 . The axis of bore 89 is parallel to, and preferably is aligned with, the cylindrical axis of hole 85 .
Individual leaflets are mounted upon rod core 71 in an alternating fashion, left and right, by threading core 71 through the bores 89 of the individual leaflets. The polygonal shape of rod core 71 and conforming bores 89 hold and maintain each frond leaflet in a set orientation. Natural palm fronds display a regularly changing orientation of the frond leaflets. Individual leaflets are oriented generally horizontally at the frond stem end near the trunk, and gradually progress to an approximate vertical orientation at the frond tip. The provision of the cylindrical insert 87 in the basal end of each frond leaflet 73 allows the orientation of each frond leaflet to be incrementally changed simply by angularly adjusting the position of insert 87 within hole 85 . Insert 87 is then fixed at the desired angular position within hole 85 by gluing the insert into place. Alternatively, insert 87 and hole 85 can be dimensioned such that the insert forms a tight, press fit within the hole. A progressive adjustment of the angular position of the insert may also be accomplished by providing the outer cylindrical surface of insert 85 with small, uniform notches or serrations 91 as is illustrated in FIG. 13 . corresponding serrations would then be provided on the inner surface of basal end hole 85 .
Another embodiment of the palm leaflets is illustrated in FIG. 14 . The leaflets 100 of this embodiment are generally similar in size and shape to the leaflets illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10 . They differ, however, in an insert (element 87 ) is not used, and the hole or bore 102 at frond leaflet end 103 is sized and shaped to conform to the polygonal cross section of rod 71 . As before, individual frond leaflets 100 are mounted upon rod core 71 in an alternating fashion, left and right, by threading core 71 through the bores 102 of the individual leaflets. This embodiment does not allow for the progressive change in the orientation of individual frond leaflets from the stem end of the frond to its tip.
Turning now to FIG. 3 , there is illustrated another embodiment of this invention in which the antenna tower is formed as a pine tree 90 . This antenna tower preferably uses a pole 91 having a regular or step taper, decreasing in diameter from bottom to top, to more closely mirror the natural taper of a pine tree trunk. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the bottom of pole 91 is secured to a butt plate 93 which, in turn is fixed to a foundation 95 . A layer of colored polymeric material, such as polyurethane, is molded from an actual tree and is glued to the exterior surface of pole 91 to give the appearance of a real tree trunk. Ports 99 are provided near the bottom of pole 91 to allow entry of communications cables that pass through the interior of pole 91 and connect to antennas 101 which are mounted on the pole near the top thereof. Antennas 101 are attached to pole 91 by means of the antenna bracket sub-assembly 24 that is detailed in FIG. 6 . It is preferred that antennas 101 be placed to extend outward from the tree trunk pole 91 a distance at least as great as is the length of those tree branches 105 which are located in the proximity of, both above and below, antennas 102 . So long as there is foliage between the antenna and pole 91 there is created enough visual distraction to render the antennas unobtrusive to the casual viewer. The installation can be made even less noticeable by painting the antenna elements in a camouflage pattern of browns and greens.
FIG. 15 shows in a break away view of the tree branches that are attached to the trunk pole 91 . The artificial branches 105 comprise a basal tube mount 107 that serves as a junction between a receiver stub bracket 109 , similar to fixture 43 shown in more detail in FIG. 16 , and a branch spine 111 . Branch spine 111 is fabricated from a structural plastic, such as a glass fiber reinforced resin, by forming a split mold using as a pattern an actual tree branch trimmed of foliage, and with the side branches cut to short stubs 112 . In like fashion, side branches 114 are cast separately and are later attached to a stub branch 112 by means of connectors 115 . Artificial foliage 117 , similar to that used in artificial Christmas trees except made with plastic windings rather than metal, are then attached to the side branches 114 . The resulting tree antenna tower is remarkably unobtrusive, particularly in locales having natural pine trees in relatively close proximity. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the materials from which the limbs, branches and foliage have been fabricated are selected so as not to interfere with the transmission of radio signals to and from the antennas.
Referring now to FIG. 16 , there is shown two different bracket means 120 , 122 for attaching foliage branches to a main tree trunk pole 91 . Bracket means 120 includes a plate 123 that may be attached to trunk 91 by means of studs 124 which pass through plate 123 and are threaded into tapped holes in the wall of pole 91 . A rod member 126 extends outwardly from plate 123 to connect with and support a tree branch 111 . Tree branch spine 111 may connect to rod 126 using sleeve 107 , as is shown in FIG. 15 or, if branch 111 is large enough, may be inserted into a hole 127 that is provided at the basal end of branch spine 111 as is illustrated. The branch 111 is secured to rod 126 by means of a pin or bolt which passes through holes that are provided in both the pin and branch.
Bracket means 122 comprises a box member 129 that is attached to trunk 91 , suitably by welding. A C-shaped channel fixture 131 is sized to fit over box 129 , and is attached thereto by means of a bolt or pin member 133 which passes through holes provided in box 129 and channel. 131 . As in bracket 120 , a rod member 127 extends outwardly from channel 131 , and is arranged for connection to a tree branch in the manner previously described. The angle to the horizontal made by rod 127 may be varied to conform to the branch pattern displayed by the tree species that is being emulated.
Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 , there is shown another embodiment of this invention in which an antenna tower 140 is structured in the form of a saguaro cactus. The saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran desert area of the American southwest, and grows in nature to heights of 50 feet or more. In this embodiment, the main trunk or stem 142 comprises a pole of generally uniform diameter that is fabricated from metal, concrete, or a fiber reinforced composite. The lower end of stem 142 is attached to a plate 144 or other suitable mounting means to position the tower in a stable, upright position. The exterior of stem 142 is clad with a layer of molded and colored urethane or other suitable polymer to simulate the surface of an actual saguaro cactus. The exterior cladding is obtained by forming a mold from the surface of an actual cactus and making a casting in that mold from a polymeric material such as polyurethane.
A plurality of branches, preferably three, extend from stem 142 . Those branches, 146 , 147 , and 148 , are positioned at the mid to upper level of stem 142 . As is shown best by branch 148 , each branch includes a generally horizontal segment 150 that extends outwardly from the stem, and a longer vertical segment 151 . The branch surfaces are covered with a cladding formed in the same way as that used for the stem 142 . In a preferred embodiment (best shown in FIG. 18 ), the three branches are positioned equiangularly 120 apart around stem 142 so that the vertical segments 150 of each branch form a generally equilateral triangle.
A antenna array that comprises at least one, and preferably a pair, of antennas 155 are mounted within the vertical segment 151 of each branch. Another antenna array 157 may be mounted within stem 142 itself, preferably near the top thereof. The branches may be positioned on stem 142 such that a portion of the vertical segment 151 of each branch overlaps. That arrangement allows the height of antennas 155 in each branch to be the same, although the antennas can be placed at different heights as well. It is necessary that the portion of the branches (and of stem 142 ) that are adjacent the antenna array be fabricated from a material that will not interfere with the transmission of radio signals to and from the antennas. For that reason it is preferred that, at least the vertical segment of branches 146 , 147 and 148 , and the upper portion of stem 142 be fabricated from a structural polymer such as a fiber reinforced resin.
The invention has been described in relation to preferred embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the various Figures. It must be understood that other variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
| 4E
| 04 | H |
In the embodiments illustrated here the packages which are identified by reference 1 involve plastic bottles, in which respect the packages 1 in bottle form are referred to in the following description of the preferred embodiments as a bottle . The bottles are carried in package carriers 2 . Disposed under a frame 3 which at the same time also forms the upper boundary of a hygiene chamber (not shown in greater detail here) are various treatment stations 4 , 5 , 6 , from left to right for example blowing nozzles for preheating, thereafter spray nozzles in the case of spraying in a sterilizing mixture, thereafter various drying stations, a cutting station, a filling station 6 and the sealing station 5 , by means of which the filled bottles are closed. In a preferred embodiment for example which involves sterile packaging of liquid foodstuffs, that closure operation can be effected by sealing on a plastic-coated aluminum foil. It will be seen that all treatment stations 4 and 6 are duplicated, that is to say two rows of bottles are always being treated at the same time, for example filled in the filling station 6 , whereas the sealing station 5 is provided with the comparatively expensive sealing tools only singly or in one row.
The row of package carriers 2 under the treatment stations 4 through 6 is disposed in the first process plane 7 in which the package carriers 2 and thus the bottles 1 are moved in the first travel direction illustrated by the arrow 8 in FIG. 1 , that is to say from left to right in FIG. 1 .
When the bottles 1 have reached the right-hand discharge end in the first process plane 7 , that is to say they are filled and closed, then the package carrier in question is transposed onto the vertically operating second lift conveyor which is identified generally by reference 9 (FIG. 3 ). In the second lift conveyor the package carriers 2 are lowered as indicated by the arrows 10 and 10 (downwardly in a vertical second travel direction), more specifically initially in the second travel direction 10 to a third loading plane 11 and thereafter in the second travel direction 10 onto the lowermost position where the package carrier 2 is moved by means of the horizontally operating third conveyor 12 ( FIG. 3 ) in the second return plane 13 . That movement is indicated by the arrow 14 directed towards the left at the bottom in FIG. 1 , which predetermines a third travel direction which is parallel to but opposite to the first travel direction. When, after passing fully through the second return plane 13 , the package carrier 2 has arrived at the end of the conveyor at bottom left, it is transposed onto the fourth lift conveyor 15 ( FIG. 3 ) which operates vertically upwardly in the direction of the arrow 16 and 16 , which is the first travel direction. That vertical lifting movement of the fourth lift conveyor 15 is effected in two stages. The first stage is represented by the lower arrow 16 and extends as far as the third loading plane 11 , which is then followed by the second half of the fourth travel direction 16 until the package carrier 2 has reached the level of the first process plane 7 and is transposed there in order to begin the intermittent movement in the first travel direction 8 .
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , this involves a conveyor circuit which is rectangular as viewed from the side, with a horizontal first travel direction 8 which is followed at the right-hand discharge end by the vertical second travel direction 10 and 10 , with the third travel direction 14 from the bottom right end to the bottom left end and from there in the fourth travel direction 16 , 16 upwardly and back again to the first process plane 7 .
FIG. 1 also shows three broken lines which extend in mutually parallel relationship and which represent the first process plane 7 , the second return plane 13 and the third loading plane 11 . Above and below the second lift conveyor 9 respectively and also above and below the fourth lift conveyor 15 respectively are mutually superposed ends 17 , 18 respectively and 20 , 21 respectively. In that respect reference 17 denotes the upward end between the horizontally operating first conveyor 19 which operates along the first travel direction in the first process plane 7 , and the second lift conveyor 9 . The downwardly disposed end 18 is the end of the second lift conveyor 9 and the beginning of the third conveyor 12 which operates horizontally in the third travel direction 14 . The latter ends in the downwardly disposed end 20 of the fourth lift conveyor 15 . The vertically upwardly operating fourth lift conveyor 15 finally takes the package carrier 2 back to the first process plane 7 , more specifically at the upwardly disposed end 21 of the fourth lift conveyor.
In accordance with the travel directions, there are also the four conveyors which are driven separately from each other, namely the first horizontally extending conveyor 19 , the second vertically extending lift conveyor 9 , the third horizontally extending conveyor 12 and the fourth, also vertically operating lift conveyor 15 .
The first conveyor 19 has the front end 21 and the rear end 17 . The front end 21 is above the lower end 20 of the fourth lift conveyor 15 while the end 17 of the first conveyor 19 is above the downwardly disposed end 18 of the second lift conveyor 15 . It will be seen that the ends 17 and 18 on the one hand and 21 and 20 on the other hand are disposed one above the other. The first conveyor 19 has a motor 22 as a separate drive, and both the lift conveyor 9 and also the lift conveyor 15 each have a respective separate motor which in FIG. 3 is mounted to the respective rear conveyor and therefore cannot be seen. The rotary force thereof is transmitted by way of the drive shafts 23 . The horizontally operating third conveyor 12 in the second return plane 13 is also driven by way of a separate motor which in FIG. 3 is to be notionally envisaged at the bottom left and rear end and is therefore not illustrated. Its rotary force is transmitted to the horizontal conveyor line 12 by way of the drive shaft 24 .
It is not just the third loading plane 11 that extends parallel to the first process plane 7 , but also the loading directions represented by the arrows 25 , 25 and 26 , 26 . The means for loading and unloading are not shown in the drawings. It is however easily possible to envisage sliders which are mounted on oscillatingly reciprocatably movable rods and with which an entire row of bottles is moved simultaneously for unloading in the directions 25 towards the right and left and for loading in the direction 26 from right and from left into the center.
In operation of the conveyor the movement of the package carriers 2 takes place approximately as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in such a way that most of the package carriers 2 are disposed in the first process plane 7 and only one or two package carriers are for example in the return. The motor 22 ( FIG. 3 ) drives a respective shaft by way of a transmission 27 from the center towards both sides so that an oscillatingly reciprocating movement of a slide 31 is produced on each side by way of a crank 29 and a connecting rod 30 so that on each side a thrust rod 32 is moved in the first travel direction 8 and conversely in the opposite travel direction. That provides for the intermittent movement of the individual package carriers 2 by a respective cycle length, in particular in the movement from one treatment station 4 to the next and so forth as far as the filling station 6 . From there on the arrangement involves a two-stage movement towards the sealing station 5 , as is described hereinafter.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated here, each package carrier 2 is in the form of an elongate bar extending transversely with respect to the first travel direction 8 and is in the form of a sheet metal member. Extending from the front side 33 of the package carrier 2 are U-shaped recesses 35 which are open outwardly towards that side 33 . A row of rearwardly open recesses 35 also extends from the diametrally oppositely disposed rear side 34 of the package carrier 2 being of course reversed in relation to the recesses on the front side 33 . As the packages 1 here involve bottles with a neck 36 arranged at the opening thereof, the width B ( FIG. 4 ) is so matched to the outside diameter D ( FIG. 6 ) that the bottle can be moved into and held in the recess 35 with its neck 36 which for example has a male screwthread. That holding action is independent of the configuration of the bottle in the lower region, whether it is long, round, angular, short, large or small. The second lift conveyor 9 and the fourth lift conveyor 15 operate with vertically driven slides 37 which come into engagement on both sides with the respective package carriers 2 and lower them from the first process plane 7 into the second return plane 13 (lift conveyor 9 ) or vice-versa (lift conveyor 15 ). The third horizontally operating conveyor 12 operates with an endless belt 38 with pockets 39 provided thereon, in which the package carriers 2 are vertically inserted.
At both transverse ends ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the package carrier 2 it is provided with a carrier 40 which by way of two supports 41 holds a downwardly open counterpart rail 42 of V-shaped cross-section. Disposed between that counterpart rail 42 and the carrier 40 in the middle is an advance block 43 in which there is provided a laterally outwardly open locking groove 44 . The advance block 43 can be the lateral end of a stiffening carrier 45 which is in the form of a hollow profile member. The stiffening carrier 45 extends centrally transversely over the whole of the bar-shaped package carrier 2 so that the latter does not flex excessively, even when filled bottles are hung therein. It is desirable if that end which in FIGS. 4 and 5 is at the opposite side of the package carrier 2 carries a flat support rail 46 by way of supports 41 in order to permit any tolerances in the transverse direction (longitudinal direction of the bar) by virtue of lateral displacement on a carrier rail 47 . That carrier rail is moreover provided at the top with a flat guide 48 of plastic material so that the flat support rail 46 can be held and guided with as little friction as possible.
Advance projections 49 are mounted on each thrust rod 32 at spacings a (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) projecting radially at a given angle from the thrust rod 32 . That spacing a is equal to the center-to-center spacing between two package carriers 2 which have moved into mutually adjacent relationship so that the spacing between the two adjacent locking grooves 44 is also equal to a. In that way, upon a certain rotary movement, the advance projections 49 can move into those locking grooves 44 , as is shown for example in condition I in FIG. 2 . It can be imagined that the upstanding advance projection 49 in FIG. 6 which is in a rest position is rotated forwardly through 90 when it is opposite a locking groove 44 of a package carrier 2 . That described engagement is then achieved.
In FIG. 2 the long black arrow in position I, which is identified by reference 50 and which points towards the right in the first travel direction 8 , signifies that the thrust rod 32 performs a stroke movement from a left-hand position (not shown) towards the right in the direction of that arrow 50 so that the two package carriers 2 on the left have reached the illustrated position. The dash-dotted line which extends continuously downwardly through all three positions I, II and III of the thrust rod is the position in which the sealing station 5 is disposed stationarily under the frame 3 . Each package carrier 2 is shown broken away in FIG. 2 , on its side opposite to the groove 44 . It will be appreciated that it is also in the form of a long bar, as described with reference to FIG. 4 . The circles diagrammatically denote that two rows of bottle necks 36 are carried on each package carrier 2 . The three circles which are shown furthest at the left are white while the right-hand circle is under the position of the sealing station 5 and is black. In this diagrammatic drawing, that means that the foremost bottles are closed by the sealing effect. As indicated by the white circles, the bottle necks 36 therebehind are still open. The spacing a corresponds to the total cycle distance. In contrast in the travel direction 8 the spacing of two bottle necks 36 from each other is equal to half the cycle distance. As only one row of sealing stations 5 extends over the entire machine, the first white circle which is to the left of the black circle, in an intermediate stroke movement, has to be conveyed by only half the cycle length only as far as the dash-dotted line.
On the one hand that it is implemented only by decoupling the package carriers from each other, as can be seen from this description. On the other hand that shorter intermediate stroke movement is produced by means of an intermediate stroke projection 51 . The latter is disposed between two advance projections 49 which project radially in the same direction from the thrust rod 32 , radially projecting for example diametrally in the opposite direction from the thrust rod 32 . If, starting from the basic position I in FIG. 2 , the thrust rod 32 is rotated through 90 , it will be seen that then both the advance projections 49 and also the intermediate stroke projection 51 come out of engagement or the latter, in spite of the rotation through 90 , still does not come into engagement, respectively. In that position the thrust rod 32 can be pushed passed the stationary package carriers 2 without touching same. It is assumed that half a stroke movement in opposite relationship to the first travel direction is effected as indicated by the short black arrow 52 in position II and all projections move towards the left by that length a/2. Now the thrust rod 32 is rotated through a further 90 in the same direction as previously so that now only the intermediate stroke projection 51 as shown in FIG. 2 , position II, comes into engagement in a locking groove 44 while the other advance projections 49 remain disengaged. These rotary movements of the thrust rod 32 are shown by the curved arrow 53 illustrated at the left.
When the thrust rod 32 is now displaced back again towards the right in the direction of the arrow 54 by half the cycle stroke, then the intermediate stroke projection 51 conveys the single package carrier 2 towards the right by half the cycle stroke a/2 so that the package carriers 2 are in the position III shown in FIG. 2 . The black dots show which bottle necks 36 have already been sealed. As viewed from right to left, the fourth bottle neck can now be sealed, because it also comes to a position under the dash-dotted line and thus the sealing station 5 . That is the condition of the position III in FIG. 2 .
Operation is repeated in a similar manner insofar as, in accordance with the curved arrow 55 , the thrust rod 32 is again moved through 90 in such a way that all projections are out of engagement from the locking grooves 44 . The thrust rod 32 can now be displaced towards the left in opposite relationship to the first travel direction 8 by a full cycle length so that two advance projections 49 come into engagement with locking grooves 44 (not shown in FIG. 2 ). When now the thrust rod 32 is displaced towards the right in the direction of the arrow 50 by the full cycle length a, that restores the condition of position I. From then on the operating procedure is repeated.
LIST OF REFERENCES
1 package, bottle
2 package carrier
3 frame
4 , 5 , 6 treatment stations
5 sealing station
6 filling station
7 first process plane
8 first travel direction
9 second lift conveyor
10 , 10 second travel direction
11 third loading plane
12 third conveyor
13 second return plane
14 third travel direction
15 fourth lift conveyor
16 , 16 fourth travel direction
17 upward end of the second lift conveyor 9
18 downward end of the second lift conveyor 9
19 first conveyor
20 downward end of the fourth lift conveyor 15
21 upward end of the fourth lift conveyor 15
22 motor, drive
23 , 24 drive shafts
25 , 25 loading direction (unloading)
26 , 26 loading direction (loading)
27 transmission
28 shaft
29 crank
30 connecting rod
31 slide
32 thrust rod
33 front side of the package carrier
34 rear side of the package carrier
35 recess
36 bottle neck
37 slide
38 endless belt
39 pocket
40 carrier
41 support
42 counterpart rail
43 advance block
44 locking groove
45 stiffening carrier
46 flat support rail
47 carrier rail
48 flat guide
49 advance projection
50 arrow in first travel direction
51 intermediate stroke projection
52 arrow opposite first travel direction
53 arrow for rotation
54 arrow for first travel direction
55 arrow for rotation
I operating condition of the first conveyor 19 : normal stroke
II operating condition of the first conveyor 19 : beginning of the intermediate stroke
III operating condition of the first conveyor 19 : end of the intermediate stroke
a spacing of the advance projections
B width of the recesses 35
D outside diameter of the bottle neck
| 1B
| 65 | G |
There is shown inFIG. 1a surgical instrument1of the pliers type comprising two handles2,3which are articulated to each other about a pivotal axis4for closing and/or opening the jaws (not shown).
The jaws can be present in any form depending on their function, which can be for example cutting or gripping.
The handles2and3of the surgical instrument1comprise, opposite the pivotal axis4, connection means5which permit, as a function of the force applied by the surgeon, on said handles, either to interconnect them, or to free them from each other.
The connection means5are constituted, on the first handle2of the surgical instrument1and in the direction of the second handle3, by an ear6which is pierced by a hole7to receive an axle8permitting the securement of a hook9.
The hook9comprises a hooking portion10and a resilient return portion which is constituted by a spring11to place said hook9in a same and single position when the surgical instrument1is in the open position.
The connection means5are constituted, in the second handle3, by an open recess12in which is secured a catch13.
The open recess12is provided to pass through from side to side of the thickness of the handle3such that the hooking region of the catch13, which is constituted by at least one tooth14, will be directed in the direction of the hook9secured to the handle2.
It will be seen that the surgical instrument1is in the locked position when the hooking portion10of the hook9secured to the first handle2coacts with the recess of the tooth14of the catch13, fixed on the second leg3(FIG. 2).
The locked position of the surgical instrument1is achieved when the surgeon exerts first pressure on the handles2and3so as to bring them toward each other.
During this pressure, it will be seen that the hooking portion10of the hook9slides on the inclined surface15of the catch3until it comes into coaction with the bottom of the recess of the tooth14.
The locking of the surgical instrument1is finalized when the surgeon releases the pressure. This locked position is maintained until the surgeon exerts a new pressure on the handles2and3of the surgical instrument1.
InFIGS. 3 to 5there is shown the movement of the hook9relative to the fixed catch13when the surgeon exerts a second pressure on the legs2and3of the surgical instrument1.
The unlocking of the surgical instrument1takes place when the surgeon exerts a second pressure which is directed in the same direction as that permitting locking.
This second pressure consists in bringing the handles2and3a bit closer to each other to move the hooking portion10of the hook9out of the recess of the tooth14(FIG. 3).
The continuation of the second pressure by the surgeon permits causing the hooking portion10of the hook9to slide over the inclined surface16until it passes automatically from the other side to come into sliding contact with the curved profile17of the latch3(FIGS. 3 and 4).
The surgeon then relaxes the pressure, which results in a spacing apart of the handles2and3of the surgical instrument1and the continued sliding of the hooking portion10over the curved profile surface17(FIG. 4).
The complete relaxation of the pressure permits, under the influence of a return spring (not shown), a total opening of the surgical instrument1so as to position the hooking portion10of the hook9at the beginning of the inclined surface15of the catch13(FIG. 5).
It will be seen that the connection means5are adaptable to all surgical instruments comprising handles articulated about a pivotal axis.
It will be noted that the connection means5permit manipulating a surgical instrument with a single hand, by a single, rapid and repetitive movement, to lock and unlock the handles.
It should be understood that the preceding description was given only by way of example and that it in no way limits the scope of the invention, from which no departure will be made by replacing the details of execution described, by any other equivalent.
| 0A
| 61 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Vehicles which contain internal combustion engines, commonly have a
camshaft with small spaced cams attached for opening and closing piston
valves. In addition, such vehicles also have a crankshaft with one or more
cranks attached thereto for imparting motion to the engine transmission.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a piston 16 and valves 19.a, 19.b, 19.c, 19.d are
shown. In the top of each piston 16 are cuts or indentations 18.a, 18.b,
18.c, 18.d to prevent valve and piston interference. The depth of the
indentations 18.a, 18.b, 18.c, 18.d may vary given engine type, make, and
model. It is to be understood that shape or number of piston indentations
on the top of each piston can vary according to the number of camshafts
78.a, 78.b, shown in FIG. 4, which exist in an engine. It is also possible
that the vehicle has no indentations in each piston head.
Commonly, dual overhead engines have two camshafts while other engines have
a single camshaft. The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
displays a dual overhead camshaft engine but it is appreciated that the
methodology is also fully functional on a single camshaft engine. The
depth of the indentations 18.a, 18.b, 18.c, 18.d can also vary depending
on the amount of piston and valve clearance which is built into any given
engine. Thus, the pistons 16, valves 19.a, 19.b, 19.c, 19.d, and piston
valve indentations 18.a, 18.b, 18.c, 18.d, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4,
are met to be exemplary and not limiting to the scope of the present
invention.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a cut-away view of an engine 70 is shown. The
engine 70 has a crankshaft 80 for imparting vertical motion to pistons 16.
The crankshaft 80 has pistons 16 operably connected to it. The crankshaft
80 further has a first end and second end. The first end is connected to a
crankshaft sprocket 76. The second end of the crankshaft 80 is connected
to a ring gear 82. In addition, the engine 70 also includes a crankshaft
sensor 81 interconnected to the engine for taking readings of the angular
position of the crankshaft 80. The engine 70 further consists of camshafts
78.a, 78.b. Piston valves 19.a, 19.b, 19.c, 19.d are operably connected to
the camshafts 78.a, 78.b for providing motion to the valves 19.a, 19.b,
19.c, 19.d. The camshafts 78.a, 78.b have a camshaft sprocket 74.a, 74.b
attached to one end. In addition, the engine 70 also includes camshaft
sensors 79.a, 79.b connected to the engine for taking readings of the
angular position of each camshaft 78.a, 78.b.
Partially disposed around a circumference of, and connecting the camshaft
sprockets 74.a, 74.b and the crankshaft sprocket 76, is a timing belt 72
with a plurality of teeth. A tension sprocket 77 is also partially
encompassed by the timing belt 72. The tension sprocket 77 is for
adjusting the tension on the timing belt 72. While FIG. 4 shows a timing
belt 72, it is to be expressly understood that other timing apparatuses
could also be used such as a timing chain or timing gears.
The present invention provides a method for detecting a timing apparatus
malfunctions in a vehicle. When a timing belt or chain skips at least one
tooth or link, a change in relative angular distance between the camshaft
and crankshaft will occur. This change is what is detected by the current
methodology. To remedy the occurrence of a timing belt, chain, or gear
slippage, a camshaft and crankshaft misalignment detection method is
disclosed. In the present method, camshaft sensors 79.a, 79.b read the
angular position of the camshafts 74.a, 74.b. A crankshaft sensor 81 reads
the angular position of the crankshaft 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the timing
diagram of the signal representations of the angular positions of the
camshaft and the crankshaft are read, via the use of camshaft and
crankshaft sensors, by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) 10 of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 4. The ECU 10 includes a microprocessor, memory
(volatile and non-volatile), bus lines (address, control, and data), and
other hardware and software needed to perform the task of engine control.
The ECU 10 measures the distance, designated as .alpha. on an initial
reading and .beta. on subsequent readings, between a falling edge of the
210 degree pulse of the camshaft angular signal and a falling edge of a 69
degree crankshaft angular signal.
During the present methodology, the ECU 10 will initially take a reading
representative of the distance .alpha. between a falling edge of the 210
degree pulse of the camshaft angular signal and a falling edge of a 69
degree crankshaft angular signal and store this as the initial build value
during subsequent starts of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the
falling edge of the 69 degree crankshaft angular signal is taken from the
number one cylinder. It is appreciated that any cylinder could also be
employed. The initial build value is placed in a reset state at the engine
manufacturing stage and is set by the ECU 10 during subsequent starts of
the vehicle. The initial build value must be reset after servicing any
engine component which will affect the camshaft and crankshaft timing
system.
Referring now to FIG. 2.A, a method is disclosed to detect a misalignment
between the camshafts 78.a, 78.b and crankshaft 80. As illustrated, the
present misalignment detection method begins or starts in bubble 20 when
the engine is running. From bubble 20, the methodology advances cyclically
or alternatively on an interrupt basis to check the enabling conditions of
the method generally designated decision block 22. At this time the ECU 10
checks to determine if all enablement conditions are satisfied before
advancing. It must be stated, however, that the enablement conditions
stated below may vary from vehicle to vehicle and may not be needed in
different forms and manifestations of the present invention.
Block 36, as shown in FIG. 2.B, represents the dotted line schematic
enlargement of methodology block 22 of FIG. 2.A. The first enablement
condition checked by the ECU 10 in block 36 is whether the engine vehicle
is turned on and running as displayed in block 42. In the preferred
embodiment, an engine revolution speed of above approximately 500 RPMs is
required to ensure that the engine is running. Moving on to the next
enablement condition, it is then determined in decision block 43 if the
engine temperature, as sensed by a temperature sensor that provides
signals to the ECU 10, is greater than a certain stored fixed temperature
value in memory of the ECU 10. The ECU 10 next determines in block 44 if
the change in the manifold absolute pressure (.DELTA.MAP) is less than a
stored fixed pressure value in memory of the ECU 10. The change in the
revolutions per minute of the engine (.DELTA.RPM) is then checked in
decision block 45 to determine if it is less than a stored RPM value in
the memory of the ECU 10.
Another enablement condition which must be checked, in block 46, is whether
the change in throttle angle is less than a stored fixed angular value in
memory of the ECU 10. A further enable condition in block 47, which must
be checked by the current methodology, is whether the engine speed/RPM is
within a specified range or whether the engine speed/RPM is within a
different specified range and the vehicle speed is less than a set speed
value stored in memory of the ECU 10 to protect against any testing which
may be done during engine resonant conditions. Moreover, for enablement to
be initialized in block 48 it must be determined that: 1) the engine
throttle must not be wide open; 2) the camshafts 78.a, 78.b and crankshaft
80 must be in synchronization; and 3) there is no camshaft sensor 79.a,
79.b or crankshaft sensor 81 initial error detections.
If any one of the enable conditions is not satisfied, the method exits to
bubble 29 whereby the ECU 10 returns to perform other engine control
tasks. If all the enablement conditions are met, however, the method
continues on to block 24. At this step the methodology checks to determine
whether a sufficient number of initial build value angle samplings have
been taken. If the ECU 10 determines that all of the conditions in block
24 are true, the methodology falls through to block 26. In this block,
angle .beta. is updated with the new angle equalling the difference
between a 210 degree falling edge of the camshaft angular signal and the
69 degree falling edge of cylinder #1 of the crankshaft angular signal, as
depicted in FIG. 1 as angle .beta.. The method then moves to block 28
whereby the feature operation, to detect whether the camshaft 78.a, 78.b
and crankshaft 80 have become misaligned, is implemented.
In block 28, an updated measurement of .beta. angle is compared to
determine if the value is greater than the sum of the initial build
.alpha. angle and a fixed value or less than the difference of the initial
build .alpha. angle and a fixed value. If neither of the conditions are
satisfied, the methodology will exit to bubble 29 and the ECU 10 will
execute other engine control tasks. If, however, one of the conditions in
block 28 is met, the current method will advance to block 30 whereby a
fault maturing process is carried out. If a plurality of fault conditions
occur within a given interval, a code or flag is set in the memory of the
ECU 10 during the execution of block 30 and a fault is indicated to the
vehicle operator.
In the preferred embodiment, a malfunction indicator light will be
illuminated to indicate to the engine vehicle driver of timing belt, chain
link, or intermeshing gear teeth slippage. It is to be understood,
however, that alerting a vehicle operator by an indicator light is one of
many possible means that could be employed such as sound or code storage
for later retrieval. The method then falls to bubble 29 and the
methodology ends.
Referring back to decision block 24, if the ECU 10 determines that the
initial .alpha. angle has not been read, the present method advances to
block 40. In decision block 40, the methodology checks to determine if the
vehicle speed is less than 4.0 miles per hour and if the throttle is
closed. If one condition is not met in block 40, the methodology exits via
bubble 29 and the ECU 10 continues to perform other engine control tasks.
If, however, both conditions in decision block 40 are met, the methodology
falls to block 38. In this part of the present method, the initial build
value .alpha. is updated with a new reading of .beta. angle, as shown in
FIG. 1. After the initial build value .alpha. angle has been updated, the
methodology falls through to decision block 34.
In decision block 34 the ECU 10 determines if there has been sufficient
samplings of the angle .beta. subsequent to start-up of the vehicle. If
there has not been sufficient samplings, the methodology falls to bubble
29 whereby the ECU 10 exits to perform other tasks of engine control.
Should the ECU 10 find that there has been sufficient samplings of the
angle .beta., then the method falls to decision block 32. In this block,
the ECU 10 determines whether the updated .beta. angle is within a set
range. It is in this stage that the ECU 10 has the ability to detect
whether a mis-built engine has occurred by initially testing whether there
is misalignment between the camshaft 78.a, 78.b and crankshaft 80.
If the ECU 10 determines that the newly updated .beta. angle is not within
a set range, the current method will advance to block 30 whereby a fault
maturing process is carried out. If a plurality of fault conditions occur
within a given interval, a code or flag is set in the memory of the ECU 10
for subsequent retrieval by an assembly plant or service technician, and a
fault is indicated to the vehicle operator. In the preferred embodiment, a
malfunction indicator light will be illuminated to alert the assembly
plant technician or engineer of a mis-built engine due to camshaft and
crankshaft misalignment. The method then falls to bubble 29 and exits.
If, however, the ECU 10 determines that both conditions are satisfied in
decision block 32, the method returns to block 26 whereby the angle
.alpha. is updated equalling the difference between a falling edge of the
camshaft angle frequency signal and a falling edge of the crankshaft angle
frequency signal, as depicted in FIG. 1 by the symbol .beta..
While the invention has been described in detail, it is to be expressly
understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art
that the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of
the invention. Various changes of form, design or arrangement may be made
to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Therefore, the above mentioned description is to be considered
exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is
that defined in the following claims. | 6G
| 01 | M |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While this invention is susceptible of multiple embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
FIG. 1illustrates storage assembly30in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For the most part the storage assembly is composed of plastic. The depicted storage assembly30includes a divided vertical access bin34, a horizontal access bin36, a hopper bin38and a covered vertical access bin40. Each bin34,36,38and40includes a bottom solid platform50or bottom wall that is supported on wheels or casters56. The vertical sidewalls of each bin are attached to each adjacent sidewall and to the platform50by fasteners, snap connections plastic welding or other known method. Side supports or brackets57can be provided on the inside of each wall for the provision of adding shelves or assembling internal compartments. In most cases, four wheels56, arranged in a grid pattern, are provided for adequate rolling stability of each bin34,36,38,40, but for narrow bins such as the vertical access bin42, only a pair of wheels may be provided where stability of the bin40is achieved by being attached to adjacent bin38. Although wheels are show, the invention also encompasses simple, non-rolling supports such as legs. The bins are made up of lattice-work walls but solid walls are also encompassed by the invention.
The bins34,36,38,40are attached together to form an assembly as described below. The divided access bin34includes four openings34aand is useful for storing elongated articles such, as golf clubs, baseball bats, umbrellas and the like which can be supported vertically within the opening34a. In an alternate embodiment items such as garden tools, lawn tools, work tools, shovels or other sports equipment may be stored in the bins34,36,38or40.
A-horizontal-access bin36provides a plurality of compartments or “cabbies”36aare useful for storing items such as golf shoes, other athletic shoes, and small items which would be more difficult to retrieve if merely dropped into a deep vertical access bin. The hopper bin38is effective for storing large bulk items such as basketballs, footballs, skates and the like.
The covered vertical access bin40is similar to the divided access bin34but having smaller openings40athrough a top thereof which provide entry and guidance or support for long articles such as hockey sticks. As shown inFIG. 14, beneath the openings40ais a resilient rubber insert40bhaving resilient gripping jaws40dfor holding the hockey sticks vertically upright, i.e., to prevent the hockey stick from tipping over by gripping the rectangular cross-section of the hockey stick.
FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate an alternate assembly130that includes a horizontal access bin136, open station138and a further horizontal access bin144. Short bins150,152are assembled on opposite ends of the assembly130. On one end of the assembly130is mounted a container shelf158holding two removable containers160. The container shelf158is mounted above the short bin152. The container shelf can include an upright back wall with two dovetail bases158a, like the dovetail part306shown inFIG. 8(described below) or the dovetail part179shown inFIG. 13(described below) which bases158acan be slid-downward into two slots220in the outer sidewall of the bin144shown inFIG. 9.
On an opposite end of the storage assembly from the shelf158are arranged first and second fill tubes172,174which have flared open ends172a,174ahaving open bottoms which feed attached cups176,178, respectively. Small articles such as golf balls can be thrown into the tubes and collected in the cups and tubes as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. As shown inFIG. 13, each tube and. cup combination instead by a single, flared dovetail rib179that slides into a dovetail slot220on a bin wall (described below).
A plurality of retainer hooks180are mounted on sides of the bins136,144and overhang the open area138, particularly a bottom wall138a. Each hook180includes a base portion180awith a double dovetail formation that engages registered dovetail slots220(described below) on side by side bin walls, particularly the walls of the respective bin136,144and side walls138b,138cof the open area138arranged adjacent to the bins136,144, respectively, as shown more clearly inFIG. 9. The sidewalls138b,138care fastened to the bottom138aby attachments138fand are fixed to the bins136,144using the base portions180aof the hooks180. The base portions180ahave a double dovetail flare like the rods228rand fit identically into registered dovetail slots220of the sidewalls138band the sidewall of the bins136, and of the sidewall138cand the sidewall of the bin144, respectively. Each retainer hook6, includes a downwardly directed, forked hook end180bfits into the open end of a golf bag which can be rested on a bottom wall138ato stabilize the golf bag on the bottom138aprevent tipping of the golf bag.
FIGS. 4-7illustrate the mechanism for attaching adjacent bins together. Although the bin38is shown, it is to be understood that the same mechanisms are used to connect all the various bins together. At spaced-apart upper positions on sidewalls38aof the bin38, are arranged vertically extending dovetail slots220. By dovetail it is generally meant triangular or truncated triangular or curved triangular, or the like. As explained below, a top plate500also includes top openings502(FIGS. 16-18) that register with and correspond in shape to a top of the dovetail slots220. Dual flared dovetail fixing rods226having in cross-section oppositely expanding dovetail shapes, are used in which each dovetail flared half226h,226gis slid downward to engage one dovetail slot220of opposing registered dovetail slots of side by side bins, to fix the two bins together against at least horizontal separation; For clarity of description, only one side of the mating of the fixing rod and bin sidewall is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. To fix two bins together, the bins are pressed side-by-side in close proximity and the dual dovetail fixing rods226are slid down into a pair of registered dovetail slots as illustrated inFIG. 6, with one part or flare of the dovetail fixing rod entering the slot of one bin and the opposite part or flare of the dovetail fixing rod entering the slot of the other bin. To permit removal of the dovetail fixing rods once installed, each fixing rod226includes an indentation226aon opposite parts or flares at the top. Each dovetail slot also provides an indentation220aat a top thereof. The indentations220a,226aare substantially in registry and allow a user's finger to partially extend down into the slot220to enter the indentation226ato exert a vertical, upward removal force on the fixing rod226. Each slot220has a termination or bottom220, 1:4 that limits the downward insertion of the fixing rod226into the slot220, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 8illustrates an enhancement to the exemplary embodiment of the invention wherein an accessory300in the form of a rack for a plurality of baseball bats302includes a base306having a single dovetail cross-section formation307and carries substantially horizontally projecting and parallel rails310,312separated far enough to pass The narrow handle302aof baseball bats but close enough to restrain the cap302bof the baseball bat. The accessory300is installed into a slot220such as shown inFIG. 4by sliding the formation307down into the slot220on an outward facing sidewall such as the sidewall34dshown inFIG. 1, in the same manner as the fixing rod226is slid down into a slot220. Once into the slot220, the associated bin supports the accessory300with the rails310,312projecting substantial horizontally to hold and hang baseball bats outward of the assembly or into an open area such as the area138as shown inFIG. 2.
FIG. 11illustrates details of the bin38wherein a front wall38cof the bin38is being slid through slots38eand retained from pulling through the slots vertically by heads or clamps38f. Bottom ends of the chords38dare held in a similar fashion to a bottom rail38j, shown inFIG. 1. A top cover38ksnaps onto the rail38dto smooth the bin appearance and cover the top of the cords. The cords provide for retainage of bulky items that might stretch the bin and allow removal of large items from the bin by forcibly separating the elastic cords.
FIG. 15illustrates one method of attaching sidewalls, for example sidewalls38aof bin38to bottom platform50. The bottom platform50includes sockets50awith friction ribs50binside the sockets, formed into, or attached to the platform. Each to sidewall38aincludes tube stubs38rn, formed into, or attached to the sidewall and corresponding in number and position to engage into the sockets50ain a tight fitting manner. Preferably two spaced apart tube stubs38mand two spaced apart and corresponding sockets50aare provided for each sidewall38a. Any sidewall which includes upstanding walls at the side, front and back of each bin can be attached to its respective platform50in this manner.
As shown inFIGS. 16,19and20the sidewalls are further connected to each other using a snap hinge arrangement400. One of the sidewalls38aincludes a resilient receiving clamp402and the respective other sidewall38aincludes a right angle bracket406having a spindle end410. The spindle end snap fits into the clamp402as shown inFIG. 20. This arrangement provides a pivot connection when assembling and disassembling the bins which may be useful for storage of the disassembled bin or for transportation. Once all four upstanding walls of a bin are connected and the bin assembled, the arrangement will effectively be non-pivoting. One or more arrangements400can be located at the joint between connected sidewalls.
FIGS. 16,17and18illustrate how the top plate500of a bin, such as the bin38assists in assembling and rigidifying the assembled bin. The top plate500includes top openings502that are the same shape and register with the opening220in the sidewalls38a. When the connection rods226are inserted to secure adjacent bins, the rods also can lock the top plates500of the adjacent bins. Also, as shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the top plate includes mirror image identical side flanges520,522that overlie the outer top side portions38nof each of the side walls38a. The outer top portion includes a groove38qthat is discontinuous where the slots220intersect the groove38q. The inside surface of the side flanges520,522each include a discontinuous line of ribs526that corresponds to the discontinuous groove38q. Thus, during assembly, the top plate500is slid from front to back wherein the line of ribs526on each of the side flanges slide into the groove38qof opposite and parallel sidewalls38a. When fully engaged, the openings502register with the openings220on the top of the bin.
FIG. 18also illustrates that as typical for all the sidewalls of the storage bins, shelf supports550can be provided on the sidewalls38a. The shelf supports can be snap fit into holes or other fixtures to be adjustable, of can be molded into the sidewalls at pre-determined positions.
Turning toFIG. 21, a top plate600is shown that is similar to the top plates as discussed above in previous embodiments. The top plate600may be used to enclose a bin as discussed previously. The top plate includes a side edge602. Turning toFIG. 22, an enlarged portion identified as22fromFIG. 21is depicted. The side edge602of the top plate600includes slots620a,b. Each of the slots may receive a fixing rod626. For example, fixing rod626is slidingly received within slot620b.FIG. 22depicts the slot620aas being vacant. However, a fixing rod626identically shaped to that shown residing in slot620bcan be inserted in slot620a. In an embodiment, the fixing rods are modular and may fit in any slot620a,b(or other slots located on all sides of the bin as depicted). Once the rod626is slidingly inserted into the slot620b, it may be maintained there with the dovetail-shaped open side exposed along the side edge602, waiting for an accessory to be mounted along the open side of the fixing rod626. Also, an adjacent bin may be secured against sidewall602using the open dovetail side of the fixing rod626.
Turning toFIG. 23, a bin700is depicted. The bin700is similar to the bins described above. The bin includes a base710and located in the base are a base slot at the left side730and right side. A base clip720is mounted in the base slot. The base slot on the left side is not visible because the base clip720is mated therein and covers the slot.
Turning toFIG. 24, an enlarged view of a base clip720is depicted. The base clip includes a pair of knobs725a,bwhich protrude from the planer rectangular surface of the base clip720. The knobs725a,bare received within the slot730at the base710of a bin700. So for example, as shown inFIG. 23, the base clip720has the knob725breceived in the slot on the left side of the bin700. The knob725awill extend beyond the side edge of the bin700.
A second bin may be attached to the first bin700, by using the base clip720. A second bin is rolled up adjacent to the first bin700, so that the base clip720is adjacent to the base of the second bin. The knob725athat is exposed will be received in a base slot of the second bin. In an embodiment, the slot is generally triangular shaped with the apex of the triangle at the lowest point along the base (as shown for base slot730). The base clip20is mated to the slot by inserting the knob725ain the upper and widest part of the slot. The base clip720is then slid downward so that the knob725ais received at the narrowest portion of the slot closest to the apex. In an embodiment, the knob725a,bincludes a flange728that has a diameter that is larger than the body of the knob725a. It may be understood that when the knob725ais received in the slot, the flange728will grasp the side edges of the slot when it is slid downward towards the apex of the triangular shaped slot. In this way the base clip720may securely lock a second bin to the first bin700.
Turning toFIG. 25, an enlarged view of a female lock portion805is depicted. The female lock portion805is formed within a wall of a bin40. For example, as shown inFIG. 14, a bin40is provided. At the bottom half of the bin depicted inFIG. 14are female locking portions. The enlarged view inFIG. 25depicts the female locking portion805having an upper portion807, and a lower portion809. In an embodiment, the upper portion has a generally trapezoid shape in communication with the lower portion809that has a generally inverted triangular shape.
Turning toFIG. 26, a male lock portion810is depicted mounted within the female lock portion805. The mate lock portion810includes a rib812. In order to attach the male lock portion810to the female lock portion805, the rib812is inserted in the upper portion807and then the male lock portion810is slid downwardly so that the rib812is received within the lower portion809of the female lock805. As the lower half809is narrower, it will grasp the rib812of the male lock810and secure it therein, as shown inFIG. 26. Once the lock portion810is secured to the bin40, other accessories as described above, may be mounted on the lock portion810. The accessories need only have a corresponding female lock portion805to engage the male lock810. Such a female lock portion805for an accessory will be a bit wider as compared to the lock portion805ofFIG. 25due to the more narrow rib812compared to the outer face of the male lock portion810.
Although various concepts have been described in detail, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that various modifications and alternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art applying ordinary skill, would be able to practice the invention set forth in the claims without undue experimentation. It will additionally be appreciated that the particular concepts exposed herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and any equivalence thereof.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.
All references including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein, to the extent that the references are not inconsistent with the present disclosure.
| 1B
| 62 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, the invention is carried out with equipment comprising
a conventional engine 10, transmission 11, transmission oil pan 12 and air
conditioning unit 17. During normal operation of the engine 10, the
impelling forces and interaction of the parts generate heat. In warmer
ambient conditions, such as a hot summer day, and/or when the engine
experiences great load, such as when the vehicle is pulling a trailer
and/or when the air conditioning unit 17 is operated while the vehicle is
in slow, heavy traffic, the engine and constituent systems experience even
greater heat build-up. Vehicle manufacturers have recognized this
phenomenon and offer "trailer-towing" packages to provide vehicles with
better engine and transmission cooling capabilities.
In addition to the load created by the air conditioning unit 17 and the
heat build-up associated with the load, a by-product of the air
conditioning process is condensate which naturally forms on the evaporator
16 of the air conditioning unit 17. Prior to this invention, this
condensate has not been utilized in the conservation of energy and has
merely been discharged beneath the vehicle. This invention proposes to
harness this previously untapped resource to relieve heat as it effects
other engine systems which need cooling, particularly the transmission
fluid as circulated through the transmission oil pan 12. Even though most
automatic transmissions incorporate a cooling radiator juxtaposed the
vehicle's engine coolant radiator, harsh driving conditions can impose
upon the normal cooling capacity of many transmissions. Next to abusive
use, excessive heat is the primary culprit leading to failed clutches,
brakes and pumps in automatic transmissions.
As the drawings show, condensate forming on the evaporator 16, which was
previously discarded upon the pavement, is now received within a
condensate collector 15 or 15a. This collector may be a funnel or pan, or
plurality or combination thereof. Structural disposition permitting,
condensate drains naturally from the condensate collector 15 or 15a and
through a condensate conduit 14 which leads to a condensate distributor 13
or 13a located under the transmission oil pan 12. The condensate
distributor may comprise a foam mat 13 to provide for retaining the liquid
condensate in communication with the transmission oil pan 12 or may
comprise a tube or network of tubing 13a, or trough, pan or other heat
exchanging element, or plurality or combination thereof. Communication of
the cool condensate with the hot transmission oil pan 12 will cause heat
transferral such that the transmission oil pan 12 will be cooled as the
condensate evaporates.
To reduce premature heating of the condensate as it is conveyed through the
conduit 14, an insulative layer or casing may be applied about the conduit
as shown in FIG. 3.
The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
described above, but to encompass any and all embodiments within the scope
of the following claims. | 5F
| 25 | D |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a surgical instrument (suturing forceps), with which needle perforation accidents can be avoided, tissue damage during suturing can be reduced and which allows suturing to be performed more easily.
The following description is made by way of example and is not intended to limit the invention as set out in the appended claims.
The forceps of the present invention comprises at least a first and second arm that are connected at one end and which may be biased, for example, by a spring means, in an open position and which defines a space between them which can be reduced or increased. The instrument also comprises a needle receiving and affixing bullet that is preferably positioned at the distal end, at an inside and/or lower side of the end of an arm. The term “open” in the context of the present invention refers to the position wherein the distal ends of the two arms are apart. The term “closed” refers to the position wherein the distal ends of the two arms are in close proximity or touching. The term “form lock” refers to the properties of a bullet embodiment whereby the deformation of a bullet that is pierced by a surgical needle results in a pressure exerted on the surgical needle from the resistance of the bullet to return to its original form thereby affixing (locking) the surgical needle to the bullet.
When suturing tissue using a suture and surgical needle, the forceps of the present invention makes it possible to control the suturing process in such a manner that immediately after the point of the surgical needle has pierced the tissue, it is able to pass into the bullet where it is retained until removal by the surgeon, preferably with the use of a surgical needle holder. This allows the surgical needle to be manipulated safely during suturing without touching the needle with the hands, thereby reducing the possibility of needle perforation accidents.
The bullet also provides support for the portion of tissue being sutured by using the forceps of the present invention to effectively avoid tissue damage because the bullet provides a counter pressure against the pressure of the needle supporting the tissue to be sutured thereby minimizing tissue stretch. Furthermore, the suturing operation can be continued using the forceps to manipulate the needle, without the necessity of either manually touching the needle or using a needle holding instrument.
The bullet may be comprised of any material or designed in any way such that it is capable of receiving and removably affixing or retaining a surgical needle. For example, the material may be pierceable such as synthetic rubber or wire mesh. An example of a bullet comprised of wire mesh is illustrated inFIG. 8. The bullet may also be comprised of a hollow synthetic material such that when penetrated, the pressure of the needle penetrating the first wall of the bullet deforms the bullet, and this pressure, together with the pressure created by the penetration and subsequent deformation of the second wall creates significant pressure on the needle creating a “form lock,” enhancing the bullet's grip on the needle. An example of the form lock embodiment of the bullet is illustrated inFIG. 9. Alternatively the hollow space may be filled with a substance such as a gel that may contribute to “locking” a surgical needle. The bullet may also be comprised of a material with magnetic properties suitable for receiving and retaining a surgical needle or any other receiving and retaining means as with an adhesive. Other mechanical means may also be used to receive and removably affix a needle. For example, the bullet may be designed with an opening that allows a surgical needle to be inserted frictionlessly into the bullet such that when the distal ends of the arms are apart, a plunger mechanism which is dependent on the distance between the distal ends of the arms is activated and pushes on the part of the needle that is through the opening. The pushing force of the plunger acts as a guillotine and results in a grip on the needle thereby affixing the needle to the bullet. Conversely, when the distal ends of the arms are in close proximity, the plunger mechanism responds by retracting the plunger, removing the pressure on the needle, and the needle is released. Alternatively, the plunger mechanism may be independent of the distance between the distal ends of the forceps and may be activated manually by the surgeon. The bullet may also be comprised of a substance, for example, a soft gel, that receives a surgical needle and applying a change in temperature at the site of the bullet, for example by using a laser, causes it to harden thereby fixing the surgical needle that can be released by again applying change in temperature at the site of the bullet. The bullet of the above-mentioned embodiments may be comprised of a biodegradable material in the event that if any part of the bullet falls into the wound, no additional harm would be caused to the patient, as the bullet would harmlessly dissolve in the body.
The bullet may also be designed to have a narrow slit into which a surgical needle is guided such that when the forceps are manipulated to pull on the needle, flaps of the slit close thereby affixing the needle to the bullet. The needle is released by pulling or pushing it in the direction of the flaps thereby opening the flaps. Such an embodiment may be referred to as a “saloon door” mechanism. An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 10.
In a further aspect of the invention, the bullet may be “loaded” with an electric or other charge or with receptors to guide the needle to the bullet such that the needle is controlled and gripped more easily.
In a further aspect of the invention the bullet is provided on a holder that is detachably placed on at least one arm as exemplified herein. The holder with the bullet may thus be a disposable component that can be supplied sterile, while the forceps upon which the holder is placed may be retained and sterilized from case to case. The holder with the bullet is designed to be removably placed on forceps of the kind illustrated inFIG. 3.
In using the present invention there is a moment in suturing in which the surgeon pulls the needle (that is already fixed in the bullet) through the tissue. In order to do so without harming the tissue, the surgeon guides the forceps following the curvature of the needle. By doing so, the arm opposite to the arm with the bullet to which the needle is affixed can touch or even get stuck in the tissue. Providing a means for moving the opposite arm away from the surgical field when the distal ends of the two arms are apart alleviates this problem.
To this end, a preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of the two arms of the forceps being of unequal length with a hinge mechanism, which is comprised of a hinge and a lever, attached to the shorter arm that is opposite the bullet. When the forceps are in a closed position, the distal end of lever extends to contact the distal end of the arm to which the bullet is attached. When in the open position, the lever retracts and is no longer in the way of making a circular motion with the forceps to pull the needle through the tissue along the curvature of the needle. Such an embodiment may be referred to as “double-hinge.”An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 12.
For this embodiment, the hinge mechanism is comprised of a hinge that is medially fixed to a lever. The hinge is also fixed at the distal end of the shorter arm opposite the bullet such that the distal end of the lever acts as an extension of the shorter arm. The proximal end of the lever is slidably disposed along the inside of the longer arm. Examples of this embodiment are illustrated inFIGS. 11,12and13.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the hinge mechanism is in the form of a spring medially fixed to a sliding lever. The spring opens the forceps and by motion of the sliding lever makes the distal end of the arm that is to be moved away (i.e. the arm opposite the arm with the bullet) slide in the proximal direction when the forceps are open. When the forceps are closed, the sliding lever slides towards the distal end of the forceps to enable sufficient grip of the tissue. Such an embodiment may be referred to as “spring enforced sliding arm.”An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 14.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the hinge mechanism is fixed to the distal end of the shorter arm of the forceps. Furthermore, the bullet is placed at the distal end of the hinge mechanism. Spring-forced movement of the hinge flips it away from the longer arm of the forceps and allows the surgeon to pull the surgical needle through, along the natural needle path, without damaging the tissue. Such an embodiment may be referred to as “flipping bullet.”An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 15.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, an elliptical hinge mechanism at the proximal end of the forceps may be used in which the point of rotation in the proximal end makes a translating movement at the same time as the rotating movement takes place. This design “shortens” the arm that is opposite the bullet when the forceps are opened. Such an embodiment may be referred to as “accentric axis.”An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 16.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, the hinge mechanism is comprised of a double spring. A first spring holds the two arms apart in the open position in which the arm opposite that which holds the bullet is shorter. When the first spring is engaged and the distal ends of the two arms are brought together, a second spring located at the proximal end of the instrument and fixed to the shorter arm is also engaged and extends the shorter arm such that the distal ends of the two arms meet when the forceps are in the closed position. Such an embodiment may be referred to as “double spring.”An example of this embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 17. Other means by which to accomplish shortening of the arm of the forceps will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Identical reference numerals used in the figures refer to similar parts.
Referring first toFIG. 1, where reference numeral1indicates the surgical forceps according to the invention.
These surgical forceps1are suitable to be used for suturing tissue and comprise a first forceps arm2and a second forceps arm3, spring-connected at a proximal end4, i.e. the end which during the manipulation of the forceps1lies in the hand and which arms define a space between them which an be reduced and increased.
At a distal end5, the first forceps arm2and the second forceps arm3can be moved toward each other.
FIG. 1further shows that the first forceps arm2is provided with a bullet6. This bullet6, in its preferred embodiment, is comprised of a needle receiving and retaining material such an elastomeric material which is suitable to be pierced with a surgical needle and which removably retains the needle until removed by the surgeon, as will be further explained below.
The bullet may also be provided on the second arm3or, as the case may be, only on the second arm3. Within the framework of the invention, however, at least one of the forceps arms2,3must be provided with a bullet6.
AsFIG. 1shows, the bullet6is positioned close to or at the distal end5, at an inside or lower side of the end of the first forceps arm2.
The bullet6in one of its embodiments is preferably designed to be able to receive and affix a surgical needle pierced therethrough. A material to be used as the bullet6is suitably a synthetic material, for example synthetic rubber or other elastomeric material. Advantageously, the bullet6together with the end of the arm upon which it is placed define a space between the first arm2and the second arm3which can be reduced or increased. The fabrication of this is well known to the person skilled in the art and requires no further elucidation.
FIG. 2shows a side elevation of the surgical forceps1according to the invention wherein the first forceps arm2and the second forceps arm3are moved toward each other.
FIG. 3shows that the bullet6is provided on a holder7that is detachable from but, as in the illustrated case, can also be detachably placed on the first forceps arm2. Any means of attachment and detachment may be used including that illustrated inFIG. 3, screw on and off attachment means, clip on, luer-lock and others.
The use of the surgical forceps1according to the invention may conveniently be explained by way of a series of successive steps illustrated in theFIGS. 4-7, showing the use of the surgical forceps1according to the invention for suturing tissue.
FIG. 4shows a first step, wherein by means of a needle-holding tool (not shown) a surgical needle9, attached to which is a suture10, pierces a first tissue portion11in order to join this first tissue portion11with a second tissue portion12.
Reference numerals13and14indicate two sutures made previously through the first and second tissue portions11and12.
FIG. 4shows clearly that the first forceps arm2, which at the inside distal end is provided with a bullet6, serves to support the first tissue portion11through which the suture10is passed. In this way the surgical forceps1according to the invention are able to effectively support the first tissue portion11so as to avoid damage to this first tissue portion11, while simultaneously a point of the surgical needle9is able to pass into the bullet6in order to receive and affix the surgical needle9therein.
FIG. 5subsequently shows that the surgical needle9can be passed further through the first tissue portion11by employing the surgical forceps1in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 6subsequently shows that the surgical needle9, with the suture10attached thereto, is in an advanced stage of its passage through the first tissue portion11and asFIG. 7further shows, that the surgical needle9thus becomes available again for manipulation by using a needle-holding tool8.
FIGS. 8-10show embodiments of various mechanisms by which the bullet6may receive and affix a surgical needle9.FIG. 8shows a wire mesh embodiment of the bullet6wherein a tightly woven mesh with wires15that can slide in relation to each other, with at some intervals no sliding knots between wires. The surgical needle9is inserted in one of the pores16resulting in displacement of the wires until a non-moving corner17is encountered. The interval of the non-moving corner17assists in the grip on the needle9.
FIG. 9shows a “form lock” embodiment wherein a bullet6is comprised of a synthetic rubber material with a hollow core. The bullet may be of any shape. The act of inserting a surgical needle9through the first layer18and subsequently through an open space19and then through a second layer20of the bullet6causes a deformation of the bullet6. The physical dynamics of the bullet6trying to return to its neutral shape, due to its material memory, causes increased pressure to be borne on the needle9, thereby increasing the grip the bullet6has on the needle9.
FIG. 10shows a “saloon doors” embodiment of the bullet6wherein the surgical needle9is stuck between two pieces of material or flaps21that have a very narrow slit22in between. The needle9is guided to go between the two flaps21, resulting in “opening the saloon doors.”When the forceps are manipulated to pull the surgical needle9out of the tissue, the flaps21close, resulting in a grip on the surgical needle9because of the additional space the needle9occupies between the flaps21. The greater the pulling force applied, the stronger the grip on the needle9because of the friction between the needle9on the flaps21forces the flaps to close further. After the needle9is pulled through the tissue, the needle9is released by pulling or pushing it in the direction the flaps21open.
The remaining figures address the potential problem encountered in suturing in which the surgeon wants to pull the needle (that is affixed to the bullet) through the tissue. In order to do so without harming the tissue, the surgeon will want to guide the forceps following the curvature of the needle. By doing so, the arm opposite the arm with the flexible material can touch or even get stuck in the tissue.
FIGS. 11-13illustrate the surgical forceps with a double hinge mechanism. InFIG. 11, the instrument is comprised of a longer first arm2and a shorter second arm3with a hinge mechanism that includes a lever23and a hinge24fixed to the distal end of the second arm3. When combined with the lever23, the distal end of lever23contacts the distal end of the first arm2when the instrument is in the closed position.
FIG. 12shows the surgical forceps1with the hinge mechanism comprised of a lever23and a hinge24in the open position. A spring25may be used to enforce the open position when the forceps are not engaged.
FIG. 13shows the surgical forceps1in both the open and closed positions. Note the difference in length of the second arm3combined with the lever23along the axis of the forceps when in open and closed positions. In the open position, the lever23is out of the way when making a circular motion with the forceps to pull a needle (not shown) through tissue along the curvature of the needle thereby avoiding unwanted contact with and/or damage to the tissue.
FIG. 14shows the spring enforced sliding arm embodiment of the surgical forceps1wherein the second arm3is shorter than the first arm2. The second arm3has attached to it at the distal end a sliding lever26. A spring27is fixed to a medial region28of the first arm2and the sliding lever26such that it makes the distal end of the sliding lever26slide in the proximal direction when the forceps are in the open position. When the forceps are closed, the sliding lever26slides towards the distal end of the instrument to enable sufficient grip of the first tissue portion11to be sutured.
FIG. 15illustrates the flipping bullet embodiment of the invention wherein a short arm29to which a bullet6is attached is fixed at the distal end of the first arm2by a hinge30. The first arm2is shorter than the second arm3, but in the closed position, the distal end of the short arm29to which the bullet6is attached touches the distal end of the second arm3. Spring-forced movement of the hinge30that the surgeon can manipulate flips the short arm29away from the longer second arm3of the forceps and allows the surgeon to pull the surgical needle (not shown) through, along the natural needle path, without damaging the tissue.
FIG. 16illustrates the accentric axis embodiment of the invention wherein an elliptical hinge mechanism31in which the point of rotation in the proximal end of the forceps makes a translating movement at the same time as the rotating movement takes place. Under this design, when the forceps are in the closed position, the distal end of the second arm3extends such that it meets the distal end of the first arm2. In the open position, the elliptical hinge mechanism31shortens the second arm3′, thereby avoiding damage to the tissue.
FIG. 17illustrates the double spring embodiment of the invention wherein the second arm3that is opposite the bullet6is retracted and extended by a first spring32that holds the first arm2and second arm3apart in the open position in which the second arm3is shorter than the first arm2. When the first spring32is engaged and the distal ends of the two arms are brought together, a second spring33located at the proximal end4of the forceps and fixed to the shorter second arm3is also engaged and extends the shorter second arm3such that the distal ends of the first arm2and second arm3meet when the instrument is in the closed position.
It is also apparent that the forceps according to the present invention is not only useful in “open surgery,” its advantages may be exploited in endoscopic surgical procedures or in combination with other endoscopic tools wherein a single arm with a bullet attached at a distal end is employed. The bullet simultaneously supports the tissue to be pierced with a surgical needle and is capable of receiving and affixing the needle thereafter so that the needle can be manipulated with the instrument.
| 1B
| 25 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Composite textile fabrics and articles made with materials according to the invention comprise a generally uniformly integrated layer that includes a combination of a hydrophobic material and a hydrophilic material. The combination can made by a number of well-practiced techniques including knitting, weaving, and other means, that are used for joining or retaining materials together to form a fabric. In the composite fabric, an inner layer, that normally contacts a body of a user, is predominately a hydrophobic textile material such as polypropylene. In contrast, the outer layer is predominately a hydrophilic material. Typically, the inner surface has, over its inner surface, a number of very small areas of the hydrophilic material that are distributed evenly in the surface of the outer layer. The small areas, when totalled together, make up typically about 25% of the overall area of the inner surface. When the inner surface is wetted, moisture migrates into the composite fabric via paths formed by hydrophilic material and away from the body of the user.
As such, the composite fabric acts as a one-way liquid transport system that takes moisture immediately away from the body of a user and holds the liquid in the hydrophilic material. Due to the physical distribution of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials within the fabric, there is no tendency under normal conditions for moisture, or liquid, to migrate towards the body of the user via the hydrophilic material. A further layer of absorbent material may be combined in the composite fabric or placed against the outer surface to increase the volume of liquid that can be retained, or in effect, stored in the fabric or an article, such as a diaper, incorporating the composite material.
It will be appreciated that the small areas of hydrophilic material may comprise a wide range of percentages of the overall exposed inner surface area of the fabric. Whereas 25% is a generally satisfactory and efficient value, the percentage may be considerately higher or lower according to the required use and material or types of those materials that make up the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts.
Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 a typical arrangement of a diaper is shown. The composite material is provided as an inner layer 10 of hydrophobic material 10 A and hydrophilic material 10 B. In practice, the material 10 A is actually uniformly impregnated with hydrophilic material 10 B by weaving, knitting, or any other techniques, so that an exposed upper surface of the layer 10 comprises small areas of the hydrophilic material. The small areas provide passage or ducts for moisture, or liquids to migrate from the upper surface into the bulk of the hydrophilic material 10 B of the composite layer. Because the passages each have a small cross-section and are surrounded by hydrophobic material, the composite layer 10 acts as a one-way liquid transport system. An outer absorbent storage layer 12 is provided to collect water from the bulk of the material 10 B and a waterproof layer or cover 14 prevents moisture or water from dispersing out of the diaper in an otherwise conventional manner.
Generally stated, there is no tendency or likelihood of liquid passing towards the exposed upper syrface of the layer 10 material 10 B to the material 10 A, even under gravity, during use, and so a wearer's skin normally remains dry.
The layer 10 is re-usable (i.e. washable). For reusable diapers, the layer 12 can be also be made of reusable materials. On the other hand, where desired, the layer 12 can be made of disposable material and used only once. In this situation, the layer 12 is preferably separately applied or attached to the layer 10 so that the layer 10 can be reused with a new different layer 12 .
In another embodiment, the layer 12 is, in effect, combined with the layer 10 , such that when the materials 10 A and 10 B are knitted or woven together, the layer 12 forms part of the composite layer 10 and is knitted or woven into the layer 10 . In that case, the inner surface is predominantly a hydrophobic material with a number small exposed areas of the hydrophilic material.
In any event, the composite layer represents the main departure from the prior art and can be used separately or as part of a diaper, an incontinence bed cover, underpants, or underslips, and so forth. For sportswear, the composite material alone can be made into an article or can be part of an article of clothing. Moisture that migrates into the material 10 B will evaporate into the atmosphere in normal use and the skin of the wearer will remain dry and comfortable.
In FIG. 2 , part of the upper surface of composite material layer 10 is shown. A strand of hydrophilic material 15 is interspaced with strands of hydrophobic material 16 so that the area (overall) of the upper surface is about 25% hydrophilic material. Each downward directed part of the strand 15 shown in the figure represents a narrow passage or duct to transport moisture into the hydrophilic material predominantly constitutes the lower surface of the composite layer.
The composite layer is formed by knitting, and a suitable knitting structure is shown in FIG. 3 . The composite material is knitted on a multi-function cylinder, dial and two track knitting machine. Two filament yarns are used. The first yarn is a polypropylene filament yarn with a tenacity of 17.4 tex (double yarn of 8.7 tex) and the second yarn is polyester (Coolmax) filament yarn with a tenacity of 8.5 tex.
In FIG. 4 , the diaper is generally conventional but is provided with a layer 17 of the composite material. The layer 17 may be permanently attached to a re-usable diaper or insertable into a suitable pocket for example, 5 for a disposable diaper. The layer 17 itself is reusable.
In FIG. 5 , a removable layer 18 of composite material is arranged to fit into or centrally over an incontinence draw sheet or mattress cover formed otherwise of cotton fabric 19 with a central absorbent layer 20 .
The composite material may also be used in a similar manner, preferably as an insertable layer in clothing, such as boxer shorts shown in FIG. 6 or long pants shown in FIG. 7 .
It will be appreciated that the term hydrophobic and hydrophilic are comparative terms and depend upon selection of fibres and yarn with different surface tension, contact angle, shape of cross section, diameters of fibres, chemical and physical finishing, and so, forth. Thus, it will be understood that the terms hydrophobic and hydrophilic are used in the specification and claims as relative terms. This means that the composite textile fabric includes materials that are hydrophobic and hydrophilic relative to one another rather than necessarily having such properties in comparison to a norm or some industrial standard, for example.
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| 03 | D |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The open-end rotor spinning device1shown inFIG. 1has, as known, a rotor housing2in which a spinning rotor3revolves at a high rotational speed. The spinning rotor3is in this case supported by its rotor shaft4in the interspace of a support disc mounting5and is acted upon by a tangential belt6along the length of the machine, which belt is set by a pressure roller7. The rotor housing2, which is open at the front per se, is closed during operation by a pivotably mounted cover element8. The rotor housing2is also connected by means of a corresponding pneumatic line10to a negative pressure source11, which produces the negative spinning pressure necessary in the rotor housing2. A so-called channel plate adaptor12which has a yarn draw-off nozzle13and the opening region of a fiber guide channel14, is arranged in a receiving opening, not shown in more detail, of the cover element8. A yarn draw-off tube15adjoins the yarn draw-off nozzle13here.
A fiber band opening mechanism designated by a whole by the reference numeral9, is fixed on or in the cover element8, which is mounted so as to be rotatable to a limited extent about a pivot pin16. The fiber band opening mechanism9has, as essential components, an opening roller21rotating in an opening roller housing17and a fiber band feed cylinder22which is also rotatably mounted. Opening rollers21of this type, which generally revolve during the spinning process at rotational speeds of between 6000 and 12000 rpm, have the task of opening a feed fiber band18supplied by the fiber band feed cylinder22into individual fibers26. The opening roller21and the fiber band feed cylinder22are mounted in rear bearing brackets19,20of the cover element8. The opening roller21is driven in this case in the region of its wharve23by a revolving tangential belt24along the length of the machine, while the fiber band feed cylinder22is preferably driven by a worm gear arrangement (not shown), which is connected on a drive shaft25along the length of the machine.
Both the opening roller21and the fiber band feed cylinder22can obviously also be driven by a single motor. In a case such as this, corresponding stepping motors which can be activated in a defined manner are preferably used.
The opening roller housing17has, in its lower region, a debris outlet opening28arranged in the rotational direction R of the opening roller21behind the fiber band feed cylinder22. The debris particles29released from the feed fiber band, as known, are eliminated via this debris outlet opening28and disposed of by means of a schematically shown debris disposal mechanism30.
FIG. 2schematically shows, in a front view, a fiber band opening mechanism9with an opening roller21rotating in an opening roller housing17. The opening roller21, during its rotation in the direction of the arrow R, combs out a fiber band18fed by the fiber band feed cylinder22, which rotates in the direction of the arrow V, into individual fibers26, which are then fed via the fiber guide channel14onto a spinning rotor3, not shown inFIG. 2. As indicated, the opening roller21, during its rotation with its clothing ring27configured as a tearing tool, combs through the feed fiber band18, which, in the region arranged behind the fiber band feed cylinder22, forms a so-called fiber tuft31. The opening roller21rotating at a high rotational speed accelerates the combed-out individual fibers26to the revolving speed of the opening roller21and transports them into the region of the fiber guide channel14, where they are pneumatically detached because of the negative spinning pressure prevailing in the rotor housing2.
As indicated, the clothing ring27has a large number of teeth, which are in each case formed by a groove39running helically in the peripheral direction of the opening roller21, and indents40extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation41.
FIG. 3shows an opening roller21in a side view, partially in section. As can be seen, an opening roller21of this type consists of a central roller body33, which is non-rotationally arranged on a shaft32by means of a press fit, a drive wharve23also being fixed to the shaft32. The clothing ring27according to the invention is preferably non-positively fixed in its installation position on the roller body33between annular collars36,37. The annular collar37is detachably arranged here and can be fixed on the roller body33by means of a screw bolt49or the like.
The opening roller21which can be freely rotated about the rotational axis41is also, as usual, supported by means of roller bearings34in a bearing housing35, which can in turn be fixed in the bearing bracket19of the cover element8.
As shown inFIG. 4, the clothing ring27according to the invention which is preferably manufactured as a solid ring and produced from steel, for example, consists substantially of a tubular basic body45with an annular centring shoulder46in the region of its internal diameter. As can be seen, the clothing ring27is configured as a tearing tool on its outer periphery. In other words, in the region of the outer periphery of the clothing ring27, a large number of teeth38are arranged, which are formed by milling in a groove39running helically in the peripheral direction and indents40running substantially parallel to the rotational axis41. The groove39and the indents40preferably have a depth T.
As can be seen in particular fromFIG. 5, the teeth38which are arranged at a separation spacing t and have a tooth height H, have lateral tooth flanks42, which are concavely curved with respect to the tooth centre plane43.
The curvature of the tooth flanks42in this case has a radius r1in the region characterized by the reference numeral44, which radius is preferably about 0.5 mm. Adjoining the region44, the tooth flanks42have a curvature, the radius r2of which is about 11 mm.
As further indicated inFIG. 5, the angle α between a tangent47, which is placed in the region of the groove base on the tooth flank42, and the centre plane43of the tooth38is 90°. In the region of the tooth crown50, the angle of a tangent48, which is placed on the tooth flank42, and the centre plane43of the tooth38is 0°, on the other hand. In other words, the curvature of the tooth flanks42tapers off continuously toward the tooth crown50.
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| 01 | H |
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
A common control mode of the present disclosure refers to a control mode of an air conditioner in which a setting temperature of the air conditioner is changed in a first temperature control interval. In contrast, a minute control mode refers to a control mode in which the setting temperature of the air conditioner is changed in a second temperature control interval, which is less than the first temperature control interval.
For example, when it is assumed that the first temperature control interval is 1 degree and the second temperature control interval is 0.1 degree, which is less than 1 degree, in the common control mode, the setting temperature of the air conditioner is changed by 1 degree, and in the minute control mode, the setting temperature of the air conditioner is changed by 0.1 degree.
FIGS. 1 through 9, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Terms first, second, and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. A set is defined as a non-empty set including at least one element.
FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an interval structure of an air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 1, an air conditioner control apparatus100according to the present disclosure is illustrated, where the air conditioner control apparatus100may include a user interface unit110, a display unit120, a storage unit130, a transmit unit140and a control unit150.
The user interface unit110senses a user action for changing the setting temperature of the air conditioner and a user action for changing a control mode of the air conditioner, and generates an input signal to transfer the input signal to the control unit150. The user interface unit110may be constructed using various schemes of interface devices such as a keypad, a touch pad and a sound recognition device.
The display unit120may be formed of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED), and the like. The display unit120displays a current setting temperature of the air conditioner.
The storage unit130stores programs and data necessary for operating the air conditioner control apparatus100. Specifically, the storage unit130stores programs controlling overall operations of the air conditioner control apparatus100, a common control interval, a minute control interval, and the like.
The transmit unit140transmits a control signal of the air conditioner control apparatus100to the air conditioner, and includes a wireless communication unit141. The wireless communication unit141transmits the control signal of the air conditioner control apparatus100to the air conditioner using various wireless techniques such as Infrared Rays (IR) and a Radio Frequency (RF).
The control unit150controls overall operations for each element of the air conditioner control apparatus100. Specifically, when the control unit150receives the input signal requesting a temperature control from the user interface unit110, the control unit150checks whether a current control mode of the air conditioner is the common control mode in which the setting temperature is controlled at the first temperature control interval or the current control mode of the air conditioner is the minute control mode in which the setting temperature is controlled at the second temperature control interval.
When a result of the check is the common control mode, the control unit150increases or decreases the current setting temperature by the first temperature control interval based on the user action to calculate a setting temperature. In addition, when the result of the check is the minute control mode, the control unit150increases or decreases the current setting temperature by the second temperature control interval based on the user action to calculate the setting temperature.
In addition, when the control unit150receives the input signal requesting the change of the control mode of the air conditioner from the user interface unit110, the control unit150changes the control mode of the air conditioner according to the input signal. In addition, when the user action for changing the control mode of the air conditioner is not sensed through the user interface unit110, when at least one of a current time, the current setting temperature of the air conditioner and a running time of the air conditioner satisfies a predetermined input condition, the control unit110changes the control mode of the air conditioner.
FIG. 2is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of setting a temperature of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 2, a flowchart S200is illustrated in which a control unit sets a control mode of an air conditioner as either a common control mode or a minute control mode according to an initial setting of the air conditioner control apparatus at operation S210.
A user interface unit senses a user action requesting a temperature control at operation S220. At this time, the user action includes actions for increasing or decreasing the setting temperature. The control unit checks whether the current control mode of the air conditioner is the common control mode in which the setting temperature is controlled at a first temperature control interval or the current control mode of the air conditioner is the minute control mode in which the setting temperature is controlled at a second temperature control interval which is less than the first temperature control interval, according to the user action at operation S230.
When the result of the check is the common control mode (yes at operation S230), the control unit increases or decreases the current setting temperature by the first temperature control interval according to the user action to calculate the setting temperature at operation S240. In addition, when the result of the check is the minute control mode (no at operation S230), the control unit increases or decreases the current setting temperature by the second temperature control interval according to the user action to calculate the setting temperature at operation S250.
For example, when 1) a user makes an action for increasing the setting temperature of the air conditioner using a user interface unit, 2) the current setting temperature is 26 degrees, 3) the control mode of the air conditioner is the minute control mode, and 4) the minute control interval is 0.1 degree, then the calculated setting temperature becomes 26.1 degrees.
Further, a transmitter unit transmits the calculated setting temperature to the air conditioner at operation S260. When the air conditioner is wirelessly connected to the air conditioner control apparatus, a wireless communication unit transmits the setting temperature to the air conditioner.
Moreover, a display unit displays the current setting temperature for a user at operation S270.
The control unit changes the control mode of the air conditioner based on at least one of the user action, the current time, the setting temperature of the air conditioner, and the running time of the air conditioner at operation S280. Operation S280of changing the control mode of the air conditioner may include the operations of flowchart S600as illustrated inFIG. 6, the operations of flowchart S700as illustrated inFIG. 7, the operations of flowchart S800as illustrated inFIG. 8and the operations of flowchart S900as illustrated inFIG. 9.
FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating operations of displaying a current setting temperature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 3, a flowchart S300is illustrated, in which a check as to whether a control mode of an air conditioner is a common control mode or a minute control mode is performed at operation S310. When the result of the check is the common control mode (yes at operation S310), a display unit displays a current setting temperature of the air conditioner in a unit of one degree at operation S320. When the result of the check is the minute control mode (no at operation S310), the display unit displays the current setting temperature of the air conditioner down to a unit of a portion of one degree at operation S330.
FIG. 4is a view illustrating an air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 4, the user interface unit110of an air conditioner control apparatus400is illustrated, where the user interface unit110may include a keypad including up and down buttons402for requesting a temperature control of the air conditioner, and other buttons. In addition, the display unit120of the air conditioner control apparatus400may include a display apparatus401which displays the setting temperature.
FIG. 5is a view illustrating an air conditioner control apparatus including a minute control button according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 5, the user interface unit110of an air conditioner control apparatus500is illustrated, where the user interface unit110may include a separate button (e.g. a minute control button)503for requesting a change of a control mode of the air conditioner by the user. However, the change of the control mode of the air conditioner is not absolutely performed by an input of the separate button. The change of the control mode of the air conditioner may be performed by a simultaneous input of at least two buttons such as a simultaneous input of the temperature up and down buttons502. In addition, the display unit120of the air conditioner control apparatus is illustrated, where display unit120may include a display apparatus501which can display a setting temperature down to a decimal point.
FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating operations of changing a control mode of an air conditioner, in response to a user's action according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 6, a flowchart S600is illustrated, where a user interface unit senses a user action requesting a change of a control mode of an air conditioner at operation S610. The user interface unit generates an input signal and transfers the input signal to a control unit. The control unit checks a control mode of the air conditioner in response to the sensed user action at operation S620. When a result of the check is the common control mode (yes at operation S620), the control unit150sets the control mode of the air conditioner as a minute control mode at operation S630. When the result of the check is the minute control mode (no at operation S620), the control unit sets the control mode of the air conditioner as the common control mode at operation S640.
FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating operations of changing a control mode of an air conditioner based on a current time by an air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 7, a flowchart S700is illustrated, where a control unit checks a current time at operation S710and then checks whether the checked current time is within a predetermined input time at operation S720. When the checked current time is not within the predetermined input time (no at operation S720), the control unit sets a control mode of an air conditioner as a common control mode at operation S740. When the checked current time is within the input time (yes at operation S720), the control unit sets the control mode of the air conditioner as a minute control mode at operation S730.
FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating operations of changing a control mode of an air conditioner based on a setting temperature of an air conditioner by an air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 8, a flowchart S800is illustrated, where a control unit checks a setting temperature of an air conditioner at operation S810and then checks whether the checked setting temperature is within a predetermined input temperature range at operation S820. When the checked setting temperature of the air conditioner is not within the predetermined input range (no at operation S820), the control unit sets a control mode of the air conditioner as a common control mode at operation S840. When the checked setting temperature of the air conditioner is within the predetermined input range (yes at operation S830), the control unit sets the control mode of the air conditioner as a minute control mode at operation S830.
FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating operations of changing a control mode of an air conditioner based on a running time of the air conditioner by an air conditioner control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 9, a flowchart S900is illustrated, which includes specific operations of operation S280as illustrated inFIG. 2according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring toFIG. 9, a control unit checks a running time of an air conditioner at operation S910and then checks whether the checked running time is greater than or equal to a predetermined input time at operation S920. When the checked running time of the air conditioner is lower than a predetermined input time (no at operation S920), the control unit sets a control mode of the air conditioner as a common control mode at operation S940. When the checked running time of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than the predetermined input time (yes at operation S920), the control unit sets the control mode of the air conditioner as a minute control mode at operation S930.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the user requests at least one of a current time, a setting temperature of the air conditioner and a running time of the air conditioner or when at least one of the current time, the setting temperature of the air conditioner and the running time of the air conditioner satisfies a predetermined input condition, the temperature control interval of the air conditioner is changed. Therefore, a method of controlling an air conditioner capable of minimizing operations by a user and reflecting a sensitive preference can be provided.
Each block of the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3 and 6-9may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes at least one executable instruction for implementing specified logical functions. It is understood that various implemented examples can generate functions illustrated by the block with departing sequences. For example, two successive illustrated blocks can be performed at the same time, or can be inversely performed according to corresponding functions.
Various aspects of the present disclosure can also be embodied as computer readable code on a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable recording medium include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The non-transitory computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, code, and code segments for accomplishing the present disclosure can be easily construed by programmers skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.
At this point it should be noted that various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above typically involve the processing of input data and the generation of output data to some extent. This input data processing and output data generation may be implemented in hardware or software in combination with hardware. For example, specific electronic components may be employed in a mobile device or similar or related circuitry for implementing the functions associated with the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above. Alternatively, one or more processors operating in accordance with stored instructions may implement the functions associated with the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described above. If such is the case, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that such instructions may be stored on one or more non-transitory processor readable mediums. Examples of the processor readable mediums include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The processor readable mediums can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the instructions are stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional computer programs, instructions, and instruction segments for accomplishing the present disclosure can be easily construed by programmers skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.
While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
| 5F
| 24 | F |
EXAMPLE I
Assay for EBV-induced clump formation and EBNA synthesis in peripheral
blood mononuclear cells
Clump formation
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from healthy donors
after dextran sedimentation and centrifugation on Ficoll-Paque.TM.
gradients as previously described by Boyum A. (Scand. J. Immunol., 1976,
5(5):9). Cells were resuspended in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10%
heat inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS) in the presence of infectious EBV,
strain B95-8, at a viral titer of 10.sup.7 transforming units (TFU)/ml.
When indicated, EBV-infected PBMC were simultaneously treated (single
addition) with different concentrations of LTB.sub.4, i.e. 0.3, 3.0 and 30
nM, respectively. Cells were cultured in 96-well microplates (10.sup.6
cells/ml at 200 .mu.l/well) during twelve days, and clump formation, which
characterizes the EBV-infected cells was evaluated with an inverted
microscope (100.times.)(FIG. 1).
Cells were cultured in microplates and the clumps were counted in each
well. Results show the mean number of clumps per well + S.D. in one
experiment representative of two (2) other. NS: nonstimulated cells.
Detection of Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA)
In similar experiments, PBMC were infected with EBV and cultured in the
presence or absence of LTB.sub.4 (Cascade Biochem Ltd., Berkshire,
U.K.)(LTB.sub.4 was added to the concentrations indicated in FIG. 2 at
days 0, 3, 6 and 9 of culture). After ten days of culture, cells were
harvested for determination of the presence of Epstein-Barr Nuclear
Antigen (EBNA), a consequence of EBV infection. Preparation of cell
smears, fixation and detection of EBNA by the anti-complement
immunofluorescence (ACIF) test were carried out as described by Reedman B.
M. and Klein G. (Int. J. Cancer, 1973, 11:499). Smears were prepared by
spreading 50 .mu.l of a concentrated suspension of washed cells
(2.times.10.sup.6 /ml) on clean slides, air dried and fixed in cold
acetone (-20.degree. C.) during 10 minutes. Human serum (50 .mu.l) from
EBV seropositive donor was used as a source of complement. Slides were
incubated at room temperature in a humid chamber during 45 minutes. Slides
were then washed three times in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and stained
with 50 .mu.l of fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC "Isomer I")-conjugated
goat IgG fraction anti-human complement C3 (Cappel Research Products,
Durham, N.C.) during 60 minutes at room temperature in a humid chamber.
Slides were washed in PBS (3 times), mounted in PBS:glycerol 1:1 and
examined. Raji and U937 cells were used as positive and negative controls,
respectively. The percentage of EBNA-positive cells was decreased by more
than 55% with 30 nM LTB.sub.4, and by more than 70% with 100 nM LTB.sub.4
(FIG. 2). The results illustrated in FIG. 2 are representative of six (6)
other experiments. Cells not exposed to EBV showed no detectable EBNA
antigen.
Synthesis of EBV particles
In order to evaluate the effects of LTB.sub.4 on the production of newly
synthesized viral particles, B95-8 cells, in which EBV replicates, was
cultured in the presence or absence of LTB.sub.4 (to the concentrations
indicated in FIG. 3 at days 0, 5 and 10) during 14 days. The cells were
grown in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal
bovine serum (FBS). When the viability of the cells was <20%, cell-free
supernatants were harvested and filtered through a 0.45 .mu.m pore size
filter, and the viral particles were further concentrated by
ultracentrifugation (38,000.times.g, 160 min., 4.degree. C.). Viral titers
were measured by ACIF test on PBMC and expressed in transforming units per
ml (TFU/ml). PBMC were then infected with these different EBV preparations
and the presence of EBNA was assessed by immunofluorescence (ACIF test).
The production of EBV particles was strongly inhibited by 30 nM and 100 nM
LTB.sub.4, as shown by the decrease of EBNA antigen positive cells (70%
and 85%, respectively) (FIG. 3). The results illustrated in FIG. 3 are
representative of three (3) other experiments.
EXAMPLE II
Assay for HSV-1 infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Detection of specific HSV-1 antigen
PBMC were infected with HSV-1 (strain McIntyre) at a TCID.sub.50 of
10.sup.7 /ml and treated or not with different concentrations of LTB.sub.4
(LTB.sub.4 was added to the concentrations indicated in FIG. 4 at days 0,
2 and 4) as described in Example I. After five (5) days in culture, the
presence of a specific HSV-1 related antigen synthetized in the cytoplasma
of infected cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence, using a monoclonal
antibody (H62)(ImmunoCorp, Montreal, Canada). Synthesis of the viral
antigen was inhibited by 60% in the presence of 100 nM LTB.sub.4 (FIG. 4).
The results illustrated in FIG. 4 are representative of five (5) other
experiments. Similar results (75% inhibition) were obtained by using a
specific antiserum (from a chronically infected donor) in
immunofluorescence assay.
Synthesis of HSV-1 particles
In order to evaluate the effect of LTB.sub.4 on the synthesis of HSV-1
particles, experiments were performed using Vero cells (obtained from the
ATCC). The cells were grown in M-199 medium (Gibco) supplemented with 10%
heat-inactivated FBS. When the cells were 80% confluent, supernatants were
discarded and adherent cells were infected with HSV-1 (TCID.sub.50
10.sup.7 /ml) in M-199 medium supplemented with 2% heat-inactivated FBS,
and treated or not with LTB.sub.4 (LTB.sub.4 was added to the
concentrations indicated in FIG. 5 at days 0, 1 and 3). After five days of
culture, cell-free supernatants were harvested and filtered through a 0.45
.mu.m pore size filter, and the viral particles were further concentrated
by ultra-centrifugation (38,000.times.g, 160 min, 4.degree. C.).
Concentrated viral preparations were suspended in M-199 medium. Freshly
cultured Vero cells were then infected with these different HSV-1
preparations and the percentage of infected cells was evaluated by
immunofluorescence using a specific antiserum or the H62 monoclonal
antibody. The synthesis of HSV-1 particles was strongly inhibited in the
presence of 30 nM and 100 nM LTB.sub.4 in the cultures as shown by the
decrease of HSV-1 antigen positive Vero cells (60% and 70%, respectively)
(FIG. 5). The results illustrated in FIG. 5 are representative of four (4)
other experiments. Similar results were obtained by infecting PBMC.
Assay for HSV-1 infection in vivo
The antiviral effect of LTB.sub.4 was also evaluated in an in vivo
experimental model Hairless mice (SKHI strain, from Charles Rivers, 5-6
week old females) were used in these studies. Stock solution of LTB.sub.4
(obtained from Cascade Biochem Ltd. Berkshire, U.K.) in ethanol was
filtered through a 0.22 .mu.m pore size filter. LTB.sub.4 dilutions were
prepared at a concentration of 10 .mu.g/100 .mu.l in NaCl 0.9%+glucose 5%
(50:50, V/V) containing 0.01% BSA.
For virus inoculation, the mice were immobilized and a small area on the
back of the mice was scratched six times with a 27 gauge needle in a
crossed-hatched pattern. Forty (40) .mu.l of the virus suspension (HSV-1
strain E-377, 10.sup.7 TCID.sub.50 /ml) were applied onto the scratched
skin area and the virus suspension was rubbed for 20 seconds on the skin
using a plastic tip. The infection induced by virus inoculation generated
skin lesions, which appeared at the site of inoculation as early as the
third day after inoculation and progressed in the form of a 4-5 mm wide
band first towards the sides and then towards the abdomen of the mice.
Lesions generally were fully developed 5-6 days after inoculation and
formed a continuous band extending from the spinal area to the middle of
the abdomen. HSV-1-infected mice may also develop symptoms such as
posterior limb inflammation, skinniness and showed decreased activity
level (lethargy). In this model, animals may die from encephalitis after
HSV-1 inoculation.
LTB.sub.4 was injected intraperitoneally (100 .mu.l/mice using 1 ml syringe
and 23 gauge needle) immediately before virus inoculation (at day 0) and
on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 post-inoculation. The mice were housed in groups
of five. The groups (5 animals/group) consisted of 1) non-inoculated mice
(a small area on the back of these animals was scratched and rubbed with
40 .mu.l of MEM medium), 2) mice inoculated with HSV-1 receiving
intraperitoneal injections of NaCl:glucose+0.01% BSA, and 3) mice
inoculated with HSV-1 receiving intraperitoneal injections of LTB.sub.4
dissolved in NaCl:glucose+0.01% BSA. Twice a day, mice were observed for
measurement of skin lesions, assessment of other symptoms and mortality.
The results obtained indicate that LTB.sub.4 exerts a protective effect
against HSV-1 infection in vivo. As indicated in table 1, uninfected
animals (group 1) behaved normally and survived throughout the 14-day
period; lesions caused by skin scratching disappeared within 3 or 4 days.
HSV-1 -infected animals (group 2) developed lesions (as described above),
which were maximal (length) between days 4 to 8; during this same period,
mice of this group showed posterior limb inflammation, skinniness and were
much less active and almost inert when handled. In HSV-1-infected and
LTB.sub.4 -treated animals (group 3), lesions also developed from days 0
to 4, but were much smaller (by .about.80%) than those observed on animals
of group 2, and regressed from day 8. Furthermore, throughout the
experiment, posterior limb inflammation and skinniness were not observed
and no deterioration in the general status of the animals was noted,
animals remaining active in cages and when manipulated, as for animals of
group 1. All animals survived throughout the experiment; all surviving
animals were sacrificed at day
TABLE 1
______________________________________
Effect of LTB.sub.4 on herpes simplex type 1
infection in vivo
Size of infected skin lesions
(cm)/Infection-associated
Survival
symptoms.sup.1 at day
GROUP Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day 10
14
______________________________________
Non infected 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 100%
HSV-1-infected
1-3/1 3-5/2 2-5/3 1-2/2 80%
HSV-1-infected + LTB.sub.4
<0.5/0 1-3/0 1-3/0 <0.2/0
100%
treatment
______________________________________
.sup.1 Observed symptoms on HSV1-infected mice: a) inflammation (swelling
of posterior limbs); b) skinniness (visual observation); c) reduced
activity (lethargy).
Score: 1: symptom a; 2: symptoms a + b; 3: symptoms a + b + c.
EXAMPLE III
Assay for HIV-1 -infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
The antiviral properties of LTB.sub.4 on HIV-1-infection were also
evaluated.
Reverse transcriptase activity in HIV-1-infected cells
PBMC were resuspended at a density of 10.sup.6 cells/ml in culture medium
(RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS), and cultured in the presence of 3
.mu.g/ml PHA-P (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and 30 U/ml of recombinant human
IL-2 for 2 to 3 days at 37.degree. C. under a 5% CO.sub.2 atmosphere.
PHA-stimulated PBMC were resuspended at 1.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml and were
infected with HIV-1.sub.IIIB (various multiplicity of infection: number of
infectious virus particles/target cell) in the absence or the presence of
increasing concentrations of LTB.sub.4 (0, 30, 100, and 200 nM). The
culture media were changed twice a week and appropriate amounts of
LTB.sub.4 were added at every medium change. Cell-free culture
supernatants were frozen at specific time periods until assayed. Virus
replication was monitored either by reverse transcriptase or p24 assays.
Virus stocks were prepared from acutely infected cells. In brief, Molt 4
clone 8 were infected with HIV-1.sub.IIIB. At the maximal virus production
and before extensive cytopathic effects were seen, cells were centrifuged
at 300.times.g for 5 minutes and the virus-containing supernatant was
clarified at 2000.times.g for 30 minutes and was filtered through a 0.45
.mu.m cellulose acetate membrane to remove cellular debris. Thereafter,
the virus-containing supernatants were stored at -80.degree. C. in
aliquots. Titration of infectivity was performed by terminal dilution
micro assay using the highly susceptible MT-4 cell line.
Reverse transcriptase assay
Enzymatic activity was measured with 50 .mu.l of cell-free supernatant to
which 10 .mu.l of a solution A (5 mM dithiothreitol, 50 mM KCl, 0.05%
Triton X-100) and 40 .mu.l of a solution B (5 mM MgCl.sub.2, 0.5 M EGTA,
0.04 mg of poly(rA)-oligo(dT).sub.12-18, 3 mCi .sup.3 H!TTP (40 to 70
Ci/mmol) had been added. After incubation for 1 hour at 37.degree. C.,
samples were precipitated with one volume of a solution containing 0.15%
pyrophosphate and 1.66% trichloroacetic acid prior filtration onto glass
fiber filters by using a cell harvester system. The filters were dried and
radioactivity was measured in a liquid scintillation counter (1205/1204 BS
Beta-plate; Wallac Oy, Turku, Finland). The assays were performed in
triplicate.
Enzymatic p24 assay
Quantitative determination of the main viral core p24 protein was achieved
with the use of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (organon
Teknika, Durham, N.C.).
When LTB.sub.4 was present in the culture media, the viral activity of
HIV-1 in PBMC evaluated after two weeks of culture was reduced by more
than 70% (see FIG. 6). The results illustrated in FIG. 6 are
representative of three (3) other experiments. Similar results were
obtained by monitoring the p24 release in supernatants.
Synthesis of HIV-1 particles
This set of experiments was carried out with the J1.1 cell line, a latently
injected cell line derived from the parental cell line Jurkat E6.1. J1.1
cells were resuspended at a density of 10.sup.6 cells/ml in culture medium
(RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS) and were stimulated with the phorbol
ester PMA (20 ng/ml) in the absence or the presence of increasing
concentrations of LTB.sub.4 (0,30, 100 nM). LTB.sub.4 was again added (to
the same concentrations) 24 hours after the initiation of the cultures.
After 48 hours of culture, cell-free supernatants were harvested and the
presence of infectious HIV-1 particles was quantitated by end-point
titration assay.
End-point titration assay (TCID.sub.50)
End-point titration was carried out in flat-bottom microtiter wells using
four parallel series of ten-fold dilutions of cell-free supernatants.
After 5 to 7 days of incubation with MT-4 cells, cell-free supernatants
were harvested and tested for the major viral core p24 protein by a
commercially available enzymatic assay. The TCID.sub.50 was calculated by
the method of Reed and Muench.
Our results clearly demonstrate that 100 nM LTB.sub.4 inhibited the
synthesis of HIV-1 particles in J1.1 cells by 55% to 79% (Table 2).
TABLE 2
______________________________________
Inhibition of HIV-1 particles synthesis
in J1.1 cells by LTB.sub.4
LTB.sub.4 -treated
LTB.sub.4 -treated
Experiment
Non treated 30 nM 100 nM
______________________________________
1 .sup. 1000.sup.1
511 (49%) 447 (55%)
2 1143 575 (50%) 448 (61%)
3 4630 2053 (56%)
981 (79%)
______________________________________
J1.1 cells were treated or not with LTB.sub.4.
.sup.1 Number of viral particles evaluated by endpoint titration assay
(TCID.sub.50) as described in Example III.
Numbers in parenthesis indicate the percentage of inhibition induced by
LTB.sub.4.
EXAMPLE IV
Assay for LTB.sub.4 cytotoxicity
In cell cultures described in Examples I and II, the cytotoxic effect of
LTB.sub.4 was assessed by the trypan blue dye exclusion test at
concentrations up to 30 nM. LTB.sub.4 was found to exert no cytotoxic
effect (FIG. 7). Cell viability was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion
test; values (from 1 experiment representative of 3) represent the mean
cell viability in cell cultures (n=24).
EXAMPLE V
Antiviral effects of LTB.sub.4 and acyclovir on EBV infection
PBMC (106 cells/ml) were cultured in microplates (96 wells) at
2.times.10.sup.5 cells/well and infected with EBV (10.sup.7 TFU/ml) or
HSV-1 (10.sup.7 TCID.sub.50 /ml) as described in Examples I and II,
respectively. At one hour post-infection, cell cultures were treated with
LTB.sub.4 (100 nM) or with Acyclovir (acycloguanosine)(1000 nM). Drugs
were added every 48 hours of culture. EBV and HSV-1 infections were
evaluated at days 7 and 6, respectively, by evaluating the synthesis of
viral antigens (FIGS. 8a and 8b) as described in Examples I and II. The
results illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B are from 1 experiment,
representative of four (4) others. Acyclovir was tested at 1 .mu.M only.
Detection of viral antigens were performed by immunofluorescence on 36
cultures.
While the invention has been described in connection with specific
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further
modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations,
uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the
principles of the invention and including such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to
which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential
features hereinbefore set forth, and as follows in the scope of the
appended claims. | 0A
| 61 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Refer now to FIG. 1. The coiled tubing arrangement that we prefer to use
for this application consists of an outer flexible steel tube 10, 1.5
inches in diameter. Inside the outer tube 10, we insert a 0.625-inch
flexible steel tube 12. Inside the inner tube 12, there is inserted a
7-conductor, 0.375-inch armored wireline 14. A fluid, such as water, is
circulated through the annulus between the outer tube 10 and the inner
tube 12. A second fluid, such as helium, is pumped through the annulus
between the wireline 14 and the inside of inner tube 12. Additional tubes
for other fluids could, of course, be coaxially mounted inside the outer
tube. Alternatively, the wireline and the inner tube could be positioned
inside the outer tube side-by-side rather than coaxially.
The tubing that we prefer to use is a special steel tubing that is bendable
and that can be flexed a plurality of times without becoming work-hardened
and brittle. The tubing is QT-70 coiled tubing, A-606, type 4, made by
Quality Tubing, Inc. of Houston, Texas. It has a minimum yield strength of
70,000 psi and a tensile strength of 75,000 psi.
The problem to be solved is to mechanically firmly anchor individually, the
concentrically arranged tubes and the wireline to the cable head shown
generally as 16 and at the same time to distribute the respective fluids
and electrical control signals to the corresponding fluid and electrical
lines in the tool, the top part of which is shown as 18.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the cable head 16 includes the following major
items:
Sleeve 20;
Outer tube clamping assembly 22;
Fluid distribution block 24;
Inner tube clamping bushing assembly 26;
Standoff bushing 28;
Wireline armor clamping bushing 30;
Spacer sleeve 32;
Gas barrier 34;
Tool interface block 36;
Shear pins 38, 38a;
Torque bolts 40, 40a; and
Tractor thread sleeve 42.
Initially, we slide sleeve 20 back up over the coiled tubing arrangement so
that the internal parts can be assembled. Outer tube 10, inner tube 12 and
wireline 14 are cut to specific lengths as shown in the FIG. 1. Outer
sleeve clamping (gripping) assembly 22 is internally threaded and has a
tapered passageway for receiving a Lenz ferrule 23. Fluid distribution
block 24, which has an external thread at its upper end, is screwed into
outer tube clamping assembly 22 and forces the Lenz ferrule to firmly grip
and anchor outer tube 10. Outer tube 10 terminates on an internal shoulder
25 in fluid distribution block 24. Distribution block 24 includes a first
plurality of radially drilled ports 44, 44a, 44b, 44c, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. Beneath port 44 there is an annulus between the inner wall of the
gas distribution block 24 and inner tube 12. That annulus, shown as 27,
forms a sump for entrapping debris.
The lower portion of gas distribution block 24 is internally threaded to
receive three bushings as shown and includes an upwardly tapered portion
for receiving a Lenz ferrule 46. Inner tube clamping (gripping) bushing 26
is screwed upwardly to force the Lenz ferrule to firmly grip and lock
inner tube 12 in place. Thereafter, standoff bushing 28 is screwed against
the lower face of inner tube clamping bushing assembly 26. Standoff
bushing 28 has protuberances 48, 48a, 48b and 48c as shown in FIGS. 1 and
3 which serve to provide clearance between bushings 26 and 28 when bushing
28 is tightened. Their purpose will be discussed later. A second plurality
of ports 50, 50a, 50b and 50c are drilled radially in fluid distribution
block 24 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Bushing 28 has an inner tapered
passageway against which, the strands, such as 52, of the wireline
armoring are spread. Wireline armor clamping bushing 30 is next screwed
into the bottom of gas distribution block 24 to firmly wedge the strands
of armoring in place.
A spacer sleeve 32 is secured to the lower end of gas distribution block 24
and is fastened thereto by screws 33, 33a. Spacer sleeve 32 includes a gas
barrier 34 that rests on an internal seat in spacer sleeve 32. Gas barrier
34 is required for sealing off possible gas leakage through the strands of
wireline 14 and into the electrical conductor conduit 35 that is drilled
in tool interface block 36. Gas barrier 34 includes a plurality of sealed
feed-through electrical terminals such a 53, 53a to accommodate the
electrical conductors such as 54. Two electrical conductors and two
terminals are shown but many more may be used as required. From the
terminals 53 and 53a, electrical conductors 54 pass through conduit 35 and
on into the tool 18. An 0-ring 56 provides a further seal.
Tool interface block 36 is secured to the bottom of spacer sleeve 32 by any
convenient means. Tool interface block includes first and second fluid
conduits 58 and 60. Suitable pipe fittings 62 and 64 provide connection
means to flexible fluid pipes 66 and 68 from tool 18. Tool interface block
36 includes a flange 67 that mates with a corresponding flange 69 at the
top of tool 18. The two are fastened together by suitable bolts 71 and 73,
of which two are shown but many more may be used.
Once the various internal parts have been assembled as above described, a
plurality of O-rings are mounted on the respective components such as
shown at 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 and 82, which act as fluid seals. Tractor
thread sleeve 42 is secured to sleeve 20 by temporary torque bolts 40 and
40a. We now slide sleeve 20 back down over the assembled internal parts
and over tool interface block 36 towards seat 84, below which, tractor
thread sleeve 42 engages tractor threads around tool interface block 36 in
the region labeled 86. The tractor threads in region 86 are preferably
tapered Acme threads such that a suitable number of turns of sleeve 20
will bring it snugly down against seat 84 on tool interface block 36.
Shear pins 38 and 38a are now inserted and torque bolts 40 and 40a are
removed. Two shear pins are shown, but preferably more may be used. Tool
18 is now supported, through interface block 36, solely by the shear pins
such as 38 and 38a. Fishing neck grooves 88, 88a and 88b are cut around
tool interface block 36. In the event that the tool 18 becomes hung up in
the borehole such that sleeve 20 breaks free at the shear pins, an
overshot fishing tool may be lowered into the borehole to engage the
fishing neck grooves, thereby to recover the tool.
Let us now review certain features of sleeve 20 with reference to FIGS.
1-5. In FIGS. 3 and 5, sleeve 20 is shown to be rotated 45 degrees
clockwise with respect to the orientation in FIG. 1, in order to more
clearly show details of construction.
A first groove 90, is turned on the inside wall of sleeve 20, approximately
opposite radial port 44 in fluid distribution block 24. A fluid passageway
92 is drilled longitudinally through the wall of sleeve 20. One such
passageway is shown in FIG. 1, but four or more such as 92a-92c may be
used as shown in FIG. 2 which is a cross section along line 2--2'. Short
radial slots 94-94c fluidly interconnect groove 90 with the respective
longitudinal passageways 92-92c.
A second groove 96 is provided on the inside wall of sleeve 20,
approximately opposite ports 50 in fluid distribution block 24.
Longitudinal passageways 98-98c and radial slots 100-100c are provided in
the wall of outer sleeve 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
A third groove 102 is provided at the bottom of passageways 92-92c, which
communicates with those passageways through radial slots 104-104c. See
FIGS. 1 and 4. A radial port 106 provides fluid communication between
groove 102 and conduit 60 in tool interface block 36.
A fourth groove 108 is provided, located at the bottom of longitudinal
passageways 98-98c, which are terminated by radial slots 110-110c as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 5. A radial port 112 provides fluid communication between
groove 108 and conduit 58 in tool interface block 36.
It is to be observed that the fluid conduits 58 and 60 along with their
corresponding ports 106 and 112, are considerably larger in diameter than
are passageways 92 and 98. It is necessary to minimize the diameter of
passageways 92 and 96 to avoid undue weakening of the wall of sleeve 20,
whereas tool interface block is inherently much more massive so that much
larger conduits or passageways may be used.
It is clear, therefore, that we have provided a means for separately
gripping each one of the plurality of the coaxially arranged nested tubes,
each one of which conducts a different fluid. The longitudinal passageways
in the wall of the outer sleeve 20, in fluid communication with the
various radially disposed ports and the four respective manifolds provide
means for fluidly bypassing the gripping means. The tool interface block
provides means for separately distributing the different fluids to the
downhole geophysical tool. We furthermore provide means for gripping a
wireline that is associated with a one of the coaxially arranged nested
tubes and for delivering electrical control signals to the downhole
geophysical tool.
In our presently preferred mode of operation, a first fluid, such as water
is pumped down through the annulus between outer tube 10 and inner tube 12
through radial ports 44-44c and into groove 90. Groove 90 serves as a
first manifold interiorly disposed around the wall of sleeve 20 to
distribute the first fluid through radial slots 94-94c and into
longitudinal passageways 92-92c, to third groove or manifold 102 whence
the fluid can flow through radial ports 106, through conduit 60 and pipe
68, into tool 18 as needed.
A second fluid, such as helium or nitrogen, is pumped through the annulus
between the wireline 14 and inner tube 12, through ports 50-50c in fluid
distribution block 24 and into second groove or manifold 96. It is to be
observed that the standoffs 48-48c on standoff bushing 28 provide free
flow of the second fluid from the annulus between wireline 14 and second
tube 12, into the radial ports 50-50c. As before, second groove or
manifold 96, that is interiorly disposed in the wall of outer sleeve 20,
directs the second fluid into longitudinal passageways 98-98c via radial
slots 110-110c. Fourth groove or manifold 108 receives the fluid flow from
the respective passageway through radial slots 110-110c and directs the
fluid into radial port 112, through conduit 58 and pipe 66, thence into
tool 18.
Electrical control signals, of course, are sent to tool 18 via electrical
conductors 54 as before described.
Those skilled in the art will doubtless conceive of variations in the
design and operation of this invention, which nevertheless will fall
within the scope and spirit of this disclosure which is limited only by
the appended claims. | 4E
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring first to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 respectively, the invention is mainly
to have an ornament lamp stand 1 to be installed, and an
upward-open-shaped lamp cover body is disposed on the ornament lamp stand
1, a fixing flange 22 is disposed at the circumference of the bottom end
of the lamp cover body 2 so as to let it be fixed at the upper end of the
ornament lamp stand 1, a supporting rack 3 is also disposed in the lamp
cover body 2, a groove 32 is formed downward at the center of the
supporting rack x3, and a ventilation fan 4 is installed on the supporting
rack 3 in sequence, a hollow rack body 5 is also disposed on the
ventilation fan 4, wherein the profile of the rack body 5 is approximately
assumed cone shape, a flange 52 located at each corner of the bottom end
of the rack body 5 is separately screwed onto the ventilation fan 4 and
the rack body 3 by a bolt 9, a fixing plane 54 is installed at the center
of the bottom of the rack body 5 to fix a bulb stand 6, the bulb stand 6
is utilized to fix a bulb 62 thereon, further, a net frame 7 is disposed
to cover over the bulb 62, enabling it to be able to be fixed on the
fixing convex sheet 56 installed at the flank side of the rack body 5 by
bolts 9, then a proper dimension of hollow-out net face 72 is disposed at
the center of the frame 7 to let the light penetrate and the air flow, in
addition, multiple fixing devices 74 are installed at the circumference of
the frame 7 to fix at least an arbitrary shape of cloth 8, wherein the
soft material for the cloth 8 is the best, and the fixing device 74 may be
a clamping seat to clamp the cloth 8 therein, or any other ways to fix the
cloth 8 on the net frame 7 is fine.
Meanwhile, referring now to FIG. 3, upon practical use, the invention
mainly yields an air force to drive an airflow to flow during the
ventilation fan 4 is rotating, causing the flowing airflow to be able to
pass separately through the rack body 5 and the net frame 7 and flows
upward so as to drive the cloth 8 on the net frame to generate a
continuous state of shivering and fluttering, at the same time, the bulb
62 below the net frame may emit light beams to pass through a net face 72
of the net frame 7 so as to project on the cloth 8, causing the shivering
and fluttering cloth 8 driven by the airflow to operate in coordination
with the projecting light to yield a torch-like frame burning effect,
enabling the ornament lamp to yield a specially interesting effect on
vision; of course the ventilation fan 4 mentioned above not only have the
function to yield an air force to drive the cloth 8 to flutter but also
have the effect to ventilate the bulb 62 so as to avoid the cloth 8 from
overheating to burn to cause the state of danger.
The above disclosure is not intended as limiting. Those skilled in the art
will readily observe that the numerous modifications and alternations of
the device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention.
Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by
the metes and bounds of the appended claims. | 5F
| 22 | V |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an optical fiber 11
defined along transmission axis T. End 13 of fiber 11 is configured
perpendicularly of axis T to define end surface 15. The acceptance cone of
fiber 11 may be defined by the half apex angle .theta. and by a
corresponding angle .alpha. at which light beam 17 may be refracted at end
surface 15 and propagated along fiber 11. Angle .alpha. may be shown to be
given by,
EQU sin .alpha.=NA/n
where NA is the numerical aperture, and n is the refractive index of the
material comprising fiber 11. Fiber 11 may comprise any material
customarily used in optical fibers, including, but not necessarily limited
to fused silica, polymethylmethacrylate, fluorite and crown glass. In
accordance with a governing principle of the invention, end 13 of fiber 11
is ground and polished at angle .beta. to a plane perpendicular to axis T
to define an angled surface 19 such that the reflected portion of all
axial rays and most skew rays transmitted in direction P along axis T of
fiber 11 are reflected out of the acceptance cone of fiber 11. Angle
.beta. is selected depending on the refractive index of the material of
fiber 11 to prevent rays P from perpendicular or near perpendicular
incidence with surface 19. Reflections from angled end 13 should occur at
a range of angles which lie outside the acceptance cone of fiber 11 so
that any reflected rays at the angled end are substantially attenuated
because the core does not propagate rays characterized by angles greater
than .alpha.. Assuming that the angled end of fiber 11 presents a flat,
well defined surface 19 across which a light beam traveling along axis T
may be refracted, geometric optics considerations show that, to a very
good approximation, angle .beta. is defined as follows:
EQU .beta.>sin.sup.-1 (NA/n)
The foregoing analysis is sufficient to ensure that reflected portions of
meridional or paraxial rays traveling along fiber 11 are reflected at
angles greater than the fiber acceptance angle and do not propagate back
along axis T in the direction of the origin of the rays. A skew or helical
ray can intersect surface 19 at an angle such that the reflected portion
can propagate back down fiber 11, and finishing the fiber end as just
described to ensure that reflected paraxial and meridional rays are not
propagated will not at the same time eliminate all skew rays.
Referring to FIG. 1a, shown therein is a sectional view along line B--B of
FIG. 1. Skew ray S with spiral angle .gamma. is confined to an outer
annular portion of fiber 11 defined by outer surface 11a and a radius
within fiber 11 equal to Rsin .gamma. where R is the fiber radius. The
annular portion of fiber 11 within which skew rays of any significance
herein are confined has thickness equal to R(1-sin .gamma.). Skew rays may
be particularly difficult to eliminate because a fiber end finished
according to the foregoing teachings may generate some skew rays from
axial or near axial rays.
Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a view in axial section of fiber
21 ground and polished according to the teachings hereof. FIG. 3 shows
fiber 21 operatively interconnecting optical system 23, which comprises a
transmitting source and a receiving detector, and an optical lens or
mirror system 27 transmitting or responsive to an optical signal P
transmitted along fiber 21. Any suitable coupling 25 for efficient
transmission of signal P may be selected for use, as would occur to one
skilled in the field of the invention, so long as coupling 25 is
configured to accept signal P refracted out of fiber 21 as defined above.
In such an arrangement, the location of a transmit/receive lens assembly
as might form a part of 27 is adjusted to accommodate the difference in
transmit angle and beam shape resulting from transmission across the
angled end of fiber 21.
In accordance with a principal teaching of the invention, angled end 31 of
fiber 21 may be ground or otherwise flattened to prescribed configuration
to effectively convert skew or helical rays which form a part of signal P
into axial or near axial rays before arriving at angled end 31.
Accordingly, a short flattened section 29 of length 1 of fiber 21 at or
near angled end 31 is ground or flattened to depth d, the dimensions of l
and d being dependent on the diameter and numerical aperture of fiber 21.
In any event, l and d are of sufficient size such that substantially all
skew rays within the annulus defined above within fiber 21 are intersected
at least once.
Light propagation in optical fibers can be described by Maxwell's
equations. For boundary conditions defined by core diameter and core and
cladding refractive indices, the number of modes propagating in a fiber is
related to the square of the core diameter and square of the numerical
aperture such as shown by the curves of FIG. 4. Some modes are made up of
skew rays.
In general, the purpose of flattened section 29 is to alter the
characteristic propagation pattern of skew rays S and convert them into
other propagatable or non-propagatable rays. Skew rays that arrive at
flattened section 29 are reflected at a substantially different angle than
the characteristic angle of reflection (.gamma. in FIG. 1a). The change in
reflection angle can cause a skew ray to arrive at the core surface at an
angle greater than .alpha.. Values for d and l are best determined
empirically since solutions to Maxwell's equations for a waveguide with
the boundary conditions described above would not be unique. Selection of
values for d and l is dependent upon amounts of reflection that are
acceptable, the amount of power transmitted through the fiber end, and
practical methods required to process fibers with a reasonable yield.
Referring now to FIG. 5, shown therein in axial section is a fiber 51 with
angled end 53. Reduction of skew rays in the least fiber 51 length
practical may be achieved by intersecting all skew rays within one-half
rotation using large d such as to one-half the fiber 51 diameter. Surface
55 defining the flattened portion of fiber 51 must also be angled as
suggested in FIG. 5 to prevent Fresnel reflections at this surface. Such a
depth of cut, though effective, may have associated fabrication problems,
fiber weakening and loss of optical power transmitted in the paraxial and
meridional rays. A more preferred depth of cut d may be defined by
assuming skew rays S (FIG. 1a) to be characterized by an angle
.gamma.>60.degree.. From the relation shown in FIG. 1a,
EQU d=R(1-sin.gamma.)
EQU and,
EQU d=0.13R for .gamma.=60.degree..
In the extreme, the length of the flat could be the entire length of the
fiber, however, which presents significant fabrication and desired mode
propagation difficulties. It is preferable to evaluate the amount of light
reflected from the fiber end which can be tolerated and provide a
flattened section of length sufficient to reduce the reflected light below
that tolerance level.
Actual attenuation of a skew ray by the flattened section takes place over
many reflections within the fiber, e.g., in a fiber of 1000 microns
diameter, an out-of-cone skew ray traveling along a 20 centimeter fiber
length will experience of the order of 5000 reflections. Assuming even a
small loss (attenuation) at each reflection, the skew ray intensity may be
attenuated by many orders of magnitude; if the loss at each reflection is
0.002, the transmission of light along that ray is less than 5
.times.10.sup.-5 after 5000 reflections. Reflection losses will ordinarily
be more than 0.002. Therefore, providing a depth d of about 13 per cent of
the fiber diameter and length 1 of about 5 fiber diameters may be
sufficient to reduce reflected light to insignificance.
The invention therefore provides an improved optical fiber and optical
coupling structure. It is understood that modifications to the invention
may be made as might occur to one skilled in the field of the invention
within the scope of the appended claims. All embodiments contemplated
hereunder which achieve the objects of the invention have therefore not
been shown in complete detail. Other embodiments may be developed without
departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the
appended claims. | 6G
| 02 | B |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with the present process there is prepared a densified
lightweight, non-flammable fibrous structure comprising a multiplicity of
substantially permanently set carbonaceous fibers which possess both
excellent thermal insulation and/or sound absorbing properties that are
interlocked together with one or more other precursor fibers of similar
chemical composition as the precursor fibers of the carbonaceous fibers,
and wherein the interlocking other precursor fibers are substantially
permanently heat set.
Preferably, the first fibers utilized in the fibrous structure of the
present invention, herein referred to as "the first carbonaceous fibers",
and their method of preparation are those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 856,305, entitled "Carbonaceous Fibers with
Spring-Like Reversible Reflection and Method of Manufacture," filed
4-28-86, by McCullough et al.; incorporated herein b reference and as
described in application U.S. Pat. No. 918,738, entitled "Sound and
Thermal Insulation," filed, 10-14-86, by McCullough et al.; incorporated
herein by reference.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous structure
comprises a multiplicity of resilient carbonaceous or carbon fibers having
a reversible deflection of at least about 1.2:1 and an aspect ratio (1/d)
greater than 10:1 interlocked with other permanently heat-set carbonaceous
fibers.
The first carbonaceous fibers may be linear or possess a sinusoidal or a
coil-like configuration or a more complicated structural combination of
the two. These first carbonaceous fibers may also be a combination of
linear and non-linear heat set fibers.
The present invention is particularly concerned with fibrous structures
comprising a multiplicity of non-flammable non-linear carbonaceous or
carbon filaments containing at least 65% carbon such as described in
copending application Ser. No. 856,305. These filaments particularly
identified by the degree of carbonization and/or their degree of
electrical conductivity in the determination of the particular use for
which they are most suited.
The first carbonaceous fibers or matrix fibers can be prepared by heat
treating a suitable stabilized precursor material such as that derived
from an assembly of stabilized polyacrylonitrile based materials or pitch
base (petroleum or coal tar), polyamid or other polymeric materials which
can be made into non-linear fiber or filament structures or configurations
and are thermally stable.
For example, in the case of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based fibers, fibers
formed by melt or wet spinning a suitable fluid of the precursor material
and having a normal nominal diameter of from about 4 to 25 micrometers,
are collected as an assembly of a multiplicity of continuous filaments in
tows and stabilized by oxidation (in the case of PAN based fibers) in the
conventional manner. The stabilized tows (or staple yarn made from chopped
or stretch broken fiber staple) are thereafter, formed into a coil-like
and/or sinusoidal form by knitting the tow or yarn into a fabric or cloth
(recognizing that other fabric forming and coil forming methods can be
employed).
The so-formed knitted fabric or cloth is thereafter heat treated, in a
relaxed and unstressed condition, at a temperature of from about 525 to
about 750 degrees C., in an inert atmosphere for a period of time to
produce a heat induced thermoset reaction wherein additional crosslinking
and/or a cross-chain cyclization reaction occurs between the original
polymer chain. At the lower temperature range of from about 150 to about
525 degrees C., the fibers are provided with a varying proportion of
temporary to permanent set while in the upper range of temperatures the
fibers are provided with a permanently set configuration. What is meant by
"permanently set" is that the fibers possess a degree of irreversability.
It is, of course, to be understood that the fiber or fiber assembly may be
initially heat treated at the higher range of temperatures so long as the
heat treatment is conducted while the coil-like and/or sinusoidal
configuration is in a relaxed or unstressed state and under an inert,
non-oxidizing atmosphere. As a result of the higher temperature treatment,
a permanently set sinusoidal (as illustrated in FIG. 1) or coil-like (as
illustrated in FIG. 2) configuration or structure is imparted to the
fibers in yarns, tows or threads. The resulting fibers, tows, yarns or
threads having the non-linear structural configuration which are derived
by deknitting the cloth, are subjected to other methods of treatment know
in the art to create an opening, a procedure in which the yarn, tow or the
fibers or threads of the cloth are separated into a non-linear, entangled,
wool-like fluffy material in which the individual fibers retain their
coil-like or sinusoidal configuration yielding a fluff or batting-like
body of considerable loft.
The stabilized non-linear fibers permanently configured into the desired
structural configuration, e.g., by knitting, and thereafter heating at a
temperature of greater than about 550 degrees C. retain their resilient
and reversible deflection characteristics. It is to be understood that
higher temperatures may be employed of up to about 1500 degrees C., but
the most flexible and smallest loss of fiber breakage, when carded to
produce the fluff, is found in those fibers and/or filaments are heat
treated to a temperature from about 525 to 750 degrees C.
The second fibers or interlocking fibers used in the present invention
include fibers capable of being interlocked with the non-linear fibers
described above and which will withstand the high temperatures disclosed.
The fibers may be derived from a separate thread, utilizing fibers of an
adjacent batting or blended in the single layer of batting and used for
densification.
Preferably, the interlocking second fibers are of the same chemical
composition as the precursor fibers of the carbonaceous fibers and may be
prepared from the same stabilized precursor material as the first
carbonaceous fibers. For example, a suitable stabilized precursor material
may comprise material such as that derived from a stabilized acrylonitrile
such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based materials or pitch base (petroleum
or coal tar) or other polymeric materials, which are thermally stable at
the high temperature of interest as described above.
For example, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based fibers can be collected as an
assembly of a multiplicity of continuous filaments in tows and stabilized
by oxidation in the conventional manner and the stabilized tows (or staple
yarn made from chopped or stretch broken fiber staple are thereafter, in
accordance with the present invention, interlocked with the above
coil-like or sinusoidal fibers.
When interlocked into the fibrous structure, the second fibers may be
incorporated into the structure in a linear form or non-linear form before
permanently heat setting the second fibers.
As seen in FIG. 3, a carbonaceous batting 10B is covered with a
non-carbonaceous batting 10A. The battings have been needle punched so
that the fibers 11A from the batting 10A interlocks the two battings 10A,
10B. Optionally, fibers 11B may be carried upward so as to entangle with
the fibers of batting 10A. When the two battings have been heat treated to
carbonize batting 10A and its fibers 11A, the fibers 11A become lock set.
Lock setting with carbonized fibers provides a stronger hold then
occurring with ordinary non-carbonized fibers. The lock set fibers 11A are
substantially permanently set into the configuration so that there is no
slippage through the batting when pulled apart.
As shown in FIG. 4, there is illustrated a conventional needle punching
operation with a web 10A of non-carbonaceous fibers that is laid on a web
10B of carbonaceous fibers. A needled fabric is produced by mechanically
entangling the fibers. The felting needles 40 with barbs 40A entangle the
fibers and form a multiplicity of locking fibers 43 throughout the web
structure which densifies and interlocks the two webs 10A, 10B together.
Screens 41 of the apparatus with perforations 42 are utilized to densify
the webs 10A, 10B during needle punching.
After the needle punching operation, the densified web is heat treated in
an inert atmosphere so as to heat set and lock the non-carbonaceous
entangling fibers at the desired temperature.
As seen in FIG. 4A, the batting 10 is needle punched with a second fiber
which after heat setting or carbonization forms a V-shaped set structure.
However, the needle punching pattern may be any one which may be performed
by adjusting the apparatus. Other suitable patterns are shown in FIGS. 6
and 6A.
The second fibers may be first provided with a varying proportion of
temporary to permanent set by heating at a temperature range of about
150.degree. to 525.degree. C. The fibers are then permanently set by
chemically treating or heat treating the structure after the interlocking
step. Preferably, the second heat treatment is at an upper range of
temperatures of from about 525 degrees C. and above such that the fibers
are provided with a permanent shape set.
When the second fibers are permanently heat set, integrity and
handleability is imparted to the structure comprising the combination of
the first carbonaceous fibers and second carbonaceous fibers.
As with the first fibers, temperatures of up to about 1500 degrees C. may
be employed, but the most flexible and smallest loss of fiber breakage, is
found in those fibers and/or filaments heat treated to a temperature from
about 425 and 750 degrees C.
As shown in FIG. 5, an apparatus as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,846
may be utilized for the production of the structure of the invention from
layers of different materials.
The layers N are bound together, as they are stacked, by means of binding
threads taken from a continuous thread F and threaded in the structure in
such a way as to go through the last layer deposited and at least part of
the subjacent layer.
Thread F is in supple and strong material, such as for example a larger
denier oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers.
The binding threads are inserted in the layers of the structure by means of
an injection head 20 equipped with a hollow tubular needle 21. Said head
20 is mounted on a carriage 11 movable with respect to the platen 30 and
receives the thread F from a storage reel 22 which is also carried by the
carriage.
The tubular needle 21 may be moved with respect to the head 20 with a
rectilinear back and forth movement, parallel to its axis.
The thread F is drawn from the reel 22 by a pair of press-rollers 15, 16
between which the thread is gripped. Said rollers are mounted on the back
of the head 20, outside thereof and are set in rotation by way of an
electric motor 14 in engagement with the axle of one of the rollers. The
thread F, having passed over a return roller 17 penetrates into the
injection head through an opening provided in the back wall of the head
body. Along its substantially straight path inside the head 20, the thread
F is guided through a duct which is extended at the front by longitudinal
ducts provided inside the device and inside the needle 21.
Duct may be supplied with pressurized fluid through a hole provided in the
head body and connected via a pipe to a source of pressurized fluid (such
as compressed air or water under pressure, for example). With the
exception of its front part, the duct is tightly sealed so that the fluid
admitted therethrough can escape only through the needle 21.
The device described hereinabove works as follows.
At the beginning of the positioning cycle of the binding thread through a
newly deposited layer N', the injection head 20 is placed above said layer
with the end of the needle 21 situated a few millimeters from the surface
of the layer. The rollers 15, 16 are immobilized and the duct is fed with
pressurized fluid driving the thread F, one end of which thread is
slightly offset from the outlet orifice of the needle 21.
As shown, needle 21 is directed perpendicularly to the platen 30 and
therefore penetrates normally into the layers. The press-rollers 15, 16
are driven in rotation during the descending movement of the needle so
that the thread descends at the same speed as the needle without slipping
out of it. The length of the stroke of the needle is so selected that said
needle goes through at least the layer N' and a substantial part of the
subjacent layer. Understandably, the needle could penetrate through more
than two layers, especially if these are relatively thin. The pressurized
fluid released through the end of the needle tends to move the fibers of
the structure away during the penetration of the needle, thus preventing
any damaging of the fibers. The principal function of the pressurized
liquid is to push the thread in order to keep it stretched inside the
injection head and to ensure its penetration into the structure over the
same length as the needle.
When the needle has reached the end of its downstroke, the chamber 25a is
put into communication with the atmosphere, whereas pressurized fluid is
admitted into chamber 25b. The needle is raised up, rollers 15, 16 being
immobilized. The segment of thread inserted into the structure stays in.
The carriage 11 is moved one step in parallel to the tray 10 and the needle
is lowered in again simultaneously with the forward movement of the thread
F. The segment of thread of the preceding perforation stretches and breaks
at the level of the end of the needle when the latter penetrates into
layer N', said segment being thus separated from the thread F inside the
structure.
The needle, having reached the end of its stroke, is raised up again,
leaving in place another segment of thread.
The process is thus repeated over a line starting from one edge of the
stack of layers to the opposite edge. The carriage carrying the head is
then moved one step in a direction perpendicular to said line with a view
of inserting a new series of binding threads along another line. When the
perforations and insertions of binding threads are completed throughout
the layer N', another layer is deposited while the carriage carrying the
injection head is raised over the platen 10 of a height equal to the
thickness of the layer. The displacement of the carriage in two orthogonal
directions (X and Y) parallel to the surface of the layer and in a third
direction perpendicular to said surface is achieved by means of stepwise
motors (not shown).
In the case considered hereinabove, each inserted segment of binding thread
has a first portion implanted in the structure. After the withdrawal of
the needle, a second portion over the surface after a one-step
displacement of the head, and a third portion carried with the needle in
the next perforation with breaking of the thread at the level of the end
of the needle, said third portion adjoining the next segment of thread
deposited.
The interlocked carbonaceous fibrous material which forms the batting
and/or the implanted heat treated fiber which forms the interlock may be
classified into three groups depending upon the particular use and the
environment that the structures in which they are incorporated are placed.
In a first group, the carbonaceous fibers used in the structure of the
present invention are non-flammable and non-electrically conductive.
The term non-conductive as utilized in the present application relates to
an electrical resistance of greater than 10.sup.7 ohms per inch when
measured on a 6 K tow formed from fibers having a diameter of 4 to 12
microns (specific resistivity greater than about 10.sup.2 ohms cm).
In a second group, the non-flammable non-linear carbonaceous fibers used in
the structure of the present invention are classified as being partially
electrically conductive (i.e., having low conductivity) and have a carbon
content of less than 85%. When the precursor stabilized fiber is an
acrylic fiber, i.e., a polyacrylonitrile based fiber, the percentage
nitrogen content is from about 5 to 35%, preferably, from about 16 to 20%.
These particular fibers are excellent for use as insulation for aerospace
vehicles as well as insulation in areas where public safety is a concern.
The structures formed therefrom are lightweight, have low moisture
absorbancy, good abrasive strength together with good appearance and
handle.
The larger the amount of carbon content of the fibers utilized, the higher
the degree of electrical conductivity. These high carbon non-linear
filaments still retain a wool-like appearance in the batting especially
when the majority of the fibers are coil-like. Also, the greater the
percentage of coil-like fibers in the structure, the greater is the
resiliency of the structure. As a result of the greater carbon content,
the structures prepared with these filaments have greater sound absorbing
properties and result in a more effective thermal barrier at higher
temperatures. Low conductivity means that a 6 K tow of fibers formed from
fibers having a diameter of 4 to 12 microns has a resistance of about
10.sup.7 -10.sup.4 ohms per inch.
In a third group are the carbonaceous fibers used in the structure of the
present invention having a carbon content of at least 85%. These fibers,
as a result of their high carbon content, have superior thermal insulating
and sound absorbing characteristics. The coil-like fibers in the form of a
fluff provides a structure which has good compressibility and resiliency
while maintaining improved thermal insulating efficiency. The structure
prepared with the third group of fibers has particular utility in the
insulation of furnaces and in areas of high heat and noise.
Preferably, the fibers of the third group which are utilized are derived
from stabilized acrylic fibers and have a nitrogen content of less than
10%. As a result of the still higher carbon content, the structures
prepared are more electrically conductive. That is, the resistance is less
than 10.sup.4 ohms per inch when measured on a 6 K tow of fibers formed
from precursor fibers having a diameter of 4 to 12 microns.
The precursor stabilized acrylic filaments which are advantageously
utilized in preparing the fibers of the structures are selected from the
group consisting of acrylonitrile homopolymers, acrylonitrile copolymers
and acrylonitrile terpolymers. The copolymers preferably contain at least
about 85 mole percent of acrylonitrile units and up to 15 mole percent of
one or more monovinyl units copolymerized with styrene, methylacrylate,
methyl methacrylate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl pyridine,
and the like. Also, the acrylic filaments may comprise terpolymers,
preferably, wherein the acrylonitrile units are at least about 85 mole
percent.
It is to be further understood that carbonaceous precursor starting
materials may have imparted to them an electrically conductive property on
the order of that of metallic conductors by heating the fiber fluff or the
batting like shaped material to elevated temperatures in a non-oxidizing
atmosphere. The electroconductive property may be obtained from selected
starting materials such as pitch (petroleum or coal tar), polyacetylene,
acrylonitrile based materials, e.g., a polyacrylonitrile copolymer (PANOX
or GRAFIL-01), polyphenylene, polyvinylidene chloride (SARAN, trademark of
The Dow Chemical Company), polyamid (KEVLAR, a trademark of Dupont) and
the like.
In accordance with a feature of the invention anti-static filaments can be
inserted into the structure which also services as the interlocking and
densifying fibers.
Preferred precursor materials are prepared by melt spinning or wet spinning
the precursor materials in a known manner to yield a monofilament fiber
tow. The fibers or filaments, yarn, tow, woven cloth or fabric or knitted
cloth may be formed by any of a number of commercially available
techniques such as disclosed in said application Ser. No. 856,305. These
precursor materials preferably have a Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) greater
than 40.
If desired, the densified structures can be heat treated to form carbon or
graphite structures. The present process permits the preparation of carbon
or graphite structures without complicated knitting operations.
It is understood that all percentages as herein utilized are based on
weight percent.
Exemplary of the present invention is set forth in the following examples:
EXAMPLE 1
A. A non-linear carbonaceous fiber which had been heat treated to 550
degrees C. and opened on a Shirley was blended with 25% by weight Dogbone
shaped larger denier OPF (oxidized PAN fiber) obtained from RK Carbon
Fibers, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa. The Dogbone OPF had a temporary crimp
set in at 200 degrees C. prior to blending. Battings were combined and run
through a needle punch machine and densified from 3 inches thick to about
3/4 inch thick with the same precursor fibers.
B. The resulting densified batting or felt from Part A which contained the
Dogbone OPF lock stitches was heat treated at 700 degrees C. under a
nitrogen atmosphere for 60 minutes. The resulting felt had good permanent
integrity and was stable to a temperature greater than 400 degrees C.
EXAMPLE 2
Following the procedure of Example 1A, a densified batting was formed. The
resulting batting was then heat treated at a temperature of 1500 degrees
C. for 60 minutes to produce a uniform carbon structure which was suitable
as sound and thermal insulation. | 3D
| 04 | H |
Example 1
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 1.4 dtex was washed with water at
97.degree. C. pre-heated, subsequently guided over a perforated cylinder
drier at 210.degree. C. and 20 m/min and dried to a residual moisture of
less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a heating roll,
heated to 330.degree. C., taken up at 16 m/min, crimped and cut to staple
fibers.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 20%
Titer 1.75 dtex
Tensile strength 19-22 cN/tex
Elongation 140-160%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.4-1.0%
320.degree. C. 3.0-5.2%
400.degree. C. 6.9-8.8%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________
Example 2
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 2.2 dtex was washed with water at
96.degree. C., pre-heated, subsequently guided over a perforated cylinder
drier at 120.degree. C. and 2 m/min and dried to a residual moisture of
less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a heating roll,
heated to 315.degree. C., taken up, at 2 m/min crimped and cut to staple
fibers.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 0%
Titer 1.1 dtex
Tensile strength 15-19 cN/tex
Elongation 90-110%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.3-1.5%
320.degree. C. 6.6-8.1%
400.degree. C. 10.2-12.1%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________
Example 3
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 6.6 dtex was washed with water at
80.degree. C., pre-heated, subsequently guided over a perforated cylinder
drier at 300.degree. C. and 10 m/min and dried to a residual moisture of
less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a heating roll,
heated to 390.degree. C., taken up at 8 m/min, crimped and cut to staple
fibers.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 20%
Titer 5.3 dtex
Tensile strength 19-21 cN/tex
Elongation 110-130%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.4-0.9%
320.degree. C. 2.9-4.5%
400.degree. C. 6.0-8.4%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________
Example 4
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 10.6 dtex was washed with water at
98.degree. C., pre-heated, subsequently guided over a perforated cylinder
drier at 80.degree. C. and 15 m/min and dried to a residual moisture of
less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a heating roll,
heated to 350.degree. C., taken up at 12 m/min, crimped and cut to staple
fibers.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 20%
Titer 8.5 dtex
Tensile strength 20-22 cN/tex
Elongation 110-140%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.8-1.1%
320.degree. C. 3.1-5.3%
400.degree. C. 6.2-8.8%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________
Example 5
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 5.8 dtex was washed with water at
95.degree. C. pre-heated, sized subsequently guided over a perforated
cylinder drier at 170.degree. C. and 20 m/min and dried to a residual
moisture of less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a
heating roll heated to 450.degree. C., taken up at 17 m/min and bobbined.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 15%
Titer 5.0 dtex
Tensile strength 18-20 cN/tex
Elongation 100-110%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.6-1.0%
320.degree. C. 3.1-4.2%
400.degree. C. 6.0-7.8%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________
Example 6
A filament fiber bundle produced according to the dry-spinning method and
having a single filament titer of 2.2 dtex was washed with water at
80.degree. C., pre-heated, subsequently guided over a perforated cylinder
drier at 210.degree. C. and 15 m/min and dried to a residual moisture of
less than 1%. After this, the as-spun tow was guided over a heating roll
heated to 400.degree. C., taken up at 13 m/min and bobbined.
______________________________________
at the heating roll Data of the fiber obtained:
______________________________________
Shrinkage 15%
Titer 2.5 dtex
Tensile strength 18-20 cN/tex
Elongation 100-130%
Thermal shrinkage at
250.degree. C. <1%
280.degree. C. 0.6-1.1%
320.degree. C. 3.2-5.0%
400.degree. C. 6.4-9.0%
Limiting oxygen index 36-38% O.sub.2
______________________________________ | 2C
| 08 | G |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring toFIGS. 1-5, a suction or blow thermal roller according to the present invention is denoted with the numeral reference1.
In the following we refer to a suction thermal roller, being understood that what stated goes for even if the roller would be used to blow onto the support sliding on the outer tubular element described hereinafter.
Referring to the embodiment shown in figures, the suction thermal roller1is constituted by a cylindrical body2extending along a longitudinal direction X-X. The cylindrical body2has an inner tubular element3and an outer tubular element4that is concentrically arranged around the inner tubular element3.
The outer tubular element4is the element contacting the film22to be cooled/heated and suctioned.
The inner tubular element3and the outer tubular element4have substantially circular sections. In detail, the inner tubular element3has an outer diameter D2and the outer tubular element4has an inner diameter D1, where D1>D2.
At the end of the cylindrical body2there are two hubs6, each arranged at one end of the cylindrical body2. The hubs6close the outer tubular element4.
The hubs6are shaped to allow the motion of the fluid from/to a heat-exchange chamber10obtained between the inner tubular element3and the outer tubular element4, better described hereinafter.
The hubs6further have the function of keeping in position the outer tubular element4and the inner tubular element3and to allow the thermal roller itself to be positioned in the machine, at the ends of the stems/shanks there are seats for accommodating the bearings46.
Both the outer tubular element4and the inner tubular element3are supported by hubs6.
The outer tubular element4is keyed on the hubs6and, consequently, sustained by the latter. An O-ring gasket or the addition of specific sealing mastic, not shown in figures, prevents the fluid from outflowing into the area where the hub6contacts the outer tubular element4. The hubs6are generally made of metal material.
Conveniently, the inner tubular element3comprises two plug elements17fastened at its ends. The plug elements17have the function of closing the inner tubular element3and allowing the coupling with the hubs6.
To allow the coupling with the hubs6, each plug elements17has a housing seat18for at least one fastening element19, such as a fastening screw.
The plug elements17further have at least one suction through-hole47.
The plug elements17are usually made of metal by turning and grinding works. The plug elements17are assembled on the inner tubular element3and then welded.
The thermal roller1is in fluidic communication with a preferably closed circuit, the latter comprising a pumping system and a system for cooling/heating a thermal fluid coming/being delivered from/to the thermal roller1. The closed circuit is not shown in figures.
In the embodiment shown in figures, a hub6has the inlet7for the thermal fluid, whereas the other hub6has the outlet8for the thermal fluid.
According to another embodiment not shown in figures, a hub6can comprise both the inlet7and the outlet8of the thermal fluid.
The inlet7and the outlet8of the thermal fluid, through two radial ducts9, are in fluidic communication with a heat-exchange chamber10obtained between the inner tubular element3and the outer tubular element4.
At the heat-exchange chamber10and substantially for the whole extent in the longitudinal direction X-X of the inner tubular element3, there is a coating layer11preferably made of plastics.
The plastic material of coating layer11can be selected from a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting material, an elastomeric material or a combination thereof.
Examples suitable of thermoplastic materials are: polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), polystyrene (PS); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); polyamide (PA, Nylon); celluloid; polylactic acid; polyurethane.
On the contrary, examples of thermosetting materials suitable for the purpose are: phenol formaldehyde resins; epoxy resins, vinyl ester resins.
At last, examples of elastomeric materials are: SBR, NBR, EPDM, NR, CR, Silicone.
The coating layer11is like a cylindrical sheath having minimum thickness in the radial direction. The minimum thickness s is preferably smaller or equal to 0.5 mm. The Applicant believes that a minimum thickness s lower than 0.5 mm would lead to a poor insulation of the heat-exchange chamber10with respect to the inner tubular element3.
Preferably, the minimum thickness s is comprised in the range 0.5 to 500 mm, limits included.
According to an embodiment not shown, the coating layer11could be present only under the rib and therefore its thickness could be equal to zero between the two adjacent longitudinal spires15.
The coating layer11made of plastics has two ending portions20extending in the longitudinal direction X-X beyond the inner tubular element3.
In detail, the coating layer11made of plastics has at its own end two annular portions20extending beyond the axial direction X-X of the inner tubular element3.
The annular portions20are bent radially towards the inside of the inner tubular element3and are housed in a seat21made between each plug element17and a hub6.
The seat21is made so that the annular portion20of the coating layer11extending in the longitudinal direction X-X beyond the inner tubular element3, when the plug element17is coupled with the respective hub6, are closed and compressed between a hub6and a plug element17.
The coating layer11made of plastics has at least one rib12extending along a helical path around the longitudinal direction X-X substantially for the whole extent of the inner tubular element3. The rib12is made in one piece with the coating layer11. In other terms, there are no fastening elements between the coating layer11and the rib12.
The helical path of the rib12is defined by the inclination angle β of the helix.
Such an angle β is comprised between 0° and 90° and can vary along the longitudinal extent X-X of the same path.
The rib12has such a height in the radial direction h to abut against the radially inner surface14of the outer tubular element2so that a first helical channel13, arranged between the coating layer11and the outer tubular element2, can be realized.
The first helical channel13is then realized at least partially in the coating layer11and, according to this first embodiment, between two spires15or windings adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the rib12.
In other terms, according to this first embodiment, the section of the first helical channel13is delimited in the longitudinal direction by two walls16facing the two adjacent spires15or windings of the rib12and, in the radial direction, is delimited on top by the radially inner surface14of the outer tubular element2and on the bottom between the coating portion between the two longitudinally adjacent spires15.
The section of the first helical channel13has a height E comprised between 0.5 and 500 mm, limits included.
Preferably, the passage section of the first helical channel13, as better shown inFIG. 4, has minimum width C comprised between 0.5 and 1000 mm, limits included.
The passage section of the helical channel13is calculated in the basis of the needed thermal gradient with the possibility of achieving such a turbulent motion of the thermal fluid to facilitate the heat exchange. Moreover, the passage section of the first helical channel13can not be constant by having such narrowing parts to aid the turbulent motion of the fluid. These narrowing parts can be made with reliefs, projections, humps present on the surface of the first helical channel13.
Still referring to the embodiment shown in figures, each rib12has a shaped section that is tapered while radially leaving the longitudinal direction X-X.
Preferably, each rib12has minimum width1arranged at the top of the rib12itself and maximum width arranged in a position spaced from the top of the said rib12.
The minimum width1of the rib12can be comprised between 0 and 100 mm.
The rib12further has two opposite and inclined walls16, each inclined wall16having an α angle whose absolute value is comprised in the range 90° to 180°, preferably 100° to 170°, limits included.
The coating layer11made of plastics can have more than one rib12extending along a helical path around the longitudinal direction X-X substantially for the whole extent of the inner tubular element3. The higher the number of ribs12extending along a helical path, the higher the number of formed first helical channels13.
Moreover, the outer tubular element4has a plurality of first suction holes30passing through its outer surface to the inner one14.
The first suction holes30are arranged along a helical path extending around the longitudinal axis X-X on the outer tubular element4.
The helical path of the first suction holes30is substantially coincident with the helical path of the rib12of the coating layer11.
Preferably, the first suction holes30are arranged along the helical path in such a way that each first suction hole30is followed by another one.
The first suction holes30can also be coupled in two side-by-side first suction holes30following one another along the helical path, without departing from the protection scope of the present invention.
Along the helical path each first suction hole30is spaced from the first subsequent suction hole30by a distance from 0.1 mm to 1000 mm. Preferably, from 1 mm to 500 mm.
The first suction holes30can have a circular section having diameter d in the range from 0.1 mm and the minimum width1of the rib12.
In other terms, the diameter d of the hole30must not exceed the size of the rib12in the longitudinal direction at the ridge, i.e. the longitudinal dimension measured at the portion of the rib12abutting against the inner surface of the tubular element2.
The first suction holes30, passing through the thickness of the outer tubular element2, are fluidically communicating with a plurality of radial pass-through channels31made in the coating layer11and, in particular, in the rib12, these channels in turn are communicating with an air suction assembly32, as better described in the following.
The radial pass-through channels31are radially arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X of the inner tubular element3, so that the top or the ridge of the rib12and the suction duct33are connected.
Each radial pass-through channel31has a circular section or a section inscribable in a circumference having a diameter lower than 1 cm.
Preferably, the diameter of the section of the radial pass-through channel31is substantially coincident with the diameter d of the above first suction hole30.
Generally, each radial pass-through channel31is aligned with a first suction hole30made in the outer tubular element3.
The air suction assembly32further comprises at least one suction duct33arranged, at least in part, inside the inner tubular element3so that the radial pass-through channels32are connected to one another.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction duct33is denoted by the inner tubular element3itself, but it could be denoted by a longitudinal duct inside the inner tubular element3, without departing from the protection scope of the present invention.
The first suction duct33has a plurality of second suction holes34, each one contacting and communicating with a radial pass-through channel31.
The outer surface of the outer tubular element2communicates with the first suction duct33, i.e. with the inside of the inner tubular element3, through the first suction holes30made on the outer tubular element2, the radial pass-through channels32made on the coating layer11and the second suction holes34made on the inner tubular element3.
Preferably, the number of second suction holes34is equal to the number of radial pass-through channels31and each second through hole34has section substantially equivalent to the section of the radial pass-through channel31communicating therewith.
There could be more second suction holes34per each radial channel31, as well as each second through hole34could have section different from the section of the radial pass-through channel31communicating therewith, without departing from the protection scope of the present invention.
Preferably, each second through hole34faces and is in contact with a radial pass-through channel31.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the air suction assembly32further comprises at least one coupling member35for a suction source fluidically connected to the first suction duct33, and consequently to the radial channels31and the first suction holes30.
The suction source, not shown in figure, can be a suction pump. The suction pump has the task of suctioning, by making vacuum in the suction assembly32, the film or support sliding on the outer surface of the outer tubular element2, so that it adheres thereto. Different typologies of suction pumps (for example, dry pumps, oil pumps, etc.) are available on the market. The selection of the suction pump is made on the basis of pressure drops and depression desired inside the suction assembly and the first suction holes30.
In the embodiment in which the suction thermal roller operates also as blow roller, the source previously defined as suction source will be a source also able to blow air, such as for example a compressor.
The first suction duct33transmits the suction force through a second suction duct36made in the hubs6.
The second suction duct36is made in one of the hubs6and is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second suction duct36has section smaller than the section of the first suction duct33.
Moreover, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the second duct36is communicating with the first suction duct33through a hole made in the plug17and, at the opposite end, with a circumferential chamber37made between the hub6and a fixed ring43concentrically mounted around the hub6.
In detail, in the first embodiment shown in the figures, the circumferential chamber37is radially defined by the hub6and the inner surface of the fixed ring43, whereas is longitudinally defined by two gaskets44spaced out in the longitudinal direction and interposed between the hub6and the fixed ring43, so that a seal for the air suction is obtained. In other terms, the two gaskets44interposed between the hub6and the fixed ring43prevent, or anyway held down, the suction pressure drops.
InFIG. 4one of the fixed supports45of the suction thermal roller1is further shown. In particular, the fixed support45rotatably houses a hub6of the suction thermal roller1by a suitable seat46.
InFIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the invention is shown completely similar to the first embodiment shown in theFIGS. 2 and 3, with the exception of having a second helical channel40in the coating layer11and, in particular, on the ridge of the rib12.
The second helical channel40has the function of realizing a helical suction chamber between the radial channels31and the first suction holes30.
In particular, in the embodiment shown in theFIGS. 4 and 5, the second helical channel40is made between two sealing edges41of the ridge of the rib12, which are longitudinally spaced out from one another.
Ridge of the rib12means the top of the rib12.
The two sealing edges41abut against the inner surface of the outer tubular element4, thus making a seal on the one hand preventing suction losses (or pressure drops) of the second helical channel40and, on the other hand, the liquid circulating in the first helical channel13from coming out from the first helical channel13and entering the second helical channel40.
Preferably, to avoid local tensions or undesired wear, the sealing edges41are rounded.
The second helical channel40has a trapezium-like section with height F in the range from 0 to 500 mm and smaller base M in the range from 0 and 1000 mm, the latter corresponding to the minimum longitudinal dimension of the second helical channel.
The second helical channel40can have a section with a different shape, without departing from the protection scope of the present invention.
According to an embodiment not shown, two or more second paired helical channels40can be made on the ridge of the rib12, each one communicating with one or more radial channels31.
The present invention has been described referring to some embodiments.
Various modifications may be made to the embodiments herein described in detail, being still within the protection scope of the invention, defined by the following claims.
| 3D
| 21 | F |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1Ashows an oilwell1equipped with a subsurface safety valve2whose hydraulic control line3is defective. The well comprises a production tubing4communicating with a Christmas tree5. This safety valve is positioned in a nipple6. In order to repair the well and to bring it into conformity with standards, the valve has to be removed from its seat to set a new valve allowing to restore production as soon as possible, and in complete safety. If the control line is no longer operational, a safety valve can be set in seat or nipple6, a valve such as the valve described in document FR-2,734,863 mentioned here by way of reference.
FIG. 1Bshows this valve consisting of three main assemblies
shutoff assembly7, or the valve proper, controlled by hydraulic pressure,
the assembly consisting of adapter and connecting flanges8,
the assembly consisting of connecting lines9between this adapter8and valve7.
The details of these equipments and of the setting or operating procedures are clearly described in the aforementioned document. Considering the length fixed between the nipple and the position of adapter element8, the number of rods9and their total length have to be determined according to the well considered.
FIG. 2Ashows a well11comprising a tubing10of known inside diameter. If it is necessary to add a safety valve inside this tubing, the system according to the invention, diagrammatically shown inFIG. 2B, can be advantageously used. An adapter12is interposed between master valves13and the tubing hanger. This device is similar to the one described in document FR-2,734,863 in that it has at least two functions: suspension of control rods14by means of lower lateral screws50and seal around hanger21so as to communicate with an outside hydraulic control line15. However, according to the present variant, adapter12is also provided with two rams51aand51ballowing to manoeuvre the valve and the rod elements in the tubing. Thus, suspension and fastening of the rods is performed by tightening the rams on the rods. Control rods14can also be the rods used in the prior art. They can consist of a tubular element having a maximum length of approximately 6 meters and equipped at the end thereof with quick pin-to-box connections so as to be connected between elements. One of the rods is equipped with an expansion element or connection16for taking up the length variation of the whole of the rods, considering the possible temperature variations. Valve17comprises the following functional means:
shutoff means18for shutting off the inner channel of the valve body,
anchor means19for anchoring valve17in tubing10,
sealing means20between the valve body and the inside of tubing10.
In a variant, there are two anchor stages, in another variant, a single stage is necessary.
The valve is lowered after fitting the hanger element of tubing10with an adapter12which is used to suspend the whole of the system once it has been entirely lowered in the well, to maintain the connecting elements one after the other, to allow connection between them, and to lower the assembly stage after stage. The well being under pressure, an air lock mounted on the Christmas tree allows the procedure to be carried out in the well. This procedure is conventionally performed by means of a wireline. It consists in lowering the valve and the connecting elements in several stages. Stage 1: the valve hanging from its first rod element14is lowered until the upper part of the first element is held by the rams, thus allowing suspension and fastening of the first element on adapter12. Stage 2: the standard rod element is lowered and connected to the first element hanging from adapter12. The rams are then opened to allow descent of the first element fastened to the second rod element until the upper part of the standard element is held by the rams, thus allowing suspension and fastening of its two elements on adapter12. Stage 3: this stage 3 is similar to stage 2 and multiplied as many times as necessary according to the number of rods required, considering the depth at which the valve is arranged. Last stage: this last stage consists in lowering the last element comprising, in the upper part thereof, hanger21and in connecting it to the last standard element held by the rams. The rams are then opened, thus allowing descent of the entire assembly and setting thereof, as well as locking of hanger21in adapter12.
When a hydraulic pressure is applied in control line15, the various functional means of valve17are activated, i.e. the valve opens after tilting of shutoff valve18, anchor dogs19are expanded radially to immobilize the valve body in the tubing, the packer is compressed to rest against the tubing wall and form a seal.
FIG. 3shows, in sectional view, more details of the make-up of safety valve17. Shutoff valve18is in closed position under the action of a spring (not shown). It is opened by displacement of a tube23under the thrust action of a ring24connected to a piston25. In the presence of a sufficient hydraulic pressure in chamber26, the piston is pressed against tube23by means of ring24until it compresses spring27and causes said tube to slide, which causes disk18to tilt. In the absence of pressure in chamber26, return spring27pushes tube23back and the disk closes, thus restoring well safety.
Anchor dogs19are displaced radially by a piston28whose end has the shape of a cone on which said anchor dogs19rest. Piston28is pushed under the anchor dogs by the hydraulic pressure in chamber29, the displacement of the piston blocking the anchor dogs on the wall of tubing10. Means30for locking the position of anchor piston28allow this piston to be held in place even when the pressure has dropped in chamber30. These locking means can work according to the principle of a dog stop or of teeth.FIG. 3shows a second assembly: anchor dogs19a, piston28a, hydraulic chamber29a, locking means30a, in the upper part of the body of the pump. However, the invention is not limited to two anchor assemblies, and in most embodiments a single anchor assembly is necessary.
The present valve also comprises sealing means between the body of the valve and tubing10. This assembly is an essential element insofar as, in case of failure, the safety valve is totally inoperative and it is delicate to form a seal on a raw surface such as the wall of a tubing. These sealing means include a packing assembly20which is activated on the tubing wall by a piston31displaced by the hydraulic pressure present in chamber32. Locking means33hold piston31in place even without pressure in chamber32.
A line34communicating with a connector22distributes the hydraulic pressure in the chambers described above: valve opening chamber26, anchor chamber(s)29and29a, sealing means chamber32. Connector22is connected to the surface by rods14(FIG. 2B). It can be noted that the hydraulic pressure rise in line34(approximately 35 MPa) transmits the pressure energy in all the chambers simultaneously, which provides substantially at the same time: opening of the valve, anchoring and sealing thereof in the tubing. When the hydraulic pressure drops in line34, the valve closes but remains in position, anchored and sealed. A special profile35arranged at the top of the valve body allows to disanchor the valve body by traction and jarring by means of a fishing tool suited to this profile. By jarring on the valve body, a series of shear pins are broken, thus releasing anchor piston(s)28,28a, as well as sealing piston31. The released valve can then be pulled up to the surface.
FIGS. 4A and 4Bdiagrammatically illustrate the principle of packing assembly20of the sealing means between packer holder36and tubing10. Reference (j) designates the radial play between the outside diameter of packers37and the inside diameter of the tubing. This play is generally of the order of 2.5 mm, but it may reach 5 mm. The packing consists of a pile of eight cups38of optimized shape to withstand the pressure after being deformed against the tubing wall. Part40is the support against which the pile of cups38is compressed in a thrust load. Part41designates the nose of the piston (reference number31inFIG. 3). An anti-extrusion cup39is interposed between the first cup and piston nose41. It can be noted that the pressure of the well applies in the direction shown by arrow42.
The optimized shape of cups38results from the general herringbone U or V shape wherein the section of the cups exhibits a symmetry along an axis parallel to the central axis (one can refer to the technical handbook: “Seals and Sealing Handbook”—Ed. The Trade and Technical Press Limited, 1985). These seals are suitable for mounting without clearance adjustment, or of some tenths of a millimeter only. In fact, it has been verified that joints having sections with an axis of symmetry are not compatible with large clearance adjustments, for example above 2.5 mm, in particular in case of resistance to a pressure above 5000 PSI, i.e. about 350 MPa.
For a packer to be able to take up a clearance of some millimeters, it has been determined that the following notably have to be optimized: the deformation capacity of the material, the pressure resistance of this material, the level of the frictions on the packer holder so that the necessary deformations are obtained with lesser stresses.
FIG. 4Bdiagrammatically illustrates the whole of the packer once compressed by the action of piston41. The inner part of the pile of cups forms a seal on the surface43of packer holder36. Metallic anti-extrusion cup39deforms and presses against inner wall44of the tubing. The outer lip of the cups is raised to also rest on the tubing and close the annular space. Under pressure, as shown by arrow42, the packers lean more heavily against the tubing while being held by the anti-extrusion cup.
The optimized shape of the sealing cups can be defined as follows: the section of the cup has the shape of a V one branch of which, in contact with the surface of the packer holder (inside diameter of the cup), is shorter47. Thus, point45of the V is no longer in the median position of the annular space between the packer holder cylinder and the inner wall of the tubing, but it is offset and closer to the packer holder. Branch46of the V, which undergoes the most deformation, and which is on the side of play j, is the longer, which favours its displacement under the action of the piston. The shape of the end of the two branches of the unsymmetrical herringbone is suited to efficiently press against the cylindrical surfaces of the packer holder and of the tubing. Experience and finite-element calculations have shown that this unsymmetrical shape of the cups provides the most regular contact stresses and therefore good pressure resistance.
The material used can be HNBR rubber of Shore A hardness 80, which is also suited for standard temperatures in production wells.
According to the invention, the number of cups selected is eight in the case of a valve suited to be lowered into a tubing whose inside diameter is approximately 75 to 80 mm. The invention is not limited to this number of cups, which can vary depending on the operating pressure and/or on the nature of the fluids.
| 4E
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide lighting systems employing Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and an optically patterned waveguide that is oriented vertically from an overhead region and aligned to illuminate an area of interest by directing light to targeted areas. Embodiments of the invention include a series of LEDs optically coupled to a vertically-oriented optical waveguide having major surfaces that have been designed to optimize the illumination of the lighting system into a controlled pattern to maximize the utility of the illumination by shaping the output intensity distribution such that it covers desirable areas with higher brightness illumination in a more uniform pattern than previous lighting systems. The vertically-oriented waveguide is patterned to redirect light from the LED onto vertical and horizontally oriented surfaces below the lighting system in an optimized manner. The patterned surfaces of the waveguide control both the vertical and horizontal extent of the illumination area.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the surfaces of the waveguide are optically patterned such that the pattern penetrates into the waveguide to mitigate total internal reflective properties of the waveguide over the face of the optic. The optic may extend over the horizontal width of the waveguide that occupies only a small fraction of its vertical height. The vertical shape of the vertical pattern may include any number of designs that may be optimized to provide uniform brightness and adequate lighting over areas of interest along vertically arranged regions, such as displays or shelves vertically oriented along walls or aisles.
Technical advantages of lighting systems employing embodiments of the present design include improved efficiency in extracting light from the LEDs in the lighting system and optimization of the direction of the light to the targeted areas. The improved efficiency of the lighting system reduces cost of electricity to achieve a desired level of illumination for a particular application. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide improved uniformity of illumination on targeted areas, such as vertically oriented surfaces, such as rows of shelves. The improved uniformity allows objects on lower shelves to be well lit to advantageously highlight objects on the lower shelves at a higher brightness than conventional lighting systems which may fade at lower target regions.
Turning to the figures and referring initially toFIG. 1, the aisle10of a commercial space, such as a store, is illustrated. Each side of aisle10includes horizontal surfaces or shelves12arranged vertically with respect to one another for displaying products14. The shelves12are vertically arranged such that a customer16is able to view the products14displayed on the shelves12. The aisle10may have an associated aisle width WA. The aisle width WAmay be in the range of 2.0 m-4.0 m, for example. Further, the shelves12may be arranged along a vertical surface such as a wall, such that the top shelf is positions at height HTSabove the floor. The height HTSmay be in the range of 1.5 m-3.0 m, for example. As will be appreciated the aisle width WAand the top shelf height HTSmay be greater or less than the ranges described.
In order to illuminate the products14on the shelves12, a luminaire or lighting system18is provided. As illustrated, the lighting system18is mounted to the ceiling20above the aisle10at a lighting system height HLS. The height HLSmay be in the range of 3.0 m-9.0 m, for example, though a height HLSgreater than or less than the range provided may also be employed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and as described in greater detail below, the lighting system18is an LED lighting system which includes one or more “blades” or waveguides22which are configured to illuminate the products14on the vertically arranged shelves12in a more uniform manner than many conventional systems. As is illustrated, the lighting system18is vertically oriented above the shelves12. The waveguide22is configured to guide light such that light is directed to each side of the aisle10from the vertical surfaces of the waveguide22. Further, and as discussed in detail below, the vertical surfaces of the waveguide22have been optically patterned such that the surfaces of the waveguide22provide a more uniform light distribution to each of the shelves12below. The patterned surfaces of the waveguide22are optimized such that lower shelves12are illuminated with generally the same light intensity and distribution as the upper shelves12.
Referring now toFIG. 2, a perspective view of the lighting system18configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The lighting system18generally includes optically patterned waveguides22configured to distribute light in a controlled pattern to maximize the uniformity of the illumination by shaping the output intensity distribution such that it uniformly covers all areas of interest, such as the shelves12(FIG. 1), with brighter illumination in a more uniform pattern than previously attainable. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system18includes three optically patterned waveguides22which may be aligned in series. As will be appreciated, the number of waveguides22may vary from a single optically patterned waveguide22to any desirable number of waveguides22to extend to a desired system length. While a single “waveguide22” is described at various times in the application for simplicity, embodiments of the present invention are not limited as such, and the lighting system18may include one or more waveguides22.
The optically patterned waveguide22is coupled to a light source24configured to produce light for distribution through the optically patterned waveguide22. In one embodiment, the light source24may include a number of LEDs arranged in a row along the entire length of the lighting system18such that each LED of the light source24produces light and directs it downward into the optically patterned waveguide22. As will be appreciated, specific types of LEDs such as organic LEDs or alternative illumination devices may also be employed in the light source24to illuminate the optically patterned waveguide22in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The light source24may include a number of other elements, such as clips, heatsinks, and reflectors, for example, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The lighting system18may further include an electrical box26. The electrical box26may provide power to the light source24. As will be appreciated, the electrical box may include driver components, electrical and mechanical adapters, mechanical retainer structures, terminal blocks, and other electrical and mechanical components configured to provide power to the light source24. The electrical box26also includes components to mechanically secure the components within the electrical box26and to mechanically secure the light source24to a mounting mechanism28. The mounting mechanism28may be any mechanical structure configured to couple the light source24, electrical box26and waveguide22to an overhead region such as a ceiling or arm extending from a wall, such as a bracket, post, brace, shoulder, step or recess, for example. As will be appreciated, alternative configurations of the electrical box26in the mounting mechanism28may be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. That is, any suitable components may be employed in the electrical box26or the mounting mechanism28such that the lighting system18may be arranged and secured to an overhead region such that adequate power is provided to the light source24for distribution in the optically patterned waveguide. Further, in some embodiments, the components of the light source24, electrical box26and/or mounting mechanism28may be combined with one another such that they are contained within a single housing.
Referring now toFIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the lighting system18taken along the cut-lines3-3ofFIG. 2is illustrated. As previously described, the lighting system18includes any suitable mounting mechanism28that may be used to couple the lighting system18to an overhead region such as a ceiling or arm extending to an overhead region. The mounting mechanism28may be coupled directly to the electrical box26configured to provide mechanical support and electrical signals to the light source24. The light source24may include a plurality of LEDs30that may be arranged along the length of the lighting system18. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the LED30is sized and configured to provide light to the optically patterned waveguide22which may be optically coupled to the light source24. Specifically, the light source24provides illumination in a downward direction into the optically patterned waveguide22. As described further below, each of the two sides or major surfaces32of the optically patterned waveguide22is optimally designed to reduce light scattering and increase overall uniformity of light distribution by directing increased light to target regions, such as the shelves12(FIG. 1). As used herein, each of the two “major surfaces”32refers to the sides of the waveguide22through which the vast majority of the light from the light source24is distributed into the surrounding environment (e.g., a room). The major surfaces32are the largest surfaces of the waveguide22. As illustrated, each of the major surfaces32of the waveguide22is patterned, as described further below. As will be appreciated, the scale of the patterns illustrated on the major surfaces32has been exaggerated for purposes of discussion and illustration.
Turning now toFIG. 4, a perspective view of the optically patterned waveguide22in accordance with embodiments of the present invention as illustrated. As previously described, the optically patterned waveguide22includes two major surfaces32that provide light to the surrounding environment. The optically patterned waveguide22includes a length LWG, a height HWG, and a width WWG. As used herein, the length LWGrefers to the horizontal dimension of the optically patterned waveguide22as it runs the length parallel to a surface above, such as a ceiling. It is the longest dimension of the optically patterned waveguide22. The height HWGof the optically patterned waveguide22refers to the vertical dimension of the optically patterned waveguide22as it extends in the direction perpendicular to the surface above, such as the ceiling. The width WWGrefers to the thickness of the optically patterned waveguide22and is the shortest dimension.
The length LWGof the waveguide22, may be any desirable length, depending on the strength of the light source24, the manufacturing capabilities for production of the waveguide22and the application in which the lighting system18is employed. In one embodiment, the length LWGof the optically patterned waveguide22may be in the range of 0.5-0.75 meters, such as 0.61 meters. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the lighting system18may employ three such waveguides22, aligned end-to-end to produce a total length of 1.5-2.25 meters, for example.
The height HWGof the optically patterned waveguide22may also vary depending on the design of the lighting system18. In one embodiment, the height HWGof the optically patterned waveguide22may be in the range of 0.10-0.20 meters, such as 0.128 meters. Comparatively, the width WWGof the optically patterned waveguide22is relatively small. For instance in one embodiment the width WWG, of the optically patterned waveguide22maybe in the range of 0.003-0.005 meters, such as 0.004 meters.
Turning now toFIG. 5, an end view of the optically patterned waveguide22is illustrated. As previously described, the waveguide22has a height HWGwhich depicts the vertical dimension of the optically patterned waveguide22, perpendicular to the ceiling and floor. As previously described, each major surface32of the optically patterned waveguide22is fabricated such that each major surface32is configured to direct light in a downward manner such that a desired region is illuminated in a uniform manner throughout its entire verticality (e.g. shelves12arranged along a wall of an aisle10, as depicted inFIG. 1). The optically patterned waveguide22may be a plastic material such as an acrylate or polycarbonate, for example. Alternatively, the optically patterned waveguide22may comprise a glass material such as a silica or fluoride, for example.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, the optically patterned waveguide22has been optimized by patterning the major surfaces32of the optically patterned waveguide22with a pattern of elongated groves that penetrate into the waveguide22such that the grooved pattern spoils the total internal reflection that would occur with a smooth or un-patterned surface. The grooves extend through the entire length LWGof the waveguide22. By forming multiple elongated facets through the length LWGand down the height HWGof the waveguide HWG, the brightness of uniformity distributed from the sides32of the optically patterned waveguide22can be optimized. As will illustrated and described in greater detail with regard toFIG. 6, the pattern can be optimized by adjusting the angle, width and radius of curvature of numerous elongated facets formed in the major surfaces32.
As will be appreciated, the facets on the major surfaces32can reflect the light traveling within the waveguide22such that it exceeds the total internal reflection (TIR) condition on the opposite major surface32of the waveguide22after bouncing off the facet. That is to say that the light rays are deflected from their trajectory in a fashion that adds up with each bounce of a facet until it is incident at a high enough angle to transmit through the major surface32of the waveguide22on the opposite side of the facet that it was reflected from.
Modeling data and experimental data corresponding to physical prototypes produced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention were found to provide improved uniformity and brightness of light distribution toward the targeted areas compared with lighting systems using waveguides having either smooth surfaces, printed patterned surfaces, surfaces including random discrete geometric patterns, surfaces which are randomly roughened or surfaces that have not been enhanced in the manner described herein. In accordance of one embodiment, the optical patterns on the surface of the waveguide22may be formed in a mold used to fabricate the optically patterned waveguide22using any suitable molding techniques. Alternatively, the elongated grooved patterns may be formed through the major surfaces32of the optically patterned waveguide22using a machining or laser process capable of accurately forming the optical patterns in the waveguide22, as described further below.
Referring now toFIG. 6, a detailed view of a portion of the major surface32of the optically patterned waveguide22taken along the cut lines6-6ofFIG. 5is illustrated. It should be noted that the exemplary surface pattern34illustrated inFIG. 6is not drawn to scale. That is, angles, lengths, widths and radii of curvature may be exaggerated in order to more clearly illustrate the depicted features. As will be described in more detail below, the pattern34formed into the surface of the optically patterned waveguide22includes four types of segments: 1) ramp segments, generally depicted by reference numeral36; 2) cylindrical segments, generally depicted by reference numeral38; 3) planar horizontal segments, generally depicted by reference numeral40; and 4) planar vertical segments, generally depicted by reference numeral42. The exemplary pattern34is uniquely provided to optimize uniformity and intensity of light distribution through the optically patterned waveguide22. However, as will be appreciated a number of other patterns may also be employed, as well. These alternative patterns may include more or fewer types of segments, more or fewer repeated patterns, many of which may include different angles, lengths and radii of curvature optimized to illuminate regions located at different angles and heights with respect to the waveguide22. Optimization may be at least partially dependent on the height of the lighting system18, the height of the areas to be illuminated (e.g., shelves12) and the width of the distribution region (e.g., aisle10). The pattern34has been optimized for a lighting system height HLSof approximately 3.5 meters, a top shelf height HTSof approximately 2.2 meters and an aisle width WAof approximately 2.4 meters, for example.
The illustrated pattern34includes repeating sections44throughout the height HWGof the waveguide22which includes a number of segments of various segment types. As used herein, the “repeating section”44refers to a length of patterns through a portion of the height HWGof the waveguide22, before the entire pattern begins to repeat. In other words, each repeating section44includes an identical length of patterned facets. As previously discussed, each of the facets is an elongated, grooved segment that extends through the entire length of the waveguide LWG.
The first segment type in the pattern34is a ramp segment36, such as the ramp segments36A and36B. Each of the ramp segments36A and36B extends into the waveguide22at an angle θAand θB, respectively, as measured from the flat, unpatterned segments (i.e., planar vertical segments42) of the major surface32of the waveguide22. In accordance with one embodiment, θAequals 2.45° and θBequals 4.1°. In addition, the vertical distances D1and D5are each 0.70 mm in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the pattern34.
Each repeating section44of the pattern34also includes a cylindrical segment38. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature of the cylindrical segment38is 1.75 mm. Further, the distance D3is 0.2 mm in accordance with the illustrated pattern34.
Each repeating section44of the pattern34also includes planar horizontal segments40, such as the planar horizontal segment40A,40B and40C. As described herein, the planar horizontal segments40are arranged parallel to the horizontal surfaces of the ceiling and floor when the lighting system18is installed for overhead illumination, as described with regard toFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar horizontal segment40A has a horizontal length of 0.03 mm. That is, the planar horizontal segment40A extends 0.03 mm into the major surface32of the waveguide22. Similarly, in the pattern34, the planar horizontal segment40B has a length of 0.03 mm. That is, the planar horizontal segment40B extends 0.03 mm into the major surface32of the waveguide22. The planar horizontal segment40C has a horizontal length of 0.05 mm. That is, the planar horizontal segment40C extends 0.05 mm into the major surface32of the waveguide22.
Finally, the exemplary repeating section44includes three planar vertical segments42A,42B and42C. The planar vertical segments42are defined as being perpendicular to or vertical with respect to the ceiling and floor. The planar vertical segments42represent planar portions of the major surface32of the waveguide22that remain planar and un-patterned. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the segments42A,42B and42C are 0.20 mm. Thus, the distances D2, D4and D6are each 0.20 mm.
As will be appreciated, the repeating sections44repeat throughout the entire height of the waveguide HWG. Further, while only a single major surface32is illustrated, in exemplary embodiments, the opposite major surface32will be similarly patterned with repeating sections44repeating throughout the height of the waveguide HWG. While the pattern34has been demonstrated to provide optimal illumination and uniformity, other patterns are also contemplated within the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments.
Turning now toFIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is described. As described and illustrated above, the elongated grooved pattern34extends through the length of the waveguide LWGand in repeating sections44through the height of the waveguide HWG. In addition to the patterning described above, another embodiment of the invention includes a modulation in the depth of the groove along the horizontal direction over the length of the waveguide Lwg.FIG. 7illustrates a partial top view of the secondary pattern46. The secondary pattern includes repeating curved sections48that each extends a distance D7along the length of the waveguide LWG. In accordance with one embodiment, the distance D7is in the range of approximately 1 mm to 50 mm. Further, the radius of curvature of each curved section has a radius of curvature in the range of approximately 5 mm to 50 mm. As will be appreciated, each of the curved sections48of the secondary pattern46extends through the entire height of the waveguide HWG.
In another alternative embodiment, the depth of the elongated grooved pattern34or the depth of individual facets (e.g., the length of the planar horizontal segments40, may be modulated in the horizontal direction over the length of the waveguide LWG. As will be appreciated, the modulation of the depth in the horizontal direction may expand the illumination pattern to exceed the width of the waveguide WWG. In this embodiment, the vertical modulation acts as a negative lens segment which diverges the light from the waveguide22to cover a wider area.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
| 5F
| 21 | Y |
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the description which follows like parts are marked throughout the
specification and drawing with the same reference numerals, respectively.
The drawing figures are not to scale and are in substantially schematic
form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a well, generally designated by
the numeral 10, in which multiple casing strings 12, 14, and 16 have been
installed. In the exemplary well 10, the casing 16 has experienced some
damage and at least a part 17 of the casing string 16 is to be removed
from the well leaving another part 18 of the casing string in an open hole
wellbore portion 20 of the well 10 below the casing 14. As indicated in
the diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2 the casing string 16 is parted at 21 to form
the separate casing parts or sections 17 and 18. The section 18 is to
remain in the open hole portion 20 of the wellbore and be connected to a
new section of casing to be described herein. The casing section 17 is to
be removed from the wellbore in a conventional manner after being
separated from the section 18. This separation may be accomplished in
several ways through failure of the casing, through intentional separation
by milling or blasting or the like. Typically in an open hole portion of a
wellbore such as the portion 20, the wellbore diameter is sufficiently
large that the casing section 18 may become dislocated or leaned over
against the wellbore wall after removal of the section 17. This presents
certain problems in aligning the casing section 18 for connection to a new
casing section and problems in repairing or dressing up the damaged upper
end portion 22 of the casing section 18. Enlarged diameter open hole
wellbore portions are likely to occur when, for example, compressed air is
used as the drill cuttings evacuation fluid during the drilling process.
FIG. 1 illustrates the installation of an elongated pipe string or so
called guide string 26 within the casing 16 preparatory to removal of the
casing section 17 from the wellbore. The guide string 26 may be
characterized by an elongated string of end-to-end coupled sections of
flush joint pipe several hundred feet in length. Typically, preparation
for support of the guide string 26 is carried out by installing a plug 28
in the casing section 18. The plug 28 may be cement or a mechanical device
such as a conventional bridge plug. The lower end of the guide string 26
includes a conventional mule shoe element 29. The guide string 26
includes, at its upper end, a conventional so called safety joint
generally designated by the numeral 32. The safety joint 32 is
characterized by coupled sections of pipe wherein the threaded connection
formed between the coupled sections 33 and 35, for example, includes
relatively coarse threads to facilitate easy coupling and uncoupling.
The safety joint section 33 is, as illustrated, connected to a drill string
or so called work string 34 which extends to the surface, not shown. One
or more sections of conventional drill pipe 38 may be interposed between
the safety joint 32 and the guide string 26. The safety joint 32 is,
preferably, disposed so that it extends well above the upper distal end 22
of the casing section 18 so that when the connection between the work
string 34 and the guide string 26 is released, by uncoupling the safety
joint section 33 from the section 35 a sufficient amount of guide string
and safety joint is extending above the upper and ragged distal end 22 of
the casing section 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to permit reconnecting
the work string or drill string 34 to the guide string 26 when the casing
section 17 has been removed from the wellbore.
FIG. 2 illustrates the condition wherein the work string 34 and the safety
joint section 33 have been decoupled from the safety joint section 35 and
the guide string 26 and removed from the wellbore and the casing section
17. In the condition illustrated in FIG. 2 the well 10 is ready for
removal of the casing section 17.
Referring further to FIG. 3, after the casing section 17 is retrieved from
the well 10, the drill string or work string 34 together with the safety
joint section 33 is reinserted in the well and connected to the safety
joint section 35. The guide string 26 is then raised to approximately the
position shown by the alternate position lines in FIG. 3 with at least the
lower end of the guide string, as indicated by the alternate position of
the mule shoe 29, still within the casing section 18 to centralize the
casing section 18 in the wellbore. With the upper end 27 of the guide
string 26 disposed at or near the surface, not shown, in the raised
position of the guide string, the safety joint 35 and drill string section
38 is removed from the guide string 26 and a suitable casing milling tool
44, FIG. 4, and a unique swivel assembly 46 are threadedly connected to
the guide string 26. The guide string 26 is then lowered back into the
casing section 18 by the drill string or work string 34 until the cutting
elements 45 of the mill 44 engage the upper end 22 of the casing section
18.
Upon rotation of the drill string 34, the milling tool 44 will machine the
upper end 22 of the casing section 18 to provide a smooth upper end face
of the same diameter as the remainder of the casing section 18. In other
words the upper end of the casing section 18 is refinished to have the
same configuration as the remainder of the casing section. During rotation
of the drill string 34 and the milling tool 44 the swivel 46 operates to
prevent rotation of the guide string 26 with the drill string 34. In this
way the substantial mass of the guide string 26 does not undergo rotation
which would create significant momentum or a flywheel effect which, upon
snagging or deceleration of the milling tool 44, could cause uncoupling of
the guide string 26 from the milling tool 44, or respective sections of
the guide string 26 may uncouple from each other as a result of angular
momentum of the guide string.
The swivel 46 may take one of several configurations. However, referring to
FIG. 7, an exemplary configuration of a swivel 46 is illustrated. The
swivel 46 has an upper box member 51 which is adapted to be threadedly
coupled to the milling tool 44 or a suitable intermediate member disposed
therebetween. The swivel 46 also has a lower pin member 52 which is
adapted to be threadedly coupled to the upper end 27 of the guide string
26. A suitable bearing 53 is interposed between the flanged upper end 55
of the pin member 52 and a retaining collar 57 of the box member 51, which
collar is threadedly coupled to the box member, for example. In this way
the member 52 is free to rotate relative to the member 51 and vice versa.
After the upper end 22a of the casing section 18 has been restored to a
desired condition, as indicated by the dressed and machined transverse end
face 22 in FIG. 5, the drill string 34, in assembly with the milling tool
44, the swivel 46 and the guide string 26, is retrieved back to the
surface without removing the lower distal end of the guide string
comprising the mule shoe 29 from the casing section 18. The drill string
section 38 and the safety joint section 35 are then reconnected to the
guide string 26 and the guide string is lowered into the casing section 18
until the distal end/mule shoe 29 engages the plug 28 as illustrated in
FIG. 5.
The upper end 27 of the guide string 26 including the drill string section
38 and the safety joint section 35 now serve as a guide for a new casing
section 17 which is lowered into the well 10 with a suitable casing bowl
60 connected to the lower distal end thereof and operable to be connected
to the casing section 18. The casing bowl 60, sometimes known as a casing
patch, may be of a type commercially available such as a type manufactured
by Bowen Tools, Inc. of Houston, Tex. Upon connection of the new casing
section 17 to the casing section 18 the guide string 26, including the
safety joint section 35 and drill string section 38, may then be retrieved
from the well 10 in a conventional manner by connecting the safety joint
section 35 to the safety joint section 33, not shown in FIG. 6, and drill
string or work string 34, also not shown in FIG. 6, connected thereto.
Thanks to the provision of the swivel 46 improved casing repair operations
may be carried out without loss of the guide string or the like in the
wellbore due to the angular momentum or flywheel effect of the guide
string during casing milling operations and the like. The swivel 46 may be
made of conventional engineering material as used for down hole tools and
equipment used in the oil and gas well drilling industry. The components
other than those described in some detail herein may be commercially
available or utilize standard commercially available components familiar
to those with skill in the art in the oil and gas well drilling industry.
Although preferred embodiments of a well casing repair method and guide
string assembly have been described in detail herein those skilled in the
art will recognize that various substitutions and modifications may be
made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the
appended claims. | 4E
| 21 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail, referring to the attached drawings.
As shown in FIG. 4, a device for monitoring the light output of a VCSEL
according to the present invention is comprised of a light source 60 of a
stacked structure, for vertically emitting light 62, and monitoring
optical detecting means (described below) for controlling the intensity of
vertical light 62 emitted from light source 60.
Light source 60 employs a VCSEL. The VCSEL is formed by depositing at least
one N-type layer and at least one P-type layer on a substrate. Light is
emitted by a quantum-well active region formed between an N-type
distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer and a P-type DBR layer. The VCSEL
is driven, with a forward biased voltage applied thereto. Vertical light
62 and lateral light 64 are emitted by the application of the voltage.
The monitoring optical means is comprised of a half mirror 80 installed
above or in front of the light source 60 for partially reflecting and
transmitting vertical light 62 at a constant ratio, and a monitoring
optical detector 70.
Monitoring optical detector 70 may be formed of a relatively inexpensive
silicon semiconductor instead of an expensive compound semiconductor.
Optical detector 70 is plate-shaped and light source 60 is mounted
thereon. A light-detecting surface 72 is formed around light source 60 on
optical detector 70, to receive vertical light 62 emitted from light
source 60 and reflected from half mirror 80.
Half mirror 80 is formed of a material for transmitting and reflecting
light. Glass or transparent plastic, generally used as the material,
transmits most of the light, reflecting only a small portion of the light.
5-10% of incident light is reflected from ordinary glass. To increase the
light reflectivity, a half mirror coating method is used. With this
method, the intensity of light reflected from half mirror 80 and incident
on optical detector 70 can be controlled.
Vertical light 62 emitted from light source 60 is mostly transmitted and
partially reflected by half mirror 80 positioned on the axis of light of
light source 60. The transmitted light is used for the intented purpose of
the light source, and the reflected light 82 is used to control the
intensity of light emitted from light source 60. Reflected light 82
reaches optical detecting surface 72 at a reflection angle twice as large
as an emission angle at which light is emitted from light source 60. The
intensity of reflected light 82 received by optical detecting surface 72
is proportional to the intensity of light emitted from light source 60. In
a case where optical detecting surface 72 protrudes upward by a
predetermined height, lateral light 64 emitted from light source 60 can
also be received and used to generate a control signal.
As described above, since current proportional to the intensity of light
emitted from the light source can be obtained, in the optical detector
according to the present invention, the intensity of light output of the
light source can accurately be controlled according to a corresponding
current signal.
Further the use of the single VCSEL allows a product to be small and the
use of a cheap silicon semiconductor decreases manufacturing costs.
Referring to FIG. 5, the structure and operation of an optical pick-up
employing the above device for monitoring the light output of a VCSEL will
be described.
The optical pick-up is comprised of a VCSEL 100 for emitting a vertical
light 102, an objective lens 120 for concentrating vertical light 102 on a
disk 130 which is an optical recording/reproducing medium, a first optical
detector 94 for receiving light 104 reflected from disk 130 and detecting
a focusing error signal and a tracking error signal, and optical detecting
means (described means) for receiving a part of the light emitted from
VCSEL 100 to control light emission of VCSEL 100.
Light path changing means is provided on a light path between VCSEL 100 and
optical disk 130, to diffract at a predetermined angle light reflected
from the recording surface of optical disk 130. The light path changing
means preferably includes a hologram device 110. Hologram device 110
transmits light 102 emitted from VCSEL 100 and diffractively transmits the
light reflected from optical disk 130.
The optical detecting means is comprised of a second optical detector 90
and a half mirror. Second optical detector 90 detects light for
controlling light emission of VCSEL 100, and supports VCSEL 100. First
optical detector 94 is mounted on the upper surface of second optical
detector 90 to receive light 104 diffracted by hologram device 110.
Hologram device 110 transmits most of light emitted from VCSEL 100, and
reflects a part of the light. This property enables hologram device 110 to
simultaneously act as the half mirror of FIG. 4. Here, the reflectivity of
hologram device 110 can be increased by coating the lower surface thereof
with a reflective material.
The half mirror may be integrated into hologram device 110, or may be
provided independently between VCSEL 100 and hologram device 110.
Optical detecting surface 92 on the upper surface of monitoring optical
detector 90, receives light 106 reflected from the half mirror of hologram
device 110. Monitoring optical detector 90 is not necessarily formed of a
compound semiconductor identical to that of VCSEL 100, and thus may be
formed of a silicon semiconductor used for a conventional edge emitting
laser.
First optical detector 94 and second optical detector 90 can be integrally
provided. In this case, second optical detector 90 has a plurality of
divided detecting plates. Light received in each divided detecting plate
is converted into a current signal. A tracking error signal and a focusing
error signal can be detected by the sum and difference of the converted
current signals.
Therefore, a compact optical pick-up can be realized. | 7H
| 01 | S |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As already indicated in the preamble of the present description, in every application there exist different information processing needs, among which can be distinguished scalar processing and vector processing.
As represented inFIG. 1, in low-cost applications it is endeavoured to minimise the number of processors, so much so that depending on the type of application, an information processing system comprises a main processor which monitors the progress of the algorithm and consists of either a microprocessor1, or a DSP2. In such an application, there is a need for a protocol processing3which it is sought to process in the processor1or in the DSP2.
As indicated above, the processing of the protocol is not very costly if it is carried out by the microprocessor1, but if the DSP2is used, the structure of such a processor and the instruction set will be poorly suited and will result in a loss of efficiency due to the requirement of a more sizeable number of instructions and to a poor utilization of silicon.
The same remark may be made as regards matrix processing4which can be performed by a DSP2since it contains a hard-wired multiplier, but in respect of the execution of which a microprocessor is poorly suited.
FIG. 2shows a cellular-radio application in which a main processor5comprises dedicated digital signal processor DSP. It effects both the management of the relevant application and the vocoder part. The protocol processing part is carried out by a dedicated processor6adapted to bit processing. The modem part of the system which requires large computational power oriented towards vector processing is embodied in a dedicated processor7of the array processor type.
In this case, there is a significant processing need in regard to vectors, with three- to eight-bit accuracy and the core of a DSP generally working on 32 bits is very poorly suited to such a task. Moreover, the silicon integrated circuits of such a system are very poorly utilized.
Another advantage of sharing an application among several processors having differing characteristics, is that each processor works on its own task in parallel with the others. If, in the example ofFIG. 2, the three processors5,6and7operate at the same clock frequency, the overall power of the circuit is tripled. The factor of efficiency of the instruction set which is adapted to the relevant task must also be added to these advantages.
For two conventional routines for protocol processing, computation of the CRC and identification, the efficiency of the processor6in relation to a DSP of the TMS 320 C50 type is 2.2, whereas the ratio in terms of number of transistors for producing two processors is 0.11. The table ofFIG. 3shows the performance of the channel encoding/decoding routines. The second column from the left indicates the routine required for employing a DSP, whereas the third column shows elements of a routine entailing the use of a protocol processor.
It follows from the foregoing that the MIPS/XTOR performance ratio is 19.6 in favour of the protocol processor6.
In the case of an array processor, such as the processor7of the system ofFIG. 2, whose performance in respect of modem routines is represented in the table ofFIG. 4, it is also shown that for a modem routine, there is also a significant efficiency ratio between the DSP5and the processor7, the gain being 10 in terms of MIPS.
Several processors operating in parallel on different tasks make it possible to increase the processing power. The application is shared among the various processors which must exchange information.
The means of exchange generally consist of a serial link or a communication memory. InFIG. 5such a communication memory has been represented. In this figure are seen the main processor5(a DSP being selected in this embodiment) and the protocol processor6of the device ofFIG. 2, the core8of the main processor5is connected to the core9of the protocol processor6by synchronising circuit10. The main processor5further includes a program ROM memory11and a local RAM memory12. The protocol processor6includes also, a program ROM memory13and a local RAM memory14. The local RAM memories12and14of the main processor5and of the protocol processor6are connected by a common DPRAM memory15with dual port. The synchronising of the processes P1and P2is performed by a test and set instruction TAS which, as indicated inFIG. 6, makes it possible to ensure that a single processor utilizes the DPRAM memory15(or memory zone) at any moment.
There also exist other process synchronising mechanisms. For example, with the TAS instruction ofFIG. 6, the program P1writes parameters for the program P2to the DPRAM memory15.
Since the parameters are related, if P2accesses the DPRAM memory15during modification by P1, there is a risk of error.
The program P1tests, with the TAS instruction, whether the DPRAM memory15is available and generates an occupied signal. During modification of the parameters a,b,c, and d which are in the DPRAM memory15, if the program P2requests access to this memory zone, its TAS instruction returns an occupied signal to it. The program P1frees the DPRAM memory15at the end of the access and the program P2can then access the memory if it makes a new request.
AsFIG. 5shows, each processor has its own ROM program memory11,13respectively, a local work memory12,14and a processor core8,9. The synchronising means10and the DPRAM memory15are common to both processors.
InFIG. 7has been represented the overall diagram of a protocol processor.
The protocol processor6includes a processor core9connected to a program memory17by an address bus18and an instruction bus19. It is connected at data-stream level to a main processor20across a communication RAM memory21connected to each of the processors by a data bus22,23and corresponding address bus24,25.
The core9can also be connected by data buses and selection and address buses27,28to a hard-wired logic block26permitting the shaping of signals for a particular processing which it would be too costly to carry out by means of the core9. The logic block26is moreover connected to the core9by an interrupt line29.
FIG. 8shows in more detail the protocol processor6according to the invention.
This processor in fact comprises three parts.
A program part denoted with the general reference numeral30contains an incrementation register31which is incremented with each cycle except when an immediate value PMA is loaded by way of a bus32. The register31generates the address of a memory in the shape of a program which itself generates an instruction on a bus34. The processor further comprises a decoder part denoted by the general reference numeral35which receives the code of the instruction from the program ROM memory13. This instruction is executed in two cycles in pipeline mode as the diagram ofFIG. 9shows.
During the cycle1indicated in this figure, the program ROM memory13is read at the address PC1of the incrementation register31. At the end of the cycle, the instruction11delivered by the program ROM memory13is decoded. During cycle2, the operators of the instruction are read at the addresses specified by the code and the data part36which supplements the processor and which will subsequently be described executes the instruction. The result is stored at the address specified by the code of the instruction at the end of cycle2.
During cycle2, the decoder37of the decoding part executes the same process on the instruction12situated at the address PC2of the register31.
With each cycle the decoder generates, on the bus38, the address of the register used in the instruction and/or a RAM memory address on the bus39. The decoder37which also plays the role of monitoring device receives from both sides interrupt signals and test and set signals TAS which are intended for synchronization. The data part36of the processor comprising a bank of registers40connected to two multiplexers MUX A and MUX B41and42, intended for selecting the various registers or the RAM memories at the input of an arithmetic and logic and shift unit43. The operation defined in the field of the instruction is executed between the two values at the inputs A and B of the arithmetic and logic and shift unit43and the result is carried within the same cycle to the destination address.
This destination address is embodied in the diagram ofFIG. 8by a DPRAM memory15which is common to the protocol processor6and to the main processor with which it is associated. The DPRAM memory15is connected to the main processor5by means of a data and address bus46,47.
InFIG. 10has been represented an instruction set intended for the protocol processors according to the invention.
It includes three classes of instructions:Integers: arithmetic and logic operations on integer numbers.Transfer: between register and register/memory.Monitoring: all the operations modifying the value of the incrementation register or PC31(FIG. 8).
The fields, represented inFIG. 10, of the instruction of the protocol processor will now be described. A 5-bit field reserved for the code of the instruction is denoted by50. It defines the operation executed between the Srcl-2 operators.
51denotes a condition field which defines the conditions under which this instruction is executed. The corresponding conditions are defined in tables 10-1 and 10-2 ofFIG. 10. This part will subsequently be described in detail.
52defines an instruction W establishing whether the operation is executed between 16-bit words or bytes.
53indicates a field @+shift in which @ indicates that the registers X or B contain the address of access to the common DPRAM memory15ofFIG. 8.
+ denotes the registers X or B incremented by access to the memory.
Shift denotes the result of the shifted operation in table 10-3 ofFIG. 10prior to writing to the destination register.
54denotes the SRC1 instructions in which:
K: constant
− DMA: value contained in the DPRAM44at the address DMA
− Rn: register
55SRC2/DEST Rm: source and destination register in the case of the operations on “Integers” and destination register in the other cases.
The assigning of the bits of the instruction is defined according to five types as represented inFIG. 11.
The various fields are defined in detail inFIG. 12.
As shown by the instruction set ofFIG. 10, certain instructions much used in bit manipulation are not available directly.
It will be seen that the instructions such as:
CMPCompareBITCBit testBSETBit settingCSIFCompare and jump
are constructed by adjoining the condition field Cc represented inFIG. 12to that of the code or of the operation performed in the arithmetic and logic unit.
FIG. 13shows the way in which a condition monitoring block60is connected up in the protocol processor according to the invention between the monitoring and decoding device37and the stack of registers40.
This condition monitoring block receives on the one hand the information from the state register SW40dfrom the register stack40and from the condition field of the instruction.
AsFIG. 14shows in greater detail, the “REG WRITE” or “MEMORY WRITE” signals generate a write pulse if the input of a multiplexer61selected by the condition code present on its inputs62is at the high level. In this case the result of the operation performed by the arithmetic and logic unit43is written to the destination operator.
In the contrary case there is no modification of the destination.
The state register SW40dis assigned by the result of the operation in progress.
FIG. 15shows an illustrative instruction code. The user code is: CMP (X)+, A. The content of the register A40cis compounded with the content of the memory address defined by the register X40a. The result assigns the following state bits:C=1 if A≧(X)Z=1 if A=(X)N sign of the result
Following access, the address contained in X is incremented.
In reality, by selecting the condition code 0=Never with the ALU code SUB (subtract), the result is achieved since the comparison is a subtraction with out modification of the destination. Another example isTag Sub, A, U
If the user bit U has been set to 1, the result of the subtraction: A−Tag is placed in A, and the state is modified. If U=0, the result is not saved.
InFIG. 16has been represented in a partial view the multiplexer61connected up to the register stack40of the protocol processor represented inFIG. 13. It is seen in this figure that CMP (X)+, A is equivalent to SUB (X)+, A, Never. The Never condition code selects the input of the multiplexer61which is at the “0” level and the pulse WE remains of no effect on the REG. WRITE signal which transfers the result from the arithmetic and logic unit43into the register A40c.
The example above shows the advantage of such a structure in relation to a DSP TMS320 C25 in the generating of a CRC code.
Code C25Number of cyclesLACR, 151XORCRC1ETM.80001BzBCR12LACPOLYGEN1XORCRC1SACLCRC1BCR1LACCRC,11SACLCRC110Code PP.Number of cycles1)AND K, A, Never12)AND 8000, B, Never13)XOR POLYGEN, B, Zd14)SLL B14
The four operations obtained with the aid of the protocol processor according to the invention are detailed with reference toFIG. 17.
Operation 1
This is an AND operation for the 0040 bit with the register A40c(FIG. 13). The result is not written to the register A. Bits Z, C, Zd are set in the manner indicated to the right of the arithmetic and logic unit43(FIG. 17).
Operation 2
This is an AND logic function for the 8000, B, Ne code.
The CRC code is located in the register B40b, the most significant bit MSB, that is to say the bit8000is tested.
Z=1 if the most significant bit of the register B is zero.
Z from the preceding cycle is transmitted to Z−1.
Operation 3
XOR POLYGEN, B, Zd.
The logic operation XOR between the generating polynomical and the CRC code is next carried out in the arithmetic and logic unit43. The result is written to the register B40bif the bit Zd is equal to 1, Zd being defined by the condition Z⊕Z−1.
Operation 4: SLL B
The register B40b(CRC code) is shifted one position to the left.
The architecture of the processor oriented towards the processing of the protocol which has just been described is a very simple structure which is not very costly in terms of number of transistors. It makes it possible to unburden the main processor of simple tasks which are poorly suited to its complexity.
Since the protocol process and the main processor operate in parallel, means synchronizing tasks are provided.
The instruction set is limited in the present example to15so as to simplify the structure. The instructions are divided into three groups “Integer, Transfer, and Monitoring”. In each of these instructions, a conditional field makes it possible to select a condition for saving the result in the destination register.
The conditions use the bits of the state register which have been modified by the results from the preceding instruction or instructions.
A bit for validating modification of the state makes possible easy functioning in a protected mode.
| 6G
| 06 | F |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As employed herein, the term "combustor" shall expressly include, but not
be limited to, any combustion system in which a fuel is introduced and
burned, such as, for example, internal or external combustion systems
which produce a flame, a combustion turbine, a gas turbine combustor, a
jet engine combustor, intermittent combustion systems such as a
reciprocating engine, a boiler, an internal combustion engine, or any
other heat engine.
As employed herein, the term "combustion chamber" shall expressly include,
but not be limited to, the chamber or zone in which combustion occurs,
such as, for example, the cylinder of a reciprocating engine; the single
annular chamber or individual chambers of a gas turbine combustor; the
combustion zone of a ramjet duct; the chamber, with a single venturi
outlet, of a rocket; the space in a boiler furnace in which combustion of
gaseous products from the fuel takes place; the space in an internal
combustion engine above the piston in which combustion occurs; or any open
or closed flame.
As employed herein, the term "spectrometer" shall expressly include, but
not be limited to, any device for measuring the wavelength, energy
distribution, or emission spectrum from a radiating source, such as a
combustion flame.
Referring to FIG. 1, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
elements, a combustor 1 of a gas turbine as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,361,586 is illustrated. As more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,361,586, the combustor 1 has fuel/air premixing passages 23-26 with
inlet ends and outlet ends. The fuel/air premixing passages 23-26 premix
air, such as compressed air 4, with fuel 5 delivered via toroidal
manifolds 7073 disposed upstream of the inlet ends of those passages.
The manifolds 70-73 are supplied with fuel 5 via fuel lines 74-77. Each of
these fuel lines has a fuel flow control valve 78 for adjusting the flow
of fuel to the manifolds 70-73 and fuel pipes 37,38 of the combustor 1.
The fuel/air premixing passages 23-26 and the manifolds 70-73 have a
combustor liner 27 disposed therearound. The combustor liner 27 connects
to a plate 14 forming a sealed upstream end.
In the combustion zone 12, fuel/air mixtures are ignited by a pilot flame
64 of a pilot fuel/air swirler 43, thereby creating concentric flame
fronts 80-83 within the combustion zone 12 that surround the pilot flame
64.
Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary gas turbine combustor 100 is installed
with a suitable flame detection system 102. For purpose of illustration,
but not limitation, the invention is described herein in connection with
exemplary gas turbine combustors, although the invention is applicable to
a wide range of combustors which may or may not employ a flame detection
system.
The exemplary flame detection system 102 comprises one or more optical
flame detectors, such as detector 104, and a control system 106.
Preferably, the exemplary control system 106 is integrated with a turbine
control system (not shown) that controls the operation of a gas turbine
(not shown). The control system 106 is connected to one or more fuel flow
control valves, such as valve 107, in order to open, adjust, and/or close
these valves to control the flow of fuel 112 to fuel nozzle 108. In turn,
a combustion flame 109 is established in combustion chamber 124 by burning
the fuel 112 in the presence of air 110. Upon the flame detection system
102 detecting loss of the combustion flame 109, signal 111 is output. In
response to the signal 111, the control system 106 closes the valve 107.
Once the valve 107 is closed, fuel 112 is no longer delivered to the
combustion chamber 124 by fuel delivery system 114. That system 114 has a
fuel line 116 which operatively connects the fuel supply 118 to the valve
107 and to the combustor 100. Without the delivery of the fuel 112,
combustion is arrested.
A contaminant sensor 120 includes a spectrometer or spectrophotometer 121
having a suitable detector 122 to monitor for the presence of contaminants
(e.g., metal, such as sodium). The detector 122 monitors flame radiation
from contaminants within the flame 109 of the combustion chamber 124
during the combustion process. In the exemplary embodiment, the detector
122 is a photoelectric detector or photo-detector, which is wavelength
specific and optimized to detect the flame emission spectrum of specific
trace metal contaminants, such as ionized sodium, in the flame 109.
Sodium, for example, produces a unique, and intense, emission spectra as it
burns. Sodium may result, for example, from salt water present in the fuel
112 or from salt spray. The presence of sodium in the flame 109 has a
unique spectral characteristic (e.g., having a sodium "D" line emission at
a wavelength of about 588.9 nm) which makes detection possible with the
detector 122. The high temperatures inside the combustion chamber 124
produce enhanced radiation in the flame 109. Because sodium produces an
intense spectra, and is one of the most corrosive substances, a sodium
detector is preferably employed by the combustor 100 to detect the ionized
sodium in the combustion spectrum.
As discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, the contaminant sensor
120 can integrate with the control system 106 to sense the level 125 of a
contaminant, such as sodium, from the combustion spectrum of the flame
109. In turn, the control system 106 disables the fuel delivery system 114
as a function of the level 125 to, thereby, arrest combustion whenever
contaminant levels are too high.
Referring to FIG. 3, another exemplary combustor 126 is illustrated. In
this embodiment, a flame spectrometer, such as a spectrographic scanning
device 128, is employed to monitor the unique spectral characteristics of
trace sodium in the combustor fuel during the combustion process.
Preferably, the flame spectrometer 128 monitors the intense sodium "D"
line emission 129 produced during the combustion process.
The combustor 126 includes a combustion chamber 130 having a plurality of
flame detector ports 132,134 and a flame detection system 136. The flame
spectrometer 128 has a suitable detector 138 mounted in the flame detector
port 134. The detector 138 is employed to monitor the combustion spectrum
of combustion flame 139 in the combustion chamber 130. Preferably, the
flame spectrometer 128 detects the sodium "D" line emission 129 of sodium
in the combustion flame 139.
As discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, the flame spectrometer
128 cooperates with turbine control system 140 to sense the level 141 of a
contaminant, such as sodium, from the combustion spectrum of the
combustion flame 139. In turn, the control system 140 disables fuel
delivery system 142 as a function of the level 141 to, thereby, arrest
combustion whenever contaminant levels are too high.
Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary software routine 146 for execution by the
control systems 106 and 140 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, is
illustrated. Although processor-based control systems 106,140 are shown,
the invention is also applicable to a wide range of control devices (e.g.,
analog control systems, digital control systems, hybrid control systems).
The routine 146 obtains a concentration level (e.g., ppm of ionized sodium
in the combustion flame) of the contaminant from the corresponding
contaminant sensor and, then, compares the concentration level to a
predetermined (e.g., PT of FIG. 2) or suitably adjusted concentration
threshold level (e.g., maximum allowed ppm of ionized sodium). Then, the
result of the comparison is employed to determine whether to disable the
corresponding fuel delivery system and, thus, arrest combustion.
For convenience of reference, the routine 146 of FIG. 4 is described with
respect to the control system 106 of FIG. 2, although it is also
applicable to the control system 140 of FIG. 3. First, at 148, it is
determined whether an adjustment of the concentration threshold level has
been requested by the user. If so, at 150, the user suitably inputs a new
concentration threshold level. Otherwise, if no adjustment was requested,
and after 150, the concentration level 125 is read, at 152, from the
contaminant sensor 120. Then, at 154, the contaminant concentration level
is compared to the threshold level. If the concentration level exceeds the
threshold level, then, at 156, an alarm is generated. Next, at 158, output
signal 159 is set to close the valve 107 and, thereby, stop delivery of
the fuel 112. Otherwise, after 154, execution resumes at 148.
By employing the exemplary sodium detector 122 mounted directly to the
combustor 100, all of the burning fuel 112 can be continuously screened,
in real-time, for the presence of sodium. When the presence of sodium is
detected, the alarm is generated and is employed to shutdown the combustor
100, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion and subsequent damage to the
combustor 100.
Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary software routine 160 for execution by the
control systems 106 and 140 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, is
illustrated. The routine 160 obtains a concentration level from the
corresponding contaminant sensor, accumulates that concentration level,
and, then, compares the accumulated concentration level (e.g., ppm-hours
of ionized sodium in the combustion flame over time) with a predetermined
or suitably adjusted threshold level (e.g., maximum allowed ppm-hours of
ionized sodium). The result of the comparison is employed to determine
whether to disable the corresponding fuel delivery system and, thus,
arrest combustion.
For convenience of reference, the routine 160 of FIG. 5 is described with
respect to the control system 140 of FIG. 3, although it is also
applicable to the control system 106 of FIG. 2. Steps
162,164,166,178,180,182 of routine 160 generally correspond to the
respective steps 148,150,152,154,156,158 of routine 146 of FIG. 4. First,
at 162, it is determined whether an adjustment of the accumulated
concentration threshold level has been requested by the user. If so, at
164, the user suitably inputs a new accumulated concentration threshold
(e.g., ACT of FIG. 3) level. Otherwise, if no adjustment was requested,
and after 164, the concentration level 141 is read, at 166, from the flame
spectrometer 128. The time of that reading is obtained, at 168, from a
timer (T) 170. Then, at 172, the concentration level and time are stored
in a suitable data storage such as exemplary memory (M) 174 (e.g., disk,
RAM). Next, at 176, the accumulated concentration level is updated and
then stored, at 177, in the memory 174.
For example, the accumulated concentration level may be calculated from the
initial time of operation of the combustor 126, over any previous time
period (e.g., one second, one minute, one hour, one day, one month, one
year), or since a previous time (e.g., since 1:07 pm) and/or date. In this
manner, an historical record of the accumulation of the concentration
level 141 is updated and stored with respect to operating time of the
combustor 126.
At 178, the accumulated contaminant concentration level is compared to the
threshold level. If the accumulated concentration level exceeds the
threshold level, then, at 180, an alarm is generated. Next, at 182, output
signal 184 is set to close valve 186 and, thereby, stop delivery of the
fuel 144. Otherwise, after 178, at 188, it is determined whether display
of the accumulated concentration threshold level has been requested. If
so, at 190, a suitable history of the accumulated concentration threshold
level, concentration levels and/or time is output to display 192.
Otherwise, if no output was requested, and after 190, execution resumes at
162.
As shown in FIG. 3, the display 192 is employed by the control system 140
to display the historical record of the accumulated contaminant
concentration level over the operating life of the combustor 126. Although
an exemplary accumulated concentration level is disclosed, other combustor
variables (e.g., operating temperature, power output, load) may also be
monitored, stored, displayed, and considered as part of the alarm logic.
The exemplary combustor fuel contaminant sensors of FIGS. 2 and 3 are
employed to continuously sense the contaminant level of the respective
combustors 100 and 126 in real-time. These systems have a relatively long
useful life, a quick response time, and result in lower combustor repair
costs and less frequent repairs. Since the detection of contaminants
occurs during the combustion of fuel, all of the fuel must pass through
the combustors and, thus, all of the fuel can, theoretically, be checked
for the presence of sodium. By monitoring for sodium, and shutting off the
fuel delivery system when sodium is detected, the risk of hot-section
corrosion in gas turbine combustor exhaust is significantly reduced.
Furthermore, continuous, real-time sensing protection may be incorporated
into control logic to protect the combustor, without relying on laboratory
results. This process is less expensive than other processes which employ
a laboratory flame emission spectrometer.
Although the invention has been discussed with reference to a combustor for
a gas turbine, the invention may be practiced with respect to combustors
used in other types of machinery in which the detection of contaminants is
desirable. For example, other combustors may employ different arrangements
for delivery, such as a single manifold and a single fuel line, and/or
mixing of fuel and a suitable oxidant, while still other combustors do not
premix fuel and air. Other fuel delivery systems may employ a single fuel
flow control valve to start, adjust, and/or stop the flow of fuel to the
combustor. Still other combustors may employ different mechanisms to
establish one or more combustion flames, and, thus, one or more
contaminant sensors may be employed.
While for clarity of disclosure reference has been made herein to the
exemplary display 192 for displaying an historical record of accumulation
of concentration level of a fuel contaminant with respect to operating
time of a combustor, it will be appreciated that the historical
information may be stored, printed on hard copy, be computer modified, or
be combined with other data. All such processing shall be deemed to fall
within the terms "display" or "displaying" as employed herein.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various
modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in
light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the
particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and
not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full
breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof. | 6G
| 01 | J |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With initial reference to FIG. 1, the multi-activity complex of the present
invention is generally indicated at 1 and includes a base 4 having a
surface 5 that is located in a generally horizontal plane. Base 4 defines
an activity area 7 into which a selective one of a plurality of activity
floors is adapted to be placed as will be more fully discussed below.
Complex 1 further includes a plurality of bleachers 10 for use in view an
event taking place in activity area 7.
Below base 4, at predetermined vertically spaced intervals, are a plurality
of storage areas 14-18. Storage areas 14-18 are provided with respective
storage platforms 21-25 such that storage areas 14 and 15 are located in
the same horizontal plane between base 4 and storage platforms 21 and 22
respectively; storage areas 16 and 17 are located in another horizontal
plane and are defined between storage platforms 21 and 22 and 22 and 24
respectively; and storage area 18 is located below storage area 16,
between storage platforms 23 and 25. At this point, it should be noted
that the entire structural supports for, storage platforms 21-25, base 4
and bleachers 10 have not been shown in the drawings for clarity. In the
preferred embodiment, storage areas 14-18 are located below ground level
with base 4 and storage platforms 21-25 being cantilevered. In addition,
supplemental vertical supports may interconnect the cantilevered ends at
the four corners of activity area 7. Of course, various additional truss
or aerial cable suspension arrangements could also be utilized as would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
As previously stated, activity area 7 is adapted to alternatively have one
of a plurality of activity floors positioned therein. The particular
surface characteristics of the selected activity floor would depend upon
the activity which complex 1 is being use for at any given time. In the
embodiment shown, three different, exemplary activity floor arrangements
have been depicted. As shown in FIG. 1, a first activity floor 30 includes
a first section 32 and a second section 34. First section 32 is adapted to
be stored upon storage platform 21 in storage area 14 while second section
34 of first activity floor 30 is adapted to be stored upon storage
platform 22 within storage area 15. When first activity floor 30 is
selected for use, it is shifted to an in-use position wherein it is
located in activity area 7 in a manner which will be fully discussed
below. In a manner similar to first activity floor 30, multi-activity
complex 1 is provided with a second activity floor 37 having a first
section 39 adapted to be stored upon storage platform 23 within storage
area 16 and a second section 41 adapted to be stored upon storage platform
24 within storage area 17. Finally, a third activity floor 44 is provided
which is stored upon storage platform 25 within storage area 18. In the
embodiment shown, third activity floor 44 is adapted to be used for ice
skating events, such as figure skating and hockey, and includes a skating
surface 46 surrounded by plexi-glass walls 48. Below skating surface 46,
third activity floor 44 is provided with a self-contained refrigeration
system (not shown) for use in maintaining ice upon skating surface 46.
In FIG. 1, third activity floor 44 is depicted as a unitary structure while
first and second activity floors 30 and 37 are depicted as sectional.
Obviously, the use of sectional floors enables storage platforms 21-24 to
be made shorter in length than storage platform 25. Of course, shorter
platform lengths require less structural support and therefore may be
structurally advantageous in some environments. It is possible to divide
activity floors 30 and 37, along with activity floor 44, into any number
of sections. If third activity floor 44 is sectioned, once activity floor
44 is positioned within activity area 7, any distance between the sections
would be filled with water such that they could freeze. When it is again
necessary to move third activity floor 44 into storage, the spaces between
the sections would be re-established by any means known in the art. It
should also be recognized at this point that although only three activity
floors have been discussed, the actual number of activity floors can vary
greatly. In the embodiment shown, first activity floor 30 constitutes a
general use floor, second activity floor 37 comprises a specific sport
activity floor such as a basketball court as shown in FIG. 2 and third
activity floor 44 comprises an ice rink as discussed above.
As also shown in FIG. 1, multi-activity complex 1 includes a lift assembly
generally indicated at 55. Lift assembly 55 includes a support base 57
having a base surface 60. Support base 57 is positioned by means of
various columns 61, each of which carries a top support member 62 in
engagement with support base 57. Each column 61 comprises a plurality of
telescoping sections 63, 64 and 65 which are attached to an anchor chamber
67. Specific details of lift assembly 55 will be further described below,
however, it should be understood that the structure and function of lift
assembly 55 is generally known in the art of jacks and is of the type
commonly used as automotive vehicle lift assemblies. In addition, base
surface 60 itself could define another activity floor. For instance, the
ice rink surface discussed above with respect to third activity floor 44
could be located upon support base 57. In this case, flexible
refrigeration hoses would extend to the refrigeration system and the other
activity floors could be alternately supported thereon. This arrangement
would be advantageous in that the ice would provide a firm and strong
support for the other activity floors and a unitary ice surface could be
provided without the need for an enlarged storage area.
Further details of the invention and particularly lift assembly 55 will now
be further described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Support base 57 of lift
assembly 55 comprises a plurality of I-beams 71 which extend across and
rest upon numerous support members 62. In the preferred embodiment,
I-beams 71 are slightly less in length than activity area 7 so as to
extend substantially the entire length of the selected activity floor,
which in FIGS. 2 and 3 is depicted as second activity floor 37. Although
only three laterally spaced columns are depicted in FIG. 1, four such
laterally spaced columns are utilized in the preferred embodiment to
support the selected activity floor 30, 37 or 44 as best shown in FIG. 2.
In addition, a plurality of longitudinally spaced columns 61 are provided
upon which each I-beam 71 rests. Of course, the number of columns 61 which
are utilized can be altered depending upon the structure of the playing
surfaces and the construction of the various floors, as well as the size
of each column 61 and I-beam 71. Again, it should be realized that
although columns 61 and each I-beam 71 have been disclosed as the
preferred manner in which the selected activity floor is vertically
supported in its in-use position, various other support arrangements, such
as telescoping truss structures or other known jack systems, could also be
used.
In the embodiment shown, lift assembly 55 comprises a hydraulic system and
includes at least one pump 80 which is adapted to draw hydraulic fluid
from a sump tank or accumulator 82 through a first fluid conduit 83. The
output from pump 80 is controlled by means of a control valve unit 85
which is in fluid communication with pump 80 through a second fluid
conduit 86. Various output conduits 89 extend from control valve unit 85
and are adapted to raise or lower telescoping sections 63-65 each column
61 simultaneously. As will be more fully discussed below, control for the
raising and lowering columns 61, as well as the movement of activity
floors 30, 37 and 44 to and from their storage and in-use positions, is
controlled by a closed loop control circuit 92.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4 and 5 in describing the manner in
which activity floors 30, 37 and 44 are shifted between their respective
storage and in-use positions. FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a portion of
first section 39 of second activity floor 37 and FIG. 5 depicts a detailed
side view of a portion of first section 39 of second activity floor 37 in
a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1. Secured to a lower surface (not
labeled) of first section 39 are a plurality of longitudinally spaced
elongated roller bearing attachment plates 96. Each attachment plate 96
has rotatably mounted thereon a plurality of laterally spaced rollers 98
by means of pins 99. As best shown in FIG. 4 and provided for in the
preferred embodiment of the invention, rollers 98 have an annular concave
rolling surface 100. Each roller 98 is secured to a given roller bearing
attachment plate 96 and is adapted to roll upon a laterally extending
guide rod 102. Laterally extending guide rod 102 is secured atop an
elongated guide rod attachment plate 104 fixedly secured to storage
platform 23. Although only a detailed explanation has been given of the
rolling connection between first section 39 of second activity floor 37
and storage platform 23, it should be readily understood that a similar
rolling connection exists between each activity floor 30, 37 and 44 and
its associated storage platform 21-25. In addition, support base 57 of
lift assembly 55 has also fixedly attached thereto a corresponding set of
guide rods 102 and elongated guide rod attachment plates 104. Therefore,
when support base 57 of lift assembly 55 is vertically positioned such
that base surface 60 is at a height corresponding to a predetermined
storage platform, the longitudinally spaced guide rods 102 provided on the
support platform will be aligned with the guide rods 102 on support base
57 of lift assembly 55 such that the activity floor rolled out of its
respective storage area and onto support base 57. Again, it should be
recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that various other guiding
and shifting arrangements for moving the activity floors into and out of
their respective storage areas may be utilized without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
Reference will now be made back to FIG. 1 in describing the system utilized
to automatically shift a predetermined activity floor from its respective
storage area to upon support base 57 of lift assembly 55 and vice-versa.
In the preferred embodiment, this shifting arrangement comprises a motor
driven cable assembly generally indicated at 114. Although numerous
assemblies can be utilized depending upon the number of activity floors
incorporated and the weight thereof, each motor driven cable assembly 114
includes winch unit 117 comprised of a motor 119 and a gear box 121. As
each of the activity floors incorporated in the multi-activity complex 1
of the present invention is preferably shifted in the same manner, a
detailed description will now be given to the manner in which the first
activity floor 30 is shifted from its respective storage areas 14 and 15
onto support base 57 of lift assembly 55 and it is to be understood that
the other activity floors can be shifted in a similar manner. Also,
although activity floors 30, 37 and 44 are shown to be stored to the left
and right of support base 57 in FIG. 1, these floors or additional floors
could be stored in areas of the complex which are located into and out of
the page depicting FIG. 1 as well.
Extending from gear box 121 is an extension cable 126 and a retraction
cable 128. An end 131 of extension cable 126 is secured to an outer end
portion 133 of first section 32. In a similar manner, end 135 of
retraction cable 128 is likewise connected to outer end portion 133 of
first section 32. Between its connection to first section 32 and its
connection within gear box 121, remote cable 126 extends around a first
guide pulley 137 and a second guide pulley 139. As shown in FIG. 1, first
guide pulley 137 is fixedly secured to support platform 21 adjacent
support structure 57 and second guide pulley 139 is attached to an end 140
of platform 21, removed from activity area 7. In a similar manner,
retraction cable 128 extends from its attachment to first section 32 of
activity floor 30 about a third guide pulley 142 and then is connected
within gear box 121. Although the internal structure of gear box 121 is
not particularly shown, it is to be understood that gear box 121 generally
comprises a winch arrangement as is known in the art and is driven by
motor 119. However, gear box 121 includes a reverse drive gear arrangement
such that as extension cable 126 is wound up within gear box 121, slack is
simultaneously provided on retraction cable 128. Likewise, when retraction
cable 128 is wound up within gear box 121, slack is provided on extension
cable 126.
As shown in FIG. 1, motor 119 has been operated such that extension cable
126 has been wound up within gear box 121 as far as possible while an
equal amount of retraction cable 128 has been permitted to unwind out of
gear box 121. Therefore, first section 32 of first activity floor 30 has
been shifted from storage area 14 onto support base 57. As previously
stated, the number of motors 119 and gear boxes 121 can vary in accordance
with the present invention depending the weight of the activity floors 30,
37 and 44 and also the friction coefficient between rollers 98 and guide
rods 102. Although it is possible to utilize separate motors 119 and gear
boxes 121 to shift each of the activity floors 30, 37 and 44, in the
preferred embodiment, a single motor 119 is used to alternatively drive
various shafts within a single gear box 121, through the use of clutches
or the like, such that a single gear box 121 can be utilized to wind and
unwind extension and retraction cables for multiple activity floors. In
addition, if multiple motors 119 are utilized, they will each be
electrically connected to closed loop control circuit 92 such that the
operation of the various motors 119 will be synchronized in order to
assure that, for example, first section 32 and second section 34 of first
activity floor 30 are simultaneously shifted between their respective
storage and in-use positions.
Although various motor driven cable assemblies 114 have been depicted in
the preferred embodiment of the invention for shifting the various
activity floors, it should be readily understood that various other types
of drive assemblies could also be incorporated including rack and pinion
systems as well as pneumatic floor lifting and shifting units. In
addition, these drive units may be used in combination with one another
such that, for example, a pneumatic lift system could be used to minimize
the rolling friction between rollers 98 and guide rods 102 such that
smaller motors 119 can be utilized. It should also be recognized that
motors 119, which in the preferred embodiment are hydraulic motors, could
also be electrically powered.
Reference will now be made to FIG. 6 in describing a preferred embodiment
of a locking arrangement for use in interconnecting two sections of an
activity floor that is shifted onto support base 57. In FIG. 6, the
locking arrangement comprises a rotary fluid latching mechanism 153 which
is used to interconnect first and second sections 32 and 34 of first
activity floor 30. Rotary fluid latching mechanism 153 includes a
rotary/linear actuator unit 157. Rotary/linear actuator unit 157 includes
a piston 159 having a locking plate 161 fixedly secured thereto, a
cylinder body 164, a motor 166 and a solenoid control valve assembly 169.
Solenoid control valve assembly 169 includes leads 171 and 172 which are
adapted to be connected to closed looped control circuit 92. In addition,
rotary fluid latching mechanism 153 is interconnected to a source of
hydraulic fluid pressure through an supply line 173.
As depicted in FIG. 6, cylinder body 164 is fixedly secured to second
section 34 of first activity floor 30. Rotary fluid latching mechanism 153
further includes a connector plate 178 which has a first end 179 thereof
fixedly secured to first section 32 of first activity floor 30. Connector
plate 178 is also provided with a longitudinally extending slot 182, i.e.
a slot that extends into the page as shown in FIG. 6, which as in length
slightly longer than the length of the locking plate 161. By this
arrangement, when first and second floor sections 32, 34 are fully shifted
onto support base 57 of lift assembly 55, rotary fluid latching mechanism
153 can be activated by closed loop control circuit 92 such that piston
159 is extended in the direction of arrow A until locking plate 161 freely
extends through slot 182 provided in connector plate 178. Once locking
plate 161 has fully passed through connector plate 178, rotary/linear
actuator unit 157 will be controlled to cause piston 159 to rotate in the
direction of arrow B such that locking plate 161 will assume the position
shown in FIG. 6. Finally, rotary/linear actuator unit 156 is controlled to
cause piston 159 to retract in the direction of arrow C in order to assure
that first section 32 and second section 34 of first activity floor 34
will be securely latched together. Of course, various longitudinally
spaced latching mechanisms 153 can be utilized between the sections of any
given flooring and any other type of latching mechanism known in the art
may also be utilized.
It should be pointed out that the particular construction of closed loop
control circuit 92 is not considered part of the present invention and
therefore has not been shown or described in detail. In general, closed
loop control circuit 92 comprises a computer processing unit (CPU) which
is programmed to sequentially operate the various control mechanisms
described above in a timed fashion in response to an operator manually
selecting the desired activity floor to be placed within activity area 7.
For example, if first activity floor 30 is located within activity area 7
and it is desired that first activity floor 30 be replaced by second
activity floor 37, an operator merely has to reposition a switch which
will cause close loop control circuit 92 to uncouple the various latching
mechanisms, properly position lift assembly 55 to the level of platforms
21 and 22 by adjusting the height of columns 61, reposition sections 32
and 34 of first activity floor 30 into their respective storage areas 14
and 15 by controlling motor driven cable assembly 114, again reposition
lift assembly 55, shift activity floor 37 upon support base 57, actuate
any locking mechanisms between first section 39 and second section 41 of
second activity floor 37 and finally reposition lift assembly 55. Another
activity floor can later be placed within activity area 7 in a similar
fashion. All of these sequential steps will be programmed into the CPU in
a manner similar to, for example, the operation of multiple, computer
controlled elevators in a high-rise building. In addition, control circuit
could be programmed to locate a particular activity floor at a
predetermined height within activity area 7 such that the vertical wall
portions of base 4 could be utilized if desired, for instance, if the
multi-activity complex were to be utilized for indoor soccer or floor
hockey.
Although described with respect to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
it should be readily understood that various changes and/or modifications
can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof.
For instance, it should be readily understood that the activity floors can
be constructed for use in other types of sporting and exhibition events as
well including tennis, volleyball, and the like. In general, the invention
is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims. | 4E
| 04 | B |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a partial, sectional view of an animal food dish of the invention
designated generally as 11. The food dish 11 includes a base 13 having a
bottom wall 15 with an upper surface 17 and a lower surface 19. The base
13 also has a generally vertically extending inner sidewall 21 which
defines an open interior 23 for the base. The vertically extending inner
sidewall 21 has an interior surface 25 and an exterior surface 27.
The base 13 also has a generally vertically extending outer sidewall 29
which surrounds the inner sidewall 21. The outer sidewall 29 is
spaced-apart from the inner sidewall 21 and has an outer sidewall 30 and
inner sidewall 31 which together define a moat cavity 32. The moat cavity
32 extends about the inner sidewall 21 in circumferential fashion. As best
seen in FIG. 1, the moat cavity 32 has an open top 33.
The inner sidewall 21 of the base 13 connects with the bottom wall 15 of
the base 13 in generally perpendicular fashion. The outer sidewall 29
connects to the inner sidewall 21 by a lower wall 34, whereby the exterior
of the inner sidewall 27 forms an inner wall of the moat cavity 32, the
inner sidewall, lower wall 34 and outer sidewall forming a generally
U-shaped configuration when viewed in cross-section.
The base 13 can also be provided with a depending support such as the
cylindrical support ring 51 formed as a part of the exterior surface 19 of
the base bottom wall 15 to prevent the base bottom wall from resting on
the ground or surrounding terrain.
The moat cavity 32 can be filled with any liquid which is effective to
prevent the ingress of crawling insects to the open interior 23 of the
base 13. The preferred liquid medium is water. However, it will be
understood that the liquid could be any insect repelling liquid since, as
will be explained, the open top 33 of the moat is covered during use.
The animal food dish 11 also includes a food bowl 35 which is adapted to be
received within the open interior 23 of the base 13. The food bowl 13 has
a bottom wall 37 with an interior surface 39 and an exterior surface 41
and has a connecting sidewall 43. The connecting sidewall 43 has a bottom
region 45 and a top region 47, the top region 47 terminating in an
outwardly extending, peripheral flange 49 which extends horizontally
outward from the top region 47 of the connecting sidewall 43 to cover the
open top 33 of the moat cavity in use.
The base open interior 23 is generally cylindrical in the preferred
embodiment, with the food dish 35 having a generally frusto-conical
exterior which is closely received within the open interior 23 of the base
13 in the assembled position shown in FIG. 1. In the assembled position,
the connecting sidewall 43 of the food bowl 35 tapers outwardly from the
bottom region 45 to the top region 47 thereof, whereby a void space
(illustrated generally a 53 in FIG. 1) is created between the connecting
sidewall 43 of the food dish 35 and the inner sidewall 21 of the base 13.
Fastening means are preferably provided for securing the base 13 to the
food bowl 35. The fastening means can conveniently comprise a plurality of
spaced-apart positioning ribs 55 extending in a horizontal plane from the
inner sidewall 21 of the base 13 and a plurality of mating locking ribs 57
extending in a horizontal plane from the connecting sidewall 43 of the
food bowl 35. The locking ribs 57 are preferably positioned at a lower
relative vertical position on the connecting sidewall 43 of the food bowl
35 than the vertical position of the positioning ribs 55 on the base 13,
whereby the locking ribs 57 of the food bowl 35 are moveable between
locked and unlocked positions with respect to the positioning ribs 55 of
the base 13 by rotating the locking ribs 57 into and out of registration
with the positioning ribs 55, respectively.
At least one stop member 59 extends downwardly from each positioning rib 55
within the open interior 23 of the base 13 for limiting rotational
movement of the food bowl 35 within the open interior 23 of the base 13 as
the locking ribs 57 are engaged with the mating positioning ribs 55.
Preferably, each positioning rib 55 is provided with a stop member 59.
In operation, the moat cavity 32 is first filled with a liquid, such as
water and the food bowl 35 is then inserted within the open interior 23 of
the base 13. The food bowl 35 is lowered downwardly until the locking ribs
57 pass between the spaces located between the positioning ribs 55,
thereby allowing the food dish 35 to be lowered and rotated within the
open interior 23 of the base 13. Once the locking ribs 57 are located
beneath the positioning ribs 55 with the locking ribs 57 contacting the
stop members 59, the assembly is complete. The animal's food can then be
placed within the interior of the food bowl 35 without danger of
contamination by crawling insects attempting to cross the liquid within
the open interior 31 of the moat.
An invention has been provided with several advantages. The animal food
dish of the invention is simple in design and economical to manufacture.
The food dish can conveniently be formed from a synthetic plastic material
which is injection molded. Because the horizontal flange of the food bowl
covers the circumferential moat provided as a part of the base, the
animal's food never contacts the liquid contained in the moat cavity,
thereby preventing spoilage of the food, unpleasant odors and the
possibility of disease or infection. The fastening means provides a
cooperative engagement between the food bowl and base to prevent the food
bowl from being dislodged, allowing spillage of the animal's food. The
overall design of the food dish is that of concentric bodies having a low
profile center of gravity with the liquid contained in the circumferential
moat serving to further stabilize the base and prevent overturning of the
food dish. The food dish can be easily and quickly disassembled for
cleaning. The sidewalls of the food bowl taper outwardly from bottom to
top, providing the animal greater accessibility to the food bowl interior
and lessening the chance of food spoilage.
While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus
limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without
departing from the spirit thereof. | 0A
| 01 | K |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the embodiment shown, the invention is applied to a fluid reservoir for
containing screen wash liquid for washing the front and rear windscreens
and optionally the head lights of a car.
Referring firstly to FIG. 1, the fluid reservoir module 1, often called a
"wash bottle", can be seen, together with the fuel tank module 3 with
which it is associated in an exploded view.
The fluid reservoir module 1 comprises a container portion 5, and two fluid
pumps 7 and 9 located on the front of the container 5. The pump 7 is
located in the side of a protrusion 11 to which is also attached the
controlling circuitry 13. The pump 9 is mounted in the side of a second
protrusion 12 located below the protrusion 11. A third pump, 14 which
cannot be seen in this figure is also provided, in line with the first
pump 7 but on the opposite side of a protrusion 11. The pumps are suitably
attached to the container 5 by overcentre snap catches as will be
described hereafter in connection with FIG. 6. Other methods of attachment
may be used. Feed to each of the pumps is by a snap in connector boss 15,
suitably using a grommet (not shown) to provide a liquid tight seal.
Suitably the inlet connector bosses may have extension pipes at the end
thereof so that the extension pipes extend to the bottom of the container
5 so that feed to the pumps is always from the bottom of the container 5
ensuring that the full volume of the container 5 is available for use.
Fluid supply pipes from the pumps are shown at 17, 19 and 21 and a filler
pipe, of significantly larger diameter, for filling the container is shown
at 23.
The container 5 is of a slightly downwardly tapered shape and when it is
assembled to the fuel tank module 3, it is received in an indentation in
the fuel tank module in the form of a channel with a reducing width in the
downward direction. This enables the container 5 to be slid downwards into
the channel 25 without it being able to fall straight through the channel
25. In order to secure the container 5 in the channel 25, the channel 25
is provided with a pair of opposed ribs 27 which will, in the assembled
state of the container 5, be located in front of the largest width part of
the container 5 so as to prevent it from moving forwardly out of the
channel 25 without in any way hindering access to the various parts of the
container to which connections need to be made.
Final locking of the container 5 in the channel 25 is achieved by means of
a flange 28 which passes across the opening of the channel and cooperates
with a snap on retainer 29 molded on or otherwise provided on the
container 5.
FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a suitable arrangement for the fluid
reservoir--fuel tank arrangement shown in FIG. 1. In the present instance,
the fuel tank 3 is located beneath the rear seat 31 of the five door
vehicle, only the rear end of which is shown at 33. In the diagrammatic
illustration shown, the relative position of the fluid reservoir module 1
is clearly indicated. As can be seen from the figure, the fuel tank filler
pipe 35 is routed to the outside of the vehicle enabling the tank to be
filled through a filler arrangement 37 in the usual way. The filler pipe
23 of the fluid reservoir module 1 is routed through the vehicle underbody
39 and around the periphery of the boot space to end in a filler
arrangement 41 located just behind the rear door opening so as to be
accessible once the rear door 43 has been raised. The location of the
filler arrangement 41 can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 3. As can
be seen, the filler arrangement 41 is closed by a sealing flap 45 which
prevents the contents of the container 5 being spilt into the luggage
space or in the near vicinity when the container 5 is full.
To prevent venting problems, should they occur, an additional smaller pipe
(not shown) may be run from the highest point of the container 5 alongside
the filler pipe 23 to ensure free flow of fluid into the container even if
the filling arrangement 41 is located a relatively long distance from the
container 5. Not only does this additional venting pipe prevent air locks
from occurring but also allows washing fluid to be freely drawn from the
container 5 by the pumps 7, 9 and 14.
The entire assembly of the fluid reservoir--fuel tank arrangement is
retained in position in the vehicle by means of a steel strap 46 which
forces the upper surface of the arrangement against the vehicle underbody
39 to ensure that both the fluid reservoir module 1 and the fuel tank
module 3 are adequately retained. Gluing or other mechanical devices may
alternatively be used for this purpose.
FIG. 4 shows a detail of the container 5 showing the arrangement of the
electrical components and pump assemblies. The power supplied to the fluid
pumps 7, 9 and 14 is channeled through a two part composite connector 51
which allows a single operation to connect the power of the vehicle to the
pumps. The female half 53 of the composite connector 51 is connected to
the respective pumps 7, 9 and 14 prior to the assembly of the fluid
reservoir module 1 to the fuel tank module 3.
The composite connector 51 may be fixed to the protrusion 11 of the
container 5 by gluing or by mechanical fixing. In the example shown here,
an arm 55 is used to hold the main body 57, the connector 51 being further
retained by means of a localized raised section 59 which mates with a
corresponding recess 61 in the main body 57 of the connector 51.
In FIG. 4, only the pump 14 is shown, its electrical connections to the
power supply from the composite connector 51 being shown at 60 and its
pipework connection being shown at 62.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the paths which may be followed by the pipework
supplying washing fluid to the washer nozzles. As shown, three separate
paths are provide. One, shown in full lines at 71, feeds the nozzle 73 for
the rear windscreen 75. A second, shown in broken lines at 77, feeds the
two nozzles 79 for the front windscreen 81 while a third, shown in dotted
lines at 83, feeds the two nozzles 85 for the head lamps. Each of these
paths is fed by a single one of the pumps 7, 9 and 14.
Thus, the pipework 71 for the rear screen runs from its pump along the rear
upper surface of the fuel tank 3 (thus avoiding close proximity to the
vehicle exhaust pipe (not shown). The pipework would then pass up the
adjacent pillar to the vehicle head lining, running beneath the head
lining to the rear door 43 and so to the spray jet 73.
The front windscreen pipework 77 is fed from its pump up the appropriate
pillar and beneath the head lining to the front of the vehicle. There, it
passes down the appropriate pillar, through the bulkhead 91 and across the
vehicle to the spray jets 79.
The pipework 83 for the headlamps follows the same route as the pipework 77
but, at the bulkhead 91, it continues along the exterior of the engine
compartment to the front upper cross beam 93 to the headlamp spray nozzles
85.
FIG. 6 shows a suitable form of overcentre snap connector 101 which can be
used both for mounting the pumps 7, 9 and 14, and, in a different size,
for retaining the pipework 71, 77 and 83. Thus the connector 101 is in the
form of a resiliently formed strap 103 having a loop 105 to surround the
member 107 being held thereby. As can be seen, the loop 105 has an opening
109 which is somewhat smaller than the member 107 so that it can be
snapped onto the member 107, thus retaining it in the loop 105, the strap
103 itself is fastened, suitably by its ends, to the structure to which
the member 107 is to be secured.
It will be appreciated that the above describes only one embodiment of a
fluid reservoir-fuel tank arrangement and many other possibilities exist
within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the exact location
of the fuel tank is immaterial and the invention can be applied to any
suitable fuel tank wherever this may be located. The routing of the
various pipework will depend on the particular construction of the vehicle
on which the invention is used. In some cases, only two of the pumps will
be needed where, for example, no headlamp washers are provided. On a
saloon car, which does not have a rear wash wipe system only one pump may
be required.
In a further alternative one pump may carry out more than one function.
Thus the function of front windscreen washer and headlamp washer may be
combined.
The fixing of the fuel reservoir module to the fuel tank module may be
carried other means, such as gluing.
It will also be understood that while the fluid reservoir described has
been for the windscreen and headlight washing fluid, the fluid reservoir
could be used as a reservoir for any other liquids which may be required
to be topped up. It is even feasible to imagine that in some
circumstances, more than one fluid reservoir could be provided, each
containing a fluid for different purposes.
From the above, it will be appreciated that the above described embodiment
allows the use of a standard shape of reservoir which can be used in any
shape of fuel tank. Thus the number of components having to have a
customized shape for each vehicle can be reduced. The above described
embodiments also allow for a fuel tank and reservoir to be supplied to a
motor manufacturer in a pre-assembled form, thus reducing the number of
operations needed to be carried out by the motor manufacturer. | 1B
| 65 | D |
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
To reduce the chance of misjudgement with exposure in the scene and to assure every scene to obtain proper exposure compensation, the present invention provides an automatic exposure control method different from the prior art. The method is explained by means of the disclosed embodiments together with the accompanying drawings as follows.
FIG. 3is a flowchart of an automatic exposure control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 3, six steps are included, which include a plurality of steps302,304,306,308,310and312. In which, step302is to establish a coordinate system. Referring toFIG. 4, a flowchart for establishing a coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
Six sub-steps in total are included for step302, which are a plurality of sub-steps402,404,406,408,410and412, as shown inFIG. 4. First, at the sub-step402, a plurality of image samples are provided. Next at the sub-step404, the exposure compensation value corresponding to each scene category is assigned, which can be better understood by referring toFIGS. 5a-5f, which include a plurality of luminance histograms corresponding to a variety of scenes according to an embodiment of the present invention. In which, the gray-level value is represented by the abscissa and the pixel count is represented by the ordinate. InFIGS. 5a-5f, there are two lines with downward arrows502and504, which represent a bright region threshold value and a dark region threshold value for defining a bright region518and a dark region520, respectively. In general, the exposure of a photographic scene can be divided into several categories: normal front-lighting, dark scene, back-lighting, strong front-lighting, strong back-lighting, and highlight scene, and which are corresponded to a plurality of distribution curves506,508,510,512,514and516in a plurality of luminance histograms shown inFIGS. 5a-5f, respectively. It is clear that the luminance distribution curves of the images have different shapes under different scene conditions inFIGS. 5a-5f, which in particular, the acquisition image pixel counts in the bright regions and the dark regions of the luminance histogram for the corresponding scenes have different characteristics. The distribution curve506represents an ideal scene; therefore, all other remaining scenes corresponding to the distribution curves508,510,512and514would be corrected according to the assigned corresponding exposure compensation values for achieving the same effects as the ideal scene.
Afterwards at the sub-step406, it is to calculate the bright area ratios of all image samples, in which a bright area ratio is obtained by tabulating the total count of pixels with a luminance higher than the bright region threshold value (by tabulating the pixel count of the bright region518), followed by calculating the ratio of the pixel count of the bright region over the total image pixel count. Then at the sub-step408, it is for calculating the dark area ratios of all image samples, in which a dark area ratio is obtained by tabulating the count of pixels with a luminance lower than the dark region threshold value (by tabulating the pixel count of the dark region520), followed by calculating the ratio of the pixel count of the dark region over the total image pixel count. Further at the sub-step410, it is for determining the positions of the image samples in the coordinate system.FIG. 6is a plotted chart of a coordinate system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 6, the abscissa X (BR) represents the bright area ratio of the image and the ordinate Y (DR) represents the dark area ratio of the image. A massive amount of image statistic data are obtained from various scenes and the statistic data are plotted on the coordinate plane. Thus, a bright area ratio and a dark area ratio which correspond to every image sample would be forming to a data point on the coordinate plane. Considering that the maximum summation value of any pair of a bright area ratio and a dark area ratio is ‘1’, therefore, all the above-described coordinate points must fall inside the lower sector below an oblique line602inFIG. 6; and the oblique line602can be expressed by the equation X+Y=1.
To more clearly distinguish the typical scenes from one another, the above-described coordinate system can be converted into a coordinate system of angle-distance (θ-γ). Subsequently, all the coordinate points corresponding to the image samples are illustrated inFIG. 7, which includes an exposure compensation zone diagram using a coordinate system of angle-distance according to an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 7, represents the angular separation between the radius line of a coordinate point (a connecting line between the point and the original point) and the abscissa inFIG. 6; and represents the summation value of the corresponding bright area ratio (X, the abscissa value inFIG. 6) and the corresponding dark area ratio (Y, the ordinate value inFIG. 6). It is noticeable that the image coordinate points corresponding to different scenes in the angle-distance coordinate system are always distributed in cluster form.
Furthermore at the sub-step412, it is for defining all of the sub-ranges. Since the image coordinate points corresponding to the different scenes in the angle-distance coordinate system are always distributed in cluster form as shown inFIG. 7; therefore, the angle-distance coordinate system can be divided into several blocks to distinguish the sub-ranges corresponding to a highlight scene, a normal front-lighting, a back-lighting, a strong back-lighting, a strong front-lighting, and a dark scene. The sub-ranges are arranged as shown inFIG. 7, where the blocks702,704,706,708and710represent the highlight scene, the back-lighting and strong back-lighting, the strong front-lighting, the dark scene, and the normal front-lighting, respectively. In the embodiment, the back-lighting and the strong back-lighting belong to the same block704, hence they have the same exposure compensation value. Corresponding to all of the scenes, the exposure compensation values are +0, +1, −1, +2 and +0, respectively.
Except for the above-described sub-ranges, for a more accurate exposure compensation, a person skilled in the art can further define all of the sub-ranges depending on the accuracy requirements. For example, the above-described angle-distance coordinate system can be further divided into more blocks.FIG. 8is another exposure compensation zone diagram using a coordinate system of angle-distance according to an embodiment of the present invention, where there are 25 blocks in total with different exposure compensation values corresponding toFIG. 9, which is an exposure difference table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, each block inFIG. 8corresponds to one of the exposure difference value inFIG. 9. For example, the blocks802,804and806inFIG. 8correspond to the boxes902,904and906inFIG. 9. In the embodiment, the normal front-lighting region (i.e. the above-mentioned normal front-lighting sub-range) and the highlight scene region are counted under the normal light source conditions, as a result the EV adjustment is not needed. The back-lighting region and the strong back-lighting region require a supplementary lighting. In addition, the exposure difference value is assigned by a positive value due to an excessively dark principal object, and in particular, a larger exposure difference value is assigned to the strong back-lighting region. The strong front-lighting required reduced lighting and the corresponding exposure difference value is accordingly assigned by a negative value due to an excessively bright principal object. The dark scene region requires supplementary lighting for improving the brightness of the overall photograph image, and the exposure difference value should be a positive value due to an excessively low overall brightness. From the above described, the established exposure difference table is able to handle different scene conditions for proper corresponding exposure compensation.
After defining the sub-ranges, i.e. after the final sub-step412of step302inFIG. 4, it arrives at the next step, step304. Referring toFIG. 3again, the step304is for setting a bright region threshold value and a dark region threshold value inside the luminance histogram. After the image data is inputted, it comes to step306, where a bright area ratio of the image is calculated. That is, a ratio of the pixel count of the pixels with a luminance higher than the bright region threshold value over the total image pixel count in the image is calculated. Then, it comes to step308, where a dark area ratio of the image is calculated. That is, a ratio of the pixel count of the pixels with a luminance lower than the dark region threshold value over the total image pixel count in an image is calculated. At the step310, the image position in the coordinate system is determined based on the corresponding bright area ratio and the dark area ratio.
Furthermore at step312, according to the sub-range where the image is located and the corresponding exposure compensation value, the EV of the image is compensated. The step312can be further divided into four sub-steps.FIG. 10is a flowchart of defining an exposure compensation value according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 10, at a first sub-step1002, a border region of every sub-range is defined. In the following sections, the purpose and procedure for defining the border regions are described.
As the coordinate point corresponding to an image falls in one of the above-described sub-ranges, the corresponding exposure difference value of the sub-range is used for exposure compensation. However, sometime the situation is somewhat complicated. That is, the scene category represented by the sub-range may not be the suitable scene category for the image. To overcome the aforementioned problem, the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range where the coordinate point is located and the exposure compensation value of adjacent range are taken for a weighted average calculation; and the weighted average result is utilized as the exposure compensation value of the image.FIG. 11is a plotted diagram showing the weighted average algorithm of the exposure compensation values according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 11, a sub-range1102is corresponded to a highlight scene. A border region1106represents the range where the image samples of back-lighting and strong front-lighting are distributed in the most concentrated fashion, and the region1106is still belongs to the sub-range1102. A border region1108represents the range where the image samples of highlight scene are distributed in the most concentrated fashion, and the region1108is still belongs to the sub-range1104. In another words, a border region of the current sub-range is defined by the image samples of the scene category corresponding to the adjacent sub-range to obtain the most concentrated distribution in the current sub-range. The aforementioned definition is applicable to other border regions. A coordinate point1110represents a coordinate point of a highlight scene but is located in the sub-range1104(of back-lighting and strong front-lighting). C1represents the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range1102. C2represents the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range1104. A curve1112represents the C2proportion line which has a value of ‘1’ within the sub-range1104, and is linearly declined to ‘0’ from the border line1116between the sub-range1102and the sub-range1104to the border of the range where the image samples of the corresponding scene of the sub-range1104is distribute in the most concentrated fashion and is still belonging to the sub-range1102(i.e. the edge of the border region1106). A curve1114represents the C1proportion line, which has a value of ‘1’ within the sub-range1102and is linearly declined to ‘0’ from the border line1116between the sub-range1102and the sub-range1104to the border of the range where the image samples of the corresponding scene of the sub-range1102is distributed in the most concentrated fashion and is still belonging to the sub-range1104(i.e. the edge of the border region1108). A u1represents a proportion value on the curve1114corresponding to the coordinate point1110; u2represents a proportion value on the curve1112corresponding to the coordinate point1110.
When the coordinate point1110of the highlight scene is fallen in the sub-range1104(back-lighting and strong front-lighting), the corresponding weighted average exposure compensation value can be calculated by the following equation (1):
WeightedAverageExposureCompensationValue=C1×u1+C2×u2u1+u2(1)
The equation (1) is not limited to the coordinate points, which are fallen in the border region between the sub-range1102and the sub-range1104. In fact, equation (1) can be used for calculating the weighted average exposure compensation values of the coordinate points, which are fallen in other border regions.
After the border regions are defined (i.e. the sub-step1002inFIG. 10is finished), it comes to the next sub-step, step1004. Referring toFIG. 10, the sub-step1004is for determining whether or not the position of an image in the coordinate system is fallen out of a border region. If yes, it then comes to sub-step1006where the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range which the image position is fallen in is used as the exposure compensation value. If no, it comes to the sub-step1008where the corresponding exposure compensation value of the sub-range in which the image position is fallen in and the corresponding exposure compensation value of the adjacent sub-range are used for the weighted averaging calculation for an exposure compensation.
In the above-described automatic exposure control method, the step306and the step308inFIG. 3have no noticeable priority and can be interchanged among each other. Similarly, the sub-step406and the sub-step408inFIG. 4have no noticeable priority and can be interchanged among each other as well. The sub-step1004inFIG. 10is also not limited to judge whether or not the position of an image in the coordinate system has fallen out of a border region. It is also used to judge whether or not the position of an image in the coordinate system has fallen within a border region. Thus, the sub-step1006and the sub-step1008would be performed depending upon a result of a judgment.
FIG. 12is a block diagram of a digital image acquisition device in an automatic exposure compensation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital image acquisition device inFIG. 12includes a digital signal processor1202, an automatic exposure compensation apparatus1204, a light-metering unit1206, and an adder1216. The automatic exposure compensation apparatus1204includes a luminance statistic unit1210, an index calculation unit1212, and a lookup table1214. In addition, inFIG. 12, ‘Input’ represents the image data input, θ and γ represent the indexes, i.e. an abscissa value and an ordinate value in the angle-distance coordinate system, respectively.
The digital signal processor1202inFIG. 12receives an image data input ‘Input’ for performing an image processing, followed by outputting of the processed image data to the light-metering unit1206and the luminance statistic unit1210. The luminance statistic unit1210performs statistical tabulation on the image data for obtaining the bright region pixel count corresponding to the pixels with a luminance higher than the bright region threshold value and a statistical tabulation on the image data for obtaining the dark region pixel count corresponding to the pixels with a luminance lower than the dark region threshold value. The above-mentioned bright region threshold value and dark region threshold value are predetermined. The index calculation unit1212is coupled to the luminance statistic unit1210for generating at least an index according to the bright region pixel count and the dark region pixel count.
In another embodiment, the luminance statistic unit1210further is used for calculating a ratio of the bright region pixel count over the total image pixel count and a ratio of the dark region pixel count over the total image pixel count, so that a bright area ratio and a dark area ratio of the image are obtained, respectively. The index calculation unit1212would generate at least an index according to the output of the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio from the luminance statistic unit1210.
In the embodiment, the index calculation unit1212generates the indexes θ and γ according to the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio, and outputs the indexes to the lookup table1214, where a corresponding exposure compensation value according to the indexes is accordingly outputted. Afterwards, the adder1216performs a summation on the output from the light-metering unit1206and the exposure compensation value output from the lookup table1214; and an exposure control value Output1is outputted. In the end, the digital image acquisition unit (a digital camera, for example) shall determine how to change an exposure compensation in accordance to the exposure control value Output1(for example, by controlling the shutter and the aperture of the digital camera based on the exposure control value). The content of the above-described lookup table1214must be pre-established according to a procedure, which is explained in detail hereinafter inFIG. 14.
According to the scheme of exposure control and compensation of the present invention, the automatic exposure control method can be implemented according to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 13.FIG. 13is a flowchart of an automatic exposure control method according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which there are six steps in total. First at a step1302, a lookup table is established, which can be divided into seven sub-steps as shown inFIG. 14.FIG. 14is a flowchart for establishing a lookup table according to another embodiment of the present invention. In which, a plurality of steps1402,1404,1406,1408,1410and1412are the same as the sub-steps402,404,406,408,410and412inFIG. 4. For the sake of simplicity, its further description shall be omitted. However, the sub-step1414after the sub-step1412is a step of whichFIG. 4does not possesses. At the sub-step1414, a lookup table is to be completed according to a corresponding relationship between the sub-ranges and the corresponding exposure compensation values. Once the sub-step1414is completed, the step1302for establishing a lookup table inFIG. 13is completed as well, followed by a plurality of steps1304,1306and1308. Referring toFIG. 13once again, the steps1304,1306, and1308are the same as the steps304,306and308inFIG. 3. After the step1308, in which a bright area ratio and a dark area ratio are calculated, a step1310is to be performed. At the step1310, a corresponding exposure compensation value of the image is obtained from the lookup table according to the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio. In the end at a step1312, the exposure value (EV) of the image is compensated according to the exposure compensation value.
FIG. 15is a coordinate system diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 15, on a coordinate plane formed by the bright area ratio of images (abscissa) and the dark area ratio of images (ordinate), a large number of statistical image data are plotted with corresponding coordinate points. Furthermore, the coordinate plane is divided into a plurality of blocks, which are identified as a highlight scene, a normal front-lighting, a back-lighting and strong front-lighting, and a strong front-lighting, and a dark scene. Referring toFIG. 15, the automatic exposure control method can be described as follows: first, the exposure value selected by the first exposure is used for determining whether or not the photographic scene is a dark scene; if it is a dark scene, the procedure then follows the supplementary lighting method of a dark scene for correcting the exposure; if it is not a dark scene, the summation of the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio (i.e. the sum of the abscissa value and the ordinate value) and the difference between the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio (i.e. the difference between the abscissa value and the ordinate value) are used for determining in which block the photographic image position is fallen in. Then, an exposure difference is obtained from an inspection of the exposure difference table established by all corresponding blocks. As a result, there is no need to perform a coordinate system conversion (to convert a coordinate system formed by the bright area ratio and the dark area ratio into a coordinate system formed by angle and distance) for achieving the goal of automatic exposure correction. Therefore, the overall operation is simplified and accomplishes hardware savings.
In summary, the automatic exposure control method is able to perform an appropriate exposure compensation on photographic scenes under conditions of back-lighting, strong front-lighting, or dark scene. For a scene under a condition of normal front-lighting or highlight scene, the original exposure value can be kept as well. Therefore, a scene can be photographed on an image frame with a much clearer and more realistic lifelike quality.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.
| 7H
| 04 | N |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a handgun 2 at various states of assembly. Handgun 2
is, in its preferred embodiment, a Smith and Wesson 9 mm model 5904
modified according to the present invention. Since many of the parts of
this weapon are well known, they will not be described in detail. Rather,
the primary descriptions will be with regard to the improvements made to
this weapon which permit it to be automatically disabled once armed and
then released, such as by being dropped, by the user.
Broadly, handgun 2 includes a body 4 and a magazine or clip 6. Body 4
includes broadly a barrel/receiver assembly 8 and a handle assembly 10
extending from assembly 8. Barrel/receiver assembly 8 includes a firing
mechanism 12 shown best in FIGS. 3A-3C. Firing mechanism 12 includes a
trigger 14, a hammer 16, both pivotally mounted to a unitary case 18 shown
best in FIG. 1, and a hammer draw bar 20 coupling trigger 14 and hammer
16. Hammer 16 is biased forward, that is in the direction of arrow 22, by
a stirrup spring assembly 24.
Draw bar 20 has a cut-out 26 within which an extension 28 of trigger 14 is
situated. Extension 28 has a tip 30 which engages and bears against a
concave region 32 formed in the distal end 34 of draw bar 20. Draw bar 20
is biased in the direction of arrow 36 in FIG. 3A by a trigger spring 38.
That is, trigger spring 38 biases draw bar 20 both rearwardly and upwardly
so that the proximal end 40 of draw bar 20 is normally biased against the
serrated or notched engagement surface 42 of hammer 16. The proximal
movement, that is in the direction of arrow 44, is limited by the
engagement of a hook portion 46 at distal end 34 of draw bar 20 with the
pivot pin 48 to which trigger 14 is pivotally mounted. This is best seen
by comparing FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Pulling on trigger 14, indicated by arrow 44 of FIG. 3B, causes draw bar 20
to move generally distally in the direction of arrow 50 as shown in FIG.
3B. The engagement of proximal end 40 of draw bar 20 with notched
engagement surface 42 of hammer 16 causes the hammer to pivot in the
direction of arrow 52 against the bias of stirrup spring assembly 24.
Continued movement of trigger 14 in the direction of arrow 44 will cause
the disengagement of proximal end 40 and surface 42, thus allowing stirrup
spring assembly 24 to rotate hammer 16 in the direction of arrow 22, thus
allowing hammer 16 to contact firing pin 51 (shown only in FIG. 3A) to
drive the firing pin against the bias of a firing pin spring 53 and
against cartridge 55 to fire the weapon.
The above-described structure and functions are all generally conventional.
The present invention interacts with firing mechanism 12 in the same
manner as actuation of safety 54 shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. That is, to
disable handgun 2 in a conventional manner, safety 54 is rotated
downwardly by the user. This cams lever 56 which drives draw bar 20 in the
direction of arrow 58 as indicated in FIG. 3C. Doing so causes draw bar 20
to become disengaged from hammer 16 so that pulling on trigger 14 does
nothing with regard to the hammer so that the weapon does not fire.
Although disabling the weapon in the present invention could be done any
number of ways, such as by interfering with the movement of hammer 16 or
trigger 14, in the preferred embodiment the disabling function is
accomplished the same way as accomplished by safety 54, that is by driving
hammer draw bar 20 downwardly so to disengage from hammer 16.
As shown in FIGS. 1-1B, barrel/receiver assembly 8 includes a barrel
housing 60 mounted to case 18, using an assembly pin 61, and housing a
barrel 62. Assembly 8 also includes a recoil spring 64 extending over a
recoil bar 66. These are all conventional components. The conventional
components of handgun 2 also include a main spring 68, used to bias hammer
16 in the direction of arrow 22. Main spring is part of stirrup spring
assembly 24. The base of main spring 68 is housed within a spring housing
70 within handle 10. Handle 10 includes a handgrip 72 which fits over the
handle portion 74 of case 18. Finally, a hammer pin 76 is mounted to case
18 about which hammer 16 pivots. Handgrip 72 is secured to handle portion
74 of case 18 by a mounting pin 78.
The remaining components shown in FIG. 1 are part of the modification of
the conventional components shown in the figures. These components are
collectively referred to as the firing mechanism disabling components 80.
Components 80 include an actuation bar 82 pivotally mounted to the butt
end 84 of handle portion 74 of case 18 by a pivot pin 86. The upper end 88
of actuation bar 82 has a through hole 90 formed through it. One end of
through hole 90 accepts the shorter end 92 of a wire form 94. Wire form 94
is housed within case 18 and has a longer end 96 which is positioned above
hammer draw bar 20 as shown best in FIGS. 3A-3C. Wire form 94 is also
shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2.
The other end of hole 90 is engaged by the bent end 98 of an interlock
block 100. Interlock block 100 has straight sections 102, 104 that fit
within slots 106, 108 formed in handle portion 74 of case 18. This
arrangement permits interlock block 100 to move in forward or proximal and
rearward or distal directions, thus pivoting actuation bar 82 about pivot
pin 86 as it does so. Interlock block 100 includes a blind bore, not
shown, at its lower edge, see FIG. 2, into which the upper end 110 of a
spring wire 112 is mounted. The lower end 114 of spring wire 112 is housed
within an angled slot 116 formed in handle portion 74 adjacent butt end
84. Spring wire 112 is held in place by the head of a screw 118 which
engages a threaded hole 120 formed in handle portion 74 adjacent angled
slot 116. Spring wire 112 is sized and positioned so to bias actuation bar
82 in distal direction 50. Doing so pulls longer end 96 of wire form 94
downwardly, that is in the direction of arrow 58 of FIG. 3C, thus
disabling handgun 2 by causing proximal end 40 of draw bar 20 to disengage
from notched engagement surface 42 of hammer 16 as shown in FIG. 3C.
Firing mechanism disabling components 80 also include an interlock slide
122 shaped like an inverted T. Interlock slide 122 has a main shank 124
which slides within a shallow cut-out 126 formed in case 18. A generally
U-shaped spring 128 is used to bias interlock slide 122 downwardly, that
is towards interlock block 100. The upper leg 130 of spring 128 is
captured within a spring slot 132 formed in case 18 while the lower leg
134 of spring 128 engages a laterally extending boss 136, positioned near
the upper end of shank 124. The lower end 138 of interlock slide 122 is
sized to engage a complementary recess 140 formed in interlock block 100.
Boss 136 extends through a slot 142 formed in handgrip 72. A button or
switch 144 is mounted to boss 136 by a screw 145. Switch 144 can be moved
from the lowered or first position of FIG. 2 by the user pressing,
typically with his or thumb, upwardly in the direction of arrow 146 to
permit the removal of lower end 138 of interlock slide 122 from recess 140
of interlock block 100. Doing so permits the user to rotate actuation bar
82 by pressing on bar 82 in proximal direction 44. Prior to raising switch
144, engagement of end 138 within recess 140 prevents pivotal movement of
actuation bar 82 in proximal direction 44, thus maintaining handgun 2 in a
deactuated or safe condition. After moving switch 144 from the first
position of FIG. 2 upwardly to a second position, actuation bar 82 can
then be pivoted proximally or rearwardly in the direction of arrow 44,
thus moving longer end 96 of wire form 94 upwardly in the general
direction of arrow 146, thus permitting the engagement of proximal end 40
of draw bar 20 with surface 42 of hammer 16. In this position, pulling on
trigger 14 causes hammer 16 to pivot in the direction of arrow 52 to
compress main spring 68 so that, at the end of the travel of trigger 14,
proximal end 40 of draw bar 20 disengages from surface 42, as is
conventional, allowing hammer 16 to pivot back in the direction of arrow
22 to fire the weapon.
In use, the magazine 6 is loaded with rounds of ammunition in a
conventional manner and then inserted through an opening 148 in butt end
84 of handle portion 74 of case 18. A round can be chambered into barrel
62 by pulling barrel housing 60 in a rearward or proximal direction 44 and
then returning barrel 60 back to its distal or forward position. Doing so
also cocks hammer 16 to the position of FIG. 3B. If handgun 2 is not to be
fired at that time, hammer 16 is pulled back slightly, trigger 14 is
pulled and the hammer is allowed to slowly return to the position of FIGS.
2 and 3A so as not to cause a discharge of the weapon.
Assuming handgun 2 is in user's holster, switch 144 and actuation bar 82,
which acts as a second switch, assume their positions of FIG. 2 naturally
by virtue of spring wire 112 biasing interlock block 100 in proximal
direction 44 causing interlock slide 122 to ride over the upper edge of
interlock block 100 until lower end 138 engages recess 140.
In the condition of FIGS. 2 and 3C, handgun 2 is in a safe condition so
that pulling on trigger 14 will not cause the weapon to discharge. If the
need arises to draw the weapon from the holster, shown schematically in
phantom in FIG. 2 as 150, the officer can arm handgun 2 during this
process. Grasping handle 10, the officer presses on first switch 144 in
the direction of arrow 146 with the officer's thumb while grasping handle
10. Once lower end 138 has cleared recess 140, the user's fingers grasping
handle 10 causes actuation bar 82 to be pivoted in the direction of arrow
44, thus raising longer end 96 of wire form 94. This permits draw bar
spring 38 to pivot draw bar 20 in the direction of arrow 36 so that end 40
and surface 42 become engaged, as shown in FIG. 3A. Handgun 2 is now
enabled so that pulling on trigger 14 in the direction of arrow 44 will
cause the rotation of hammer 16 in the direction of arrow 52 until, at the
final movement of the trigger, the hammer is released, allowing main
spring 68 to drive the hammer in the direction of arrow 22 and thus
discharge the weapon.
The purpose of the invention is to help protect the officer or other user
of the weapon in the event that, after the weapon has been withdrawn from,
for example, the holster, release of the weapon, thus releasing switch 144
and actuation bar 82, causes firing mechanism disabling components 80 to
reassume the safe or disabled position of FIG. 2. This creates two
problems for a criminal who happens to pick up the weapon. First, the
criminal must be familiar with the disabling system to know what to do to
enable or rearm the weapon. Second, the position of switch 144, coupled
with the strength of spring 128, generally requires the user to brace
barrel/receiver assembly 8 against user's other hand to allow switch 144
to be manipulated. This is not necessary while handgun 2 is housed within
holster 148, since a force exerted by the user's thumb against first
switch 144 is resisted by holster 148 to permit one-handed arming of
handgun 2. Spring 128 preferably applies a sufficient force to boss 136 to
require the user to apply a force of about 3 to 6 pounds (1.3 to 2.7 kg),
and preferably about 4 pounds (1.8 kg), to switch 144 to compress spring
128 sufficiently to allow lower end 138 to be removed from recess 140.
FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which firing
mechanisms disabling components 160 are used to modify a conventional
Smith & Wesson 9 mm Model 5904 pistol as discussed above with reference to
FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the main components of handgun 162, other than
components 160, will not be described in detail. Components 160 include a
switch assembly 163 (see FIG. 7) mounted to case 18a at oval opening 164
formed in case 18a. Oval opening 164 is positioned adjacent draw bar 20a,
draw bar 20a having a pair of holes 166, 168 formed therein. Case 18a also
has a pair of pivot slots 170 formed on opposite sides of opening 164. A
flat spring 172 is mounted to case 18a adjacent the proximal end 174 of
oval opening 164.
A switch element 176 is mounted to overlie oval opening 164 by a pair of
pivot axles 178 extending laterally from an oval base 180, axles 178 being
secured within pivot slots 170. The proximal end 182 of base 180 overlies
flat spring 172 and is engaged by spring 172 to pivot switch element 176
about pivot axles 178. The distal end 184 of base 180 has an interlock pin
186 extending from its interior surface 188. Pin 186 is sized and
positioned to engage hole 166, under the bias of spring 172, when hammer
16 is fully forward and trigger 14 is fully forward as shown in FIG. 3A.
This is a first stable position of hammer draw bar 20a. Hole 168 is
positioned to be engaged by interlock pin 186 when draw bar 20 is in its
second stable position, that is with hammer 16 partially pulled back and
trigger 14 partially pulled back as illustrated in FIG. 3B. This condition
commonly occurs after a round has been fired. Thus, under the bias of
spring 172, interlock pin 186 normally engages either of holes 166, 168.
When so engaged, bar 20a is effectively kept from moving thus disabling
handgun 162.
An arming switch or button 190 is mounted to one of seven threaded holes
192 at proximal end 182 of base 180 using a screw 194. Hand grip 72a
includes a stiff plastic base portion 195 over which an elastomeric layer
196 is formed. Base portion 195 has an opening 198 positioned to overlie
switch 190 regardless of which hole 192 switch 190 is mounted to. Switch
190 could be constructed to raise the surface of elastomeric layer 196
very slightly to provide the owner an indication of the precise location
of switch 190. As is evident from the different locations of holes 192,
the location of arming switch 190 can be modified to accommodate the owner
of the weapon. However, since the elastomeric layer 196 covers switch 190,
the existence of switch 190 and the need to press switch 190 to disengage
interlock pin 186 from either of holes 166, 168 will not be apparent to
the casual user. However, regardless of the position of draw bar 20a, upon
the release of switch 190, which can occur when an officer drops the
weapon, spring 172 automatically pivots interlock pin 186 into engagement
with one of holes 166, 168 to prevent movement of draw bar 20a thus
disabling handgun 162.
Modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodiments without
departing from the subject of the invention as defined in the following
claims. For example, the invention could be utilized with other
semi-automatic pistols, automatic pistols, and revolvers as well as other
firearms, such as rifles and shotguns. Other types and locations of one or
more switches could be used. The invention could also be used with
firearms of the type which do not use hammers to drive the firing pins,
such as the type in which a spring-loaded firing pin is released by
pulling the trigger. The invention could also take the place of the
conventional safety or, as in the preferred embodiments, be used in
conjunction with the conventional safety 54. | 5F
| 41 | A |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, an apparatus for
folding and stacking a multiplicity of individual sheets of material,
particularly textile material, is illustrated generally at 10. The
apparatus 10 includes a primary frame 12 covered with an outer skin 14
preferably formed of sheet metal. The primary frame 12 is a generally
rectangular, upstanding frame formed of vertical and horizontal cross
members and includes a superstructure 15 extending upwardly from one side
thereof, as seen in FIG. 1, to define a lower, or secondary frame
structure 17. The entire frame 12 is a floor standing unit resting on feet
16. The frame 12 defines a frame perimeter bounded by the four corners of
the primary frame 12. As will be seen, and as is a feature of the present
invention, all folds and the stacking operation take place within the
frame perimeter.
A series of conveyors acts as a feeding arrangement for feeding the sheet
material through the apparatus 10 for folding. The conveyors define a
travel direction along a travel path along which the sheet material is fed
through the machine. Folds can either be lateral folds produced by folding
the sheet from back to front or front to back along the direction of
travel, or cross folds produced by moving the sheet from side to side
across the initial direction of travel. As will be seen, after all lateral
folds are complete the sheet is reoriented 90.degree. with respect to the
travel direction. Accordingly, for clarity, the crossfolds are described
with respect to the initial travel direction.
All conveyors of the present apparatus 10 are of the general type having a
plurality of spaced, parallelly oriented belts extending around two or
more rolls, one of which is typically driven. Also common to various
locations in the machine are sensors which may be optical sensors, such as
photocells, which determine the presence or absence of sheet material at a
predetermined location, as well as the accuracy of the fold. While the
sensors are illustrated in a diagrammatic manner, it should be understood
that the following references to "sensor groups" are intended to indicate
multiple sensors arranged to perform detection at a single position
relative to the folding operation. A plurality of air jets are disposed at
strategic locations throughout the apparatus 10 to induce folding by
directing the sheet material into a nip. The conveyors, sensor groups, and
air jets all cooperate to induce and conduct folding of sheet material
throughout the apparatus 10. Coordination and control of these elements is
provided by a preprogrammed microprocessor 25 which automatically controls
folding operations responsive to input from the sensors and other
stimulus. Each element will be explained in greater detail presently.
An input conveyor 22 is trained around three input conveyor rolls 24 and is
disposed in the upper reaches of the superstructure 15 and projects
outwardly from one side thereof. The input conveyor 22 is angled upwardly
slightly and is configured for receiving sheet material from a commercial
ironer or other commercial laundry equipment, or from textile
manufacturing machines, or other devices for producing or treating
unfolded flexible sheet material. Midway along the input conveyor 22, and
adjacent the entrance to the apparatus within the superstructure 15, a
first sensor group 26 detects when a sheet of material S has entered the
apparatus 10.
A second conveyor 28 is disposed beneath the input conveyor 22 and extends
parallelly therewith a partial extent. The second conveyor 28 extends from
the side of the superstructure 15 opposite the input and is trained around
three rolls 30 defining a somewhat triangular path beneath the input
conveyor 22. The second conveyor 28 is driven in a direction oppositely to
that of the input conveyor 22 so that the return path of the input
conveyor travels in the same direction as the conveying path of the second
conveyor 28. The second conveyor 28 is routed downwardly approximately
midway between the ends of the superstructure 15. As will be explained in
greater detail hereinafter, the configuration of the input conveyor 22 and
the second conveyor 28 directs the sheet material S into the apparatus and
toward the first fold nip 32.
Approximately midway between the ends of the superstructure 15 where the
second conveyor 28 turns downwardly, a nip 32 is formed by one of the
second conveyor rolls 30 and a first nip roll 34. A first air jet 36 is
positioned to direct an air blast inwardly toward the first nip 32. A
second nip 38 is similarly formed at the lowermost portion of the second
conveyor 28. A third conveyor 40 extends from the second nip 38 along the
lower frame structure 17 in a region below the superstructure 15 to the
farthest extent of the lower frame structure 17 away from the
superstructure 15. The third conveyor 40 is trained around third conveyor
rolls 42. The third conveyor roll 42 adjacent the second conveyor 28 acts
in tandem with the lowermost second conveyor roll 31 to form the second
nip 38. A second air jet 44 is provided to direct an air blast inwardly
into the second nip 38 as will be explained in greater detail presently. A
second sensor group 46 is disposed along the third conveyor 40 to indicate
when the sheet material has emerged from the second nip 38 in a folded
state. Noting that the second sensor group 46 represents three photocells
aligned across the travel direction, the second sensor group 46 measures
the length of the sheet along the travel direction and communicates this
information to the controlling microprocessor 25. The microprocessor 25
then determines, according to a predetermined folding program, where to
stop the sheet for crossfolding or, if the sheet is improperly laterally
folded, to terminate folding for the improperly folded sheet. Further, the
information can be stored for subsequently choosing a stacker according to
width. The third conveyor 40 is positioned to move the folded sheet
material into a position for further folding by the further folding
apparatus disposed on a subframe 20 as will be discussed in greater detail
hereinafter. The above-described assembly is configured to perform the
first two lateral folds while the cross folding apparatus will next be
addressed.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the lateral folding apparatus is disclosed. FIG. 2
also illustrates the inclined nature of the second conveyor 28. As seen in
FIG. 2, a second folding subsystem is disposed on a horizontally extending
secondary or subframe 20 mounted to the primary frame 12 to extend between
opposite vertical support members 18. In order to conserve space within
the apparatus, the previously described folding apparatus illustrated
diagrammatically in FIG. 1 drives the sheet material through the apparatus
in a first travel direction while the second folding apparatus illustrated
in FIG. 2 drives the sheet material through the apparatus in a second
travel direction which is generally perpendicular to the first travel
direction. Therefore, while FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two portions of the
same apparatus, the orientations of the apparatus are 90.degree. apart. A
slot (not shown) is formed underneath the third conveyor 40 and extends
generally parallel with the belts of the third conveyor 40. The sheet can
be drawn through the slot for crossfolding, which will be explained in
greater detail presently.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, disposed underneath the third conveyor
40 illustrated in FIG. 1, a fourth conveyor 60 is positioned. This
conveyor 60 is trained around roller 62 in a manner to form a third nip 50
directly beneath the third conveyor 40. A third sensor group 48 is
disposed below the third conveyor 40 adjacent of the third nip 50 to
accurately determine the position of the sheet material which would be
approaching from above the third sensor 48 on the third conveyor 40. The
preferred sensor arrangement includes three photocells mounted in a spaced
relationship extending perpendicular to the travel direction. This
information can be used to determine whether an optional third crossfold
is necessary. For example, a tablecloth greater than 60 inches wide may
require three crossfolds, while a tablecloth less than 60 inches wide may
require only two crossfolds. The third sensor group 48 is communicated
with the microprocessor 25 to control crossfolding. Finally, since the
width dimension becomes, effectively, the length when crossfolding begins
and the sheet encounters conveyors oriented 90.degree. away from those in
the lateral fold area, the information can be used to coordinate the
second crossfold, since some crossfolds are not half-folds. For example, a
fitted sheet is typically crossfolded in thirds.
A third air jet 52 is mounted above the third nip 50 to direct an air jet
thereinto between the two to initiate folding. The fourth conveyor 60
extends to a position adjacent one end of the subframe 20. Directly below
the fourth conveyor, a fifth conveyor 70 is mounted to the subframe 20 and
is trained around fifth conveyor roll 72. Adjacent fourth conveyor rolls
62 and fifth conveyor rolls 72 are mounted to form a fourth nip 64
therebetween. A fourth air jet 66 is mounted to the subframe 20 and
directs an air jet inwardly into the fourth nip 64. A fourth sensor group
68 is positioned to detect the presence of folded sheet material entering
fifth conveyor 70. Fifth conveyor 70 directs the sheet material in an
opposite direction from fourth conveyor 60. A reversible directing
conveyor 76 is mounted intermediate the fourth conveyor 60 and the fifth
conveyor 70. A plurality of directing arms 74 are pivotably mounted to the
subframe 20 to extend between the individual belts of the fifth conveyor
as seen in FIG. 3. A fifth air jet 80 is mounted to the subframe 20 and
directs air inwardly toward the fifth nip 82. A fifth sensor group 84 is
disposed adjacent the end portion of the fifth conveyor 70 to indicate the
presence of sheet material which has been folded and is ready for
stacking. The fifth sensor group 84 measures the length, i.e. the
dimension along the travel direction, of the sheet for a number of
reasons. Initially, if the sheets are to be stacked according to size, the
microprocessor 25 can choose the proper stacker. Further, the
microprocessor uses length information to cause the sheet to stop in the
center of a stacker. In addition, as the aforementioned tablecloths of
different sizes are equal in width, i.e. the dimension across the travel
direction, the microprocessor can use the length dimension to
differentiate tablecloths according to size. Finally, the length may be
used to cause the microprocessor to deactivate the third cross fold.
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any
specific number of folds. Other folding machines, offering other fold
patterns may benefit from application of the present invention. The number
of folds described herein is illustrative of a typical application, but
the inclusion of more folds or the omission of folds, both lateral and
cross, are possible without departing from the present invention.
First and second stackers 86,99 are disposed in linear alignment at the
discharge end of the fifth conveyor 70. The stackers 86,99 are formed
basically as trap doors. While two stackers are illustrated and provide a
sorting feature, a single stacker may be used within the contemplated
scope of the present invention. The first stacker 86 includes two opposed
conveyors 88,92 trained around rolls 90,94. The opposed conveyors 88,92
are pivotably mounted to the subframe 20 in an opposed fashion and are
driven in the same direction. The first stacker conveyors 88,92 are
pivotably mounted at opposite ends so that adjacent ends of each conveyor
fall away from each other when the trap door effect is initiated. A
similar arrangement is provided for the second stacker 99 including second
stacker conveyors 100,104 trained around second stacker rolls 102,104. The
stackers may not necessarily be conveyors but may be plates onto which the
sheets are driven. A set of removal conveyors are disposed directly
beneath the stackers. The overall configuration of the removal conveyors
is best seen in FIG. 1. However, their positioning with respect to the
stackers is best seen in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 1, the removal conveyors
comprise a level removal conveyor 114 trained around level removal
conveyor rolls 116 and an inclined removal conveyor 118 trained around
inclined removal conveyor rolls 120. Both removal conveyors are in
communication with one another so that sheet material stacked on the level
removal conveyor 114 can be driven out of the apparatus 10 upwardly at an
angle for easy hand removal. Turning now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that
the first level removal conveyor 110 is trained around first level removal
conveyor rolls 112 and is disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the
other removal conveyors. FIG. 2 illustrates an inclined removal conveyor
and a level removal conveyor.
The subframe 20 has been seen to house the lower folding and stacking
assembly. The upper folding assembly is substantially conventional with
respect to sheet folders and by consolidating the final three folds in one
region of the subframe 20 the stackers may be positioned within the frame
perimeter thereby saving space. Accordingly, existing machines may be
retrofitted with the subframe assembly which is best seen in FIG. 4.
The folding components of the subframe assembly have been previously
described with reference to the diagrammatic FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a
self-contained lower folding unit. The subframe 20 has the aforesaid
fourth, fifth, and sixth conveyors disposed therewithin. The fourth
conveyor 60 and fifth conveyor 70 are driven by a drive motor 122 mounted
to one end of the subframe 20. A drive belt 124 is trained around drive
pulleys 126 to drive the fourth conveyor 60. Both conveyors 88,92
associated with the first stacker 86 are driven by the first stacker drive
motor 128 mounted below the subframe 20 and spaced from the fourth
conveyor drive motor 122. A first stacker drive belt 130 is trained around
first stacker pulleys to allow the first stacker drive motor 128 to
transmit motive power to the first stacker 86. Similarly, at the opposite
end of the subframe 20, a second stacker drive motor 134 is mounted. A
second stacker drive belt 136 is trained around second stacker pulleys 138
to transmit motive power from the second stacker drive motor 134 to the
second stacker 99. While the drive mechanisms are discussed in terms of
belts and pulleys, sprockets and chains or other suitable drive mechanism
may be used. The self-containment of these drive assemblies results in the
lower folding and stacking assembly being adaptable to existing folding
apparatus.
Operation of the present invention is generally as follows. While
mechanical or electromechanical operation and coordination of the various
air jets, sensors and conveyors is contemplated by the present invention,
the preferred method is to use a preprogrammed microprocessor to
coordinate the folding and stacking functions of the present invention.
Initially, a sheet of textile material is fed to the input conveyor 22
from an ironer, some other automatic laundry apparatus, or a textile
manufacturing machine. As seen in FIG. 1, the sheet material S is fed into
the apparatus within the frame perimeter where its presence is detected by
first sensor group 26. The sheets are then fed to the second conveyor 28
and at the end thereof it hangs downwardly. When approximately one-half of
the sheet material has passed the first nip 32, or whatever length is
specified by the control microprocessor 25, an air blast from air jet 36
directs the center portion of the sheet into the nip 32 where it is folded
in half. A similar fold occurs at nip 38 wherein the sheet material is
again directed into nip 38 by an air blast from air jet 44. This results
in the second lateral fold. The second sensor group 46 measures the length
of the sheet along the travel direction and communicates that information
to the microprocessor 25 which determines where to stop the sheet above
the slot for crossfolding. It should be noted that the sheets are to be
folded in a neat fashion and that, while the sensors detect the presence
of the sheet, their output can also be used to determine whether folds are
crooked or if the sheet is not divided into equal sections.
After going through the second nip 38, the lateral folds are complete and
the sheet S is then transported along third conveyor 40 to a position
wherein cross-folding can commence. This position has by then been
determined by the microprocessor 25. At this position, the sheet is
stopped and, with reference to FIG. 2, is directed into the third nip 50
by an air blast from air jet 52. The third nip 50 creates the first
cross-fold and from there the sheet is directed along the fourth conveyor
60. The sheet hangs over the end of the fourth conveyor 60 and is directed
continually downwardly until the predetermined position previously
determined by the microprocessor 25 responsive to information from the
third sensor group 48 is attained. Then, the fourth air jet 66 directs an
air blast into the sheet material which is thereby directed into the
fourth nip 64 and drawn thereinto by tandem movement of the fourth
conveyor 60 and the fifth conveyor 70.
The position of the sheet is then detected by the fourth sensor group 68
and, if required, the microprocessor 25 initiates upward movement of the
plurality of directing arms 74 which are best seen in FIG. 3. These arms
direct the sheet upwardly onto the reversible directing conveyor 76 which
is initially moving in a direction to draw the sheet upwardly onto the
conveyor 76. When the sheet is a predetermined distance up the directing
conveyor 76, the reversible directing conveyor 76 changes direction, the
directing arms 74 drop away and an air blast is initiated from the fifth
air jet 80 to direct the sheet into the fifth nip 82, causing the third
and final cross-fold. The sheet is then directed along the fifth conveyor
70 onto the stackers 86,99. The position, folding accuracy, and size of
the sheet is detected by the fifth sensor group 84 in a manner previously
described. Once the sheet is out onto the first stacker 86, if chosen by
the microprocessor 25, the microprocessor 25 then initiates the opening of
the stacker 86 by causing the two stacker conveyors 88,92 to pivot away
from one another in the manner of a trap door, allowing the stacked sheet
to drop downwardly onto the removal conveyor 110. From there, the sheet is
guided upwardly along the inclined removal conveyor, seen in FIG. 1 as
118, where it can be removed from the apparatus 10 by hand. The use of two
stackers enhances the versatility of the machine operations by allowing
sorting, counting sheets in a stack and adding capacity, but two stackers
are not necessary for proper operation.
By the above, the present invention provides a space-efficient folding and
stacking machine for flat, sheet-like material, particularly textiles and,
more particularly, sheets, both fitted and non-fitted, tablecloths
blankets and other flexible sheet like items. The use of the present
invention enhances the operation of professional laundries and Textile
Mills and may be retrofitted to existing folding machines.
It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art
that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and
application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention
other than those herein described, as well as many variations,
modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or
reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been
described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is
to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary
of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is
not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,
modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being
limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. | 1B
| 31 | F |
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, in a typical system 10, according to the invention,
there is a footpad 12, a controller 14, and a driven surgical instrument
16. The footpad 12 typically has a pressure sensitive activation surface
17 to which a pressure sensor 18 shown in phantom in FIG. 1 is sensitive.
The output of the pressure sensor represents the amount of force applied
to surface 17 and thus represents a mechanical parameter in response to
which controller 14 determines the rotational velocity of a motor 20
within and driving surgical instrument 16.
The controller 14, for example a microprocessor driven device such as
Phillips microcontroller model No. 87-C-552, receives the output of
pressure sensor 18 and converts it to a digital value (an eight bit value
between 0 and 255 in the illustrated embodiment). In response to the
received digital values from pressure sensor 18, the controller scales a
range of pressures corresponding to the forces measured by the pressure
sensor 18 to a range of 0 to 255 (a full 8 bit range) and then translates
that scaled range to a motor drive signal which is available over lines 22
to the motor 20. The motor 20 is operatively connected to drive a medical
instrument such as a saw, drill, etc. for use by the surgeon during an
operation.
In operation, referring to FIG. 2, the controller first reads the sensed
parameter and determines, at 100, whether its value corresponds to a
pressure greater than zero (that is, whether the sensor has been
activated). In order to accommodate thermal and other error inducing
effects, an offset value is subtracted from the pressure reading to
create, effectively, a deadband region around zero pressure. If the offset
modified pressure reading is not greater than zero (the minimum parameter
value), then the system loops back on itself, through path 102, waiting
for activation of the apparatus. At this point in time, the maximum value
of the parameter has been set to zero and the system is ready to
automatically adapt to the applied pressure.
Once pressure is applied to the sensor 18, the offset modified sensor
output parameter takes a value greater than zero. If the sensor parameter
is greater than the previously sensed maximum value, at 104, then the
previously sensed maximum parameter value is changed at 106, the values
are rescaled at 108, and the motor velocity is accordingly set to its
maximum value at 110. If the sensed offset modified parameter value is not
greater than the previously determined maximum value, then the offset
modified sensed value is converted to a motor velocity digital value, by
scaling it in accordance with the previously determined range of parameter
values, at 112, and the motor velocity is set according to the scaled
value (the motor velocity parameter) at 114. Thereafter, a next value of
the sensor output is read and sampled at 116.
If the new offset modified sensor value is greater than the old maximum
sensor value, as determined at 118, than the old maximum value is changed
at 106. Otherwise, the new value is checked to see whether it is greater
than zero at 120. If it is not greater than zero, the motor is turned off
at 122 in accordance with a predetermined process. Otherwise, the value is
scaled according to the previously determined range of values at 112. If
the motor is turned off, the process terminates and awaits a new sensed
parameter at which time the maximum value will have again been reset to
zero. In a preferred particular embodiment of the invention, the maximum
value is immediately reset to zero and a new offset value is determined
when the motor is off. Further, to accommodate thermal and other effects,
which may cause drift, a new offset value is determined approximately
every one-half second when the motor is off.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the motor velocity is set according to the scaled
digital value by first checking whether the scaled motor velocity digital
value is within a deadband which extends below the maximum motor velocity
(or maximum scaled parameter value of 255). This is indicated at 140. If
the value is within the deadband, the motor velocity is set to a maximum
motor velocity at 142. This allows a small variation (20% in the
illustrated embodiment) in the pressure applied to the footpad around the
maximum pressure value, without having the motor velocity change (fall)
precipitously, for example, during an operation, even though the sensed
footpedal or footpad pressure may vary slightly. It also eliminates the
need to chase the maximum motor velocity value. If the motor value is not
within the deadband, the new motor value replaces the old motor value at
144 and the new motor value is used to control and set the motor velocity,
at 146, by setting the motor velocity equal to a value corresponding to
the new motor parameter digital value. Thereafter, the set motor velocity
step terminates; and the system and method pass to the next step to read
the next value at block 116.
In operation, the process of scaling, or rescaling, by controller 14, works
according to the following principle. (The attached software appendix
describes this method of operation in greater detail, and provides a
working software program written in microprocessor assembly language.)
First, an offset modified variable speed index (R3) having a value of 0-255
(in other words 8 bit accuracy) is tested for an "off" (zero) value. The
offset modified, variable speed index is determined by subtracting the
offset value from the measured values. The offset is determined to be that
value, which, when subtracted from the current "off" measured value (that
is, no pressure on the footpad) corresponds to negative 0.098 volts, in
the illustrated embodiment. If the offset modified variable speed index,
is less than zero, then the "maximum" variable (R6) indicating the maximum
value of the mechanical parameter, is reset to zero. If the offset
modified variable speed index is greater than zero, indicating that the
footswitch is determined to be in an "on" state, the variable speed index
(R3) is compared with the maximum value previously determined by the
controller, that is the current value of R6, and if the newly read value
of the variable speed index R3 is greater than the current value of the
maximum value (R6), then R6 is updated with the value of R3. This
automatically detects, therefore, the maximum pressure applied during this
"on" cycle and it is this value which is used to scale the lesser values
of the variable speed index R3 up to a full scale eight bit value (of
255). In this manner, also, the full scale index becomes the motor
velocity value index so that the motor velocity controlling parameter
always has a range of values between zero and 255.
With enough microprocessor power, a conventional method for determining the
velocity digital value is to multiply R3 times 255 (using a 16 bit
multiply) and dividing the result by R6 to get an 8 bit result x. Thus,
the value of x is determined by the result of Equation 1 which reads as
follows:
EQU x/255=R3/R6 (Eq. 1)
This takes approximately, in the microprocessor system described above, 250
microseconds. In a second, preferred, alternate method of operation, an
approximate value of x can be determined as follows.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, an
approximately linear transformation is obtained, at a substantial savings
in calculation time, by first dividing 255 by the maximum sensed parameter
value (R6). The fractional portion (255 modulus R6) is saved and the
integer value of the division is multiplied by the value of the current
measured parameter (R3). The product of the current parameter value (R3),
times the integer value of the previous division+1, times the saved
fractional value (255 modulus R6) is then divided by 256 (an 8 bit shift
in the microprocessor) to yield an 8 bit result. The 8 bit result is then
added to the previous multiplication of R3 and the integer value. This
produces a value which approximates the value of x identified above in
Equation 1 and using the microprocessor system described above takes about
25 microseconds.
The method described above provides a "landing pad" so that a user does not
chase the maximum pressure value by, for example, pushing the footpad
pedal "through the floor". In accordance with the method, the digital
motor parameter "x" is increased by adding approximately 20 percent to the
previous calculation of "x". In the microprocessor, this is performed by
multiplying x by 51 and adding the upper 8 bits of the 16 bit product to
x. This value is also protected from overflow and the result is used by
the system as the motor variable speed index for controlling and
determining motor velocity. "x" is thus an 8 bit parameter and has a range
of zero to 255.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, and as described above, two
provisions are made to better control motor velocity. First, a deadband of
values is placed below the maximum value of the variable speed motor
index, so that small changes in the variable speed index from the maximum
value will not have any effect upon the actual motor velocity. Thus, in a
preferred embodiment, the deadband is such that if any scaled value from
230 through and including 255 results in a maximum motor output speed. The
effect is to allow an approximately 20 percent variation in foot pressure
before motor speed will be impacted. Thus the user does not have to chase
the maximum pressure "through the floor". This allows an appropriate upper
landing pad for the system thereby enabling better user control over the
driven surgical instrument.
In the second aspect, a deadband is effectively provided to effect a
"landing pad" or "soft landing" around zero motor velocity by subtracting
an offset from the measured pressure parameter. In the illustrated
embodiment, the offset is selected so that a zero pressure on the footpad
corresponds to a negative 0.098 volts.
It is important to recognize that while the invention has been described
primarily in terms of the computer program of the Software Appendix, the
controller 14 can, of course, also be implemented in hardware or in a
combination hardware and software. When implemented in hardware, that is,
using the equivalent hardware components to the Software Appendix program,
the controller 14 would include, with appropriate interconnection as is
well known in the art, a resetting circuit 200, a rescaling circuit 202, a
transforming circuit 204, a comparer 206, a circuit for increasing the
scaled measured value 208, arithmetic elements including at least one
multiplier 214, at least one adder 216, at least one divider 218, a
subtractor 220, and circuitry 222 for periodically determining the offset
value. In addition, the controller can implement the transformation
S=S.sub.m .multidot.X.sub.c /X.sub.m where X.sub.c is a current measured
parameter value, S is the scaled parameter value, X.sub.m is the maximum
parameter value, and X.sub.c is the maximum allowable scaled value. This
equation, as will be apparent, is completely equivalent to equation one
noted above
Addition, subtractions, and other modifications of the described
embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the field and are
within the scope of the following claims.
__________________________________________________________________________
Software Appendix
status
acall
device
mov a,r7 ; indicates if footswitch is on
jz off ; footswitch was off
mov a,#offset
add a,mask
mov r0,a ; pointer to active offset
acall
adc
subb
a,@r0 ; subtract offset
jnc on ; pedal is still on
mov calctr,#255
mov calctr+1,#7
off
inc calctr
mov a,calctr
jnz off0
inc calctr+1
mov a,calctr+1
cjne
a,#8,off0
; about 1/2 second
mov calctr+1,#0
acall
calibrate
; reset counter and calibrate
off0 mov r0,#offset
mov mask,#0
off1 acall
adc
clr c
subb
a,@r0 ; subtract offset
jnc on ; pedal turned on if >=0
inc r0
inc mask
cjne
r0,#offset+3,off1
; loop until done
off3 clr a ; all three pedals are off so reset
mov r7,a
mov mask,a
mov max,a
mov target,a
digital
mov a,p3
cpl a
anl a,#18h ; read speed buttons
orl a,r7 ; combine with pedal status
cjne
a,stat,state
; goto new state if different
ret
on
mov r2,a ; save adc value
cjne
a,max,$+3
; compare with max
jc on1
mov max,a ; save if new or same max
on1 mov a,#255 ; autosensitivity
mov b,max
div ab ; a = int(255 / max)
mov r3,a ; b = 255 mod max
inc a
mul ab
mov b,r2
mul ab ; b = r2 * (int+1) * mod! / 256
mov a,r3
mov r3,b
mov b,r2
mul ab ; a = r2 * int
add a,r3 ; a = r2 * int! + r2 * (int+1) * mod! / 256
jc on2
mov r2,a
mov b,#51
mul ab
mov a,r2 ; add 20% hysteresis
add a,b
jnc on3
on2 mov a,#255
on3 mov target,a
mov a,mask
inc a ; indicates pedal status
rl a
mov r7,a
ajmp
digital
; subroutine reads 8 bits from adc channel mask
adc mov adcn,mask
; prepare to read adc channel
orl adcn,#8
mov a,adcn
jnb acc.4,$-2
anl adcn,#0EFh
; reset interrupt flag
mov a,adch ; read high byte
cpl a
ret
; subroutine calculates new offsets
calibrate
mov r0,#offset
mov mask,#0 ; channel 0
cal acall
adc ; start adc
add a,#5 ; .098 volt guard band
jnc call
mov a,#255 ; clamp at maximum
call mov @r0,a ; new offset for channel
inc mask ; next channel
inc r0
cjne
r0,#offset+3,cal
ret
__________________________________________________________________________ | 7H
| 02 | P |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a syringe assembly having a passive disabling mechanism. The disabling mechanism enables variable dosages by the syringe assembly and enables a selected number of cycles or strokes by the plunger rod before being automatically disabled. In one preferred embodiment, the disabling mechanism provides two aspirating and two dispensing cycles before being automatically disabled. The assembly enables the aspiration and dispensing of a selected volume of a diluent into a vial to reconstitute a drug, pharmaceutical agent, or other substance and then aspirating the reconstituted substance back into the syringe. A selected volume of the reconstituted substance can be injected or delivered to a patient where the volume of the substance that is delivered can be the same or different than the volume of the substance aspirated into the syringe barrel. The syringe is automatically disabled after the injection or delivery stroke by retracting the plunger rod, which activates the disabling mechanism.
The disabling mechanism is actuated by the axial movement of the plunger rod with respect to the syringe barrel and to the stopper, by moving the plunger rod in the aspirating direction. The stopper is coupled to the plunger rod to allow limited axial movement of the stopper with respect to the plunger rod. The disabling mechanism moves through a series of stages by reversing the direction of the axial movement of the plunger rod with respect to the stopper to move the mechanism in a step-wise manner to the disabling position. The disabling position of the mechanism is attained by the relative movement between the plunger rod and the stopper and is not dependent on the position of the stopper within the syringe barrel or the length of the stroke by the stopper. In this manner, the syringe assembly is able to dispense a desired volume of the drug or other substance, and the disabling mechanism can be actuated after the final dispensing or injection stroke regardless of the position of the stopper in the syringe barrel. By actuating the disabling mechanism, the stopper cannot be retracted to aspirate a substance into the syringe barrel but allows any substance remaining in the syringe barrel to be dispensed.
Referring to the drawings, a syringe assembly100having a disabling mechanism includes a syringe barrel102and a plunger assembly104. Barrel102includes a cylindrical sidewall106having an inside surface107defining a chamber109for retaining fluid, an open proximal end113and a distal end115including a distal wall117having a passageway119therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. In this embodiment, the distal wall of the barrel includes an elongate tip extending distally therefrom and having a passageway in fluid communication with the passageway in the distal wall. In this embodiment barrel102also includes a needle cannula170having a proximal end171, a distal end172and a lumen173therethrough. The proximal end of the needle cannula is attached to elongate tip103so that the lumen of the needle cannula is in fluid communication with passageway119in the barrel.
Plunger assembly104includes an elongate hollow plunger rod108, a stopper128and a locking element130. Plunger rod108includes a proximal end111, an open distal end110and an interior surface116and at least one aperture or recess114in the interior surface at the distal end of the plunger rod. The recess includes a distal face121. In this embodiment, there are two recesses114having distal faces121. The interior surface at the distal end of the plunger rod includes at least one detent. In this embodiment the at least one detent on the interior surface of the distal end of the plunger rod includes four axially spaced detents118with two detents on each side of the plunger rod. Each pair of detents is shaped to form axially spaced steps120with each step having a blunt surface122at its distal end extending inwardly from the interior surface of the plunger rod.
Stopper128includes a circularly-shaped sealing element144having a peripheral surface145forming a seal with the inside surface of the barrel. A boss member134extends proximally from the sealing element and includes at least one boss detent and in this embodiment, contains two boss detents136. At least one cantilevered arm extends proximally from the sealing element and in this embodiment there are two cantilever arms140extending proximally from the sealing element. Each of the cantilevered arms includes an outwardly extending rib142. The rib is sized to fit within recess114in the plunger rod. The axially spaced boss detents136each include an incline surface137extending proximally inwardly and a blunt surface138at the distal end of each of the inclined surfaces. The stopper is preferably integrally formed of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene. The circularly-shaped sealing element and/or the peripheral sealing surface thereon may be made of elastomeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, natural rubber, synthetic rubber and combinations thereof.
Locking element130includes a central body portion148having an aperture152therethrough and at least one cantilevered leg150extending distally outwardly from the body portion and at least one finger element154extending inwardly from the aperture. In this embodiment, at least two cantilevered legs with each of the cantilevered legs having a sharp free end155directed outwardly for engaging the inside surface of the barrel. The configuration of sharp free end155can be any configuration capable of engaging the inside surface of the barrel, such as a sharp edge or one or more pointed teeth and the like. The locking element may be made of a variety of materials, or combinations of materials, however, it is preferred to have the sharp free ends made of metal and it is also preferred that the entire locking element be made of integrally formed from sheet metal such as stainless steel.
In this preferred embodiment plunger assembly104is assembled by inserting locking element130into the distal end of plunger rod108. Boss134of stopper128is then inserted into the distal end of the plunger rod through aperture152of locking element130so that cantilevered legs150extend toward circularly-shaped sealing element144of the stopper as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10.
As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the plunger assembly is then inserted into barrel102through open proximal end113to the initial position illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 11A. In the initial position of the syringe element, locking element130is positioned with its sharp free ends155contacting the interior surface of the plunger rod proximally of axially spaced steps120. Boss member134is positioned in aperture152of locking element130so that finger elements154contact boss member proximally of boss detents136. Outwardly extending ribs142of cantilever arms140are positioned in recesses114in the plunger rod. Ribs142are configured to complement the recesses114for allowing limited axial movement of the stopper with respect to the plunger rod. The stopper128further includes stabilizing member146positioned proximally with respect to sealing element144and has an outer dimension complimenting the other dimension of the sealing element as shown inFIG. 11A, stabilizing member146has an outer dimension to contact the inner surface of the syringe barrel and is spaced from sealing element144to assist in stabilizing stopper128to maintain the stopper and boss member134in an orientation substantially parallel to the axis of the syringe barrel. In the position illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 11A, syringe assembly100is ready to use for drawing liquid into the chamber of the barrel.
As will now be shown, the operation of the plunger assembly of this embodiment includes a first aspiration stroke followed by a first dispensing stroke, a second aspiration stroke and a final dispensing stroke after which the syringe is disabled. The disabling elements prevent or inhibit movement of stopper128in a proximal aspirating direction thereby limiting the function of the syringe assembly to a single use. The maximum number of strokes being limited by a number of axially positioned detents in the plunger rod and the number of axially positioned boss detents on the stopper. However, the actual number of strokes the syringe may make will be determined by the position of the locking element with respect to the detents in the plunger rod and the detents on the stopper at the time of first use. For example, a syringe with two plunger detents and two stopper detents can be supplied to the end user as a syringe capable of two strokes or four strokes. This is an important feature of the present invention since a single syringe assembly can be provided with different stroke limitations before disabling.
The syringe assembly may now be used to draw liquid, such as a sterile water diluent into the chamber of the barrel by applying a proximally directed force to a thumb press123on the proximal end of the plunger rod while holding the syringe barrel. As illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 12A, this causes the plunger rod to move proximally with respect to the stopper until the free end of cantilevered legs150moves distally along inner surface116of the plunger rod and snaps past blunt surface122of the proximal most axially spaced steps120, as best illustrated inFIG. 12. Also, during this first aspiration stroke outwardly extending ribs142engage distal surface121of the recesses114in the plunger rod as best illustrated inFIG. 12A. When ribs142engage distal surface121the stopper is drawn proximally with respect to the barrel as the plunger rod moves. The stopper is now moved proximally, through action of the plunger rod, until the desired volume of liquid is in the chamber as determined by the user.
The liquid diluent in the chamber may now be discharged into a vial of dry medication such as lyophilized medication, for reconstitution. This first dispensing stroke is accomplished by moving the plunger rod in a distal direction while holding the barrel. A barrel flange124is provided on the proximal end of the barrel to help control motion of the barrel during use of the syringe assembly. As best illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 13A, as the plunger rod moves distally, locking element130moves with the plunger rod dragging the locking element with it so that finger elements154on the locking element slide from the proximal most to the distal most boss detent by riding up inclined surface137and falling into the second detent. When the plunger rod contacts the stopper, the stopper will begin moving in a distal direction along with the plunger rod to discharge liquid diluent from the chamber into, for example, a vial of lyophilized medication.
When the diluent and the lyophilized medication are mixed the syringe assembly of the present invention may now be used to withdraw the reconstituted, ready-to-inject medication into the chamber of the syringe barrel, as best illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 14A, by applying a proximally directed force to the plunger rod while holding the syringe barrel. Proixmally directed force will cause the plunger rod to move in a proximal direction while locking element130will remain relatively stationary due to its connection to the boss detent on the stopper. Proximal motion of the plunger causes the locking element to move distally along the inside surface of the plunger rod so that the sharp free end155of the cantilever legs moves from the proximal-most axially-spaced steps120in the plunger rod to the second more distal axially-spaced steps120. Proximal motion of the plunger rod also causes outwardly extending ribs142of cantilever arms140to engage distal surfaces121of recesses114in the plunger rod so that the stopper now moves proximally with the plunger rod drawing the reconstituted medication into the chamber of the syringe barrel to an amount determined by the user. An advantage of the present invention is that the amount of medication drawn into the chamber, and therefore the maximum amount of medication that can be delivered, is determined by the user at the time of use and not by the placement of the components at the time of manufacture.
The syringe assembly of the present invention is now ready for a second and final dispensing stroke which is best illustrated inFIGS. 15-15A. The medication is delivered to the patient by applying a distally directed force to the plunger rod causing the plunger rod to move in a distal direction with respect to the barrel. As the plunger rod advances in a distal direction the engagement of sharp free ends155of the locking element in with the distal-most blunt surfaces122of axially-spaced steps120moves the locking element distally so that finger elements154of the locking element ride over the distal-most inclined surface137of the boss detents distally past the most distal boss detent136. When the distally moving plunger rod contacts the stopper, both the stopper and the plunger rod move toward the distal end of the barrel to discharge the contents of the chamber through the passageway.
The syringe assembly has now been used and is ready to be discarded. Any attempt to move the plunger rod in a proximal direction to refill the syringe assembly for further use will cause the locking element to disable the syringe. Specifically, as best illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 16A, moving the plunger rod in a proximal direction will allow the plunger rod to move a short distance until the sharp free ends155of the locking clip snap past the end of the plunger rod and engage the inside surface107of the barrel side wall. Further proximal motion of the plunger will be resisted by the locking element's engagement to the inside surface of the barrel sidewall. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 17, cam surface125on the stopper is positioned to force sharp free ends155further into the syringe barrel wall as more proximally directed force is used in an attempt to improperly reuse the syringe. Accordingly, increased force to pull the plunger rod out of the syringe barrel results in increased force of engagement of the sharp free ends of the locking element into the barrel. It is desirable to provide a cut-out area126in the distal end of the plunger rod along the path of the sharp free ends of the locking element for supporting the locking element and allowing it to engage the inside surface of the barrel. Further, the area at the end of the plunger rod on the area around the cutout can be configured to support the locking element so that if the user accidentally withdraws the plunger rod a second time before delivering the final dose of medication the medication may still be delivered even though the locking element sharp free ends are touching the barrel so long as they are moved in a distal direction and urged not to engage the inside surface of the barrel by the cut-out area and the plunger rod. In this case the area around the cutout supports and limits the motion and helps prevent deformation of the sharp free end of the locking element.
It is also within the purview of the present invention to provide a discontinuity such as a recess or projection on the interior surface of the barrel, as illustrated inFIG. 18, to further improve the engagement of the sharp free end of the locking element with the interior surface of the barrel. InFIG. 18syringe barrel102includes a discontinuity in the form of an inwardly directed projection127on inside surface107of the barrel. In this embodiment, projection127is an annular ring projecting into the barrel and extending 360° around the inside surface. The discontinuity may be in the form of an annular projection, an annular recess or one or more projections or recesses shaped to engage locking element, all positioned within the barrel to engage sharp free end155of locking element130to further increase the grip of the locking element on the barrel and inside surface.
The present syringe assembly provides an improvement over prior art devices by allowing a variable dose of diluent, chosen by the user at the time of use, to be drawn into the syringe, dispensing the diluent into a vial containing a substance to be reconstituted, drawing a selected amount of the reconstituted substance back into the syringe and then delivering the contents of the syringe. The selected amount of the reconstituted substance may be equal or less than the full volume reconstituted at the discretion of the user. The syringe assembly is automatically disabled after the final injection stroke by reversing the direction of the movement of the plunger rod from the dispensing direction to the aspirating direction. After the injection stroke of the syringe plunger the plunger rod is retracted to activate the disabling mechanism to prevent axial movement of the stopper toward the proximal end of the syringe barrel thereby preventing the stopper from being removed and preventing reuse of the syringe.
When the present syringe assembly has two or more detents on the stopper and in the plunger rod, the maximum number of strokes the syringe assembly will allow can be varied by the initial position of the locking element with respect to the stopper detents and the plunger rod detents.
While various embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be appreciated that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
| 0A
| 61 | M |
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
The aforementioned photographs and following observations and measurements describe plants grown during the summer in 20-cm container in an outdoor nursery in Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan and under conditions and practices which approximate those generally used in commercialXerochrysumproduction. During the production of the plants, day temperatures averaged 23° C. and night averaged 13° C. Measurements and numerical values represent averages for typical flowering plants. Plants were about four months old when the photographs were taken and five months old when the detailed description was taken. In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 2001 Edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.Botanical classification:Xerochrysum bracteatum‘Bonxero 148’.Parentage:Female, or seed, parent.—Proprietary selection ofXerochrysum bracteatumidentified as code number 00-186, not patented.Male, or pollen, parent.—Proprietary selection ofXerochrysum bracteatumidentified as code number 00-37.90, not patented.Propagation:Type.—Terminal vegetative cuttings.Time to initiate roots, summer.—About seven days at temperatures about 18° C. to 21° C.Time to initiate roots, winter.—About ten days at temperatures about 18° C. to 21° C.Time to produce a rooted cutting, summer.—About three weeks at temperatures about 18° C. to 21° C.Time to produce a rooted cutting, winter.—About four weeks at temperatures about 18° C. to 21° C.Root description.—Fibrous; typically white in color, actual color of the roots is dependent on substrate composition, water quality, fertilizer type and formulation, substrate temperature and physiological age of roots.Rooting habit.—Freely branching; moderately dense.Plant description:Plant form and growth habit.—Upright, mounding and uniform plant habit with inflorescences held above the foliage on strong peduncles; vigorous growth habit.Plant height.—About 43 cm.Plant diameter or spread.—About 53 cm.Lateral branches.—Quantity per plant: Freely branching habit with about seven lateral branches per plant. Length: About 14 cm. Diameter: About 6.2 mm. Internode length: About 2.3 cm. Aspect: Upright to slightly outwardly. Strength: Strong. Texture: Rough, pubescent. Color: Close to 143B.Leaf description.—Arrangement: Alternate, simple; sessile. Length: About 8.7 cm. Width: About 2.5 cm. Shape: Lanceolate. Apex: Acute. Base: Attenuate. Margin: Entire. Texture, upper and lower surfaces: Rough, pubescent. Venation pattern: Pinnate; reticulate. Color: Developing leaves, upper surface: Close to NN137B. Developing leaves, lower surface: Close to 137B. Fully expanded leaves, upper surface: Close to NN137B; venation, close to 147D. Fully expanded leaves, lower surface: Close to 147B; venation, close to 147C.Inflorescence description:Appearance.—Terminal double-type inflorescence form with lanceolate involucral bracts; involucral bracts and disc florets developing acropetally on a capitulum; inflorescences positioned above the foliar plane on strong peduncles; inflorescences face mostly upright.Flowering habit.—Freely flowering habit; about 35 to 40 inflorescences develop per plant during the flowering season.Fragrance.—None detected.Time to flower.—In Japan, plants begin to flower about 21 weeks after planting and in the garden, plant flower continuously from the spring through autumn.Post-production longevity.—Inflorescences maintain good substance for about 18 days on the plant; inflorescences persistent.Inflorescence buds.—Height: About 1.9 cm. Diameter: About 1.3 cm. Shape: Ovoid. Color: Close to 9B and 163A.Inflorescence size.—Diameter: About 7 cm. Depth (height): About 3 cm. Disc diameter: About 2.2 cm. Disc height: About 4.3 mm.Involucral bracts.—Quantity per inflorescence and arrangement: About 300 arranged in numerous whorls. Length: About 1.8 cm. Width: About 7.3 mm. Shape: Narrowly ovate. Apex: Acute. Base: Truncate. Margin: Entire. Texture and luster, upper and lower surfaces: Smooth, glabrous; papery; glossy. Orientation: Initially upright becoming horizontal with development. Color: When opening and fully opened, upper surface: Close to 3A. When opening and fully opened, lower surface: Close to 3A.Disc florets.—Quantity per inflorescence and arrangement: About 1,300 spirally arranged in the center of the receptacle. Length: About 1.2 cm. Diameter, distally: About 2.2 mm. Diameter, proximally: About 1 mm. Shape: Tubular; apex dentate, five-pointed. Texture, inner and outer surfaces: Smooth, glabrous. Color: When developing, inner surface: Close to 151D. When developing, outer surface: Close to 23A. Fully developed, inner and outer surfaces: Close to 23A; towards the base, close to 4D.Peduncles.—Length: About 18 cm. Diameter: About 3.3 mm. Strength: Strong. Aspect: Upright to slightly outwardly. Texture: Rough, pubescent. Color: Close to 146A.Reproductive organs(present on disc florets only).—Androecium: Quantity per disc floret: About five. Filament length: About 6 mm. Filament color: Close to 157D. Anther size: About 3.5 mm by 0.6 mm. Anther shape: Lanceolate. Anther color: Close to 14A. Pollen amount: Moderate. Pollen color: Close to 13B. Gynoecium: Pistil length: About 1 cm. Stigma shape: Bi-parted. Stigma color: Close to 14B. Style color: Distally, close to 14B; proximally, close to 157D. Ovary color: Close to 155A.Seeds and fruits.—Seed and fruit production has not been observed on plants of the newXerochrysumto date.Pathogen & pest resistance: Plants of the newXerochrysumhave not been shown to be resistant to pathogens and pests common toXerochrysumto date.Temperature tolerance: Plants of the newXerochrysumhave been observed to tolerate temperatures ranging from about 0° C. to about 35° C.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the marking and counting implement 20 of
the present invention. The marking and counting implement 20 of the
present invention comprises a tubular housing 22 for holding a marking
implement 24. The tubular housing 22 is closed at its lower end except for
a centrally located aperture 26 through which the marking end 28 of the
marking implement 24 extends when the marking and counting implement 20 is
loaded with the marking implement 24 and ready for use. The upper end of
the tubular housing 22 of the marking and counting implement 20 is
typically closed by an easily removable end cap 30 which has a switch
mechanism 32 incorporated therein.
The tubular housing 22, including the end cap 30, is typically made of
black anodized steel or aluminum, plastic, or another suitable material
commonly used in the fabrication of pens, mechanical pencils and other
marking implements. As shown in FIG. 1, a central portion 34 of the outer
surface of the tubular housing 22 can be knurled to facilitate the
gripping of the marking and counting implement by the user when the
marking and counting implement 20 is being used to mark, write and/or
effect a count. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the outer surface 36 of an
upper portion 38 of the end cap 30 can also be knurled to facilitate the
gripping of the end cap by the user when the end cap 30 is being mounted
on or removed from the tubular housing 22.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the inside diameter of the tubular housing 22 is,
preferably, substantially equal too but somewhat greater than the outside
diameter of the marking implement 24 used in the marking and counting
implement 20 so that a snug sliding fit is formed between the marking
implement 24 and the tubular housing 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
3, the tubular housing 22 is designed to accommodate a standard,
commercially available, highlighter marking implement such as a "MAGIC
MARKER" pen or marking implement. Thus, the marking and counting implement
20 can be used with different colored highlighter marking pens for
marking, writing and/or effecting a count of items on a document and,
since the end cap 30 is easily secured to and detached from the tubular
housing 22, the different color highlighter pens can be easily and quickly
substituted for each other in the marking and counting implement 20.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the end cap 30, in addition to the upper
portion 38, includes a mid-portion 40 and a lower portion 42. The
mid-portion 40 of the end cap 30 has an external diameter substantially
equal to but somewhat less than the internal diameter of the tubular
housing 22 and forms a snug sliding fit with the interior surface of the
tubular housing 22. The end cap 30 and the upper portion of the tubular
housing 22 are provided with a quick release locking mechanism comprising
a locking pin 44 on the mid-portion 40 of the end cap 30 which is received
in an "L" shaped slot or channel 46 of the tubular housing 22 when the end
cap 30 is mounted on the tubular housing 22. To mount the end cap 30 on
the tubular housing 22 the lower portion 42 and the mid-portion 40 of the
end cap 30 are inserted into the upper end of the tubular housing 22 and
the end cap is then twisted or rotated relative to the tubular housing 22
to lock the end cap in place. The end cap 30 is removed from the tubular
housing 22 by merely rotating the end cap relative to the tubular housing
and sliding the mid-portion 40 and lower portion 42 axially out of the
tubular housing 22. Thus, different colored highlighter marking pens and
different marking implements can be readily and quickly substituted for
one another in the marking and counting implement 20.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower portion 42 of the end cap 30 is
smaller in diameter than the mid-portion 40 of the end cap and has a
helical spring 48 mounted thereon for engaging the upper end of the
highlighter marking implement 24. A plunger 50 of the switch mechanism 32
contained within the end cap 30 extends down from the end cap and, as
shown in FIG. 3, engages a central portion of the upper end of the
highlighter marking implement 24 mounted in the marking and counting
implement 20.
The force exerted on the upper end of the highlighter marking implement 24
by the spring 48 is sufficient to permit the highlighter marking implement
24 to be pressed against a surface with a force sufficient to cause the
highlighter marking implement 24 to mark or write on a surface without
depressing the plunger 50 to close the contacts within the switch
mechanism 32 and complete the electrical circuit used to send a count
signal to a counting and display unit. To register a count on a counting
and display unit, the marking end 28 of the highlighter marking implement
24 in the marking and counting implement 20 is pressed against the surface
with a force greater than the force required to cause the marking
implement 24 to mark or write and sufficient to compress the spring 48 and
depress the plunger 50 to close the contacts of the switch mechanism 32
and generate the count signal which is transmitted to the counting and
display unit. When the pressure applied to the marking end 28 of the
marking implement 24 by pressing the marking implement against the surface
is released, the spring 48 returns the marking implement to the extended
position shown in FIG. 3 and the plunger 50, which is spring loaded,
returns to the position shown in FIG. 3 opening the contacts within the
switch mechanism 32. The marking and counting implement 20 is now ready to
mark or write without effecting a count or to effect another count by
pressing the marking end of the marking implement 24 against the surface
with sufficient force to again compress the spring 48 and depress the
plunger 50 to close the contacts on the switch mechanism 32 and generate
another signal to the counting and display unit. In one embodiment of the
present invention, a spring having a nominal 5.69 pound per inch
compressive resistance has been used for the spring 48 and a PANASONIC
EVQ-Q8B11K push button switch has been used for the switch mechanism 32.
In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the switch
mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, comprises a conventional, relatively
inexpensive switch 32 with a spring loaded plunger 50 and a separate
spring 48 which exerts a sufficient force on the upper end of the
highlighter marking implement 24 to allow the highlighter marking
implement to be used to mark or write without activating the switch
mechanism. However, it is also contemplated that a switch could be used in
the marking and counting implement 20 wherein the spring of a spring
loaded plunger (similar to plunger 50) in the switch would be strong
enough to exert a force on the upper end of the highlighter marking
implement to permit the highlighter marking implement to be used for
marking or writing without closing the switch contracts. In any of the
embodiments of the present invention, the marking and counting implement
20 allows the user to write or mark a surface, such as a document, by
pressing the marking implement 24 against the surface with a first
pressure sufficient to cause the marking implement to mark without
activating a switch mechanism and to effect a count with the same marking
and counting implement 20 by pressing the marking implement against the
surface with a second, greater pressure or force which is sufficient to
cause the marking implement to mark or write and activate the switch
mechanism.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show end caps 60 and 62, respectively, which are each mounted
on the tubular housing 22 in the same way as the end cap 30 and which each
have a switch and helical spring. However, instead of having an electrical
lead wire 64 connected to a separate counting and display unit, such as a
personal computer, the end caps 60 and 62 each contain an integral
counting and LCD display unit 66 and 68 respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, the counting and LCD display units each have four counting channels
which may be used to register the counts. Thus, the faces of the counting
and display units 66 and 68 each have four conductive rubber keypads 70
and 72 respectively; a power slide switch 74 and 76 respectively; a reset
button 78 and 80 respectively; and an LCD display 82 and 84 respectively.
FIG. 6 shows a typical LCD display 86 that can be used with the counting
and display units 66 and 68 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The LCD display includes a
count display 88; four channel indicator lights 90 to indicate which
counting channel is activated; and a low battery indicator 92 to warn the
user of a possibly failing battery.
While the number of counting channels used on the counting and display
units can vary, as discussed above, the counting and display units 66 and
68 typically have four counting channels which may be used to register the
counts. As shown in FIG. 8, which is a diagram of a preferred software
program for the counting and display units 66 and 68, the four channels
may be switched during operation to reset, review or continue with the
count being recorded on any of the four channels. To switch the count
recording from one channel to another one channel is deactivated and
another channel is activated by pressing the keypad of the channel to be
activated. An active channel may be reset by pressing the reset button 78
or 80 of the counting and LCD display unit while pressing the active
channel keypad simultaneously. By requiring the reset button and the
active channel keypad to be pressed at the same time, erroneous channel
resets are prevented. An active channel effects a count each time the
switch mechanism 32 is activated by pressing the marking end of the
marking implement against a surface with sufficient force to close the
contacts of the switch mechanism. An audio transducer also emits a brief
audible tone burst to indicate that a count has been registered on the
active channel.
As shown in FIG. 6, the counting and LCD display unit may count up to 9,999
marks per channel and a total of 39,996 marks may be registered on the
counting and LCD display unit. The counting and LCD display unit shown and
described herein automatically resets itself to a count of zero on all
four channels at each power up.
FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred electrical circuitry for the counting and
LCD display units 66 and 68. As shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 7,
the preferred electrical circuit of the counting and display units 66 and
68 comprise fifteen components in a separated or integrated circuit. The
components of the circuit are a power source 100; a low battery reference
voltage 102; a low battery comparator/detector 104; a voltage supply
regulator 106; an LCD driver 108; a system clock 110; a permanent program
memory (a Read-Only Memory or ROM) 112; a count memory (a Random Access
Memory or RAM) 114; a CPU (Computer Processing Unit) 116; a keypad 118; a
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 120; an audio transducer 122; a LCD
oscillator 124; a power switch 126; and a marker switch 128.
The power source 100 is a common portable battery cell, such as those used
in cameras, calculators and watches. If the cell voltage has less EMF than
required by the logic circuitry, the voltage regulator 106 would increase
the voltage using conventional inductive and capacitive methods. If the
cell voltage has more EMF than required by the logic circuitry, the
voltage regulator would decrease the voltage using conventional inductive
and capacitive methods. The voltage regulator used may be a linear type;
"step up" switching type; or a "step down" switching type; depending on
the battery life desired, the type of battery used and cost
considerations.
The low battery reference voltage 102 is a stable, specified reference
voltage. The low battery comparator/detector 104 compares the reference
voltage to the battery voltage and sends a signal to the LCD driver 108.
If the signal indicates a battery voltage that is below the reference
voltage, the LCD driver 108 produces a signal 180.degree. out of phase
with the signal from the LCD 60 Hz back plane oscillator and a signal is
sent to the LCD display 120 indicating a low battery condition. If the
signal indicates a battery voltage that is above the reference voltage,
the LCD driver 108 produces a signal in phase with the signal from the LCD
60 Hz back plane oscillator and the low battery condition is not indicated
on the LCD display 120.
The system clock 110 is used to provide basic timing to the CPU 116 for
synchronizing the logical functions of the CPU. The program memory (ROM)
112 is used to store the operating program for the counting and LCD
display unit, such as the program outlined in FIG. 8. The count memory
(RAM) 114, is used to store the current count value for all four of the
count channels. The CPU 116 reads the operating program and executes the
commands through the inputs and outputs connected to the CPU effect the
operation of the counting and LCD display unit. The keypad 118, including
the reset button, is used by the operator to set the channel selection and
to reset the channels when initiating a new count.
The LCD display 120 shows the count of the channel currently activated as
well as which channel is activated. The LCD display, such as the display
of FIG. 6, also indicates whether or not there is a low battery condition
based on the signal from the LCD 60 Hz oscillator 124. The audio
transducer 122 provides an audio indication to the user when the marker
switch 128 has been activated to register a count on the LCD display 120.
The power switch 126 connects or disconnects the circuitry of the counting
and LCD display units to the battery power source.
In describing the invention certain embodiments have been used to
illustrate the invention and the practice thereof. However, the invention
is not limited to these specific embodiments as other embodiments and
modifications within the spirit of the invention will readily occur to
those skilled in the art on reading this specification. The invention is
thus not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but
is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto. | 6G
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