Datasets:

ufukhaman

/

uspto_balanced_200k_ipc_classification

like 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The method of my invention features the use of a diffusion retarder in firing ceramic moldings for production of sintered bodies. The method may be applied to the production of any sintered ceramic bodies containing a diffusible ingredient or ingredients. However, as I have ascertained by experiment, the use of the diffusion retarder according to my invention is of particular utility in firing ceramic moldings consisting essentially of: (a) 100 parts by weight of a mixture of 80.0-97.5 mole percent Zn0, 0.3-3.0 mole percent bismuth trioxide, Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.3-3.0 mole percent Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.3-3.0 mole percent cobaltous oxide, CoO, 1.0-5.0 mole percent magnesium oxide, Mg0, 0.3-3.0 mole percent manganous oxide, Mn0, and 0.3-3.0 mole percent nickel oxide, NiO; (b) 0.01-0.10 part by weight boric oxide, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; and (c) 0.0028-0.0112 part by weight magnesium aluminum tetraoxide, MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 or 0.020 to 0.008 part by weight Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. However, any one or more of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, CoO, MgO, MnO, NiO, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, MgAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 may be omitted. Of the listed ingredients of preferred ceramic materials to be fired by the method of my invention, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 performs the important function of preventing Zn0 crystal grains from growing too large in size upon firing of the moldings of the above composition. However, as mentioned above in connection with tim prior art, this metallic oxide, with a melting point of approximately 656.degree. C., will diffuse readily into the molding stand of known compositions if the moldings are fired in direct contact therewith at temperatures above the melting point according to the prior art. I have found that the effluence of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 from the ceramic moldings by diffusion can be prevented, or reduced to an absolute minimum, if they are fired on the diffusion retarder which preferably is a sintering of substantially the same composition as the moldings to be fired. Further, for most effectively preventing the effluence of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, I suggest that the proportion of this metallic oxide in the diffusion retarder be made higher than that in the ceramic moldings. Thus, for the best results, the diffusion retarder may contain 0.5-5.0 mole percent Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 for firing the ceramic moldings of the above compositions containing 0.3-3.0 mole percent Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3. EXAMPLE I I will now describe the method of my invention in detail as applied by way of example to the fabrication of metallic oxide ceramic bodies for use as varistors. I first prepared the following ingredients in finely divided form and in the following relative proportions: ______________________________________ ZnO 93.2 mole percent Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.3 mole percent Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 1.5 mole percent CoO 1.0 mole parcent MgO 2.5 mole percent MnO 0.5 mole percent NiO 1.0 mole percent ______________________________________ To 100 parts by weight of these major ingredients I added 0.05 part by weight of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 0.003 part by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. Then I ball milled the above mixture of the ingredients and granulated it. Then I molded the granular material into disks under pressure. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the disklike moldings 10. Each molding 10 was 10 millimeters in diameter and three millimeters in thickness. Then, for firing the disklike moldings 10, I prepared a molding stand, shown at 12 in FIGS. 1-3, together with a diffusion retarder to be placed thereon in accordance with a feature of my invention. Itself of conventional make, the molding stand 12 was elongated horizontally, defining a furrow 16 of V shaped cross section directed upwardly. This stand was a sintering composed principally of magnesium oxide. In this particular example of my method I employed two flat overlays 14 of rectangular shape as the noted diffusion retarder. I fabricated the overlays 14 from the same metallic oxides as those listed above for the production of varistors. Although the relative proportions of the metallic oxides constituting the overlay material were approximately the same as above, I set the proportion of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 at 2.0 mole percent, compared with 1.5 mole percent in the above composition for varistor production, because the overlays 14 were intended primarily to prevent the dills fusion of that metallic oxide from the moldings 10 into the molding stand 12. I molded the mixture of the metallic oxides into the form of rectangular plates and fired and sintered them to maturity. The thus prepared overlays 14 were placed one upon each of the two flat top surfaces of the molding stand 12 defining the furrow 16. Then I placed a set of above prepared disklike moldings 10 side by side and edgewise on the overlays 14 on the molding stand 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It will be seen that each molding 10 contacts the overlays 14 only at two peripheral points or parts and is totally out of contact with tile molding stand 12. Then I introduced the set of moldings 10 into a heating furnace together with the molding stand 12 and the overlays 14. Then I fired the moldings in air, first heating them to 500.degree. C. at a rate of approximately 100.degree. C. per hour, then to a peak temperature of 1250.degree. C. at a rate of approximately 250.degree. C. per hour, and maintaining the peak temperature for one hour. Then I allowed the fired moldings to cool to room temperature, thereby completing sintered varistor bodies, shown in FIG. 4 and therein designated 10', of substantially the same composition as that before firing. The fine dots shown in FIG. 4 indicate the concentration distribution of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 in each completed varistor body 10'. This Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration distribution according to my invention is in contrast to that in varistor bodies 10", FIG. 5, that were fabricated by the same method as the varistor bodies 10' except that they were fired in direct contact with the molding stand 12 according to the conventional practice. The Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration in the conventionally fired varistor bodies 10" was extremely low in the neighborhoods of their edge portions which had been in direct contact with the molding stand 12. I will later refer back to FIGS. 4 and 5. Following the above firing operation I proceeded to the production of a pair of electrodes 18, FIG. 6, on each sintered varistor body 10' formulated as above. To this end I first coated silver paste on the opposite faces of each varistor body 10' and baked the coatings. Thus I completed the fabrication of metallic oxide varistors 20 each constructed as shown in FIG. 6. Then I tested the antisurge capabilities of ten metallic oxide varistors 20 of the FIG. 6 construction. I first measured the voltage V.sub.1 between the pair of electrodes 18 of each varistor 20 at a current of one milliampere. Then I applied five current surges to each varistor at intervals of 30 seconds. Each current surge had a rise time of eight microseconds, a fall time of 20 microseconds, and a peak amplitude of 2500 amperes. Then I again measured the voltage V.sub.2 at a current of one millampere. Then I calculated the percent variation d of the varistor voltages V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 before and after the surge application by the following equation: EQU d=[(V.sub.1 -V.sub.2)/V.sub.1 ].times.100. The antisurge capability of each varistor 20 was determined in terms of the number of times the foregoing procedure was repeated until the voltage variation d became 10 percent or more. The greater the number, the better is the varistor in antisurge capability. The above procedure had to be repeated 40 times on the average until the voltage variation d of the ten varistors 20 fabricated according to my invention became 10 percent or more; that is, the noted current surge had to be applied as many as 200 (5.times.40) times. By way of comparison I tested the antisurge capabilities of ten prior art varistors having the sintered metallic oxide bodies 10" of FIG. 5. The voltage variation d of these prior art varistors became 10 percent or more on the average when the above procedure was repeated seven times, that is, when 35 current surges were applied. It is therefore apparent that the varistors made by the method of my invention are far better in antisurge capability than those made by the conventional practice. A microscopic examination of the varistor bodies 10' according to my invention revealed a uniform distribution of fine crystal grains throughout. Contrastingly, in the prior art varistor bodies 10", the crystal grains were generally larger and unequal in size at their regions of low Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration. I also examined the Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration distribution of the varistor bodies 10' according to my invention. As indicated by the dots in FIG. 4, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 was distributed far more uniformly than in the prior art varistor bodies 10" of FIG. 5. I believe it justified to attribute this uniform Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 distribution to the overlays 14 I used in firing the moldings 10 on the stand 12. As mentioned earlier, the overlays 14 were of approximately the same composition as the moldings 10 or the sintered varistor bodies 10' except for the higher proportion of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3. Obviously, the overlays 14 serves to prevent, or at least drastically reduce, the effluence of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 from the moldings 10 by diffusion while they are being fired, resulting in the provision of varistors having crystal grains of uniform size and hence improved antisurge capabilities. EXAMPLE II As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the diffusion retarder used in this alternate example of my method was an aggregate of loose particles 14a of sintered ceramic material. More specifically, I prepared the particulate diffusion retarder 14a by crushing unused platelike overlays 14 of FIGS. 1-3 into particles ranging in size from 100 to 500 micrometers in size. Thus the particulate diffusion retarder 14a was of exactly the same composition as the overlays 14, containing approximately 2.0 mole percent Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3. Experiment has proved that, generally, the diffusion retarder particles 14a should be in the range of 50 to 1000 micrometers in size. The particles smaller than the lower limit stuck to the surfaces of the moldings fired thereon. The particles larger than the upper limit roughened the molding surfaces. I particularly recommend the particle sizes of 100 to 500 micrometers employed in this example. For use with the loose particle diffusion retarder 14a I modified the conventional molding stand, used in Example I, into the shape best pictured in FIG. 9. Generally designated 12a, the modified molding stand had a pair of end walls 22 closing the opposite ends of the V shaped furrow 16. The diffusion retarder particles 14a were introduced into the furrow 16, in an amount required for covering substantially the complete top surfaces of the stand 12a, and confined therein by the pair of end walls 22. The molding stand 12a, complete with the pair of end walls 22, was of magnesium oxide. Preparing a set of disklike moldings 10 from the same ingredients, and through the same procedure, as in Example I of my method, I placed them side by side and edgewise on the diffusion retarder particles 14a on the molding stand 12a. As depicted in FIG. 7, the disklike moldings 10 were partly buried in the aggregate of particles 14a but were totally out of contact with the molding stand 12a. Then I introduced the set of moldings 10 into a heating furnace together with the molding stand 12a and the particulate diffusion retarder 14a. Then I fired the moldings in air, first heating them to 500.degree. C. at a rate of approximately 100.degree. C. per hour, then to a peak temperature of 1250.degree. C. at a rate of approximately 250.degree. C. per hour, and holding them at the peak temperature for one hour. Then I allowed the fired moldings to cool to room temperature, thereby completing sintered varistor bodies of substantially the same composition as that before firing. Following the above firing operation I proceeded to the production of a pair of electrodes on each sintered varistor body formulated as above. The electrodes were formed by the same method as set forth above with reference to FIG. 6. Thus the metallic oxide varistors fabricated in this alternate example of my method were of the same mechanical construction as those formulated in the preceding example, the only difference being that the former were fired by being placed upon the particulate diffusion retarder 14a. Then I tested the antisurge capabilities of ten metallic oxide varistors produced in this alternate example, through the same procedure as set forth above in connection with the first described example. The above described procedure of surge application had to be repeated 40 times on the average until the voltage variation d of the ten varistors of this alternate method became 10 percent or more. Thus the antisurge capabilities of the metallic oxide varistors fabricated in accordance with my invention were equally favorable regardless of whether they had been fired on the diffusion retarder overlays 14 or on the diffusion retarder particles 14a. A microscopic examination of the varistor bodies fabricated by this alternate method also revealed a uniform distribution of fine crystal grains throughout. The Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 concentration distribution of the varistor bodies was just as uniform as that of the varistor bodies of the preceding example. Possible Modifications Although I have shown and described my invention in very specific aspects thereof, I do not wish my invention to be limited by the exact details of such disclosure. The following, then, is a brief list of possible departures from the foregoing disclosure which we believe all fall within the scope of my invention: 1. The diffusion retarder could take various forms other than the flat overlays 14 and the loose particles 2. The moldings could be placed directly on the molding stand 12, or on any equivalents thereof, by fabricating the molding stand or its equivalents from the diffusion retarder materials according to my invention. 3. The moldings could be stacked up on a diffusion retarder such as that in the form of loose particles, with additional diffusion retarder particles or the like placed as required between the moldings in order to prevent them from sticking to one another as a result of firing. 4. My invention could be adopted for the prevention of effluence of other low melting point metallic oxides such as Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 or B.sub.2 O.sub.3. 5. The molding stand could be a sintering of other substances such as zirconium if the diffusion retarder according to my invention was to be placed thereon. 6. The moldings of the exemplified as metallic oxide ceramic compositions could be fired at temperatures ranging from 1200.degree. to 1350.degree. C. and for a length of time ranging from 30 to 120 minutes.

5F

27

B

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Examples of the use of an alkali donor embodying the invention will now be described with reference to the following Examples. EXAMPLE 1 Laboratory Dyeing A bleached cotton fabric was dyed with a mixture of dyestuffs as given below, the amounts being by weight of fabric. 1.09% CI Reactive Red 141 4.5% CI Reactive Blue 108 1.2% CI Reactive Yellow 84 Prior to addition of the dyestuff mixture, 15 g of the fabric was circulated in 300 ml of water in the dyebath of a John Jeffries Laboratory Machine containing 1 g/l lubricant, namely Dyelube NF (an anionic polymer, commercially available from Joseph Crosfield & Sons Ltd) and 1 g/l of a sequestrant, namely Croscolor QEST (a sodium salt of an organic acid, commercially available from Joseph Crosfield & Sons Ltd), in the cold for ten minutes. This gave a liquor:fabric ratio of 20:1. The dyestuff mixture, having been dissolved in water and the solution filtered, was then added, and the dyeing machine run for ten minutes. Salt was then added to the dyebath in an amount of 80 g/l and the liquor was circulated for fifteen minutes. The temperature of the liquor was then raised to a dyeing temperature of 80.degree. C. over thirty minutes and maintained at that temperature to ensure a maximum dye exhaustion. An alkali donor composition was then added in an amount of 2 g/l and dyeing was continued for between thirty and forty-five minutes until the desired shade had been obtained. The experiment was carried out using several alkali donor compositions, containing various commercially available aqueous silicate compositions, as indicated in Table 1 below. The shade was then checked against a standard obtained by carrying out the same experiment, but using 20 g/l of sodium carbonate, added as various times in amounts of 5 g over a period of 20 minutes. The fabric was then subjected to a soaping off process in which it was boiled for twenty minutes in 1 g/l Croscolor ARW, an anionic dye-suspending agent, commercially available from Joseph Crosfield & Sons Ltd, followed by fixation by treatment in a bath of a cationic fibre-substantive exhaustion resin, namely Croscolor NOFF (commercially available from Joseph Crosfield & Sons Ltd), at a pH of 4.5 and a temperature of 40.degree. C. Experiments A-I were carried out using compositions embodying the invention, some with different amounts of of potassium silicate and some with potassium silicates having different SiO.sub.2 :K.sub.2 O ratios. Experiments J-M were carried out for comparison and contained sodium silicates having different respective silica soda ratios (Experiments J-K and L-M) and containing either caustic potash (Experiments J and L) or caustic soda (Experiments K and M). All of experiments A-M gave dyeings to a shade at least as good as that using sodium carbonate. However, experiments A-I gave considerably more efficient fixation leading both to an even better depth of shade and an improved fastness as compared with experiments J to M. Furthermore, the viscosity of the formulations in experiments J to M was somewhat high and made handling difficult whereas that of the formulations A-I was lower and the solutions were easy to handle. TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ ALKALI DONOR EXPERIMENT (Figures represent % by weight) Components A B C D E F G H I J* K* L* M* __________________________________________________________________________ Potassium Silicate (aqueous).sup.1 50 40 32 Potassium Silicate (aqueous).sup.2 50 40 32 Potassium Silicate (aqueous).sup.3 50 40 32 Sodium Silicate (aqueous).sup.4 32 32 Sodium Silicate (aqueous).sup.5 32 32 Solid KOH 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Solid NaOH 20 20 Masquel P43ONa.sup.6 20 10 6 20 10 6 20 10 6 6 6 6 6 Water 10 30 42 10 30 42 10 30 42 42 42 42 42 __________________________________________________________________________ Notes to Table 1: *Comparative Experiments .sup.1 Si O.sub.2 :K.sub.2 O weight ratio 1:43 and mean solids content 52.4% .sup.2 Si O.sub.2 :K.sub.2 O weight ratio 2:14 and mean solids content 39.1% .sup.3 Si O.sub.2 :K.sub.2 O weight ratio 2:48 and mean solids content 29.9% .sup.4 Si O.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O weight ratio 1:60 and mean solids content 46.7% .sup.5 Si O.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O weight ratio 3:30 and mean solids content 38.0% EXAMPLE 2 Industrial Scale Dyeing (Best Method) Using the same dyestuff mixture as in Example 1, 100 kilo of bleached cotton fabric was circulated in the dyebath of an industrial dyeing machine containing 1 g/l Dyelube NF and 1 g/l Croscolor QEST in the cold for ten minutes. The liquor:fabric ratio was 10:1. A filtered solution of the above dyestuffs was then added in an amount sufficient to give the same proportions, by weight of fabric as in Example 1, and the dyeing machine run for ten minutes. Common salt was then added in an amount of 80 g/l and circulation was continued for fifteen minutes. The dye liquor was then raised to a dyeing temperature of 80.degree. C. over thirty minutes and maintained at that temperature for a further thirty minutes to ensure maximum dye exhaustion. The same alkali donor composition as that used in Experiment A of Example 1 was then added and dyeing was continued for forty-five minutes until the required shade was obtained. The alkali donor was present in an amount of 1 g/l, i.e. 10 kg per dye load of 100 kg fabric in 1000 liters liquor. The same experiment was carried out, but using 100 kilo of sodium carbonate, added over a period of time in portions of 25 kilo. After soaping off and fixation in the same manner as that described in Example 1 but on a larger scale, the shades of the dyeings obtained using the liquid composition of the invention and sodium carbonate respectively were compared and found to be roughly the same. This shows that an excellent dyeing shade can be achieved using a liquid composition embodying the invention without the difficulties in storing and handling and without the need to add large quantities of sodium carbonate powder used conventionally. Furthermore, these results are achieved using roughly only one-tenth the amount of alkali donor. In addition, since the composition embodying the invention is liquid, no problems associated with dissolving the alkali donor are encountered.

3D

06

P

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in the drawings the present application shows a building construction apparatus having a stationary building structure10with a sidewall opening12defined therein. A shuttle section14is movable through the sidewall opening12between an extended position20and a retracted position22. The shuttle frame18defines a shuttle floor surface24on the upper surface thereof for facilitating walking thereupon when the shuttle section14is in either the extended or retracted positions20or22respectively. An outer shuttle wall28will be preferably fixedly secured with respect to the shuttle frame18to extend thereabove and define an outer wall for the shuttle section14. When the shuttle section14is in the retracted position22the outer shuttle wall28will extend over and close the sidewall opening12defined in the stationary building structure10. On the otherhand when the shuttle section14is in the extended position20the outer shuttle wall28will be positioned spatially distant from the stationary building structure10and the sidewall opening12defined therein to define an open air living area for individuals located upon the shuttle floor surface24or other furniture located thereon. The shuttle section14preferably includes a shuttle frame18which is a secure stable platform holding the shuttle floor surface24in the extended position20in a fully reinforced and strengthened position. A shuttle tail member26will preferably be fixedly secured with respect to the shuttle section14and preferably be integral therewith. As shown in the figures of the present invention the overall structural strength of the shuttle frame18and the shuttle tail member26can be significantly enhanced by the use of longitudinally extending I-beams. An outer wall sealing means30is preferably positioned about the interfacing surface of the outer periphery of the outer shuttle wall28and is adapted to engage the stationary building structure10in the area thereof immediately surrounding the sidewall opening12for sealing the outer shuttle wall28with respect to the stationary building structure10when the shuttle section14is in the retracted position22. To further facilitate this sealing a stationary wall seal46may be positioned on the stationary building structure10about the outer periphery of the sidewall opening12. Preferably the stationary wall seal46will be engageable with respect to the outer wall seal30of the outer shuttle wall28for the purposes of being mutually complementing and forming a more effective and efficient seal at the intersection between the stationary building structure10and the outer shuttle wall28when the shuttle frame18is in the closed position. Movement of the shuttle section14between the extended position20and the retracted position22is powered preferably by a drive mechanism32. In a preferred configuration drive mechanism32includes a rack gear34which extends along one or both sides of the undersurface of the shuttle frame18. A drive means40is mounted to the stationary building structure10and includes one or more driveshafts38extending outwardly therefrom. As shown best inFIG. 3the driveshafts38extend outwardly from drive means40in both directions. A drive gear36is mounted to one or both driveshafts38and is positioned in engagement with respect to a rack gear34thereadjacent. As such, operation of drive means40will cause rotational driveshafts38and similar rotation of drive gears36causing movement of the shuttle frame18between the extended position20and the retracted position22, respectively, because the rack gear34is fixedly secured with respect to the shuttle frame18. With a shuttle frame18formed of I-beams the rack gears34will normally be fixedly secured to the undersurface of the I-beam to facilitate movement of the shuttle section14between the relative positions as well as assuring positive engagement between the rack gears34and the drive gears36. A substantial amount of weight of the shuttle frame18will be exerted downwardly upon the upper edge of the side wall opening12defined in stationary building structure10. For this reason a primary bearing means44preferably comprising a roller mechanism immediately above each opposite lateral edge of the lower periphery of the side wall opening is preferred. This primary bearing44will support the shuttle section14as well as all furniture or persons positioned upon the shuttle floor surface24. The primary bearing means44preferably comprises one or two rollers on each opposite corner of the side wall opening12immediately below the shuttle frame18. In the preferred configuration of the present invention a lateral shuttle wall42will extend upwardly and be perpendicularly oriented with respect to the outer shuttle wall28. It is preferred that only one such lateral shuttle wall42be included in order to enhance the overall open air living aesthetic appearance of the design. The configuration of the shuttle tail member26of the present invention is an important consideration. As shown best inFIG. 2this tail section will extend into the stationary building structure10at all times regardless of the position of the shuttle frame18. Even when the shuttle frame18is in the outermost extended position20the shuttle tail member26will still be located within the stationary building structure10on the inside of the sidewall opening12. This shuttle tail member26provides the leverage for supporting the relatively heavy weight of the shuttle frame18when positioned in locations close to the extended position20or in the completely extended position20. This operation of the shuttle tail member26is an important consideration of the present invention and it is important that the shuttle tail member26be firmly supported and easily movable relative to the stationary building structure10while at the same time extending thereinto sufficiently to amply and completely support the entire shuttle section14especially when at the extended position20. Support of the shuttle tail member26is achieved by the inclusion of a stationary support means in the construction of the stationary building structure10. First stationary support56and second stationary support64primarily comprise I-beam support beams98extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the plane of the sidewall opening12. These members are best shown inFIGS. 2,3and4. The configuration of the first stationary support56and the second stationary support64is primarily that of an I-beam98. The I-beam itself includes a vertical panel member100as well as a top horizontal panel member102as well as a bottom horizontal panel member104. Thus the three panels,100,102, and104, define the shape of the I-beam98. Preferably the I-beams are used as the first stationary support56as well as the second stationary support64. First stationary support56will then define a first upper support wall58and first lower support wall60with a first lateral support wall62extending therebetween and thereby defining three walls in an I-beam shape. In a similar manner the second stationary support64will define a second upper support wall66and a second lower support wall68with a second lateral support wall70extending therebetween thereby defining an overall I-beam construction for the second stationary support member64also. The first and second stationary supports56and64are preferably spaced apart from one another as shown best inFIG. 3to define therebetween a movement and retaining channel within which the shuttle section14is movable to facilitate relocation thereof between the extended position20and the retracted position22. To facilitate the relative movement between the shuttle section14and the first and second stationary support members56and64a tail support member72will preferably be secured with respect to the shuttle tail member26of the present invention. In this embodiment the tail support member72is positioned with respect to the endmost portion of the shuttle tail member26. Preferably a first support carriage73is positioned on one end of the tail support member72adjacent to the first stationary support56. This first support carriage73will include a first upper bearing comprising preferably a first upper roller which is rotatably mounted with respect to the first support carriage73and is brought into abutment with respect to the first upper support wall58. Similarly a first lower bearing76will be rotatably mounted with respect to the first support carriage73and in abutment with respect to the first lower support wall60to facilitate relative movement between the shuttle section14and the first stationary support56. Also a first lateral bearing preferably also including a roller will be rotatably mounted with respect to the first support carriage73and will be in abutment with respect to the first lateral support wall62. In this manner these three bearings preferably taking the form of rollers will retain the position of the tail support member72and the shuttle tail member26fixedly secured thereto relative to the shuttle section14as it moves between the extended position20and the retracted position22. In a similar manner the opposite lateral side of the tail support member72can include a second support carriage79. This second support carriage79can include a second upper bearing80as well as a second lower bearing82and a second lateral bearing84all of which can be rollers mounted with respect to the second support carriage79similar to the mounting of the first rollers74,76and78relative to the first support carriage73. The second upper bearing80will preferably be rotatably mounted with respect to the carriage and in abutment with respect to the second upper support wall66for movement thereagainst. Similarly the second lower bearing82will be rotatably mounted with respect to the second support carriage79and will be in abutment with respect to the second lower support wall68to facilitate relative movement thereagainst. Finally the second lateral bearing84will be rotatably mounted with respect to the second support carriage79and will be in abutment with respect to the second lateral support wall70. In this manner the three bearings or rollers supported by the first support carriage73and the second support carriage79will facilitate movability of the tail support member72and the shuttle section14fixedly secured thereto relative to the first stationary support56and the second stationary support64of the stationary building structure10in such a manner as to maintain alignment and to only allow movement of the shuttle section14in a direction perpendicularly with respect to the side wall opening12. Thus the shuttle tail member26will be prevented from flexing in the vertical direction or the laterally horizontal direction as it moves between the positions20and22. In the preferred configuration the upper rollers86of the first upper bearing74and the second upper bearing80will have an upper axis92of rotation in the horizontally extending direction. Similarly in the preferred configuration the lower rollers88of the first lower bearing76and the second lower bearing82will have the axis of rotation thereof oriented in a horizontally extending direction. However, in the preferred configuration shown in the figures herein, the preferred configuration of the lateral rollers90utilized in the first lateral bearing78and the second lateral bearing84will be oriented in a vertically extending axis of rotation96. Thus the axis of rotation of the first and second upper bearings74and80will extend horizontally as will the lower axis of rotation94of the first lower bearing76and the second lower bearing82but the axis of rotation of the lateral rollers96will be oriented approximately vertically. One of the important aspects of the present invention is to achieve a firm sealing between the outer shuttle wall28and the stationary building structure10in the area immediately around the sidewall opening12. This is achieved by having a complementary relationship between the outer wall seal30and the stationary wall seal46. This is achieved by defining stationary wall seal46to include one or more stationary receiving channels48along with one or more stationary protruding ribs50. In a similar manner the outer wall seal10will preferably include one or more outer receiving channels52and one or more outer protruding ribs54. In the preferred configuration shown by the cross-sections shown inFIG. 6the stationary protruding ribs50will be adapted to extend into the outer receiving channels52. At the same time the outer protruding ribs54will be adapted to extend into the stationary receiving channels48. This neutral engaging complementary sealing means is effective in preventing any leakage between the stationary building structure10and the outer shuttle wall28when the shuttle section14is in the retracted position. To facilitate movement of the stationary protruding rib50into the outer receiving channel52a V-shaped outer guide53may be positioned therewithin. This V-shaped outer guide53will facilitate in guiding the stationary protruding rib50into a correctly centered position within the outer receiving channel52for engagement therewith. In a similar manner a V-shaped stationary guide49will preferably be positioned within the stationary receiving channel48for the purpose of guiding the outer protruding rib54thereinto and centering them with respect to one another. In this manner a mutual interengagement between the ribs and channels of the respective portions will be achieved for effective sealing therebetween. Another important aspect of the present invention is the guard rail means106as shown best inFIGS. 1 and 5. Building codes require guard rails for unprotected elevated walking surfaces such as decks, porches or the like and this also applies to the shuttle floor surface24of the shuttle section14of the present invention. In those areas at the edges of the shuttle floor surface24where a wall is not included a guard rail should be positionable. In the present invention no guard rail is required on the outermost edge of the shuttle floor surface24since the outer shuttle wall28extends upwardly therefrom. Also as shown inFIG. 1the far edge of the shuttle floor surface24does not require a guard rail since the lateral shuttle wall42extends upwardly therefrom. However the edge of the shuttle floor surface24in the foreground ofFIG. 1would require some type of protective guard rail.FIG. 1shows this guard rail in the fully deployed position. It is also important that the guard rail not be in the deployed position when the shuttle section14is in the retracted position22. As such, the guard rail means106of the present invention is deemed to be collapsible between a collapsed position110and a deployed position108.FIG. 5shows the fully deployed position108and the fully collapsed position110in full outline and shows the intermediate position112for the guard rail when moving between the deployed position108and collapsed position110in dotted outline. This collapsibility is achieved by providing pivotal interconnections118between the vertically extending posts and the horizontally extending rails. These pivotal connections allow the guard rail106to be held at an extended position while at the same time being racked sufficiently to extend horizontally in a fully collapsed position110. As shown inFIG. 5the fully collapsed position extends horizontally beneath the shuttle floor surface24. This operation is achieved by the inclusion of a control arm116with an actuator114pivotally attached thereto. Activation of the actuator114causes the control arm116to pivot causing movement of the guard rail106between the deployed and collapsed positions108and110as fully shown inFIG. 5. In the preferred configuration of the present invention the guard rail106will be moved to the fully deployed position responsive to initiation of movement of the shuttle section14toward the extended position. Also the guard rail106will initiate movement from the deployed position108to the collapsed position110responsive to the shuttle section14reaching the fully retracted position22. Thus at all times when the shuttle section14is moving between positions or stationary at the fully extended position20, the guard rail106will be fully deployed for the purposes of safety. While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

4E

04

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The subject matter described herein includes a memory card holder and organizer for holding and organizing of plurality of portable memory cards.FIGS. 1A-1Eillustrate different views of a memory card holder and organizer according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. InFIGS. 1A-1E, a memory card holder and organizer100includes a card body102that includes first and second card covering members104and106that define opposite facing surfaces of card body102and opposite-facing lateral edges108and110. Card body102defines memory card insertion and holding slots112for holding a plurality of memory cards114in an interior region defined by card body102. In one embodiment, memory card insertion and holding slots112are configured to receive micro SD cards. However, memory card insertion and holding slots112may be configured to receive and hold any type of portable memory card including SD cards and multi-media cards (MMC) cards. As illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1E, card covering members104and106define opposite facing surfaces that have surface areas that are substantially equal to the surface areas of corresponding surfaces of a credit card. In addition, memory card insertion and holding slots112are designed to hold memory cards in a common plane, reducing the thickness of card body102over designs that stack memory cards. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, card covering members104and106are substantially identical parts, decreasing manufacturing costs or memory card holder and organizer100. For example, inFIG. 1B, card covering member104includes notches113adjacent to lateral edge108. InFIG. 1E, when memory card holder and organizer100is flipped from the orientation ofFIG. 1B, card covering member106also includes notches113adjacent to right lateral edge110(shown on the left side inFIG. 1E). Thus, because card covering members104and106include notches113that are accessible via opposite lateral edges on opposite sides of the card, card covering members104and106are substantially identical in structure and can be manufactured using the same manufacturing process. According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1E, each of card covering members104and106includes card identifying regions116that substantially overlay the card insertion and holding slots112for allowing the placement of card identifying information through labels or manual marking. Because card identifying regions116overlay a corresponding card slot, the content of the card in the corresponding card slot can be easily identified through visual examination of the corresponding card identifying region116. In the illustrated example, each card identifying region116comprises a depression that extends inward from the plane of the outer surface of the corresponding card covering member104or106. According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, card body102defines first and second apertures118through which rings are insertable for organizing a plurality of memory card holders and organizers. For example, apertures118may allow a plurality of memory card holder and organizers100to be inserted in a ring binder. Examples of ring binders suitable for holding a plurality of memory card holder and organizers will be described in detail below. According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, each card insertion and holding slot112may include a locking mechanism that holds a memory card in place in the slot through engagement with a lateral edge of an inserted memory card that can be disengaged through application of force in a direction opposite a card insertion direction.FIGS. 2A-2Eillustrate an example of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. In this example, the locking mechanism includes a cantilever beam200that bends away from a lateral edge202of a memory card114as the card is inserted in a card slot112, as illustrated inFIG. 2C. When memory card114is fully inserted within a card slot112, cantilever beam200engages with a slot204defined in lateral edge202of memory card114. Cantilever beam200includes a first end206that is fixed and about which cantilever beam200bends and a second end208opposite first end206that includes a wedge210that engages slot204. More particularly, wedge210includes a leading edge213that engages memory card structure214during card insertion to bend cantilever beam200away from memory card114. Wedge210further includes a trailing edge216that engages slot204at an oblique angle such that the lock formed by wedge210and slot204can be disengaged through application of force in a direction opposite that of memory card insertion, as illustrated by arrows218inFIGS. 2D and 2E. The memory card insertion direction is illustrated by arrows219inFIGS. 2B and 2C. The locking mechanism disengagement illustrated inFIGS. 2D and 2Ecan be contrasted with conventional operational disengagement of a memory card lock, which requires the memory card to be pushed in (i.e., in the direction of insertion) to disengage the lock. In conventional memory card slot configurations, a structure engages memory card slot204at a right angle, requiring the memory card to be pushed in to disengage the lock. An advantage of the non-right-angle engagement of edge216with slot204is that applying force to the card in the direction of arrow218will not damage holder100or card112. In devices where a holder engages slot204at a right angle, applying force in the direction of arrow218could damage card112and/or the holder. This type of damage could be likely to occur with less experienced memory card users, since it is natural to pull in an attempt to remove a memory card from its slot. Memory card holder and organizer100reduces the likelihood of such damage by providing for card removal by pulling the card out of its slot without requiring that the card be pushed inward to disengage the lock. InFIG. 2A, it can be seen that trailing edge216of cantilever beam200forms an angle of 125° with respect to the arm of cantilever beam200. It can also be seen that leading edge213forms an angle of 90° with trailing edge216. These angles were chosen to control how the card feels when being inserted and removed from slot204. Inserting the card uses little force but just enough force to communicate to the user that something is happening. Removing the card uses more force because the angle is steeper. These angles were chosen purposefully so that the card feels secure in the holder. When memory card114is fully inserted within slot112, as illustrated inFIG. 2D, the engagement of wedge210with slot204may produce audible and/or tactile feedback to the user to indicate that the lock is engaged. The audible and/or tactile feedback may include an audible click and corresponding tactile feedback that is communicated to the user through the memory card. This audible and/or tactile feedback can be contrasted with conventional frictional memory card holders that provide little or no audible or tactile indication to the user when a memory card is frictionally held in place. FIG. 3is an exploded view of memory card holder and organizer according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. As illustrated inFIG. 3, card covering members104and106are substantially identical in structure. A memory card receiving member300is sandwiched between card covering members104and106and defines memory card insertion and holding slots112. Thus, in one exemplary implementation, memory card holder and organizer100consists of only three parts, thus providing an implementation that has reduced manufacturing expense. During such manufacture, card covering members104and106may be fastened together through any suitable means. In the illustrated example, each of card covering and holding members104and106includes columns of binding protrusions302,304, and306that extend outward from the corresponding surface of card covering members104and106. When members104,300, and106are sandwiched together, binding protrusions302,304, and306may be ultrasonically welded to the corresponding location of the opposite card surface. In alternate implementation, an adhesive may be used to bind members104,106, and300together. Manufacturing costs may be further reduced by manufacturing parts104,106, and300using a colored plastic resin, reducing the need to paint members104,106, and300. For example, member300may be made from one color of plastic resin, and members104and106may be made of a different color of plastic resin to provide contrast between the parts. A logo308may extend outward from opposite surfaces of memory card receiving member300. Logo308(shown on one side only) may extend through correspondingly shaped apertures310and312in memory card covering members104and106. As stated above, apertures118may allow a plurality of memory card holders to be bound together using a ring binder.FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate such a configuration. InFIG. 4A, a plurality of memory card holders100is bound together using rings400that extend through apertures118. InFIG. 4B, a ring binder including first and second clam shell enclosing members402and404enclose memory card holders100and are bound together using rings400. Providing plural apertures for binding memory card holders and organizers100together via ring binders allows users to organize collections of memory cards. One example of such a collection may include a collection of portable memory cards that are encoded with digital music. It will be understood that various details of the presently disclosed subject matter may be changed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.

6G

11

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As is well-known, nuclei precess at a particular frequency with a particular phase. By applying gradient fields to the nuclei in different orthogonal directions, the frequency and phase of the precessions can be used to spatially encode the nuclei. In one orthogonal direction, a "slice" of nuclei are excited. Within that slice, MR signals are extracted from the remaining two dimensions of the slice, using the frequency of precession of the selected nuclei to spatially encode the nuclei in one direction and using the phase of precession of the selected nuclei to spatially encode the nuclei in the second (or other) direction(s). By analyzing the complex frequency and phase of the resultant MR signal, information about the nuclei density in the selected slice can be determined. FIG. 1 depicts an MRI system. One example of such a system is the Toshiba OT.TM. MRN system. For example, the MRI system may comprise a large polarizing magnet structure 10 which generates a substantially uniform homogeneous polarizing magnetic field B.sub.0 within a patient imaging volume 11. A suitable carriage 13 inserts the desired portion of patient 9 anatomy within the image volume 11. Magnetic gradients in B.sub.0 are selectively created by electromagnetic gradient coils. RF nuclei nutation pulses are transmitted into the patient tissue within the image volume. The RF responses constituting the MR signal are received from the patient tissue via suitable RF coil structures. To acquire MRI data, the MRI system generates magnetic gradient and RF nutation pulses under the control of MRI pulse sequence controllers 15 and 17. In addition, processor 16 controls the gradient pulse amplification drivers 22 and RF amplifier circuits 19. RF amplifier 19 and MR signal RF receiver circuits 20 are suitably interfaced with electromagnetic and RF coils within the MRI system gantry. The received MR responses are digitis y digitizer 21 and passed to an MRI image processor 16 which typically includes an array processor (not shown) and suitable computer program storage media (e.g., silicon or magnetic media) wherein programs are stored and selectively utilized so as to control the processing of acquired MR signal data to produce digitized image displays on a CRT of control terminal 18. Images may also be directly recorded on film 23 by computer/processor 16 and control terminal 18 may also include suitable keyboard switches and the like for exerting operator control over the MRJ sequence controllers 15, 17 and the interconnected cooperating MR image processor 16. In conjunction with the usual MRI processor 16, an operator is typically presented with a menu of choices. In the exemplary embodiment of this invention, one of those choices available to the operator is a program for generating separate water-pixel and fat-pixel MRI images by obtaining the requisite single-scan single-point Dixon MR signal data and then generating and/or displaying: (a) a fat-pixel image, or (b) a water-pixel image of the measured NMR nuclei. The generation of a suitable detailed computer program for effecting the described process of the present invention is believed to be well within the ability of those skilled in this art in view of the flowchart of FIG. 3 in conjunction with the totality of the disclosure herein. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate typical MRI acquisition sequences for field-echo and spin-echo single-scan single-point Dixon sequences, respectively. Referring first to FIG. 2(a), in a field-echo sequence an MR signal, S, is obtained after an echo time (TE) following transmission an RF excitation (mutating) pulse. TE is controlled so that the water and fat signals are out-of-phase at the echo-center. At 0.35 T, this constrains the TE to odd multiples of about 9.5 ms, (i.e., 9.5, 28.5 . . . , ms). The repetition time (TR) between adjacent excitation pulses is also illustrated. The transmitted excitation pulse, .beta., nutates the selected nuclei in a slab identified by the gradient magnetic field, G.sub.slice. Changing gradient fields, G.sub.pe and G.sub.slice, phase encode the nuclei within the selected slab. The third gradient magnetic field, G.sub.ro, frequency encodes the nuclei in the slice selection, resulting in the MR signal S. The sequence repeats with another excitation pulse signal TX. In FIG. 2(b) the events forming a 2-D spin-echo sequence are similarly depicted. In this sequence, an RF transmission pulse occurs twice at different times and magnitudes causing a 90.degree. nutation followed by a 180.degree. "refocusing" rotation of the nuclei. The resulting echo-center of echo-signal S is shifted from the true spin-echo position by an amount as previously disclosed so that the water and fat signals are out-of-phase at the echo-center. Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram is presented that illustrates the steps for producing water-dominant and fat-dominant MR signal data for use in constructing separate images from single-scan single-point Dixon MRI sequences. These steps are implemented by MIU system control processor 16 (or an associated computer/processor) programmed in a manner familiar to one in the art to analyze the acquired MR signal data. First, with reference to step 31, the MR signal from a single-scan single-point Dixon acquisition sequence comprising mixed water/fat out-of-phase information is obtained and fourier transformed. These fourier transformed mixed MR signals, S, are represented in the image (frequency) domain by the following equation: EQU S=(W-F)e.sup.-i.phi. where W and F are water and fat signals, respectively, and .phi. is the signal phase due to field inhomogeneities and other system effects. In step 32, the signal phase, .phi., is quantitated by taking the argument of the complex image domain, (i.e., after fourier analysis) MR signal, S, multiplied by itself. This step also eliminates chemical shift effects. In mathematical terms: EQU 2.phi.=arg{S.sup.2 } where arg { } is an operation that returns the phase of the input signal. In step 33, a determination is made as to whether phase unwrapping is required. In step 34, a region-growing algorithm guided by a polynomial model is used to unwrap the phase (since the signal is unambiguous only between -.pi. and +.pi.). Once the unwrapped phase .phi. is obtained, as indicated in step 35, the water-pixel, I.sub.water-pixel, and fat-pixel, I.sub.fat-pixel, imaging data is calculated by MRI system processor 16, as indicated at step 36, in accordance with the following two equations: EQU I.sub.water-pixel =.vertline.S.vertline.+S exp{i.phi.} Equ. 1 EQU I.sub.fat-pixel =.vertline.S.vertline.-S exp{i.phi.} Equ. 2 Finally, as indicated in step 36, the process is continued for all of the acquired MR scan data until all pixel data acquired in the scan has been processed. The water-pixel and fat-pixel image data is then used to produce an image on film or for display on CRT 18 in the conventional manner. FIGS. 4(a)-(c) show examples of spin-echo single-scan single-point Dixon MRJ images comparing water/fat out-of-phase images 4(a) with water-pixel images 4(b) and fat-pixel images 4(c) produced in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 5(a)-(c) show examples of field-echo single-scan single-point Dixon MRI images comparing water/fat out-of-phase images 5(a) with water-pixel images 5(b) and fat-pixel images 5(c) produced in accordance with the present invention. 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.

0A

61

B

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preparation of Starting Compounds (a) 2,4-dimethyl-5-methylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 2,4-Dimethyl-1-methylsulfonylbenzene (138.5 g, 0.734 mol; 97.5% by gas chromatography ("GC"); Beilstein H 5, page 491) in 200 ml of sulfuric acid monohydrate was dinitrated with 118 g (1.83 mol) of 98% nitric acid. Half of the nitric acid is added dropwise at 20.degree. to 30.degree. C. with external cooling, and after the temperature is then allowed to rise to 70.degree. C., the remaining quantity of nitric acid is added dropwise. After 30 minutes stirring at 70.degree. C. following the addition of nitric acid, the reaction mixture is poured onto 700 ml of ice water, suction filtered, and washed sequentially with water, dilute sodium bicarbonate solution, and again water. Drying under vacuum leaves a residue of 180 g of the dinitro compound which according to GC contains less than 0.3% of mononitro compound. Melting point 175.degree. C. (toluene). .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 2.53 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.69 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.17 (s, 3H, --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.3) and 8.65 (s, 1H, aromatic H). (b) 2,4-dimethyl-5-ethylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 1-Ethylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene (100 g, 0.5 mol; Beilstein H 5, page 491) is dinitrated with 83.6 g (1.3 mol) of 98% nitric acid by the method described above to yield 138 g of dinitro compound (92% of theoretical), 99.6% purity (GC). Melting point (ethanol) 150.degree. to 151.degree. C. (c) 2,4-dimethyl-5-propylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 2,4-Dimethyl-1-propylsulfonylbenzene (Beilstein H 5, page 491) was dinitrated analogously to (a). Melting point 139.degree. to 141.degree. C. .sup.1 -NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 1.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.80 (m, J=7 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 2.51 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.67 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.13 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), and 8.58 (s, 1H, aromatic H). (d) 5-isopropylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 1-Isopropylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene was dinitrated analogously to (a). Melting point 138.5.degree. C. (ethanol). .sup.1 H-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): .delta.(ppm) 1.21 (d, J=7 Hz, 6H, --CH.sub.2 --(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2.45 and 2.60 (s each, 3H each and aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.64 (m, J=7 Hz, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and 8.50 (s, 1H, aromatic H). (e) 5-butylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 1-Butylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene was dinitrated analogously to (a). Melting point 116.degree. to 118.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 0.94 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.46 (6 lines, J=7 Hz, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.75 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 2.52 (s, 3H, aromatic --CH.sub.3), 2.67 (s, 3H, aromatic --CH.sub.3), 3.16 (m, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), and 8.58 (s, 1H, aromatic H). (f) 2,4-diisopropyl-5-methylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene 2,4-Diisopropyl-1-methylsulfonylbenzene was dinitrated analogously to (a). To ensure complete dinitration, 20% oleum (1.6 mol of SO.sub.3 per mol of sulfone) was added after the addition of nitric acid and the after-stirring time was increased to 60 hours. The crude product was boiled with ethyl acetate to remove small quantities of mononitro compounds. Melting point 214.degree. to 215.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 1.33 and 1.37 (d each, J=7 Hz, 6H each, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2.95 (m, J=7 Hz, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 3.18 (s, 3H, --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 4.8 (broad, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and 8.25 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLE 1 1,3-diamino-2,4-dimethyl-5-methylsulfonylbenzene 2,4-Dimethyl-5-methylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene (104 g, 0.379 mol) was hydrogenated in 150 ml of isopropyl alcohol in a 0.7 liter VA (steel) autoclave under a total pressure of 10 bar at 110.degree. C. in the presence of 6 g of Raney nickel moistened with water. The catalyst is removed by filtration while hot. When the filtrate has cooled to room temperature, the diamine separates as crystals, yielding 69.2 g (85% of theoretical), 99.9% purity (GC). Melting point (isopropyl alcohol) 131.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): .delta.(ppm) 1.90 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.25 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.01 (s, 3H, --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 4.67 and 4.83 (s each, 2H each, --NH.sub.2), and 6.63 (s, H, aromatic H). Additional diamine was obtained from the mother liquor by evaporative concentration. EXAMPLE 2 1,3-diamino-5-ethylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene 1-Ethylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzene was hydrogenated to the diamine analogously to Example 1. Melting point (ethanol) 155.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CCl.sub.4): .delta.(ppm) 1.25 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 2.02 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.40 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.00 (q, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 3.7 (broad, 4H, --NH.sub.2), and 6.85 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLE 3 1,3-diamino-2,4-dimethyl-5-propylsulfonylbenzene 2,4-Dimethyl-1,3-dinitro-5-propylsulfonylbenzene was hydrogenated to the diamine analogously to Example 1. Melting point (isopropyl alcohol) 159.degree. to 160.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 0.98 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.72 (m, J=7 Hz, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3). 2.02 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.38 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.02 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 3.62 and 3.72 (s each, broad, 2H each, --NH.sub.2), and 6.84 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLE 4 1,3-diamino-5-isopropylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene 1-Isopropylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethyl-2,5-dinitrobenzene was reduced to the diamine analogously to Example 1. Melting point (isopropyl alcohol) 143.5.degree. to 145.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 1.29 (d, J=7 Hz, 6H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2.04 (s, 3H, aromatic --CH.sub.3), 2.40 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.18 (7 lines, J=7 Hz, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 3.65 (s, broad, 4H, --NH.sub.2), and 6.84 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLE 5 1,3-diamino-5-butylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethylbenzene 1-Butylsulfonyl-2,4-dimethyl-3,5-dinitrobenzene was reduced to the diamine analogously to Example 1. Melting point (ethanol) 121.degree. to 122.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 0.89 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.36 (6 lines, J=7 Hz, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 1.66 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 2.02 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 2.40 (s, 3H, aromatic CH.sub.3), 3.03 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 3.58 (s, broad, 4H, --NH.sub.2), and 6.84 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLE 6 1,3-diamino-2,4-diisopropyl-5-methylsulfonylbenzene 2,4-Diisopropyl-5-methylsulfonyl-1,3-dinitrobenzene was hydrogenated to the diamine analogously to Example 1. Melting point (toluene) 164.degree. to 165.degree. C. .sup.1 H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.(ppm) 1.38 (d, J=7 Hz, 6H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.42 (d, J=7 Hz, 6H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 3.02 (s, 3H, --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.3), 3.19 (m, J=7 Hz, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 3.65 and 3.90 (s, broad, 2H each, --NH.sub.2), 4.04 (m, J=7 Hz, 1H, --CH--(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and 6.78 (s, 1H, aromatic H). EXAMPLES 7-11: Preparation of Polyurethanes. The diaminoalkylphenylsulfones listed in the following Table 1 were used in a casting process. In the examples given, the diamines were added in the molten form to a suitable polyadduct containing isocyanate end groups (i.e., an isocyanate prepolymer). The isocyanate prepolymer used in Examples 7-11 was an addition product prepared by a known process from 2.1 mol (365.4 g) of 2,4-diisocyanatotolune ("TDI") and 1 mol (2,000 g) of a straight-chained polyester of adipic acid and ethylene glycol (OH number 56, molecular weight 2000) having an isocyanate content of 3.90%. For each example, 500 g of the said isocyanate prepolymer were degassed under aspirator vacuum at 80.degree. C. for about 15 minutes before processing. The molten diamine was then added in the quantity required for complete reaction (i.e., equimolar) of the isocyanate groups of the prepolymer with the NH.sub.2 groups of the diamine (NCO/NH.sub.2 ratio=1:0). The casting time of the reaction mixtures at 70.degree. to 80.degree. C. is determined by the reactivity of the diamines according to the invention and, for practical purposes, generally lies within the range of 2 to 10 minutes. The reaction mixture is poured into a mold which has been treated with mold release agent and heated to about 100.degree. C. The mixture is then heated for 1/2 to 4 hours at 120.degree. C. After removal from the mold (1/2 to 1 hour) the PUR elastomers were tempered for 10 to 12 hours at 120.degree. C. Table 1 gives a summary of the casting time of the reaction mixtures and the mechanical properties of the elastomers obtained using the diamines according to the invention. TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Example 7 8 9 10 11 ______________________________________ R.sub.1 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 R.sub.2 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 R.sub.3 CH.sub.3 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 C.sub.3 H.sub.7 CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 C.sub.4 H.sub.9 Quantity 49.7 52.6 57.6 56.2 59.4 (g per 500 g of NCO pre- polymer) Casting time 4 5 3 6 6 (min) Modulus 100% 6.2 5.1 4.2 2.2 4.5 (MPa) Tensile 37.7 27.8 20.0 17.6 21.4 strength (MPa) Elongation 652 650 650 550 700 at break (%) Tear propaga- 75.0 65.2 26.0 57.8 61.1 tion resistance (KN/m) Shore A hard- 86 85 84 78 82 ness Elasticity 34 27 25 23 27 (%) ______________________________________ EXAMPLE 12 (comparison; not according to the invention) Molten 3,5-diamino-1-ethylsulfonyl-4-chlorobenzene (54.4 g) corresponding to the following formula ##STR6## was added to 500 g of the isocyanate prepolymer described above (Examples 7 to 11) having an isocyanate content of 3.9%. The polyurethane elastomer was produced under the same operating conditions as mentioned above but the reaction mixture solidifies quite differently from those used in experiments previously described. Reaction of the diamine with the isocyanate groups of the prepolymer takes place very slowly at a reaction temperature of 70.degree. to 80.degree. C. The casting for the reaction mixture is performed at about 45.degree. to 60.degree. C. However, the solidification time of the liquid reaction mixture at 120.degree. C. is also very long, so that it is only after several hours (3 to 5 hours) that the products can be removed from their mold. In contrast, in the experimental batches described above in Examples 7 to 11, the mold release time is only 15 to 60 minutes, so that the two components can be worked up very rapidly. A polyurethane(urea) elastomer having the following mechanical properties is obtained: ______________________________________ Modulus at 100%: 2.9 MPa Tensile strength: 17.9 MPa Elongation at break: 650% Tear propagation 37 KN/m resistance: Shore A hardness: 83 Elasticity: 21% ______________________________________

2C

08

G

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention deals with the manufacture of garments, films and fibers configured into such articles as drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head coverings, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers, napkins and woven, non-woven, or otherwise formed fabric. Such products are generally employed in the medical industry both in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home environments. Many of these products generally come into contact with human bodily fluids and their disposal and disinfection has become a matter of major concern in light of the lack of biodegradability of prior products and the potential spread of human fluid-born diseases such as hepatitis B and AIDS. In order to cope with these difficulties, it is proposed that polymer or fabric employed in the manufacture of such items be composed of polymer films and/or fibers which are soluble in hot aqueous baths, including water, either alone or with the addition of surfactants, salts and bleaches above 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. Such fibers or sheets would be insoluble in cold to warm baths below 37.degree. C., the average temperature of the human body. Ideally, the polymer or fabric would be soluble in baths only above 50.degree. C., and, most preferably the polymer or fabric garments would be soluble only in aqueous media between 80.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. Garments which are soluble in aqueous media below 37.degree. C. are useless as inadvertent secretion of bodily fluids such as blood and urine would cause the polymer to solubilize. Working with polymer which dissolves only at higher temperatures such as above 50.degree. C. or, ideally between 80.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. would prevent inadvertent solubilization yet remain ideal in practicing the present invention. It is contemplated that disposal in a hot water bath such as a washing machine at or near the boiling point of water dedicated solely to solubilizing garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles produced herein would also be an effective disinfecting media. As such, two objectives would be accomplished, namely, that the polymer or sheets would be disinfected and would be solubilized for disposal through the sewer system. Not only would this lessen the burden now being imposed upon current landfill sites but liquid sewer disposal would prove a comparative low cost technique in ridding the user of such used garments. Polymer or sheet materials useful in practicing the present method comprise polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. The garments are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by post drawing or heat annealing. Ideal for use in the present invention would be a highly crystallized, at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate. Commercially, polyvinyl alcohol sold under the trademark Vinex 1003.TM. and 1002.TM. by Air Products could be used herein. Useful fibers are typically 0.5 denier to 5.0 denier and are preferably from 1.0-2.0 denier and most preferably sized at 1.2-1.5 denier. A commercially available product for use in the present invention is either type T-B (VEE 1290) or type T-5 (VPB 101) which are each available from Kuralon as its PVA fiber. This material is sold in 44 mm lengths. The T-B product is sized at 1.2 denier while the T-5 product is sold in 38 mm staple lengths of 1.5 denier. The fabric useful in practicing the present invention can be constructed by any well known technique for making woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric. Such non-woven techniques useful in practicing the present invention include spun bonding, melt blowing or wet laying, hydroentangling with cold water and/or thermally bonding with 30-70% of the surface melted to form, for example, a diamond pattern. When products, such as diapers, are configured of sheets of suitable thermoplastic material, the sheets are approximately 1 to 6 mils in thickness and more preferably 1 to 3 mils in thickness and most preferably approximately 1.5 mils in thickness. Suitable non-woven fabric or sheets are approximately from 15 g/yd.sup.2 to 200 g/yd.sup.2 in weight and more preferably from 20 g/yd.sup.2 to 70 g/.sup.2 and most preferably from 25 g/yd.sup.2 to 80 g/yd.sup.2. Knitted or woven fabrics are approximately 50% heavier as needed for binding tapes, cuffs and related appendages. As noted in U.K. Patent No. 1,187,690, it is desirable to maintain a minimum level of moisture content of polyvinyl alcohol pellets prior to melt extrusion. The reference teaches that if moisture content of a film composition exceeds two percent by weight, steam evolves during the melt extrusion leading to the formation of fine holes or cavities in the film. However, while the present invention also contemplates drying to a level of approximately 0.5% (wt.) water or less the polyvinyl alcohol pellets before extrusion and, subsequent to the film formation, moisture is reintroduced back into the film to prevent brittleness and maintain usefulness. It is contemplated that the final PVA film have between 1.5 to 15% (wt.), preferably 5 to 10% (wt.) and most preferably approximately 7.5% (wt.) moisture content. In order to further enhance the usability of sheet material produced principally of polyvinyl alcohol, it is contemplated that an anti-blocking agent be employed to reduce hydrogen bonding between adjacent hydroxyl groups on separate sheets. Suitable anti-blocking agents are members selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic SiO.sub.2. Such material should be employed between 0.1 to 5.0% (wt.) and most preferably between 2 to 3% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol. As noted previously, polymer or sheet material useful in practicing the present invention is comprised of polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. It is proposed that the polyvinyl alcohol be substantially fully hydrolyzed, that is, having 98% or greater hydrolyzed acetyl groups. For the sake of adequate mechanical strength, polyvinyl alcohol-based sheet material should have a degree of polymerization of at least 700 and no greater than approximately 1500. Ideally, such materials should have a degree of polymerization of approximately 900 and be substantially crystallized. It is also noted that in producing polyvinyl alcohol resins from the saponification of polyvinyl acetate, impurities such as sodium acetate and sodium sulfate are found in the resin. To provide a suitable film material, such impurities must be kept below 1/2% (wt.) and preferably below 1/4% (wt.) of the polyvinyl alcohol resin. This can be accomplished with a methanol water rinse or extraction. To enhance the manufacture of suitable polyvinyl alcohol resin-based film materials, suitable quantities of a plasticizer are necessary. It is contemplated that up to 15% (wt.) of a suitable plasticizer such as glycerine or polyethylene glycol be employed to assist in providing a smooth melt extrusion from the polyvinyl alcohol-based pellets. As examples the following fabric samples were manufactured on conventional thermal bonding equipment. ______________________________________ I.D. TL-0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 ______________________________________ Fibre Kuralon T-5 PVA (1.5 denier, 38 mm staple length) Pattern No. 2 2 2 1 1 Fabric Wt. 27 44 47 35 43 (gms/sq. yd) Thickness (mil) 15 12 17 14 16 Tensiles- (Grab-lbs) Dry MD 8.3 11.7 16.6 13.8 16.1 Wet MD 3.2 4.8 4.6 3.1 6.0 Dry CD 2.0 2.3 4.3 3.8 5.2 Wet CD 1.0 1.5 1.7 1.3 2.3 Elongation (%) Dry MD 11 10 12 12 11 Dry CD 48 30 38 19 22 Mullen Burst (psi) Dry 11 15 19 13 16 Wet 10 14 19 13 15 Hanle-O-Meter 84 244 432 173 244 (gms) Trap Tear- MD 1.7 2.1 3.5 2.7 2.9 CD 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.7 ______________________________________ It was found that the above-manufactured fabric displayed nearly identical physical properties similar to fabric manufactured from polyester and polypropylene. However, the fabric manufactured above was unaffected by cool or warm water (23.degree.-37.degree. C.) but when exposed to hot water (80.degree.-90.degree. C.), immediately dissolved. It is oftentimes desirable that the film be colored with pigments or dyes such as azo or anthraquinone molecules. Useful dyes include acids, basics, disperse, reactives and vats. The pigments and dyes should be employed in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polymeric polyvinyl alcohol. Surprisingly, it has been found that the incorporation of a water repellent within the polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric is quite a useful adjunct to minimize surface attack by liquid moisture at a temperature lower than that at which solubility occurs. It has been found that even with polyvinyl alcohol films and fabrics which become water soluble only at elevated temperatures, when exposed to water, the surface of such material tends to take on a slick "feel" and the use of water repellents tends to minimize this effect. Suitable repellents include fluorocarbons offered by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. sold under its trademarks FC 824 and 808. These materials are useful in the range of between 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer.

3D

01

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Throughout this document, a Region-of-Interest (ROI) is meant to refer to a contractible, and thus a simply connected subset of image pixels within one slice (i.e. a two-dimensional plane) of a total image volume. The smallest ROI is one pixel, and the largest is the entire slice. A Volume-of-Interest (VOI) extends the notion of a ROI to three dimensions, with the smallest unit being a voxel, i.e. a three-dimensional pixel. That is, a VOI is a contractible, and thus simply connected subset of image voxels from the entire image volume in three dimensional space. The present invention is able to produce blended images from disparate imaging devices, which produce data in different modalities. One advantage of the present invention is the ability to register and/or fuse a portion of a first image volume with a second image volume, without registering and/or fusing the entire image volumes. This is accomplished by allowing ROIs or VOIs to be selected (manually or automatically) for fusion. The selected ROIs or VOIs in one modality can be overlaid (i.e., superimposed) or blended with data from a corresponding ROI or VOI in a second modality. FIG. 2shows an exemplary image created by the ROI fusion technique of the present invention. The region of interest in the functional SPECT object image is limited to the area of local uptake within a specific organ. The relevant information in the anatomical CT target image is distributed throughout the entire image slice. Within a coregistered CT image200(composed of multiple slices), an ROI202of a single slice of the image200corresponding to that specific organ is identified and selected for fusion. As shown, ROI202in the CT image is overlaid with the corresponding data from the same ROI in a nuclear SPECT image. That is, the entire image slice of CT image200remains intact except for the ROI202. Thus, through the present invention, a clinician is capable of viewing any desired object image data from any one modality superposed on a target image from another modality, and yet is able to maintain the spatially accurate anatomical image from the second modality as a reference. For simplicity,FIG. 2shows the case of two modalities being blended in a single ROI, but the invention is not so limited and can be extended to more than two modalities and any number of ROIs and/or VOIs. For example, a CT image could have one ROI superimposed with ultrasound image data and a second ROI superimposed with nuclear medical image data. FIG. 4is a block diagram a system for image fusion of disparate imaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention. System400includes an image fusion device402coupled with two or more disparate imaging devices (i.e., different modalities), such as MRI unit404, SPECT unit406, Ultrasound unit408, PET unit410, CT unit412and AX (angioplasty X-ray) unit414. Image fusion device402is configured to receive imaging data from each of the disparate imaging devices. Imaging data may be received in a common data protocol, such as the DICOM (Digital Imaging and COmmunication in Medicine) standard. Image fusion device402is configured to process and filter image data as well as to co-register image voxel data received. Image fusion device402may include a client interface (not shown) to allow a user of the system to select ROIs and VOIs, display parameters, etc. according to the present invention. Accordingly, image fusion device402may include a keyboard or other I/O device402a, a color video display monitor or other display device402b, and memory (e.g., a database)402cfor storing image data, for example. Image fusion device402may be any combination of hardware and software configured to perform the functions of the present invention, and may be in any configuration (central computer, distributed architecture, processing unit, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the system will include a graphical user interface (not shown) which allows a user of the system to view image data, select ROI and VOIs, view blended images, and other functionality described herein. To create a combined or fused image, such as the image ofFIG. 2, image data of two separate modalities (M1and M2) are co-registered (i.e., their pixel (voxel) data is aligned). In this case, the CT data of the prostate is registered with the SPECT data of the same prostate. The entire image volumes need not be co-registered, but instead, selected ROI(s) or VOI(s) can be co-registered. Depending upon the type of registration performed, it may be more desirable to register only ROIs or only VOIs that are subsets of the entire image volume. For example, in a system using rigid body registration, when an ROI is of an organ that may move during the imaging period, such as the heart, then there is an advantage to registering the ROIs of the heart rather than the entire image. Once the image data is co-registered, a composite image then can be constructed for the scaled ROI202of object data M1displayed with color table T1, fused with full frame target data M2displayed with color table T2. Through coregistration, the pixel locations of the ROI of the object M1are registered and scaled to match the corresponding pixel locations and size of the target M2. Then, the coregistered ROI data of the first image M1can be superposed with the corresponding ROI of the entire second target image M2. The color tables T1and T2can be set and scaled independently. The same alternatives could be used to display the entire first image M1with a superposition of ROI data from second image M2. Techniques for co-registering image data are known. For example, many registration techniques are described in Maintz, J. B. A., & Viergever, M. A.,A Survey of Medical Image Registration, Navigated Brain Surgery(1999), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The ROIs of the two images, M1and M2, can be blended, and the blended ROI data superposed with the ROI of the partial or entire second image M2. A color table T3of the ROI in M2may be set independently from the full frame M2image, so that the overlying M1ROI data may appear semi-transparent or opaque, as controlled by the user (e.g., via a client interface). The source images for M1and M2may be independently filtered with similar or different filters prior to display in the composite image. Each ROI also is capable of showing time-stamped images and allowing for “movement” or flow depiction. For example, a CT image may be combined with an ultrasound image showing blood flow in an organ. The blood flow could be shown in blended ROI on the CT image. Therefore, when an ROI in an image is superimposed with image data from another device, the image data may be streaming in real-time or near real-time. Image data can be mathematically represented by the following equation: Ii=Ii({right arrow over (r)}j)∀jε{ROIn-1, . . . ,ROIn-N}, which may be mathematically summarized as I=∑KM⁢cnk⁢Ik;⁢∀j∈{ROIn=1,…⁢,⁢ROIn=N}, in general I=f(I1, . . . , Ik), where f is any function, but where each image In, contains one or more ROIn, and only the pixels within these ROI are used for the registration, and fusion or in general, and where M modalities are fused, with N ROIs having coefficients cnk(e.g., weights). Interactive 3D-move/shape deformation and multi-modality may be displayed in object data ROI. The ROI/VOI may be generated on single modality displays of either image or on the composite image. The ROI/VOI also may be generated by a combination (i.e. union or intersection) of ROIs/VOIs and/or of separate ROI/VOIs created in either image, or on the composite image. The ROI/VOI may be created, moved or resized by user operations on single modality displays of either image, or on the composite image. The ROI may be a projection of a 3D VOI. 3D ROI embedded maximum intensity projection (MIP) may be generated and displayed (i.e., MIP of M1over MIP of M2). Through coregistration, the pixel locations of the VOI of M1are registered and scaled to match the pixel locations and size of M2. A first MIP image is made up of the selected VOI of the object M1. The scaled VOI of M1replaces the same registered VOI of the target M2. A MIP image of the combined volume is then created. The scaling intensity and color table type of T1and T2that are used to create the display pixel appearance of the combined projection can be adjusted independently by the user. A second or alternate MIP image is then made up of intensity-scaled VOI of M2. The object VOI of M2is added to the same registered VOI of the target M1. The scaling intensity and color table type of T1and T2that are used to create the display pixel appearance of the combined projection can be adjusted independently by the user. A third or combined MIP image is then made up of intensity-scaled VOI of M1and M2. Through coregistration, the VOI of M1is registered and scaled to match the pixel location and size of the target M2. The scaled VOI of M1is added to a scaled version of the same registered VOI of M2. The combined VOI replaces the same registered VOI of the target M2. A MIP image of the combined volume is then created. The scaling intensity and color table type of the VOI in M1and the VO1in M2that are used to create the combined VOI can be adjusted independently by the user. Images from modalities M1and M2may be segmented into separate organ or shape zones by a segmentation technique. The image correlation and coherence between the co-registered images is reported by zone and segmentation technique. The present invention can be extended to more than two modalities, where all but one of the modalities represent the object modalities and the remaining one modality represents the target modality, i.e. different ROIs may show various modality information. The present invention can be extended to multiple image series in two or more modalities, where all of the series in one modality and all but one of the series in the second modality represent the object modality, and the remaining one image in the second modality represents the target modality. In this explanation, series may mean images acquired at different times, in different studies, dynamic images, gated images, or other combinations. Each of the images may be independently registered with the target image. The present invention can be used for manual and semi-automatic registration, or to either initialize or fine tune auto-registration, where structures within ROIs are used for registration. One skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be extended and used for interventional procedures, as well as for Partial Volume Correction. Thus, a number of preferred embodiments have been fully described above with reference to the drawing figures. Although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

0A

61

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is an illustration, for discussion purposes, of a variable capacitance C.sub.v in series with a coupling capacitance C.sub.c. The two in series may be viewed together as an effective capacitance C.sub.s with an impedance ##EQU1## As the coupling capacitance C.sub.c is made larger relative to the variable capacitance C.sub.v, the variable capacitance C.sub.v has a greater impact on the effective capacitance C.sub.s of the two capacitances in series. A varactor is not only a variable capacitance but also has resistance associated with its impedance, and is generally a relatively low Q component. The Q factor is inversely related to capacitance and resistance. Since C.sub.s is always less than C.sub.v, the coupling capacitance C.sub.c always results in the combined components in series having a higher Q than a varactor alone. However, the impact of the varactor and its low Q on the combined components in series increases as C.sub.c is made larger relative to C.sub.v. Similarly, as C.sub.c is made larger relative to C.sub.v, the ratio of a change in C.sub.v (or .sub..DELTA. C.sub.v) to C.sub.v has a greater impact on the ratio of a change in C.sub.s (or .sub..DELTA. C.sub.s) to C.sub.s. As C.sub.v changes to C.sub.v -.sub..DELTA. C.sub.v, the change in C.sub.s may be represented as ##EQU2## The ratio of .sub..DELTA. C.sub.s to C.sub.s may be represented as ##EQU3## The ratio of .sub..DELTA. C.sub.s to C.sub.s is always less than the ratio of .sub..DELTA. C.sub.v to C.sub.v. However, as C.sub.c is made larger relative to C.sub.v, not only does C.sub.v have a greater impact on C.sub.s, but the ratio of .sub..DELTA. C.sub.v to C.sub.v has a greater impact on the ratio of .sub..DELTA. C.sub.s to C.sub.s. Adding a coupling capacitance in series with a varactor lowers the effective capacitance of the combination, raises the Q, and reduces the capacitance ratio relative to the varactor alone. As the coupling capacitance is made larger relative to the capacitance of the varactor, the impact of the low Q and the capacitance ratio of the varactor increases. If this series combination of FIG. 1 is part of a tank circuit of a VCO, a larger coupling capacitor can extend tuning range, but it will simultaneously increase phase noise and tuning sensitivity variation. FIG. 2 is an illustration, for discussion purposes, of a variable capacitance C.sub.v in parallel with a shunt inductance L. The parallel combination may be viewed together as an effective capacitance C.sub.eff, with an impedance ##EQU4## Therefore, C.sub.eff is less than C.sub.v. However, the absolute value of the change of C.sub.eff is the same as the absolute value of the change of C.sub.v. If C.sub.v changes from C.sub.1 to C.sub.2, the change in C.sub.eff may be represented as ##EQU5## Compared to a variable capacitance C.sub.v without a shunt inductance L, the two in parallel have a smaller effective capacitance C.sub.eff without altering the absolute value of the change in capacitance, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2, or .sub..DELTA. C.sub.v. When a varactor with a shunt inductance is substituted for a varactor alone in a series combination with a coupling capacitor, the smaller C.sub.eff of the two in parallel can be substituted for the C.sub.v (of the varactor alone) in equations (1) and (2) discussed above. However, the .sub..DELTA. C.sub.v remains the same. Therefore, the capacitance ratio can be higher, without increasing the impact of the low Q and nonlinearity of the varactor. The operating frequency of a tank circuit is a function of a circuit capacitance, such as C.sub.s of FIG. 1, and a separate circuit inductance not illustrated in FIGS. 1 or 2. If CS is reduced by inclusion of the shunt inductance L in parallel with the variable capacitance C.sub.v, the desired operating frequency can be maintained by increasing the separate circuit inductance. Compared to the impact of a varactor alone on a tank circuit, the impact of an effective capacitance C.sub.eff, of a shunt inductance in parallel with the varactor, is to extend the tuning range about a given operating frequency without degrading phase noise or tuning sensitivity variation. FIG. 3 shows an example of circuitry for part of a VCO which is a differential multivibrator. A tank circuit 10 is shown above the dashed line. Terminals 11 and 12 of the tank circuit 10 are connected to two transistors 21 and 22 which are part of an integrated circuit below the dashed line. The example tank circuit 10, shown in FIG. 3, has a common cathode dual diode varactor 30 with a control voltage Vcon connected to the cathode junction 31. A shunt inductance 13 is connected across the anodes 32 and 33 of the varactor 30. The anodes 32 and 33 are each connected to ground via a resistor 14 and 15, respectively. They are each connected to one of the tank circuit terminals 11 and 12 via a capacitor 16 and 17, respectively, as shown. A supply voltage Vsup is connected to terminals 11 and 12 via inductors 18 and 19, respectively. An embodiment of the tank circuit 10 shown in FIG. 3 was built using an Alpha 1234 hyper-abrupt junction varactor 30. The capacitance of each of the diodes ranged from about 10 pF to about 4 pF over a control voltage Vcon of about 0 to about 3 volts. For this illustrative example, a shunt inductance 13 of about 18 nH was chosen, capacitors 16 and 17 were each chosen to be about 18 pF, and inductances 18 and 19 were each chosen to be about 5.6 nH. The capacitance and inductance values were chosen to enhance design robustness. By including shunt inductance 13, the tuning range was increased 50% without changing the phase noise or the tuning sensitivity variation. The embodiments discussed and/or illustrated are examples. They are not exclusive ways to practice the present invention, and it should be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions and embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

7H

03

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, an environment within which a vibration-preventing device is installed, includes at least one vibration-preventing device 20' attached to a side wall 23a of an opening 23 for a door 22, shown here as the rear hatch door of an automobile 21. When door 22 is closed, vibration-preventing device 20' maintains contact with a contact point on door 22 by exerting a pressure that prevents door 22 from vibrating. Referring to FIG. 10, one option for a vibration-preventing device 20' includes a case 3 attached to side wall 23a. First and second end walls 3a and 3b extend upward from a bottom 3c of case 3. End walls 3a and 3b are spaced a distance 1 apart. A metal plate 2, also having a length I (FIG. 11), is adhered to bottom 3c. Metal plate 2 prevents wear of bottom 3c during use, as will be explained. A guide pin 4 extends through holes 5 and 6 in end walls 3a and 3b, respectively to span bottom 3c. A stopper wedge 8 is slidable on guide pin 4. A spring 7, shown as a spiral spring, is threaded on guide pin 4. Guide pin 4 is spread at its ends 4a and 4b to retain ends 4a and 4b in case 3. Spring 7 urges stopper wedge 8 toward end wall 3a. Stopper wedge 8 includes an inclined upper sliding surface 10. An inclined surface 9' of contact point 9, affixed to move with door 22 (FIG. 1), is inclined at about the same angle as inclined upper sliding surface 10. When door 22 is closed, inclined surface 9' moves rightward into contact with inclined upper sliding surface 10 of stopper wedge 8. Normally, the fit of door 22 is such that, when inclined surface 9' contacts inclined upper sliding surface 10, stopper wedge 8 is moved part of the way rightward along guide pin 4, against the urging of spring 7. During use, if door 22 is loose enough to rattle during vehicle motion, spring 7 forces stopper wedge 8 leftward to wedge under inclined surface 9', and thereby take up any looseness which might otherwise permit rattling. Metal plate 2, shown in both FIGS. 10 and 11, is roughly rectangular having the same size and shape as bottom 3c. Metal plate 2, which has length 1 that is roughly equal to distance 1 between end walls 3a and 3b. During assembly of the apparatus, metal plate 2 is adhered to bottom 3c of case 3 with adhesive material, two-sided tape or the like. Metal plate 2 prevents the sliding of stopper wedge 8 from wearing bottom 3c of case 3. Next, guide pin 4 is inserted through hole 5, then through spring 7, stopper wedge 8, and hole 6 though wall 3b of case 3. Stopper wedge 8 preferably is made from resin. Guide pin 4 is held against end wall 3a by an adhesive that fixes it in place. While above vibration-preventing device 20' reduces vibration, one shortcoming of above vibration-preventing device 20' is that end 4b of guide pin 4 is caulked with adhesive to fix end 4b to case 3. Consequently, a caulking operation is needed, resulting in an increased number of assembly steps. The assembly procedure is made even more difficult by the fact that first end 4a of guide pin 4 must be stabilized in place while end 4b is caulked. A second shortcoming of above vibration-preventing device 20' is that metal plate 2 is fixed to case 3 using an adhesive material. This results in extra costs for, for example, the adhesive material. Furthermore, the adhesion process increases the number of steps in assembly. Also, the adhesive surfaces of case 3 and metal plate 2 must be prepared prior to application of the adhesive material. Such surface preparation steps, for example, de-greasing and/or priming, results in an increased complexity of assembly. Referring to FIG. 2, vibration-preventing device 20 has a case 24 capturing a spring loaded stopper wedge 28. Stopper wedge 28 is slidably captured in case 24 on a guide pin 25. A spring 29 biased between an end of case 24 and an end of stopper wedge 28 urges stopper wedge leftward in the drawing. Case 24 is advantageously oriented to provide optimal contact between stopper wedge 28 and door 22 whenever door 22 is closed. As door 22 closes, a contact point (not shown) movable therewith, contacts stopper wedge 28. This contact slides stopper wedge 28 axially along guide pin 25 against the force of spring 29, as in the prior-art embodiment of FIG. 10. In operation, the embodiment of vibration-preventing device 20 of FIG. 2 operates in the same manner as vibration-preventing device 20' of FIG. 10. Thus, operation of vibration-preventing device 20 will not be discussed further. Assembly of vibration-preventing device 20 is now described. Referring first to FIG. 5, case 24 has a stopper end wall 24a and a collar end wall 24b spaced distance 1 apart, the same length as a bottom 24c. A drainage hole 32 is disposed in a lower right corner to prevent accumulation of moisture in case 24. Referring next to FIG. 7, a metal plate 31, having a length 1+2m, is to be disposed into case 24 (FIG. 5) in contact with bottom 24c. The ends of metal plate 31 have a sawtooth shape to allow embedding in side walls 24a and 24b. One end of metal plate 31 has corners 31a that are beveled to reduce resistance to embedding in collar end wall 24b when metal plate 31 is pressed into place during assembly. Referring next to FIG. 8, metal plate 31 is in position in case 24 prior to being pressed into final contact with bottom 24c. In this position, the end opposite bevels 31a,31a abuts stopper end wall 24a at the point where stopper end wall 24a intersects bottom 24c. The beveled end of metal plate 31 is wedged against collar end wall 24b. Since metal plate 31 is 2 m longer that the distance 1 spanning stopper end wall 24a and collar end wall 24b, metal plate 31 cannot lay flat against bottom 24c. Therefore to achieve the desired final position metal plate 31 must be pressed in the direction of the arrow. Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 9, metal plate 31 is illustrated in final assembled position adjacent to, and in contact with bottom 24c. One end of metal plate 31 is embedded distance m into stopper end wall 24a and the other end of metal plate 31 is embedded distance m into collar end wall 24b. Since both ends of metal plate 31 are embedded into case 24, metal plate 31 is attached to the bottom of case 24. Therefore, no adhesive is required eliminating the adhesion steps of the above vibration-preventing device 20' for adhering metal plate 2 (FIG. 11) in case 3 (FIG. 10). Case 24 with metal plate 31 is now prepared for assembly of the vibration-preventing mechanism. Referring next to FIG. 3, collar end wall 24b of case 24 has a hole 27 disposed therein. In opposite alignment with hole 27, a hole 26 is disposed in stopper end wall 24a. Hole 26 has a downwardly outwardly angled lower portion 26aLower portion 26a allows guide pin 25 to pass through hole 26 at an angle during assembly. Guide pin 25 has a collar 30 fixed close to a collar end 25bSpring 29 abuts against collar 30. Collar 30 is of such a diameter that spring 29 cannot pass over it. The diameter of collar 30 is also such that it cannot pass through hole 27. Rather, after assembly a contact surface 30aof collar 30, will contact collar end wall 24b at the depth that collar end 25b inserts into hole 27. There is no collar on the opposite end of guide pin 25, a stopper end 25a A hole 33 in stopper wedge 28 allows guide pin 25 to pass through. Stopper wedge 28 slides on guide pin 25, to function as described above. An optional countersunk portion 33a of hole 33 accommodates spring 29. Optimally, countersunk portion 33a has a depth approximately equal to the length of spring 29 when spring 29 is fully compressed. For assembly, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, spring 29 is threaded onto stopper end 25a of guide pin 25 until is contacts collar 30. Next stopper wedge 28 is threaded onto stopper end 25a until stopper wedge 28 contacts spring 29, with spring 29 inserted into countersunk portion 33a. Next, stopper end 25a is angularly inserted into hole 26 at an angle and passed through hole 26 along lower portion 26aAs guide pin 25 passes through hole 26, stopper wedge contacts stopper end wall 24a. Further movement of guide pin 25 through hole 26 causes spring 29 to be compressed. When spring 29 is compressed enough, collar end 25b of guide pin 25 becomes capable of being swung downward. Therefore, while maintaining the compression on spring 29, collar end 25b is swung, as indicated by the arrow in the drawing, until it aligns with hole 27. Once in alignment the compression is released and spring 29 urges collar end 25b into hole 27 until contact surface 30a of collar 30 abuts against collar end wall 24b of case 24. This engagement is maintained thereafter. In this assembled configuration stopper wedge 28 is kept toward stopper end wall 24a of case 24 by spring 29. No caulking of guide pin 25 is required during the assembly operation. This reduces the number of steps involved in installation. Also, there is no need to fixedly secure stopper end 25a of guide pin 25 in place, thus simplifying installation. Referring next to FIGS. 12 and 13, a stopper 28' of another embodiment is threaded onto guide pin 25. Like the above embodiment of a stopper mechanism, the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 also utilizes a compression of the spring for insertion of the mechanism into the case. However in this embodiment, a case 24' is lacking hole 26 and substitutes, instead, a guide channel 36 is formed on each side wall 24d of case 24'. Guide channel 36 is defined by bottom 24c' and a case ridge 35. Each case ridge 35 runs part way along the top edge of side 24d. The remainder of side 24d has no case ridge 35 to allow stopper 28' to be inserted into case 24' during assembly. Guide pin 25 in this embodiment is slightly shorter then the distance 1 (FIG. 5). A guide tab 34 on each side of stopper 28' slides in guide channel 36 thereby retaining stopper 28' in case 24'. Since stopper wedge 28' is slidably held in position in case 24' by the guide channels 36 there is no need for hole 26 to stabilize the stopper end of guide pin 25. This embodiment therein retains the advantage of assembly without the guide pin to the case. This embodiment has the added advantage of allowing the stopper wedge to more freely contact bottom 24c' and contact surface 30a under pressure of spring 29. Referring finally to FIG. 14 another embodiment of the stopper mechanism utilizes guide channel 36 in case 24' with guide tab 34 of stopper wedge 28' slidably disposed therein. However this embodiment fixes guide pin 25' to stopper wedge 28' and eliminates collar 30. Guide pin 25' slides through hole 27 in unison with the sliding of stopper wedge 28'. In the embodiments of this description, a rear hatch door of an automobile was used as an example of an opening/closing body, but the present invention need not be limited to this. The device of this invention is suitable for any opening/closing body for which vibrations need to be prevented after closing, for example, a front door, a hood, a tailgate, a trunk, or a sliding door. Also, the present invention is suitable for use with vehicles other than automobiles. For the purpose of this description, the term stopper wedge includes any shape or material suitable for wedging against the body which is in need of vibration prevention. Shapes such as blocks, cylinders, spheres, cones, etc. and materials that are rigid, malleable, resilient, etc. are all considered within the scope of the invention as adaptable to be used as a stopper wedge element. For the purpose of this description, the term case is not limited to a box shaped container with four sides and a bottom. A case may have any shape or configuration that fulfills the purpose of providing a support framework for the vibration prevention mechanism. For example, the case may be a channel, a carved block, a flat sheet with tabs, have the shape of a boxed canyon, etc. The cross section, for example, may be flat-bottomed- U-shaped, round-bottomed-U-shaped, V-shaped, dovetail shaped etc. For the purpose of this description, the term guide pin is used to describe the element that constrains the movement to the stopper wedge to a specified path. The guide pin also keeps the stopper wedge in proper alignment so that it can advantageously contact the opening/closing body. A rod shaped cylinder is shown in the drawings, however, the guide pin could also be square shaped, triangle shaped, oval shaped, etc. or may even be a channel or spline. For the purpose of this description, the spring is not limited to a coil shaped metal spring threaded onto the guide pin, but may be any resilient body of any appropriate material useful for urging the stopper wedge against the opening/closing body's contact surface. Additionally, for the purpose of this description, the contact surface can be a reinforcing plate, knob, indentation, etc. disposed at the point of contact with the stopper wedge on the opening/closing body or simply the un-reinforced surface of the opening/closing body itself. For the purpose of this description, the collar is not limited to the disclosed donut shaped protrusion on the guide pin but may also be any protrusion that limits the spring form sliding off the guide pin and limits the guide pin from passing through the hole in the end of the case. The collar may be a pin, a knob, a bend, etc. Additionally, for the purposes of this description, the metal plate is not limited to the shape and material described above, but may be any shape or material that is press fit into the case and provides a wear resistant surface that the stopper wedge can rub against. Also, the metal plate may be pressed into the case as described or inserted in any manner that will augment its positioning in the bottom of the case. For example, the metal plate may be inserted into the bottom of the case in a bowed configuration and then allowed to straighten causing the ends to embed in both end walls without leaving a path of entry in either of the end walls. The disclosed invention provides the following advantages. The metal plate is pressed into the case so that both ends of the plate are embedded into the end walls of the case. Consequently, the metal plate is attached to the bottom of the case without adhesive. Also, the contact surfaces between the metal plate and the case do not require preparation by priming or de-greasing. Therefore, eliminating the adhesive process reduces the cost involved in adhesive materials and reduces the complexity of manufacture. The above vibration-preventing device's 20' caulking operations for the guide pin are eliminated in the present invention. The present invention does not require the guide pin to be fixed to the case because the spring that drives the stopper wedge simultaneously maintains the guide pin in its position. Consequently, assembly of the stopper mechanism in the case is simplified. Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

4E

05

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the preferred electronic ballast where the Power Unit (connected to an input unit) is illustrated in detail. The Input Unit includes filters, a bridge rectifier and optionally a power factor pre-regulator known to practitioners in the art and need not be described herein. Furthermore, the Control Unit, Logic Supply Unit and Interface & Timer Unit (I/T Unit) which are shown as blocks and will be described hereinbelow. The Power Unit includes the basic components of a halfbridge inverter: two electronically-controlled switches (MOSFET T1 and T2), two voltage divider capacitors (capacitor C1 and C2) and a load impedance (a HID lamp) connected in series with a winding N1 of an inductor M1. The Power Unit also includes a preferred embodiment of a high voltage ignition apparatus in which winding N2 is connected in series with a capacitor C3 and a transistor T3. When transistor T3 is on, a high frequency damped sinusoidal voltage, repeated with the half period time of the inverter, occurs across the winding N2. This voltage is transformed by winding N1 to approximately 1500V, providing sufficient ignition voltage for HID lamps, also achieving instant re-ignition of warmed-up lamps. The ON-time of transistor T3 is controlled by the Control Unit connected to driver transistors T8 and T9 through opto-isolator O-3. The Power Unit further includes a preferred embodiment of a MOSFET driver utilized by the present invention. As it is shown in FIG. 1, two identical MOSFET drivers MD1 and MD2 are provided. MOSFET driver MD1 includes a transistor T5, as well as rectifiers D2 and D3 and resistors R4 and R5 connected to the main transistor switch T2. Inputs B1 and B2 are connected to one of the secondary windings N5 of a control transformer M2. MOSFET driver MD2 includes a transistor T4, as well as rectifiers D4 and D5 and resistor R6 and R7 connected to the main transistor switch T4. Inputs Al and A2 are connected to one of the secondary windings N4 of the control transformer M2. The control transformer M2 provides a square wave AC control signal. During the positive half-period, with respect to the point sign of the secondary winding N4, a positive voltage is connected across the resistor R6 and rectifier D4 to the gate of the N-channel MOSFET T4 of MOSFET driver MD2 providing the ON state. Therefore, the gate of MOSFET T1 is short-circuited to its source by MOSFET T4, providing an excellent current sink capability and a very short switching time for the MOSFET T1. Obviously, the DC loss of the described MOSFET driver is very low. The most significant advantage of this driver description can be applied for the upper MOSFET drivers. A similar configuration will be described with respect to the MOSFET driver MD1. In this situation, during the positive half-period, with respect to the point sign of the secondary winding N5, a positive voltage is connected across the resistor R4 and rectifier D2 to the gate of the N-channel MOSFET T2 providing the ON state. During the negative half-period, a positive voltage is connected across resistor R5 and rectifier D3 to the gate of MOSFET T5 providing the ON state. Therefore, the gate of MOSFET T2 is short-circuited to its source by MOSFET T5. Consequently, a very low power loss can be achieved with respect to the switching transistors T1 and T2, resulting a very high efficiency for the global circuit. The Power Unit also includes a power resistor R1 in which the current is unidirectional but fluctuated with 120 Hz. The voltage across the resistor is filtered by capacitor C6 and resistor R2, and therefore, the voltage across C6 is nearly DC and proportional to the average load current. This voltage--supposing nearly constant supply voltage--is also proportional to the input power which is nearly equal to the lamp power. Therefore, the control of the lamp power can be easily implemented, as shall be further explained. FIG. 2 illustrates the ballast curve as diagram of the functional relationship between the lamp power and the lamp voltage. Two different ranges can be distinguished depending on the lamp voltages, namely: 1. constant lamp current range in the warming up period; and 2. Constant lamp power range in a certain range of lamp voltage. The constant lamp power range depends on the lamp type: 80V-160V for HPS lamps and 120V-150V for MH lamps. FIG. 3 shows a normalized lamp current diagram where the wave forms are parametrized by typical lamp voltages, namely: old HPS (160V), MH (130V), new HPS (80V) and cold start (20V) which is practically equivalent to the short circuit condition. As it can be seen in FIG. 3, the lamp current is always continuous and piecewise exponential. FIG. 4 shows a detailed schematic diagram of the Control Unit providing appropriate control signals for the Power Unit. Functionally, the Control Unit has four basic parts, namely: 1. a timer and oscillator; 2. a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO); 3. a logic driver; and 4. a low power signal transformer. The timer and oscillator includes voltage comparators IC1 and IC3, a 14 bit ripple counter IC2, and an oscillator based on the Schmitt trigger IC5. The output 5 provides the control signal for the ignitor. The counter is controlled via an output 3 in such a way that if ignition of the lamp failed, the power unit will be switched off within six minutes. The voltage controlled oscillator IC6 provides square wave signal (D=0.5) for the driver. The frequency of the oscillator is controlled by the operational amplifier IC4 in such a way that the lamp power remains constant in a predetermined lamp voltage range (80V-160V for HPS lamps and 120V-150V for MH lamps). The logic driver including logic gates IC7 and IC8 and provides appropriate signals for the MOSFETs T6 and T7 shown in FIG. 1, avoiding cross current conduction. The low power signal transformer M2 also shown in FIG. 1, provides isolation between the Control Unit and the Power Unit. FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of a low power Logic Supply Unit based on a self-oscillating half-bridge configuration. The inputs 1 and 2 provide supply voltage for the logic supply. The transformer M3 includes five windings: a primary winding N2 connected between the common points of the main switching transistors and voltage divider capacitors of the half-bridge configuration, feedback windings N1 and N3, secondary windings N5 and N6 providing unstabilized voltages for the linear regulators IC9 and IC10, transistors T8 and T9 and diac V1 provide a starter circuit for transistor T10 and T11, which are the main controlled switch of the self-oscillating half-bridge configuration. The outputs 3 and 4 provide 12V stabilized logic supply for the I/T Unit. The output 5 and 6 provide 12V stabilized logic supply for the Control Unit. FIG. 6 shows the preferred embodiment on the Interface & Timer Unit (I/T) Unit) providing an isolated external control of the ballast. The Interface part includes the comparators IC11 and IC12 where an isolated (4000V) control connection to the Power Unit and the Control Unit is implemented by opto-isolators O-1 and O-2. As it is shown in FIG. 1, a low power switch DS, functioning as dimming switch, can be connected to input 1 and 3 of the I/T Unit. Furthermore, for implementing automatic light switch (day/night switch) a photoconductive cell (photoresistor) PC can be connected to the inputs 2 and 3 of the I/T Unit. These inputs connected to a low power switch can be also utilized as a remote ON/OFF switch of the ballast. An optional programmable Timer provides a timed dimming capability for the ballast essentially increasing energy saving. The corresponding timing diagram is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram for preferred implementation of a centrally-controlled lighting system provided by the isolated external control feature of a preferred individual electronic ballast. Thus, while preferred embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described in details, it is to be understood that such adaptation and modifications, as may occur to those skilled in the art, may be employed departing from the spirit and scoping of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

7H

05

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described below, may be performed in a variety of ways and using a variety of structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments are within the scope thereof, as are additional fields in which the invention may provide utility. Accordingly, the embodiments described below are illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, connections between components or between method steps in the figures are not restricted to connections that are effected directly. Instead, connections illustrated in the figures between components or method steps may be modified or otherwise changed through the addition thereto of intermediary components or method steps, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Various embodiments of the present invention relates generally to authentication in mobile banking, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of employing a location tracking function within a mobile device, such that a geographical location (geo-location) is tracked in real-time for the purpose of authenticating a user and a trusted transaction as this mobile device is configured to a mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminal in mobile banking applications. Authentication is primarily based on comparison between the captured real-time geo-location and some known information, such as a retailer address, this user's behavior pattern and shopping habits. Any inconsistency is potentially associated with a theft or tamper attempt, and further tamper protection may be enforced based on such detection. Most important of all, such a geo-location based authentication may be automatically implemented in the background, reducing user involvement while maintaining a high level of security for the trusted transactions. FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram100of a mobile POS terminal according to various embodiments in the invention. The mobile POS terminal100is configured from a conventional mobile device140which is primarily used for other purposes including communication and computation. Software applications106A-106C are installed on the mobile device140to receive requests for various trusted transactions and to provide programs that control implementation of the trusted transactions. Function modules110in the mobile device140and/or a secure element102are controlled to process the requests and communicate with remote servers108to complete the trusted transactions. The remote servers108belong to financial or other special entities that are involved in the trusted transactions, and some exemplary entities are banks, retailers, credit card companies, mobile service providers and governments. In order to securely process the trusted transactions, secure environments are created locally inside the mobile device140based on the secure element102. Sensitive software applications are implemented separately within the secure element102for the trusted transactions. In one embodiment, the secure element102is partitioned from existing mobile device function modules110, e.g., processor and memory in a cellular phone. In another embodiment, the secure element102is a standalone component incorporated into the mobile device140. In certain embodiment, the embedded secure element102is integrated in a removable memory card or a smart card, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) card or a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In certain embodiment, the secure element102is integrated in other existing embedded components, such as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) chip104. Regardless of being standalone or sharing an estate with other components, this secure element102preferably owns a chip estate and secure data link that are relatively dedicated and separate from those used in the other components. The secure element102is integrated within the mobile device140by the manufacturer prior to delivery to a user, and thus, they are always associated with the particular mobile POS terminal that it is sold with. Once the user activates the mobile device140, the secure environments are reserved to process sensitive data and trusted transactions associated with this particular user. The sensitive data includes account numbers, monetary value, access codes, financial transactions/balances, right management, program algorithms, passport information, personal identity, and credit history. The sensitive data are securely processed in the mobile device140, and communicated between the user and the remote servers108via a communication network120. In various embodiments of the invention, the communication network120may be a cellular network, a satellite network, a wireless broadband network, or a Wi-Fi based computer network. FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary process200of paying a purchase order using the mobile POS terminal100according to various embodiments in the invention. This transaction involves a user220, a retailer270and a credit card company280. The mobile POS terminal100is used to authenticate the parties and transaction, store sensitive data and process the transaction. When the user220makes a request to pay via his bank account, the related bank is involved to replace the role of the credit card company280. The user220makes a purchase order with the retailer270(step202). A request is entered in the mobile POS terminal100to pay the retailer270using a credit or debit card (step204). The user220and the trusted transaction are authenticated (step206). As most existing authentication methods are, authentication step206is normally implemented remotely within the remote server108that is owned by the credit card company280. However, in various embodiments of the invention, the secure element102enhances the security level, such that authentication step206may also be implemented locally within the secure element102. Upon authentication, the trusted transaction is processed within the mobile device140and the remote server108of the credit card company280(step208). The credit card company280may communicate with the retailer270to make payment for the purchase order (step210). In this purchase payment process200, sensitive data are always exchanged among the involved parties in encrypted formats to ensure a high security level. Prior to implementing the trusted transaction (steps208-210), authentication step206is implemented under the control of the related software applications106A-106C. The user has to be an authorized holder/user of the mobile POS terminal100and the bank/credit card account, and the trusted transaction has to be a legitimate transaction authorized by the user. The user normally selects a four-digit password used to access the mobile device140every time the device140is initialized. Once the mobile device140is configured to a mobile POS terminal100, each of software applications106A-106C requires another respective user-defined password to authorize the user for account access in addition to the four-digit password for device access. For suspicious transactions, the software applications106A-106C may require authorization involving additional questions and user inputted confirmation. Geo-location based authentication is implemented in step206to authenticate the user and the trusted transaction according to the geographical location of the mobile POS terminal100. The geographical location is tracked by the communication network120and the mobile device140, and further processed for the purpose of authentication within the secure element102. In various embodiments of the invention, a user has to enable this geo-location based authentication at a user interface of a software application, and thereafter, programs within the application control the secure element102to complete the authentication process. Geo-location based authentication is enabled by a standard function of real-time location tracking that most mobile devices have. In accordance with the communication network and the mobile device, this function of real-time location tracking is implemented based on pervasive location-specific signals that are normally used by the mobile devices for the purpose of communication. These location-specific signals include, but are not limited to, radio signals in the cellular network, electrical signals in a radio or television (TV) broadcast network, satellite signals in a global positioning system (GPS) and Wi-Fi signals in the computer network. Signal strength, direction and out-of-band data of these location-specific signals are monitored, and accordingly, the relative location of the mobile device is determined in reference to a known position of a base station in the cellular network, a transmitter in a radio or TV broadcasting network, a satellite in the GPS or a router in a wireless local area network (WLAN). FIG. 3illustrated an exemplary cellular network300according to various embodiments in the invention. In this wireless network300, towers and base stations302are arranged into a cellular network to transmit and receive radio signals. Internal low-power transceivers in individual phones allow them to communicate with the nearest towers. As a user carrying a mobile device travels among cells, the strength of the radio signals diminishes at the cell edges304, and increases as the user approaches the towers302. The base stations monitor the strength of the radio signal returned by the mobile device such that the location of the mobile device is tracked in relevance to the cellular network. This relevant location is converted to a geo-location on a map. The geo-location is further conveyed to the mobile POS terminal100and displayed on the screen. Likewise, the geo-location of the mobile POS terminal100may also be determined in the GPS and the WLAN. Geo-location of the mobile POS terminal100may be constantly recorded, and in combination with other useful information, such geo-location data may be used to derive a behavior pattern and a shopping habit of the user. In one embodiment, time and geo-location data may be combined to understand the frequency and physical range of the user's daily activity, i.e., the behavior pattern. Similarly, each shopping activity is associated with time of shopping, credit card used, a price range, and a particular retailer or retailer branch at the geo-location. The shopping habit is extracted based on a history of the user's shopping activities, and therefore, is constantly updated as the user continues his or her daily shopping activities. As a longer history of geo-location is tracked and analyzed, a more accurate behavior pattern and shopping habit is established for use in user and transaction authentication of this particular user. As a result, the behavior pattern and the shopping habit are automatically embedded within the mobile POS terminal as a user identity that a criminal cannot easily fake or bypass. FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary block diagram400of a geo-location based authentication system applied in a mobile POS terminal100according to various embodiments in the invention. A LCD display and a touch screen420and a key pad440constitute a user interface to allow the user to enable geo-location based authentication and select a security level. In this authentication system, the mobile POS terminal100communicates via a radio link to the base stations302, and the base stations302identify and feedback its geo-location to the terminal100. The secure element102comprises an interface control402, a secure processor404, a secure memory406and a Verification/Authentication (V/A) unit408. The interface control222is coupled to securely receive user input from the LCD display/touch screen420and the key pad440. Geo-location data provided by the base stations410may be used for authentication directly, or stored in the secure memory406. The secure processor404extracts a history of the geo-location data that is stored and constantly updated within the secure memory406, and generates the behavior pattern and the shopping habit for the user. The behavior pattern and the shopping habit may also be stored in the secure memory406, and updated constantly or only upon a user request. The V/A unit408is coupled to receive the real-time geo-location from the base stations302directly, and verifies the user and the transaction accordingly. In certain embodiments, the V/A unit408is integrated in the secure processor404. Verification of the user and transaction is not limited locally within the secure element102. In certain embodiments, geo-location authentication may be implemented remotely within the remote servers108that are managed by the banks or credit card companies. Under these circumstances, the behavior pattern and shopping habits may still be generated by the secure processor224concerning each particular bank or credit card company, but is stored remotely within the corresponding remote servers108. Authentication is implemented remotely within the remote servers108according to the geo-location data which is encrypted and securely transmitted to the remote servers108. Various embodiments of the geo-location based authentication system400may be realized in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof. For example, the functions to practice various aspects of the present invention may be performed by components that are implemented in a wide variety of ways including discrete logic components, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or program-controlled processors. In one embodiment, both the secure processor404executes software programs and instructions according to the software applications106A-106C that are stored in the secure memory406or another memory within the mobile device140. The software applications106A-106C hold several predetermined authentication schemes for implementing geo-location based authentication for specific transactions. Upon receiving a request for the trusted transaction, the secure processor404and the V/A unit408enable and control a particular geo-location based authentication method according to the user inputted security level. Geo-location based authentication may be implemented in a variety of methods.FIG. 5illustrates a first exemplary method500of authenticating a trusted transaction using a geo-location of a mobile POS terminal100according to various embodiments in the invention. The authentication method500is based on verification of the geo-location according to the transaction location. Upon receiving a payment request (step502), the mobile POS terminal100determines its own geo-location using the real-time location tracking function (step504). In various embodiments, the payment request normally incorporates location associated with the particular retailer site where this payment is made; otherwise, the location may be determined according to the specific retailer site using a real-time search using public or proprietary information. In particular, this real-time search may be implemented based on a pre-existing database, or a public information resource accessed via the Internet. As a result, the retailer location involved in the transaction is either extracted from the request or looked up from other resources (step506). Thereafter, the geo-location is verified according to this retailer location (step508). When consistency is confirmed between these two locations, the payment request is authenticated (step508A). However, when inconsistency between these two locations is detected, a criminal may attempt to attack the programs in the mobile POS terminal100to conduct an unauthorized purchase transaction (step508B), and further authentication may be needed. FIG. 6illustrates a second exemplary method600of authenticating a trusted transaction using a geo-location of a mobile POS terminal according to various embodiments in the invention. The authentication method600is based on a behavior pattern that is tracked and generated by the mobile POS terminal100. In daily life of a user, the real-time location tracking function is constantly enabled and used to regularly record the user's geo-location in real-time (step602). This location is analyzed locally by programs incorporated in the mobile terminal, such that the behavior pattern is generated and constantly updated based on these geo-location data (step604). An upcoming request for a trusted transaction may be authenticated according to the behavior pattern (steps606and608). When such inconsistency is confirmed, the payment request is terminated, or withheld for further authentication (step608). Particularly, the behavior pattern is associated with regular activities within a physical or geographical region for this user. The particular user may rarely act beyond this physical region. When a transaction request emerged out of this geographical region at a regular time or within this region but at an abnormal time, the trusted transaction is probably associated with a theft or tampering attempt, and preferably held for further authentication. Likewise, the geo-location based authentication may also be associated with shopping habits of the user. To generate such a pattern, the mobile POS terminal100integrates the geo-location data with other useful information that are also tracked, including time, credit card, and monetary amount in each payment (step604′). To constitute shopping habits, the geo-location is associated with many other data items including time of shopping, credit card used, a price range, and a particular retailer or retailer branch at the geo-location. When a trusted transaction is requested, each item concerning the shopping habit is verified according to the shopping habit. Any inconsistency may be associated with a potential unauthorized transaction or a tamper attempt. The exemplary inconsistencies include an abnormally high price paid in a certain store, a retailer branch that the user never visits, and an irregular transaction time for a certain store. The mobile POS terminal100may demand user input for confirmation or deny the transaction when any of these inconsistencies is detected. Due to complexity of the shopping habit, a trusted transaction may also be evaluated using a degree of consistency that is exemplarily represented by a percentage value (step608′). The user may select a security threshold, e.g., 60%, for the degree of consistency in order to meet his or her personal security expectation, and this security threshold must satisfy a minimum mandatory threshold that the credit card issuer has authorized. When the consistency with the shopping habit fails to reach the expected security threshold, the related transaction is held for further authentication. In various embodiments in the invention, both the authentication methods500and600are implemented in the secure element102. The geo-location of the mobile device is provided by the base stations within the cellular network, and communicated to the mobile terminal100in real time. For the authentication method500, the retailer location may be determined by the terminal or provided by the remote servers108according to the transaction request. Based on the geo-location and retailer location, the behavior pattern is analyzed, generated and updated within the secure processor404; and stored in the secure memory406. Authentication (steps508and608) is completed in the V/A unit408. Both the behavior pattern based and shopping habit based authentication methods600are automatically implemented using embedded sensing and analysis capabilities that the mobile POS terminal100inherently owns. Although they demand more computation and storage resources for data analysis, these two methods are highly desirable when minimum or no user involvement is preferred. In one embodiment, the geo-location based authentication technique even allows a user to conveniently pay for coffee without any input of user name, password or biometric data, when the user regularly visits a specific coffee shop at a specific time every day. Each trusted transaction is associated with a particular security level that the financial entity or the user desires. According to the security level, a set of default authentication rules are adopted to enable various geo-location based authentication methods for each trusted transaction. Although these default rules normally accommodate general security consideration from a perspective of hardware and software developers, the user may optionally vary the security level. For example, the user may override an authentication setting that is overly cautious for regular transactions in a particular store, e.g., the coffee shop in the user's neighborhood. Simple behavior pattern authentication is used to verify the time and geo-location for coffee ordering, while no detailed shopping habits are analyzed at all. However, a minimum allowable security level has to be guaranteed for trusted transactions at various locations, and most probably, such a requirement is determined by the payment agency180and the retailer170together based on their negotiated insurance rates or card processing fees. One of those skilled in the art will see that privacy of user information emerged as a concern associated with such a geo-location based authentication method. The confidential user information, e.g., shopping habit and behavior pattern, is preferably stored and used within the mobile POS terminal, and prohibited from being transmitted outside the terminal. Under this circumstance, even the bank and credit card companies do not have the authority to access the confidential data, and authentication has to be completed within the mobile POS terminal. In various embodiments of the invention, protection of privacy may be enforced using both software and hardware as needed. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

6G

06

Q

EXAMPLE 1 Production of fibre. A composition of 49.5 parts of silicon carbide powder having a particle size of 0.2 micron, 0.5 parts of boron powder, 4.5 parts of hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate having a degree of hydrolysis of 80% and 9 parts of water were mixed on a twin roll mill and formed into a band on the mill. The band was repeatedly removed from the mill and re-inserted through the nip between the rolls of the mill in order to mix the components of the composition thoroughly. The composition was then charged to a screw extruder and extruded in a fibrous form through a 300 micron diameter die on the extruder. Production of matrix. A composition which was the same as that described above, except that the composition contained 5 parts of hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate, was mixed on a twin roll mill following the above described procedure and the resultant sheet was removed from the mill. The sheet, which had a thickness of 0.2 mm, was cut into two equal sized parts. Production of precursor structure. Fibres produced as described above were chopped to a length of approximately 80 mm and placed on the surface of one of the sheets and the other sheet was then placed on top of the fibres and the thus formed structure was pressed under an applied pressure of 4 tons. The production of ceramic composite. The precursor structure was then heated at 80.degree. C. for 12 hrs, and thereafter the temperature was raised at 1.degree. C. per minute to 700.degree. C. and the structure was heated at 700.degree. C. for 1 hr in an atmosphere of argon. The temperature was then raised at a rate of 15.degree. C. per minute to 2050.degree. C. and heating at 2040.degree. C. was continued for 1/2 hr. The thus formed fibre reinforced ceramic composite was then cooled to ambient temperature. The density of the composite was 98% of the maximum theoretical density and examination by optical and electron microscopy showed that the composite was free of cracks and that the fibre integrity had been maintained. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 1 Production of fibre. The fibre production process as described in Example 1 above was repeated except that the fibre which was produced was additionally heated to 2040.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase of 15.degree. C. per minute and the temperature was held at 2040.degree. C. for 30 minutes. The fibre of sintered silicon carbide which was produced was then coated with a thin layer of carbon by evaporation. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure described in Example 1 above. Production of precursor structure. A precursor structure was produced following the procedure described in Example 1 above. Production of ceramic composite. The precursor structure was heated following the procedure described in Example 1 above. However, the final density of the composite was only 81% of the maximum theoretical density and optical examination of the composite indicated that the composite contained substantial porosity mainly present as large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 1a The procedure of Comparative Example 1 above was repeated except that the precursor structure was produced by pressing the fibres into a surface of one of the matrix sheets. The final density of the resultant ceramic composite was 87% of the theoretical maximum density and the composite contained large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres. Furthermore, the sheet was no longer planar and the face of the sheet containing the fibres was curved. EXAMPLE 2 Production of fibre. The procedure of Example 1 above was followed to produce a fibre except that the fibre was produced from a composition of 50 parts of titanium diboride having a mean particle size of 1 micron and 11 parts of a 20:80 w:w solution of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and water, the fibre was extruded through a 500 micron diameter die, and the fibre after drying was coated with a layer of carbon by dipping in a carbon slurry. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure of Example 1 above except that the sheets were produced from a titanium diboride-containing composition as described above. Production of precursor structure. The procedure described in Example 1 above was followed to produce a precursor structure from the titanium diboride-containing fibres and matrix produced as described above. Production of ceramic composite. A ceramic composite was produced from the precursor structure following the hearing procedure described in Example 1. The density of the composite was 94% of the theoretical maximum density. The integrity of the fibres had been maintained in the composite and the composite was free from cracks. COMATIVE EXAMPLES 2 The procedure of Example 2 was followed to produce a ceramic composite except that the composite was produced from a precursor structure in which the fibres which were present were titanium diboride fibres produced as described above which, prior to being coated with carbon, had been heated to 2040.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase of 15.degree. C. per minute and held at this temperature for 30 minutes in order to sinter the titanium diboride particles in the fibre. The fibre had a density of 93% of the theoretical maximum. The ceramic composite which was produced had a density of only 81% of the theoretical maximum density and contained large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres. EXAMPLE 3 Production of fibre The procedure of Example 1 above was followed to produce a fibre except that the fibre was produced from a composition of 50 parts of titanium carbide having a mean particle size of 1.45 micron, 5 parts of 80% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate, 6 parts of water, and the fibre after drying was coated with a layer of carbon by dipping in a carbon slurry. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure of Example 1 above except that the sheets were produced from a titanium carbide-containing composition as described above. Production of precursor structure. The procedure described in Example 1 above was followed to produce a precursor structure from the titanium carbide-containing fibres and matrix produced as described above. Production of ceramic composite. A ceramic composite was produced from the precursor structure following the heating procedure described in Example 1. The density of the composite was 96% of the theoretical maximum density. The integrity of the fibres had been maintained in the composite and the composite was free from cracks. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 3 The procedure of Example 3 was followed to produce a ceramic composite except that the composite was produced from a precursor structure in which the fibres which were present were titanium carbide fibres produced as described above which, prior to being coated with carbon, had been heated to 2040.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase of 15.degree. C. per minute and held at this temperature for 30 minutes in order to sinter the titanium carbide particles in the fibre. The fibre had a density of 94% of the theoretical maximum. The ceramic composite which was produced had a density of only 83% of the theoretical maximum density and contained large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres. EXAMPLE 4 Production of fibre. The procedure of Example 1 above was followed to produce a fibre except that the fibre was produced from a composition of 50 parts of titanium dioxide having a mean particle size of 0.2 micron, 5 parts of 80% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate, and 6 parts of water, the fibre was extruded through a 200 micron diameter die, and the fibre after drying was coated with a layer of boron nitride by dipping in a boron nitride slurry. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure of Example 1 above except that the sheets were produced from a titanium dioxide-containing composition as described above. Production of precursor structure. The procedure described in Example 1 above was followed to produce a precursor structure from the titanium dioxide-containing fibres and matrix produced as described above. Production of ceramic composite. A ceramic composite was produced from the precursor structure following the heating procedure described in Example 1 except that the maximum temperature was 1200.degree. C. The density of the composite was 98% of the theoretical maximum density. The integrity of the fibres had been maintained in the composite and the composite was free from cracks. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 4 The procedure of Example 4 was followed to produce a ceramic composite except that the composite was produced from a precursor structure in which the fibres which were present were titanium dioxide fibres produced as described above which, prior to being coated with boron nitride, had been heated to 1200.degree. C. at a rate of temperature increase of 15.degree. C. per minute and held at this temperature for 30 minutes in order to sinter the titanium dioxide particles in the fibre. The fibre had a density of 99% of the theoretical maximum. The ceramic composite which was produced was found to be broken into several pieces. EXAMPLE 5 Production of fibre. The procedure of Example 1 above was followed to produce a fibre except that the fibre was produced from a composition of 50 parts of zirconium dioxide powder, 4 parts of 80% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate and 6 parts of water, the fibre was extruded through a 200 micron diameter die, and the fibre after drying was coated with a layer of boron nitride by dipping in a boron nitride slurry. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure of Example 1 above except that the sheets were produced from a zirconium dioxide-containing composition as described above. Production of precursor structure. The procedure described in Example 1 above was followed to produce a precursor structure from the zirconium dioxide-containing fibres and matrix produced as described above. Production of ceramic composite. A ceramic composite was produced from the precursor structure following the heating procedure described in Example 1 except that the maximum temperature was 1450.degree. C. The density of the composite was 99.5% of the theoretical maximum density. The integrity of the fibres had been maintained in the composite and the composite was free from cracks. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 5 The procedure of Example 5 was followed to produce a ceramic composite except that the composite was produced from a precursor structure in which the fibres which were present were zirconium dioxide fibres produced as described above which, prior to being coated with boron nitride, had been heated at a rate of temperature increase of 15.degree. C. per minute to 1450.degree. C. and held at this temperature for 30 minutes in order to sinter the zirconium dioxide particles in the fibre. The fibre had a density of 99.8% of the theoretical. The ceramic composite which was produced had a density of only 81.4% of the theoretical maximum density and contained large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres. EXAMPLE 6 Production of fibre. The procedure of Example 5 was followed to produce a boron nitride-coated zirconium dioxide containing fibre. Production of matrix. Two 0.2 mm thick sheets were produced following the procedure of Example 1 above except that the sheets were produced from a composition of 50 parts of aluminium oxide powder, 5 parts of 80% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate, and 7 parts of water. Production of precursor structure. The procedure described in Example 1 above was followed to produce a precursor structure from the fibres and matrix produced as described above. Production of ceramic composite. A ceramic composite was produced from the precursor structure following the heating procedure described in Example 1 except that the maximum temperature was 1450.degree. C. The density of the composite was 99.2% of the theoretical maximum density. The integrity of the fibres had been maintained in the composite and the composite was free from cracks. COMATIVE EXAMPLE 6 The procedure of Example 6 was followed to produce a ceramic composite except that the composite was produced from a precursor structure in which the fibres which were present were sintered zirconium dioxide fibres produced following the procedure of comparative example 5. The ceramic composite which was produced has a density of only 81% of the theoretical maximum density and contained large cracks transverse to the direction of the fibres.

2C

04

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. Hereinbelow, a fluid filling system100according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 1. For ease of description, only a shaft11and a sleeve12of a hydrodynamic bearing10are shown in detail in the drawing, while the other elements of the bearing10are not shown in detail, but are shown schematically. Furthermore, the micro-gap13between the shaft11and the sleeve12is shown very exaggeratedly, unlike its actual shape and size. As shown inFIG. 1, the fluid filling system100comprises a fluid storage tank110, an ultrasonic generator120, a vacuum vessel130, a fluid dispenser140and a nitrogen storage tank150. The fluid storage tank110stores therein fluid111to be charged in the hydrodynamic bearing10, with a fluid inlet port (not shown) formed in a predetermined part, preferably, the upper part of the fluid storage tank110, thus supplying fluid into the fluid storage tank110. Further, the fluid storage tank110is connected both to a pump160, which exhausts air from the tank110, and to the nitrogen storage tank150, which supplies nitrogen to the fluid storage tank110. The pump160is hermetically connected to the fluid storage tank110through an air exhaust pipe112, with a throttle valve113mounted on the air exhaust pipe112to open or close the pipe112. The fluid storage tank110is also connected to the vacuum vessel130, which receives the hydrodynamic bearing10therein. In the above state, the vacuum vessel130is hermetically connected to the fluid storage tank110through a fluid supply pipe114which is connected to the fluid dispenser140. The ultrasonic generator120applies ultrasonic waves having predetermined frequencies to the fluid storage tank110, thus removing air bubbles from the fluid111inside the fluid storage tank110. In the above state, the ultrasonic generator120applies ultrasonic signals produced by an electronic circuit to an ultrasonic vibrator, such as a piezoelectric ceramic, thus generating vibrations and producing ultrasonic waves. When the ultrasonic waves produced by the ultrasonic generator120are transmitted to the fluid111, the temperature of the fluid111is increased, and thus cavities are repeatedly formed in the fluid111and eliminated from the fluid111. Due to the above-mentioned formation and elimination of the cavities in the fluid111, the fluid111vibrates, and thus air bubbles therein are eliminated. The vacuum vessel130receives therein the hydrodynamic bearing10to fill the bearing10with fluid111. An opening (not shown) is defined in a predetermined part, preferably, the upper part of the vacuum vessel130, thus allowing a worker to put the bearing10into the vessel130or take it out. Furthermore, the pump160for exhausting air from the vacuum vessel130and the nitrogen storage tank150for storing and supplying nitrogen to the vessel130are connected to respective portions of the vacuum vessel130. The pump160is hermetically connected to the vacuum vessel130through an air exhaust pipe131, with a throttle valve133mounted on the air exhaust pipe131to open or close the pipe131. The fluid dispenser140for dripping fluid111into the micro-gap13of the hydrodynamic bearing10is connected to one end of the fluid supply pipe114. The outlet nozzle of the fluid dispenser140is located at a position around the micro-gap13between the shaft11and the sleeve12of the hydrodynamic bearing10, and thus it can easily drip the fluid into the micro-gap13. The nitrogen storage tank150, which controls pressure both in the fluid storage tank110and in the vacuum vessel130, is connected both to the fluid storage tank110and to the vacuum vessel130through respective nitrogen supply pipes152and153. The nitrogen storage tank150stores therein nitrogen151, having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and supplies the nitrogen151both to the fluid storage tank110and to the vacuum vessel130by opening respective throttle valves154and155mounted on the nitrogen supply pipes152and153. The method for filling the hydrodynamic bearing with fluid using the fluid filling system100while removing air bubbles from the fluid will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3Athrough3E. As described in the flowchart ofFIG. 2, the fluid filling method of the present invention comprises six steps. Described in detail, the fluid filling method according to the present invention comprises a first step S110of supplying fluid into the fluid storage tank and exhausting air from the fluid storage tank, a second step S120of taking a hydrodynamic bearing into the vacuum vessel and exhausting air from the vacuum vessel, a third step S130of supplying nitrogen into the fluid storage tank, a fourth step S140of dripping fluid into the micro-gap of the hydrodynamic bearing, a fifth step S150of supplying nitrogen into the vacuum vessel, thus filling the micro-gap with dripped fluid under pressure, and a sixth step S160of taking the hydrodynamic bearing filled with the fluid from the vacuum vessel. First, at step S110, as shown inFIG. 3A, fluid111is supplied into the fluid storage tank110through the fluid inlet port (not shown) in the state in which both the throttle valve113mounted on the air exhaust pipe112and the throttle valve154mounted on the nitrogen supply pipe152are closed. Thereafter, the ultrasonic generator120is operated to remove air bubbles from the fluid111and, at the same time, the throttle valve113is opened and the pump160is operated to exhaust air from the fluid storage tank110to the atmosphere. At step S120, as shown inFIG. 3B, the hydrodynamic bearing10is placed into the vacuum vessel130through the opening (not shown) under the condition that both the throttle valve133mounted on the air exhaust pipe131and the throttle valve155mounted on the nitrogen supply pipe153are closed. Thereafter, the throttle valve131is opened and the pump160is operated to exhaust air from the vacuum vessel130to the atmosphere. At step S130, as shown inFIG. 3C, the throttle valve154mounted on the nitrogen supply pipe152of the nitrogen storage tank150is opened, thus supplying nitrogen151into the fluid storage tank110through the nitrogen supply pipe152. In the present invention, the fluid storage tank110is pressurized using nitrogen so that the pressure difference between the fluid storage tank110and the vacuum vessel130can be easily controlled. To pressurize the fluid storage tank110, nitrogen151, which does not permeate through the fluid111, is used. Thus, no air bubbles are formed in the fluid111. At step S140, as shown inFIG. 3D, fluid is dripped into the micro-gap13between the shaft11and sleeve12of the hydrodynamic bearing10using the fluid dispenser140. In the above state, the dripping of fluid into the micro-gap13is executed due to the pressure difference between the fluid storage tank110and the vacuum vessel130. To cause a predetermined amount of fluid111to be evenly dripped into the circular micro-gap13, the hydrodynamic bearing10is rotated. Some of the fluid111dripped into the micro-gap13permeates through the micro-gap13due to capillary action, while the remaining fluid is left in the dripped state without permeating. Thereafter, at step S150, as shown inFIG. 3E, the throttle valve155mounted on the nitrogen supply pipe153connected to the nitrogen storage tank150is opened so that nitrogen151can be supplied to the vacuum vessel130through the nitrogen supply pipe153. In the above state, the fluid111charged in the micro-gap13is pressurized to cause the entire micro-gap13to be completely filled with the fluid111. In the present invention, to pressurize the fluid111charged in the micro-gap13, nitrogen151, which does not permeate through the fluid111, is used. Thus, no air bubbles are formed in the fluid111charged in the gap13. At step S160, the hydrodynamic bearing10, which has been completely filled with fluid, is taken out of the vacuum vessel130using a suitable device (not shown). As is apparent from the above description, the system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid according to the present invention provides advantages in that the fluid storage tank is pressurized using nitrogen such that the pressure in the fluid storage tank becomes higher than that in the vacuum vessel and forces the fluid to flow to the vacuum vessel and drip onto the hydrodynamic bearing in the vacuum vessel. Thus, the present invention enables the pressure difference between the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel to be easily controlled. Furthermore, unlike the conventional technique, the fluid filling system and method of the present invention uses an ultrasonic generator which is capable of vibrating and heating the fluid to remove air bubbles from the fluid, and thus the present invention simplifies the construction of the system and makes the fluid filling process easy. Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

5F

01

M

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are used to identify identical components in the various views. Although the invention will be described and illustrated in the context of a switched reluctance (SR) electric motor 10, it will be appreciated that this invention may be used in conjunction with other well-known electric motor structures. FIG. 1 shows the major mechanical components of a switched reluctance electric motor 10, which includes a stator assembly 12 and a rotor assembly 14. Stator assembly 12, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a plurality of laminations 16. Laminations 16 are formed using a magnetically permeable material, such as iron. Stator 12 is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape. A plurality of radially, inwardly extending poles 18 are formed on stator 12 (via laminations 16) and extend throughout the length thereof. Poles 18 are preferably provided in diametrically opposed pairs. The illustrated embodiment shows six poles 18. It should be appreciated, however, that a greater or lesser number of poles 18 may be provided in a particular configuration. Each of the poles 18 may have a generally rectangular shape, when taken in cross-section. The radially innermost surfaces of the poles 18 are slightly curved so as to define an inner diameter representing a bore 20. Bore 20 is adapted in size to receive rotor assembly 14. Rotor assembly 14, when assembled into stator 12 (best shown in FIG. 2) is coaxially supported within stator 12 for relative rotational movement by conventional means. Rotor assembly 14, for example, may be supported by conventional bearings (not shown) mounted in conventional end bells (not shown) secured to the longitudinal ends of stator 12. Rotor assembly 14 includes a generally cylindrical shaft 22 and rotor 24. Shaft 22 may be solid, although illustrated in FIG. 1 as being hollow. Rotor 24 is secured to shaft 22 for rotation therewith. For example, rotor 24 may be secured to shaft 22 by means of a spline (not shown), or other conventional means well-known in the art. Thus, it should be appreciated that shaft 22, and rotor 24 rotate together as a unit. Rotor 24 includes the plurality of poles 26 formed on an outer surface thereof. Each pole 26 extends radially outwardly from the outer surface thereof and is formed having a generally rectangular shape, when taken in cross-section. Rotor poles 26 extend longitudinally throughout the entire length of the outer surface of rotor 24. The radially outermost surfaces of rotor poles 26 are curved so as to define an outer diameter, adapted in size to be received within the inner diameter defining bore 20. That is, the outer diameter formed by poles 26 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter defined the radially innermost curved surfaces of stator poles 18. Rotor poles 26 may also be provided in diametrically opposed pairs. Four (4) rotor poles 26 are provided on the illustrated rotor assembly 14; however, it should be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of rotor poles 26 may be provided. For SR motors, in general, the number of rotor poles 26 differs from the number of stator poles 18, as is well-known. Rotor 24, including poles 26, may be formed from a magnetically permeable material, such as iron. Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagrammatic view of a cross-section of an assembled motor 10 is illustrated. In particular, as referred to above, poles 18 occur in pairs: i.e., AA', BB', and CC'. Rotor poles 26 also appear in pairs. Stator windings 28 (shown only on stator pole pair AA' for clarity) of diametrically opposite poles (e.g., AA') associated with stator 12 are connected in series to form one machine phase. Thus, the windings 28 on poles AA' are referred to as "machine phase A" of SR motor 10. In the illustrated example, SR motor 10 also has a machine phase B, and a machine phase C. Each of these three machine phases may be energized individually, which, when done in a controlled manner, provides for rotation of rotor 24. Although a three-phase machine is described and illustrated, a machine having any number of phases greater than one is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 3, the current level within the phases of the motor is controlled by the operation of either one or two switches. FIG. 3 illustrates a two switch per phase embodiment. Only one phase 29 of the two switch per phase configuration is shown since each of the phases have identical configurations. A controller 30 is used to control the operation of switches 32 and 34. Controller 30 is preferably a microprocessor, but one skilled in the art would recognize that discrete components may also be used. Switches 32 and 34 are separately electrically controllable to connect winding 28 to and from a power supply 36. Switches 32 and 34 are preferably transistors and most preferably MOSFETS. Switches 32 and 34 may also be a variety of well-known switching devices such as thyristors, relays and the like. Controller 30 controls the operation of switches 32 and 34 through gate drives 38 and 40. Gate drives 38 and 40 are conventional and well-known in the art and are used to amplify the control signal from controller 30 to provide the proper biasing to control the operation of switches 32 and 34. Power supply 36 is also conventional and well-known in the art. Power supply 36 is sized to provide current signals to achieve a desired level of current to drive each phase 29 of motor 10. Controller 30 controls the output of the motor, e.g., speed and torque, based on an input 42 that provides feedback as to the proper output of the motor. Input 42 may be a manually operated external control switch, feedback signals from another controller or the like (not shown). Parameters of input 42 may include phase current magnitude and angular position of rotor 24. A memory 44 is used to store the characteristics for a desired current profile to correspond to inputs 42. For example, to provide a desired torque, current levels and timing for the current may be stored. In particular, commutation data, and switch control data for controlling the conduction of switches 32 and 34 may be provided. Memory 44 is shown as a separate component, however, memory 44 may be an integral part of controller 30. A pair of diodes 46 and 48 are connected between winding 28 and power supply 36 (i.e., respective negative and positive busses thereof) to provide current paths for different operating modes of the windings. The function of diodes will become apparent in the description below. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4a through 4c, the operation of the control circuitry of the motor is best understood while referring to the timing diagram. The portion of the current profile between time T.sub.0 and time T.sub.C is the increasing current portion. During the increasing current portion, winding 28 is connected to power supply 36 to energize winding 28 to thereby provide the proper output torque. The period between time T.sub.C and T.sub.D is the first decaying current portion 33 of the current profile. During the first decaying current portion 33, either switch 32 or 34 is opened. Preferably, top switch 32 is controlled to a non-conductive state by controller 30 through gate drive 38. Time T.sub.C is referred to as the commutation point. At the commutation point T.sub.C, current is no longer supplied by supply 36 to the motor windings. When the selected switch is opened, the motor enters what is commonly referred to as a freewheeling state in which the current in the winding circulates between winding 28 and one of diodes 46 or 48. If switch 32 is open, diode 48 and winding 28 form the freewheeling circuit. If switch 34 is open, diode 46 and winding 28 form the freewheeling circuit. It should be appreciated that in the freewheeling state, energy no longer is being supplied to or removed from winding 28 through power supply 36. The current in the winding 28 will gradually be reduced through electrical losses in the winding and associated circuitry. Because the rate of change of the first stage of decay is dependent on the electrical circuitry connected thereto, one skilled in the art would recognize that other components may be switched into the freewheeling circuit to alter the decay characteristics. The duration of first decaying current portion is controlled by the operation of controller 30 so that a desired profile is obtained. The duration of the first decaying current portion to achieve maximum noise reduction is stored in memory 44. Controller 30 reads that duration at the appropriate time. The period between time T.sub.D and time T.sub.E is a second decaying current portion 35 of the current profile. During the second decaying current portion 35, both switches 32 and 34 are open. The remaining current from winding 28 is forced in a reverse direction through diodes 46 and 48. The reverse direction causes a rapid decay of the remaining current in winding 28. Once again the rate of decay for the second decay period is determined by the characteristics of the electrical components connected into the circuit at that time. Of course, by switching in additional electrical components, the rate of change may be altered as desired. Referring now to FIGS. 4a through 4c, the first decaying current portion 33, preferably varies between the phases of the motor. FIGS. 4a through 4c represent the three windings of a three phase motor. In one embodiment, the duration of the first decaying current portion 33 of FIG. 4a is 150 microseconds. The first decaying current portion 33 of FIG. 4b is controlled to be 100 microseconds. In FIG. 4c, the first decaying current portion 33 is reduced to 50 microseconds. In the particular configuration of the motor, these settings were experimentally determined to optimally reduce noise. Of course, if a different geometry motor was used, the setting for the first decaying current portion 33 would be altered to optimize audible noise. Referring now to FIG. 5, like reference numerals are used to indicate identical components as shown in FIG. 3. Once again only a single phase 49 is shown. FIG. 5 shows a one switch per phase configuration that is common in motor drives. The operation is varied over conventional circuits to achieve the desired current profile such as that in FIG. 4. In this configuration, only one diode 54 is used. Such a configuration is used typically in a motor having an even number of machine phases. A switch 50 is used to control the current level in winding 52. Adjacent phases alternate the position of diode 54 and switch 50 as would be evident to one skilled in the art. Capacitors 56 and 58 are connected between power supply 36 and winding 52 and allow regeneration of the current. The current level in winding 58 is controlled by controller 30 through a gate drive 60. Winding 52 is powered when switch 50 is closed. Winding 52 is unpowered when switch 50 is open. To control the deenergization of winding 52 to achieve a two-stage decay such as that shown in FIG. 4, switch 50 must be pulsed since a configuration using only one switch allows only a connection to or disconnection from power supply, i.e., no freewheeling state is obtainable. Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the operation of the one switch per phase circuit is described in conjunction with the desired current profiles. The same current profiles as that of FIG. 4 are desired. Between time T.sub.0 and time T.sub.C, controller 30 closes switch 50 to connect winding 52 to power supply 36 to achieve an increasing current profile. A pulse train 61 such as that shown in FIG. 6 may be used to conform the current profile to a desired level. Pulse train 61 has a duty cycle that varies from a high duty cycle at time T.sub.0 to a lower duty cycle approaching the commutation time T.sub.C. One skilled in the art would also recognize various other methods of obtaining the desired output such as changing the frequency or a combination of pulse width modulating and varying the frequency. During the first decaying current period 33, the current flow is essentially discontinued to achieve the desired profile. To achieve a slower rate of decay switch 50 may be pulsed a few times. The minimal pulsing has a net effect of controllably reducing the current in winding 52. If a slower rate of decay is desired between time period T.sub.C and time T.sub.D, fewer or shorter pulses may be used. If a faster rate of decay is desired, more pulses or longer pulses may be used. Controller 30 is used to provide pulse train 61 to gate drive 60 to energize and deenergize winding 52. Memory 44 stores the number and duration of the desired pulse train for each portion of the current profile so that the duration of the period between T.sub.C and T.sub.D is varied to optimize noise reduction between the various motor phases. Referring now to FIG. 7, the method for determining the optimum current profile for each stage is shown. In step 70, a first winding is energized. In step 72, the winding is deenergized according to a two-step decay process. The audible noise is then measured in step 74. The noise can be measured by mounting velocity or acceleration sensors or by using a microphone to analyze the audible noise produced by the motor during operation in a conventional manner. In step 76, the noise is measured to determine whether a maximum reduction in noise has been achieved. In step 78, if the maximum noise reduction has not been achieved, the duration of the first stage of decay is adjusted and the process returned to step 70. Once the maximum noise reduction has been obtained in the first winding, the current profile (particularly the duration of the first stage of decay) is stored in the memory of the controller in step 80. Typically, the maximum noise reduction for the first phase is obtained using a duration for the first decaying current portion of about half a period of the resonant frequency of the motor. The optimization process must be completed for each winding. Step 82 determines whether all the windings have been optimized. If the optimization has not been completed for each winding, step 70 is completed each time through the process. After the first time through the process, step 70 also energizes the previously tested windings. For example, the second time through the loop, both the first and second windings are energized so that the current profile of the second winding can be optimized. For the third winding, the first and second windings are energized according to their optimized current profiles. Once the last winding has been optimized, step 86 ends the process. The optimized current profiles are all stored in memory 44 of controller 30 for use during operation of the motor. Referring now to FIG. 8, the preferred method of operating a motor having noise reduction optimization is described. In step 88, before starting up the motor, controller 30 retrieves the current profile information for a winding from memory 44. In step 90, the winding is energized according to the retrieved current profile. In step 92, the windings are deenergized for a first decaying current portion for a first duration. Each winding is likely to have different durations for the first decaying current portion. In step 94, the current is completely dissipated from the winding during a second decaying current portion. The second decaying current portion occurs at a faster rate than the first decaying current portion. If the motor is still on in step 96, step 88 is repeated for each of the windings. While the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims:

7H

02

P

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Described below are embodiments of a firearm lock shroud and associated vehicle firearm lock assembly typically used in a vehicle. Referring toFIG. 1A, in a first vehicle fire arm lock assembly100, a rifle R is secured in an upright position with a lock110. The lock110contacts or extends around the rifle R in the region of its forearm. A new guard or shroud120is positioned adjacent the lock and configured to prevent tampering with the rifle R, including when the rifle R is in its stored and locked position as shown. In the illustrated implementation, the shroud120extends along the rifle R to cover one or more its trigger T, takedown pin P and magazine M (FIG. 1B). The shroud120extends along both sides of the rifle R, as well as in the area between the lock110and a rail140to which the shroud and lock are adjustably coupled, as described below in greater detail. The lock110is sometimes referred to as a Universal Lock. A butt of the rifle R is received in a butt holder130. The butt holder130is supported by a butt holder bracket132, which is also adjustably coupled to the rail140. As also shown inFIG. 1, there is a shotgun S secured in an upright position by a second lock150, which is attached by a second lock bracket152to the rail140. A butt of the shotgun S is received in a second butt holder160, which is supported by a second butt holder bracket162. The rail140can have one or more tracks to receive fasteners for adjustably coupling components. Referring again to the shroud120for the rifle R, there is an anti-lift bracket base122and an anti-lift bracket tab124that is coupled to the anti-lift bracket base122. The anti-lift bracket base122and anti-lift bracket tab124are adjustably positioned to contact or cooperate with the rifle R, such as to eliminate excess play when the rifle R is positioned as shown inFIG. 1Awith the lock110in the locked position. Specifically, the anti-lift bracket base and anti-lift bracket tab can be moved laterally to contact the rifle R or otherwise prevent it from being lifted, manipulated and/or rotated. In a specific implementation, the anti-lift bracket tab124can be positioned so that it is received in a groove G or recess of the firearm R. A side elevation view of the rifle R received and locked in the shroud120is shown inFIG. 1C.FIG. 1Dis a magnified view of a portion ofFIG. 1Cin elevation showing the anti-lift bracket tab124positioned above the lock110and to extend into a groove G in the forearm area of the rifle R.FIG. 1Eshows a top plan view of approximately the same portion asFIG. 1D. As can be seen from the close fit between the anti-lift bracket tab124and the groove G, the rifle R cannot be displaced vertically relative to the lock110by any appreciable distance, and thus is more secure from tampering efforts. Any suitable recess on the rifle R can serve as the groove G. In the illustrated implementation, the groove G is one of a series of grooves formed in an accessories rail with which the firearm R is typically equipped (FIGS. 1C and 1D). In other implementations, the shroud and lock assembly can be configured oppositely, i.e., the assembly can have a groove or recess configured to receive a corresponding protrusion on the firearm R. FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle firearm lock assembly100ofFIG. 1, except that the rifle R and the shotgun S have been omitted for clarity.FIGS. 3-11are additional views of the shroud and its components. Referring toFIGS. 2-11, the shroud120has a first side member126and an opposite second side member128spaced apart from the side member126. In the illustrated implementations, there is an upper bracket134that serves to space the side members126,128apart from each other by a desired dimension, e.g., a space sized to receive a selected rifle or other firearm. The side members126,128can be coupled to the upper bracket134with fasteners146. At least some of the fasteners146can be tamper-resistant fasteners, which are defined herein to include fasteners having an uncommon or proprietary head configuration. The shroud120can have optional spacers136mounted along one or more internal surfaces to help guide the rifle into position when it is being inserted into the shroud and to protect the rifle from damage, e.g., such as scratches and/or other damage. In the illustrated implementations, the side member126has a bent outward tab138, and the side member128has a bent inward tab144. The tabs138,144define an opening into which the rifle R is inserted. The tabs and other structure defining the leading edges of the opening can be modified to suit the particular requirements of the location of the vehicle firearm lock assembly and/or the rifle R, such as where the assembly is mounted and what other structural elements may be present, as well as other circumstances. As shown inFIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, the side members126,128can be formed from separate components that are joined together. Referring toFIG. 7, the side member128can be formed with a back flange180and a base flange182that extend approximately perpendicular to the side member's major inner and outer surfaces at the leading edge of the side member128, and adjacent the bent inward tab144, there can be a curved edge184extending from an area of the base flange182to the bent inward tab144. In addition, the side member128can be formed with a notch186. The side member126can be formed with a base flange170extending approximately perpendicular to the major inner and outer surfaces of the side member126. The side member126can have a recessed edge172adjacent an upper end of the bent outward tab138. The recessed edge172can join a notch174as shown. Referring toFIG. 9, the upper bracket134that is shaped to fit between the side members126,128can have a back flange190, an angled flange192, an upper flange194, a mounting flange196and a perpendicular mounting flange198. As best shown inFIG. 2, various types of firearm locks, including the lock110, can be secured to the upper bracket134at the mounting flange196and/or the mounting flange198, e.g., using fasteners, including tamper-resistant fasteners as discussed above. FIG. 10is a perspective view of the anti-lift bracket base122, andFIG. 11is a perspective view of the associated anti-lift bracket tab124. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the anti-lift bracket base122is positioned to surround the firearm lock110on three of its sides and to be attached to the side member126and side member128with fasteners. As also described above, the anti-lift bracket tab124is adjustably coupled to the anti-lift bracket base122such that it can be positioned to contact the rifle R and to prevent the rifle R from being lifted when it is in the secured and locked positioned within the firearm lock110as best shown inFIG. 1. FIG. 12is a perspective view of the butt holder bracket132.FIG. 13is a perspective view of a rail floor bracket142, also shown inFIG. 2, with which the rail140can be secured, such as to a floor of the vehicle.FIG. 14is a perspective view of a second butt holder bracket162.FIGS. 15A and 15Bare perspective and side views of a second lock bracket152by which the second lock150is secured to the rail140. The rail140has a series of slots along with the various components can be adjustably positioned to allow for secure attachment and convenient reconfiguration according to the particular operating requirements. FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16Care perspective, plan and side elevation views, respectively, of the butt holder130.FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17Care perspective, top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of the second butt holder160. FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18Care side elevation, top plan and end elevation views, respectively, of the spacer136. The spacer may be constructed of a plastic or other similar material that is smooth, has low friction and tends not to damage firearms. In a specific implementation, the spacer is made of DELRIN or a similar material. FIG. 19is a perspective view of a filler plate200. As shown inFIG. 2, one or more filler plates can be used to adjust the fit of the spacer136so that it makes contact with the firearm as desired when the firearm is received in the shroud. In some implementations, a filler plate is used to prevent undesired side-to-side motion of the firearm while it is stored in the shroud. FIG. 20is a perspective view of another vehicle firearm lock assembly300that is similar to the vehicle firearm lock assembly100except that a lock310of a different type and a corresponding different shroud320are shown. The components that are identical to those already described are shown with the same reference numeral. The lock310is referred to as a Rail Lock and is typically configured to interact with a rail of the firearm9or other recess or protruding feature) in order to lock the firearm securely in place. Referring toFIGS. 20-26, 29 and 30, the shroud320has a side member326and a side member328spaced apart from the side member326. As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, the side member328has an opening342, and the side member326has a corresponding opening340. The opening340or the opening342can be used as a manual lock override access opening, e.g., in the case of a lost key or a damaged lock. There is an upper bracket334to which the side member326and the side member328are attached. The upper bracket334has a back flange390, an angled flange392, an upper flange394, a mounting flange396and a mounting flange398, as also shown inFIGS. 21-24. At its upper end, the lock310is mounted to the upper bracket334(FIGS. 28-30), such as with tamper-proof fasteners. At its lower end, the lock310is mounted to a bracket support350, which is in turn mounted to the upper bracket334, such as with tamper-proof fasteners. Referring toFIG. 28, the bracket support350has a mounting flange400, a connecting flange402and a second mounting flange404. As best shown inFIGS. 29 and 30, the bracket support350is mounted to the upper bracket334to position the lock310as shown. In an alternative implementation, the upper bracket and bracket support are formed as a single piece. The various structural components of the vehicle firearm lock assembly100,300, including the shroud120,320can be made of any suitable materials, including, e.g., aircraft grade aluminum. The shroud120,320can be adapted for use with various firearms. In the illustrated implementation, the firearm is a M4 carbine or similar firearm, but the shroud can be adapted for use with other long arms, including other rifles as well as shot guns. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

5F

41

A

EXAMPLE 1 Source of the atrD-Encoding Genomic DNA and cDNA of Aspergillus nidulans Genomic DNA encoding atrD, or the corresponding cDNA sequence (presented in SEQ ID NO:1), may be from a natural sequence, a synthetic source or a combination of both ("semi-synthetic sequence"). The in vitro or in vivo transcription and translation of these sequences results in the production of atrD. Synthetic and semi-synthetic sequences encoding atrD may be constructed by techniques well known in the art. See Brown et al. (1979) Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press, N.Y., 68:109-151. atrD-encoding DNA, or portions thereof, may be generated using a conventional DNA synthesizing apparatus such as the Applied Biosystems Model 380A, 380B, 384 or 3848 DNA synthesizers (commercially available from Applied Biosystems, Inc., 850 Lincoln Center Drive, Foster City, Calif. 94404). The polymerase chain reaction is especially useful in generating these DNA sequences. PCR primers are constructed which include the translational start (ATG) and translational stop codon (TAG) of atrD. Restriction enzyme sites may be included on these PCR primers outside of the atrD coding region to facilitate rapid cloning into expression vectors. Aspergillus nidulans genomic DNA is used as the PCR template for synthesis of atrD including introns which is useful for expression studies in closely related fungi. In contrast, cDNA is used as the PCR template for synthesis of atrD devoid of introns which is useful for expression in foreign hosts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or bacterial hosts such as Escherichia coli. EXAMPLE 2 Expression of the atrD Protein Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1 cells (Invitrogen Corp., San Diego Calif. 92191) are transformed with the plasmid containing atrD by the technique described by J. D. Beggs, 1988, Nature 275:104-109). The transformed yeast cells are grown in a broth medium containing YNB/CSM-Ura/raf (YNB/CSM-Ura [Yeast Nitrogen Base (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.) supplemented with CSM-URA (Bio 101, Inc.)] supplemented with 4% raffinose) at 28.degree. C. in a shaker incubator until the culture is saturated. To induce expression of atrD, a portion of the culture is used to inoculate a flask containing YNB/CSM-Ura medium supplemented with 2% galactose (YNB/CSM-Ura/gal) rather than raffinose as the sole carbon source. The inoculated flask is incubated at 28.degree. C. for about 16 hours. EXAMPLE 3 Antifungal Potentiator Assay Approximately 1.times.10.sup.6 cells of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1 culture expressing atrD are delivered to each of several agar plates containing YNB/CSM-Ura/gal. The agar surface is allowed to dry in a biohazard hood. An antifungal compound that the untransformed yeast cell is typically sensitive to is dissolved in an appropriate solvent at a concentration that is biologically effective. Twenty .mu.l of the solution is delivered to an antibiotic susceptibility test disc (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.). After addition of the antifungal solution the disc is allowed to air dry in a biohazard hood. When dry, the disc is placed on the surface of the petri plates containing the transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1 cells. Compounds to be tested for the ability to inhibit atrD are dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The amount of compound added to the DMSO depends on the solubility of the individual compound to be tested. Twenty ml of the suspensions containing a compound to be tested are delivered to an antibiotic susceptibility test disc (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich.). The disc is then placed on the surface of the dried petri plates containing the transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae INVSc1 cells approximately 2 cm from the antifungal-containing disc. Petri plates containing the two discs are incubated at 28.degree. C. for about 16-48 hours. Following this incubation period, the petri plates are examined for zones of growth inhibition around the discs. A zone of growth inhibition near the antifungal disc on the test plate indicates that the compound being tested for MDR inhibition activity blocks the activity of atrD and allows the antifungal compound to inhibit the growth of the yeast host cell. Such compounds are said to possess MDR inhibition activity. Little or no zone of growth inhibition indicates that the test compound does not block MDR activity and, thus, atrD is allowed to act upon the antifungal compound to prevent its activity upon the host cell. EXAMPLE 4 Screen For Novel Antifungal Compounds A plasmid molecule is constructed which contains DNA sequence information required for replication and genetic transformation in E. coli (e.g. ampicillin resistance). The plasmid also comprises DNA sequences encoding a marker for selection in fungal cells (e.g. hygromycin B phosphotransferase, phleomycin resistance, G418 resistance) under the control of an A. nidulans promoter. Additionally, the plasmid contains an internal portion of the atrD gene (e.g. about 3000 base pairs which lack 500 base pairs at the N-terminal end, and about 500 base pairs at the C-terminal end of the coding region specified by SEQ ID NO:1). The atrD gene fragment enables a single crossover gene disruption when transformed or otherwise introduced into A. nidulans. Alternatively, a 5 kilobase pair to 6 kilobase pair region of A. nidulans genomic DNA containing the atrD gene is subcloned into the aforementioned plasmid. Then, a central portion of the atrD gene is removed and replaced with a selectable marker, such as hyromycin B phosphotransferase, for a double crossover gene replacement. Gene disruption and gene replacement procedures for A. nidulans are well known in the art (See e.g. May et al, J. Cell Biol. 101, 712, 1985; Jones and Sealy-Lewis, Curr. Genet. 17, 81, 1990). Transformants are recovered on an appropriate selection medium, for example, hygromycin (if hygromycin B gene is used in the construction of disruption cassette). Gene replacement, or gene disruption, is verified by any suitable method, for example, by Southern blot hybridization. Gene disruption or gene replacement strains are rendered hypersensitive to antifungal compounds, and are useful in screens for new antifungal compounds in whole cell growth inhibition studies.

2C

07

H

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG.3andFIG. 4illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the three-terminal filter using the area flexural vibration mode according to the present invention. This filter A preferably includes two piezoelectric layers (piezoelectric ceramics layers)1and2having a substantially square shape that are laminated with an internal electrode3interposed therebetween. Surface electrodes4and5are respectively provided on exterior main surfaces of the laminated piezoelectric layers1and2. The thickness of both of piezoelectric layers1and2is preferably approximately the same. The internal electrode3is connected to a ground terminal3a, one surface electrode4is connected to an input-terminal4a, and another surface electrode5is connected to an output-terminal5a. A circuit diagram is illustrated in FIG.2. The piezoelectric layers1and2can be polarized in the same thickness direction as shown inFIG. 5A, in opposite outward-facing directions as shown inFIG. 5B, and in opposite inward-facing direction as shown in FIG.5C. For example, as shown inFIG. 5B, in the filter A including piezoelectric layers1and2which are polarized in opposite directions, when a positive potential is applied to the input-terminal4aand a negative potential is applied to the output-terminal5a, the electric-field E is produced in a direction extending from the surface electrode4to the surface electrode5. The piezoelectric layer1, in which the polarization direction is opposite to the electric field direction, expands in the direction of the flat surface. The piezoelectric layer2, in which the polarization direction is the same as the electric field direction, contracts in the direction of the flat surface. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 6, the filter A bends to become upwardly convex. If the direction of an electric field is reversed, the filter A bends to become downwardly convex. Therefore, if a high-frequency electric field is applied between the input-terminal4aand the output-terminal5a, the filter A vibrates in an area flexural mode at a desired frequency. FIG. 7shows the amplitude characteristics and the group-delay property (GDT) in the filter A according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As clearly shown fromFIG. 7, outstanding filter properties are produced with the filter A. In a resonator using the area expansion vibration mode, a resonance frequency is determined by only the length of the side, and is not affected by the thickness of the resonator. On the other hand, in a resonator using the area flexural vibration mode, the resonance frequency Fr is determined by the thickness t and the side length L according to the following formula: Fr∝t/L2 Thus, the resonance frequency Fr is proportional to the thickness t and inversely proportional to the square of the length of the side L. InFIG. 8, the element size in the same frequency (Fr=40 kHz) of the filter A using the area flexural vibration mode and the resonator using the area expansion vibration mode is compared. As illustrated in the diagram, at the identical frequency, an element vibrating in an area flexural mode is approximately ⅕ smaller than an element vibrating in an area expansion mode. Particularly, in the Fr=40 kHz three-terminal filter, the length of one side is about 50 mm in an area expansion mode vibrating element. However, in an area flexural mode vibrating element, the length of one side is about 10 mm or less. Also, if the thickness of an area flexural mode vibrating element is about 0.2 mm or less, the side length of the element is reduced to about 5 mm or less. Thus, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a three-terminal filter including the three electrodes and the two piezoelectric layers are alternately laminated and the piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction, wherein one surface electrode functions as an input electrode, another surface electrode functions as an output electrode, and an internal electrode functions as a ground electrode. Therefore, the two piezoelectric layers produce an area flexural vibration mode. Thus, the size of filter according to preferred embodiments of the present invention is greatly reduced compared to a filter using an area expansion vibration mode or a filter using a length vibration mode having the same frequency. Conversely, where the filters are the same size, a three-terminal filter having a lower frequency is obtained according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, since the frequency can be adjusted by the changing the thickness and the side length, the three-terminal filter having various frequencies can be obtained. While the present invention has been described with reference to what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and therefore, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

7H

03

H

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of the compound 6-chloro-3(dimethylaminomethyl)-indole, or 6-chloro-gramine Glacial acetic acid (0,4 ml) was added dropwise to an aqueous solution at 33% (w/v) of dimethylamine (0,4 ml), cooled in an ice bath, at a speed so as not to exceed a temperature of 5.degree. C. Under continuous stirring and in an ice bath, were added in succession an aqueous solution of formaldehyde (0,2 ml at 40% w/v) and then 420 mg of 6-chloroindole, which in approximately 10 minutes dissolved in the reaction mixture with the development of heat. The reaction mixture was left at room temperature for approximately 16 hours. The solution was then poured into NaOH 2N (10 ml) and extracted with ethyl ether (3.times.15 ml). The organic phase was washed with saturated NaCl/H.sub.2 O (2.times.10 ml) and dried on anhydrous magnesium sulphate overnight. On evaporation of the solvent, a residue was obtained, of practically pure 6-chloro-gramine, equal to 550 mg (yield 95%). EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 6-chloro-tryptophan Under inert atmosphere and rapid stirring 52 mg of NaOH are pulverized into anhydrous xylene (20 ml), heating the suspension at approximately 90.degree. C. 550 mg of 6-chlorogramine (prepared as described in example 1) and 460 mg of ethyl-acetamido-acetate are then added. The mixture is refluxed for approximately 7 hours and the development of dimethylamine, extremely vigorous at the start of the heating, practically ceases after about 6 hours of heating. The reaction mixture is cooled for 12 hours at 5.degree. C. and then filtered to recover the abundant precipitate. This crude solid is treated with a hot solution of benzene/absolute ethanol, and the insoluble material is hot-filtered. The solution is left to rest at 5.degree. C. for 12 hours. Crystals slowly separate, which are filtered and dried. 750 mg of ethyl-.alpha.-acetamido-.alpha.-cyano-.beta.-(6-chloro-indole-3-yl)-propio anate are recovered, with a yield of 84%. 600 mg of this compound are added to 15 ml of water, containing 40 mg of NaOH and the mixture is boiled for 24 hours. During this time the solid material dissolves and ammonia is developed. After the reflux time, the reaction mixture is cooled at room temperature and neutralized with acetic acid at 50%. It is filtered, recovering and washing with cold water the solid which has formed. After drying 410 mg of 6-chloro-DL-tryptophan are recovered, with a yield of 95%. EXAMPLE 3 In a similar way tryptophan of general formula IV were prepared ##STR5## in which X has the meaning indicated above. EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 6-chloro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic acid To 600 mg of 6-chloro-DL-tryptophan, suspended in 5 ml of methanol, are added, at room temperature, 0,230 ml of triethylamine and the mixture is stirred for approximately 10 minutes. Then, rapidly and under stirring, pyridine-4-carboxyaldehyde (0,240 ml) is added. After approximately 5 minutes, total dissolution of the suspension is obtained. Stirring is continued for 10 minutes. 122 mg of anhydrous ZnCl2 are then added, stirred for 10 minutes, followed by 0,490 ml of 1,8-diazabicyclo-(5,4,0)-undec-7-ene. The solution becomes orange-red in colour. It is left under stirring for approximately 80-90 minutes at room temperature. The limpid red solution is then quickly added dropwise and under rapid stirring to 100 ml of HCl 1N preheated to 50.degree. C. After approximately 10 minutes from completion of the addition a spontaneous precipitation occurs, increasing in time, of a yellowish solid. The mixture is left for a further 20 minutes at 55.degree. C., then for approximately 3 hours it is cooled to room temperature. The abundant precipitate is filtered, washed with acidic water and dried. 195 mg are recovered, with a yield of 54%. EXAMPLE 5 In a similar manner are prepared compounds of the general formula I, among which are indicated as examples: 4-chloro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 6-chloro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 5-bromo-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 4-methyl-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 5-methyl-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 7-methyl-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 4-hydroxy-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 5-hydroxy-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 5-fluoro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 6-fluoro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 5-chloro-indole-3-yl-pyruvic, 6-methyl-indole-3-yl-pyruvic. Synthesis Through Indole Hydroxylimine Intermediates (Second Method of Synthesis) Derivatives of general formula I can also be obtained by means of the second method of synthesis mentioned herein above. This comprises an first condensation reaction, in a environment basic for anhydrous Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, between the substituted indole and the oxime of the ethyl-3-bromopyruvate ester (prepared in situ) to obtain an intermediate compound ethyl-3-(indole-3-yl)-2-hydroxylaminopropionate. From this intermediate are easily obtained both corresponding substituted tryptophan (by reduction with TiCl.sub.3) and the derivative of indolepyruvic acid, by means of the hydrolytic hydrogenization with sodium hypophosphite, in the presence of Raney-Nickel catalysts in a buffered environment. EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of 3-indolepyruvic acid By means of the second method of synthesis, it has also been possible to perfect a new and advantageous method for the synthesis of 3-indolepyruvic acid without substitutions, through the condensation reaction of the unsubstituted indole and ethyl-3-bromopyruvate ester oxime prepared in situ, and thus the hydrolytic hydrogenization of the intermediate compound with sodium hypophosphite in the presence of Raney-Nickel in a buffered environment. The preparation is described herebelow. 840 mg of ethyl-3-bromopyruvate ester oxime were mixed with 940 mg of indole and 680 mg of anhydrous Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 in absolute dichloromethane. The oxime was prepared quantitatively according to the method of Ottenherjm, Tetrahedron Letters 5143, 1978. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for approximately 12 hours. After having removed the solvent at reduced pressure, the residue was taken up with ethyl acetate and the whole was washed with water. Drying was performed on anhydrous magnesium sulphate, After having eliminated the drying means, concentration was carried out at low pressure and filtering was performed through silica with a mixture of petroleum ether (30/50)/ethyl acetate (1:1). After having eliminated by crystalization the indole, chromatography was performed on silica, recovering 869 mg of the oxyliminic derivative of ethyl-3-(indole-3-yl)-2-hydroxylimino propionate, with a yield of 80%. 490 mg of this compound were dissolved in 20 ml of ethanol/acetate buffer pH 5,0 (2:1). Under stirring was added an aqueous suspension of sodium hypophosphite (880 mg) containing Raney-Nichel (10 mg). This was brought under stirring to the temperature of approximately 50.degree. C. for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered on celite and the solution was rapidly added dropwise and under energetic stirring to a large excess of HCl 1N, preheated to 55.degree. C. (100 ml). After approximately 5 minutes from addition, a considerable precipitation of a canary-yellow colour was seen, which increased with time. Heating was continued for a further 15 minutes and the whole was then allowed to return to room temperature. After 3 hours the precipitate was filtered and then washed with acidic water. After drying 330 mg of 3-indolepyruvic acid were recovered, with a yield of 80%. Pharmacological Tests Several of the compounds according to the invention have undergone pharmacological tests to evidence their biological characteristics. Given their similarity to indolepyruvic acid, these compounds have been compared to the latter in two experiments, which tend to verify the activities as radical scavengers and antagonists to excitatory amino acids. For the first experiment was chosen the test on formation of malonodialdehyde (MDA). Briefly, the capacity was tested of the above compounds to antagonize the formation of free radicals from biological membrane undergoing oxidative stress. For the second experiment, on the contrary, the capacity of the compounds to antagonize the convulsions and death induced by NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid), an excitatory amino acid, was evaluated. In the following table the results obtained are shown. __________________________________________________________________________ MDA FORMATION CONVULSIONS from MDA DEATH from MDA COMPOUND IC50 IC50 IC50 __________________________________________________________________________ IPA 1 .times. 10.sup.-5 M 200 mg/Kg ip 50 mg/Kg ip 4-Cl-IPA 1 .times. 10.sup.-3 M 1000 mg/Kg ip 200 mg/Kg ip 5-Cl-IPA 5 .times. 10.sup.-4 M 600 mg/Kg ip 200 mg/Kg ip 6-Cl-IPA 1 .times. 10.sup.-4 M 20 mg/Kg ip 10 mg/Kg ip 7-Cl-IPA 4 .times. 10.sup.-4 M 1000 mg/Kg ip 200 mg/Kg ip 6-OH-IPA 5 .times. 10.sup.-4 M 800 mg/Kg ip 200 mg/Kg ip 6-Me-IPA 6 .times. 10.sup.-5 M 200 mg/Kg ip 100 mg/Kg ip 6-Br-IPA 5 .times. 10.sup.-5 M 100 mg/Kg ip 20 mg/Kg ip 6-OMe-IPA 1 .times. 10.sup.-4 M 200 mg/Kg ip 100 mg/Kg ip 6-Cl-TRP 1 .times. 10.sup.-3 M 1000 mg/Kg ip 200 mg/Kg ip __________________________________________________________________________ IPA = 3indolepyruvic acid; TRP = Tryptophan; IC50 = dose of compound necessary to reduce by 50% the harmful effect to be added to the in vitro tests or to be administered to mice. In these pharmacological tests, in vitro and in vivo, the compounds synthesized have shown themselves to possess characteristics for their development as inhibitors of the damage caused by free radicals and by excitatory amino acids. It is equally evident that simple salts and esters of the above mentioned compounds have a similar behaviour. The compounds can be pharmacologically employed in situations such as epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, ictus, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral deficiency of kynurenic acid. The administration can be made by means of pharmacological compounds containing the active substance in a dose from 2 to 20 mg/Kg body weight in a "per os" or rectal administration, and in a dose from 1 to 10 mg/Kg body weight in a parenteral administration. For oral, parenteral or rectal administration, the usual pharmaceutical forms can be used, such as pills, capsules, solutions, suspensions, injections, suppositories, in association with pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles or diluents and excipients.

2C

07

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. 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. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, the prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate a yarn guiding and texturizing apparatus 20 according to the present invention. As understood by those skilled in the art, a yarn guiding and texturizing apparatus 20 can form part of a yarn handling or texturizing system 15 which can include a heat setting oven 16 , a cooling conveyor 17 , and a yarn take-up 18 such as provided by take-up spools or other take up devices as shown in FIG. 1 . The apparatus 20 preferably has a yarn supply 21 positioned to supply a plurality of yarn strands S. The yarn supply 21 , for example, can include a plurality of yarn spools 22 mounted on a tree or a creel 23 . A yarn guide 30 is preferably positioned downstream from the yarn supply 21 to receive the plurality of yarn strands S in a position substantially parallel and spaced-apart from each other and to guide the plurality of yarns downstream along a path of travel P. The plurality of yarn strands enter the yarn guide 30 positioned spaced-apart and substantially parallel to each other along a path of travel and exit the yarn guide 30 positioned spaced-apart and substantially parallel to each other along the same path of travel P. Although the yarn guide 30 will be referenced substantially herein as the yarn guide 30 , the yarn guide 30 can be a first yarn guide, and the apparatus 20 can further include a second yarn guide 25 positioned downstream from the yarn supply 21 and upstream from the first yarn guide 30 to assist in guiding the plurality of yarn strands S to the first yarn guide 30 (see FIGS. 1 - 3 ). As understood by those skilled in the art, the position, size, and shape of the second yarn guide 25 can also assist in handling tension in the strands extending to the first yarn guide 30 . The apparatus 20 further preferably has a plurality of draw rolls 40 positioned downstream from and adjacent the first yarn guide 30 for drawing the plurality of yarn strands from the yarn supply 21 and through the first yarn guide 30 (as well as the second yarn guide 25 ). The draw rolls are preferably being driven by a drive assembly 48 which includes a drive motor (not shown) as understood by those skilled in the art. A yarn stuffer box 50 is preferably positioned downstream from and adjacent the plurality of draw rolls 40 to receive the plurality of yarn strands S therein and to texturize the plurality of yarn strands due to accumulation within a compact space as understood by those skilled in the art. A conveyor 60 is preferably positioned downstream from the stuffer box 50 to receive the plurality of texturized yarn strands thereon and to convey the texturized yarn therefrom to the heat setting oven 16 or other areas downstream as desired. A fan 59 can also be used to cool the rolls 40 and/or yarn strands S as shown. By providing an enlarged stuffer box 50 , an enlarged pair of draw rolls 40 , and a yarn guide 30 which receives a plurality of spaced-apart and substantially parallel yarn strands as compared to the prior art shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the apparatus 30 takes up substantially less space B as compared to the space A for an equal amount of strands run on separate lines (see FIGS. 4 - 5 ). For example, the apparatus 20 can handle 2 to 60 or more strands, e.g., 40-50, passing through the yarn guide 30 and advantageously allows each strand S to have a separate feed into the draw rolls 40 . The apparatus 20 advantageously keeps the yarn strands more separated from each other to thereby reduce tangling and other tension problems downstream in the system 15 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the concepts of this invention related to the yarn guide and the stuffer box can be used as well in other types of textiles systems and with other types of texturizing devices or systems. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 7-8 , the yarn stuffer box 50 is preferably constructed similar to other conventional stuffer boxes as understood by those skilled in the art and as shown in the drawings, but is preferably substantially larger than conventional stuffer boxes which only receive a relatively small number of strands at a time therethrough (see FIG. 4 ). The stuffer box 50 , for example, preferably has a bottom 51 , a plurality of side walls 52 , and a top 53 as shown. The top can include a movable door 54 or a door/panel pivotally mounted to open and close responsive to pressure on inner surfaces of the door. The stuffer box 50 preferably has a yarn texturizing controller 55 associated therewith for providing a first type of texture to the yarn when in one position and a second different type of texture to the yarn when in a second position (see FIGS. 11 - 12 ). The stuffer box 50 includes a movable door 54 , as understood by those skilled in the art, which periodically opens to allow the plurality of texturized yarn strands to travel from the stuffer box 50 and be deposited onto the conveyor 60 responsive to pressure from a selected amount of the plurality of yarn strands positioned within the stuffer box 50 . The yarn texturizing controller 55 is preferably connected to the movable door 54 and uses preselected amounts of weight such as individual annular-shaped bars 56 or other weights on the door 54 to responsively resist opening of the movable door 54 and thereby provide the first and second different yarn textures (see FIGS. 11 - 12 ). The apparatus 20 also can include a mounting frame 26 and the pair of draw rolls 40 can be connected to the mounting frame 26 (see FIG. 7 ). The stuffer box 50 is also preferably connected to the mounting frame 26 and positioned closely adjacent a downstream side of the pair of draw rolls 40 so that an elongate opening 58 in the stuffer box extending lengthwise along an output nip region 45 between the draw rolls 41 , 42 readily receives the plurality of yarn strands S therein. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 8-10 , the yarn guide 30 (or first yarn guide) preferably includes a guide body 31 having a plurality of spaced-apart openings 32 formed therein. Each of the plurality of spaced-apart openings 32 extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the guide body 31 and extends substantially parallel to each other. The yarn guide 30 further includes a fluid pressure source 35 and fluid pressure conduits 36 in fluid communication with the fluid pressure source 35 and the guide body 31 for supplying either positive or negative fluid pressure to the guide body 31 . The fluid pressure source 35 is preferably provided by a compressed air source which supplies compressed air to the guide body. The guide body 31 also includes a plurality of body conduits 33 positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 32 so that the compressed air is of a pressure so as to assist in drawing the plurality of yarn strands through the openings and to the stuffer box. The guide body 31 can also include an air transfer manifold 34 connected to the fluid pressure conduits 36 which has a channel 38 or other conduit which allows the air to travel to the body conduits 33 and to the openings 32 (see FIGS. 9 - 10 ). Also, as shown, the distal end of the guide body 31 can advantageously have converging upper and lower outer surfaces to enhance positioning of the yarn guide 30 closely adjacent the pair of draw rolls 41 , 42 . As shown in FIGS. 1-12 and as described above, the present invention further provides a method of texturizing a plurality of yarn strands S. The method preferably includes guiding a plurality of yarn strands substantially parallel and spaced-apart from each other along a path of travel into a common stuffer box 50 , accumulating the plurality of yarn strands in the common stuffer box 50 , and periodically opening a door 54 of the stuffer box 50 responsive to pressure on the door from the accumulated plurality of yarn strands to thereby release the accumulated yarn from the stuffer box 50 . The method can also include providing a first texture type in a plurality of yarn strands and providing a second different texture type in a plurality of yarn strands. Another method of guiding yarn to a texturizing device is provided which preferably includes drawing a plurality of spaced-apart yarn strands S to a common texturizing device 50 and guiding the plurality of spaced-apart yarn strands S to extend substantially parallel to each other. The method can also include supplying fluid pressure to assist in drawing the plurality of yarn strands S to the common texturizing device 50 . In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerable detail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the appended claims.

3D

02

G

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1is a skeleton drawing of the arrangement according to the invention, which is specifically intended for the on-line finishing in the paper machine. InFIG. 1the actual production stages of the paper machine end at the dryer section10, from which the paper web produced with the paper machine is run down to broke treatment. Similar points, at which the paper web is run down, are illustrated in the drawings with downward pointing arrows. Broke treatment equipment is not shown in the drawings. At the end of the finishing process, the paper web is reeled up with the reel11. Prior to reeling the finishing process includes the successive finishing stages of at least precalendering12and coating13. Here coating13is additionally followed by calendering14. The finishing stages12-14also include the tail threading equipment15for taking the tail through the finishing stages12-14. To form the tail out of the fully wide paper web, the tail threading equipment15also includes cutting equipment16. Here the tail threading equipment15mainly consists of carrier rope systems17, which are used to carry the tail onwards. The tail threading equipment15also comprises, mainly between the various finishing stages, vacuum belt conveyors18, which are used to transfer the tail, formed out of the paper to be run down, to the tail threading equipment of the following finishing stage—in this case to a carrier rope system. For clarity, neither the paper web nor the tail is shown in the figures. In each finishing stage the carrier rope systems essentially pass over the same route as the paper web does in the production. In the application displayed precalendering12consists of two successive so-called soft calenders19. Their calendering nips are composed of a hard roll20and a softer counter roll21. In the successive soft calenders19the softer counter roll21is alternately on the different sides of the paper web, thus precalendering the two sides of the paper web in turn. Prior to the soft calenders19, on both sides, there is additionally moistening equipment22, which can be used to adjust the moisture profile of the paper web when required. Coating also takes place in the nip, which is followed by the drying equipment30. Finally, there is a so-called hard calender23, composed of several rolls placed on top of each other between which several nips are formed. From the hard calender23the coated and calendered paper web is led to the reel11, which shares a carrier rope system with the hard calender23. The equipment used in various finishing stages can vary between different applications. The same reference numbers are used for functionally similar parts. According to the invention, at the end of each finishing stage there is a draw point forming one contact for tensioning and holding the paper web in the finishing stage concerned. The draw point is generally referred to with the number24. Due to the draw point, the paper web is kept under control for the entire duration of the finishing stage. A single contact of the draw point is particularly important as regards the tail. In practice, the draw point terminates the finishing stage and the carrier rope system used as the tail threading device is guided through it. Due to the single contact, the speed difference between the tail threading device and the draw point, as well as a possible tail break caused by it, have no importance, because the tail is run down to broke treatment immediately after the draw point. In other words, it may be even desirable that the tail is transferred to the draw point from the tail threading device, the tail thus being immediately under control. Consequently, also the paper web can be spread earlier than before, which shortens the production break. The arrangement preferably also includes measuring elements25arranged in the finishing stage12-14prior to the draw point24for determining the desired properties of the paper web. The purpose of the measuring elements is discussed in more detail in connection with the description of the operation of the arrangement according to the invention. FIG. 1shows the arrangement according to the invention, in which both the draw point24placed after precalendering12and the one after coating13are similar.FIGS. 2aand2bshow variations of the draw point after precalendering. The point in question is circled with a dot-and-dash line inFIG. 1. Generally the draw point forming a single contact is arranged as a roll nip or a fabric transfer between two rolls. InFIG. 2aone roll in the roll nip is a counter roll21adapted for precalendering12, while the other one is a separate auxiliary roll26. This ensures that the total length of the finishing stage remains as short as possible. On the other hand, an extra auxiliary roll complicates the design of the precalender and hinders its guiding especially in tail threading.FIG. 2billustrates a third application of the draw point24, in which both the rolls of the roll nip are auxiliary rolls27. The auxiliary rolls27are additionally arranged separately from the equipment included in the finishing stage. In this case, precalendering remains unchanged, but an extra pair of rolls increases the length of the finishing stage. In both the applications set forth above the problem is additionally the distance between the cutting equipment and the following finishing stage, i.e. coating here. Furthermore, drying of the paper web is impossible. On the other hand, in the application ofFIG. 2bthe cutting equipment16could also be located within the open draw of the paper web. Both of these problems are avoided with the draw points24illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, in which the fabric transfer is formed between one dryer cylinder28and a dryer wire29arranged to contact it. In this way, a drying effect is provided to the paper web at the draw point and the paper web can be simultaneously drawn more efficiently than before. The tail is also reliably transferred to the influence area of the dryer wire so that the tail can be quickly taken under control before it is run down to broke treatment. In this application, too, the speed difference between the dryer wire and the carrier rope system has no significance, yet, in practice, it is attempted to keep it as small as possible. The solution also provides an advantageous tail formation. The only drawback is mainly the increased length of the finishing stage. On the other hand, a single-cylinder draw point is remarkably shorter than the known three-cylinder drying equipment. Furthermore, in the embodiment set forth, the paper web can be dried also after precalendering. FIG. 3illustrates in more detail a one-cylinder application, in which the draw point is formed between one cylinder28and a wire29arranged in contact with it. By arranging the cylinder as a dryer cylinder and the wire as a dryer wire, a drying effect can be provided to the paper web. In practice, the overpressure applied inside the dryer cylinder is 0.5-1.0 bar. Even a small wrap angle of the dryer wire29provides a reliable tail seizure and an efficient paper web draw. Generally the wrap angle α in the cylinder periphery created by the wire a is 100°-160°. According to the invention the cutting equipment16is adapted to cut the tail from the paper web within its open draw. This becomes evident specifically inFIG. 3. Here the cutting equipment16is composed of water cutters, which are arranged prior to the actual draw point. This prevents access of cuttings to the production process or onto the dryer wire, and it is easy to guide away the cuttings from the cutting point in a controlled way. In addition, the cutting equipment is placed advantageously near to the run-down position, which minimizes disturbances in tail threading and spreading of cuttings to the process. The drive35included in the draw point24according to the invention is arranged in connection with a lead roll31adapted to support the wire29. In this way the tail and the paper web are drawn by the wire avoiding thus the speed difference between the cylinder and the paper web. This drive is also called the main drive. In addition, the friction between the wire and the paper web is remarkably better than that between the cylinder and the paper web. In addition to the lead roll31, the wire29arranged as an endless loop is supported by three other rolls32-34. This provides a sufficient wire wrap angle and good draw properties for the driven lead roll. In addition, wire conditioning is efficient. Furthermore, in connection with the cylinder28included at the draw point24there is arranged an auxiliary drive36, which is adapted to follow the drive35of the lead roll31. In this way, the dryer cylinder can be quickly accelerated to the production speed especially at the startups. The drives are usually electric motors. In connection with the cylinder28there is additionally arranged a doctor37, which is used to detach the paper web from the cylinder28surface and to guide it down to broke treatment. At the same time, the doctor keeps the cylinder surface clean. Normally the paper web is spread to the full width after tail threading prior to forming and taking the following tail to the following finishing stage. According to the invention, prior to starting the tail threading procedure of the next finishing stage and forming the tail, the finishing stage in question is surprisingly set to the production settings while the paper web is spread in its full width. This facilitates the total control of the finishing stages. A reliable broke treatment is provided with the above described draw point, which is used to tension and hold the paper web in the finishing stage. This also ensures that the tension of the paper web is always appropriate particularly when using a single-cylinder draw point. Draw points placed at the ends of the finishing stages also enable the determination of the paper web properties in each finishing stage already prior to starting the next tail threading. These properties are determined at the draw point and/or prior to it. To achieve this, the arrangement includes measuring elements25known as such, which are used to determine for example the moisture content of the paper web as well as porosity, gloss and other surface properties. A controller8is arranged in data receiving relation to the measuring elements25forming part of the precalendering finishing stage12, and the controller8is in controlling relation to the precalender19. Similarly a controller9is arranged in data receiving relation to the measuring elements25forming part of the coating finishing stage13. The controller9is in controlling relation to the coater7. Based on the specified paper properties each finishing stage is then easy to adjust to the production settings. In this way, considering the whole, the control of the finishing stages is less complicated with a smaller broke amount and coating-material consumption than heretofore. Adjustments of the finishing stages particularly influence the properties of the paper web and the final product made of it. Furthermore, according to the invention, the properties of the tail in the tail formation are changed. This ensures a successful tail threading. In practice, the moisture content of the tail is changed using for example special moistening nozzles.FIG. 4ashows a flow chart in which the operation of the arrangement according to the invention is illustrated for one finishing stage, simplified for one stage. The stage starts with the reception of the tail formed in the previous stage. The tail threading procedure is repeated until it is successful, after which the paper web is spread to the full width. The tail transferred through the stage is run down to broke treatment at the end of the stage. According to the invention, the stage is thus set to the production settings after spreading and the treated paper web is measured. The determination of the quality of the paper web takes place based on these measurements. In case there are deviations in the quality, the stage will be adjusted. Once the desired paper web quality is achieved, a tail is formed and guided to the following stage. FIG. 4bshows the travel of the paper web in a stage, which is here coating13. The use of the measuring elements25is possible at the draw point24according to the invention, which keeps the paper web under control at all times. Here the paper web has passed the stage and has already been spread to the full width. In practice, this spreading takes place in the previous stage. In the situation illustrated inFIG. 4b, the cutting equipment16is used to form a tail from the paper web whose quality has been proven good. The rest of the paper web is then run down to broke treatment after the draw point24. Between the stages the tail is transferred using for example vacuum belt conveyors18. In the arrangement according to the invention, the various tail threading procedures are separate and distinct entities, corresponding to the different finishing stages. Each tail threading procedure includes few disturbance points and the tail is kept under control at all times. Due to the draw point according to the invention, the speed difference between the various tail threading devices and the draw point has no importance. Due to the draw point, the properties of the paper web can be determined in each finishing stage prior to the following finishing stage. In this way, by means of the arrangement according to the invention, the production process can be appropriately adjusted in a simple and accurate manner. This saves both time and energy. At the same time, the finishing stage is kept clean, which reduces the need for cleaning equipment. With the arrangement according to the invention it is possible to optimize each finishing stage and hence also the paper properties prior to starting the following tail threading. In practice, precalendering and coating can be optimized prior to the start of the actual calendering, which also makes the entire finishing process remarkably more stable than heretofore.

3D

21

F

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to figures from1to4, number1indicates as a whole a system for detecting operative parameters of a household appliance2provided with a relatively mobile component with respect to a load-bearing frame4of the household appliance2; in the case in point illustrated as a non-limitative example, the household appliance2is a washing machine or dryer and the relatively mobile member3includes a water-tight tank5accommodating within a rotating basket6of the known type. Detection system1comprises a pressure switch10, comprising in turn a rigid casing11(FIG. 2) accommodating a deformable membrane13, sensitive to hydraulic pressure, a ferromagnetic material core14fastened to membrane13and a winding15carried by casing11and operatively coupled with core14to form a variable inductance electrical inductor16. Casing11is made of magnetically neutral material, preferably synthetic plastic material, and is obtained by moulding, split into at least two half shells18,19, reciprocally snappingly coupled in use, between which is fluid-tightly packed a peripheral edge20of membrane13, so that membrane13divides the inside of casing11into a chamber21hydraulically connected with the outside via a nipple22, and into a chamber23maintained at atmospheric pressure and accommodating within a board24carrying an electronic circuit25, for simplicity shown only schematically by two blocks25aand25binFIG. 3only, showing two different parts of the electronic circuit25. Pressure switch10finally comprises a fixed abutting element26for the membrane13, integral with casing11(for example being an integral part of half shell19), against which abutting element26membrane13rests when pressure switch10is in zero condition, in which membrane13is undeformed. A contrast spring28for membrane13is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the fixed abutting element26, sandwiched between membrane13and a second abutting element29of casing11with a predetermined preload. Such second abutting element29is provided with adjustment means30for varying the preload of contrast spring28; in the case in point, the abutting element29consists of a threaded dowel having an external threading30on the side wall and provided with a screwdriver cut31accessible through a removable cover32of casing11. According to the invention, pressure switch10is coupled to relatively mobile member3so as to follow its movements, in the case in point it is integrally fixed to tank5externally to the same, by means of a bracket35integrally made with casing11, in the same plastic material of it. Bracket35is shaped so as to maintain pressure switch10in adjacent position facing a side wall36of load-bearing frame4, which is, according to the invention, provided with an L-shaped bracket40made of ferromagnetic material, which forms, in addition to pressure switch10, the main component of detection system1. Bracket40is shaped and positioned so as to be operatively associated to the variable inductance electrical inductor16, is integrally carried by load-bearing frame4and is arranged externally to pressure switch10, so that a predetermined clearance (g) is present (FIG. 3) between bracket40and casing11. In this way, pressure switch10is adapted to output an electrical signal S (indicated schematically by the arrow inFIG. 3) through a connector41(FIG. 1) in response to any variation of the clearance amplitude (g), for example induced by a relative movement between bracket40and casing11consequent to any variation of relative position of relatively mobile member3(in the case in point tank5) with respect to load-bearing frame4. In particular, electrical signal S in response to a variation of clearance (g) between bracket40and casing11represents a variation of the inductance of electrical inductor16which occurs with pressure switch10in zero condition, i.e. with membrane13resting against abutting element26. Electronic circuit25is made so as to determine, with its part25band according to electrical signal S, in response to a variation of clearance (g) between bracket40and casing11occurring in static conditions, weight P (FIG. 4) of an active load placed inside relatively mobile member3, in the case in point in rotating basket6, in turn contained within tank5; and, according to the same electrical signal S in response to a variation of clearance (g) between bracket40and casing11, but in dynamic conditions, the entity in direction and amplitude of possible vibrations V (FIG. 4) to which the relatively mobile member3is subjected in use, in the case in point following rotation of basket6containing a load of linen of weight P. In the non-limitative example shown, in which relatively mobile member3is a tank5of a washing machine or dryer2accommodating inside a rotating basket6for a load of laundry, the aforesaid static conditions correspond to a condition in which basket6does not rotate (being stationary), and while said dynamic conditions correspond to a condition in which basket6rotates. In use, nipple22is connected in a known way, through a tube50(FIG. 3) to the inside of tank5, which is carried by load-bearing frame4by means of known suspensions52, which allow relative movements between tank5and load-bearing frame4. A hydraulic pressure present in tank5, for example proportional to the level of water contained in tank5, is therefore transmitted by tube50to membrane13, which is deformed against the bias of spring28shifting ferromagnetic core14within winding15; which produces in the known way a variation of inductance in inductor16, variation which is detected by electronic circuit25, in its part25a, which produces an output signal on connector41of the linear type. At the same time, the same electrical inductor16, thanks to the presence of bracket40and to the fact that casing11is made of magnetically neutral material, is capable of generating variations of inductance following any variation of clearance (g). In particular, when basket6is stationary and a load of linen is introduced in it, the weight P of the latter determines an increase of clearance, therefore a value g1of clearance (g) higher than that of the empty basket6; the consequent variation of inductance in inductor16produces a signal S which is processed by part25bof electronic circuit25, thus working out the weight P of the linen present. Similarly, when basket6is moving, the clearance (g) will change, consequent to the dynamic action of the weight P of the load of linen, between a minimum g2and a maximum g3; such variations generate a consequent alternating variation of sign and value of the inductance of inductor16, generating a variable signal S which is processed by the part25bof electronic circuit25to generate a specific indication, for example if the linen is arranged in basket6so as to generate imbalance. Such signal, available at connector41, may then be used in the known way.

3D

06

F

C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1., reference numeral 10 generally indicates a ceiling system which may be suspended from a building structure (not shown). Preferably, a framework 12 is constructed from frame members 14 which are arranged such that lengthwise frame members 14a and crosswise frame members 14b form open rectangular areas 16. The areas 16 are adapted to receive various components 18 such as air filter modules 18a, blank panels 18b, fire sprinklers 18c, light fixtures 18d and other components (not shown). The frame members 14 are preferably arranged to form a frame, but the members may be placed in a different arrangement to meet the requirements of different applications. Splice members, such as a cross splice 20, a main splice 22, a modified cross splice 24 and a bracket 26, secure the frame members 14 together. The splice members 20, 22, 24 and 26 secure the various intersections within the framework. The cross splice 20 is used to secure the frame members 14 at a cross intersection 39a. At a T intersection 39b of two frame members 14, such as are found along the perimeter of the framework 12, the main splice 22 and the bracket 26 secure the members 14 together. At other T intersections 39c within the framework, but not at the perimeter, the modified cross splice 24 is used to secure the members 14 together. The main splice 22 is also used to join two colinear members 14 whose ends abut, as indicated by reference numeral 39d. The main splice 22 can be installed either by sliding it laterally onto the frame member 14 or by snapping it onto the frame member from above. Suspension members 28, whose upper ends may be secured to the building structure by any of a number of conventional fasteners (not shown), are attached to desired points of the framework 12. Utility clips 30 are adapted to engage with the bottom portions of the frame members 14 and, possibly in combination with load suspension members 31a or 31b or other suspension means (not shown), to suspend loads such as pipes 32a from the framework 12. Partition clips 34, which are adapted to engage with the bottom portions of the frame members 14, operate to suspend a wall partition 32b from the framework 12. Screws 36 or other conventional fasteners secure an edge 38 of the framework 12 to an adjacent wall (not shown). Preferably, the entire perimeter of the framework 12 is an edge 38 fastened to an adjacent wall, but this is omitted for greater clarity in FIG. 1. As best seen in FIG. 2, the frame members 14 have an inverted-T shaped cross-section with a vertical segment 40 and a horizontal segment 42. A Unshaped slot 44, which extends along the length of each of the frame members 14,, is preferably threaded for engaging the lower end of the threaded suspension member 28. The threaded slot 44 is hereinafter referred to as a "screw slot." Shoulders 46a and 46b extend laterally from the vertical segment 40. Ledges 48a and 48b are defined, respectively, by the shoulders 46a and 46b. The horizontal segment 42 provides two bearing surfaces 50a and 50b, a bottom surface 52 and slotted edges 54a and 54b. The bottom surface 52 preferably includes a guide groove 56 which extends along the length of the frame member 14. The horizontal segment 42 of the crosswise frame members 14b is coped at each end to allow the vertical segment 40 of the members 14b to abut the vertical segment of the member 14a while resting upon the bearing surfaces 50a and 50b. In this fashion, the coped ends of frame members 14b abut the slotted edges 54a and 54b of frame member 14a. Preferably, during assembly a sealant is placed below a shoulder 46 of the member 14a where the shoulder abuts the vertical segment 40 of the member 14b. Preferably, the ends of other frame members 14 are similarly coped where they form T intersections 39b and 39c (FIG. 1). Preferably, a slot filler 58, shaped for insertion into a slotted edge 54, occupies a portion of the slotted edge of the lengthwise frame member 14 where it abuts a frame member 14b. The slot filler 58 is preferably a rigid, slippery, plastic material such as GARLITE.RTM. which easily slides into the slotted edge 54. The slot filler 58 thus acts to prevent the passage of air or contaminants laterally along the slotted edges 54. The cross splice 20, which secures the member 14a to members 14b has an inverted U-shaped slot 60 extending along its length and dimensioned to slidably accommodate the upper portion of the vertical segment 40 of the frame members 14b. A U-shaped aperture 62, which extends through the width of the cross splice 20, is dimensioned to slidably accommodate the upper portion of the vertical segment 40 of the frame member 14a. When assembled, bottom edges 64 of the splice 20 rest on the ledges 48a and 48b, respectively. Splice 20 preferably includes several through-holes 66. Although the suspension member 28 may be inserted into any through-hole 66, it is preferable to use the centrally located hole 66 for accommodating the suspension member. The other holes 66 are then used to receive bolts 68 which are threaded into the screw slots 44 of the members 14b. The holes 66 are preferably located such that when the cross splice 20 is installed on the intersecting frame members 14, the screw slot 44 of each frame member 14 is aligned with at least one hole. As shown best in FIG. 2A, a fastening member 70, adapted to engage the suspension member 28 may be disposed within the vertical segment 40 of the frame member 14a. The fastening member 70 is oriented transverse to the length of the frame member 14 and is disposed in a hole 72 which extends through the width of the vertical segment 40. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastening member 70 is a cross dowel nut having a threaded opening 74 which is dimensioned to engage the threaded suspension member 28 when it is threaded into the screw slot 44. It is preferred that the hole 72 be located substantially within the shoulder 46, but at least partially intersecting the bottom of the screw slot 44 so that the suspension member 28 may engage with the threaded opening 74. The cross dowel nut 70 may be positioned in the above-described manner substantially anywhere along the framework by providing a hole 72 at the desired location. Moreover, the cross dowel nut 70 may be used with or without the cross splice 20. The use of fastening members, and in particular the cross dowel nut 70, to attach the suspension members 28 to the framework 12 has been found to substantially increase the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling system 10. This is in part attributable to the fact that the cross dowel nut 70 is advantageously oriented transverse to the length of the frame member 14 and is substantially disposed in the solid portion of the vertical segment 40. Thus, the cross dowel nut 70 substantially increases the force required to forcibly part the suspension member 28 from the frame member 14, as compared to simply threading the suspension member into the screw slot 40. In destructive testing performed on a prototype of the present invention, most suspension members 28 secured with the cross dowel nut 70 failed under a load of 3,800-4200 pounds, as compared with less than 1,000 pounds for suspension members which were threaded into the screw slot, but not the cross dowel nut. Moreover, use of the cross dowel nut 70 provides greater flexibility in the installation of the ceiling system and configuration of the cleanroom. The small size and shape of the cross dowel nut 70 permit it to be placed at practically any desired point along the framework 12. Further, the hole 72 for the cross dowel nut 70 can be drilled as needed on-site. Thus, a suspension member 28 can be repositioned without necessarily compromising the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling system. As a result of this greatly increased load-bearing capacity, the ceiling system 10 can support all utilities which are conventionally placed in cleanrooms and core areas, as well as air filter modules, light fixtures, blank panels, and the like. This arrangement frees valuable floor space below for use as additional and flexible cleanroom space. The increased load-bearing capacity of the ceiling system 10, in combination with the stiffness of the members 14, permits a human technician to walk freely on top of the framework 12. Since the members 14 are rigid, the deflection produced by the technician walking on top of the framework is sufficiently small so as not to disrupt the seals between the framework 12 and the supported components 18. Further, due to its improved load-bearing capacity, the ceiling system 10 may also support equipment such as robotics, process piping and partitions, any of which may generally be suspended anywhere on the framework 12. Such loads need not be aligned with nor attached to a suspension member 28 because the framework 12 itself bears the loads. The ability of the ceiling system 10 to support all of the core utilities overhead permits easy and low cost reconfiguration of the cleanroom without massive rerouting of the utilities. Thus, the present invention provides enhanced flexibility in the design of the manufacturing or assembly operations conducted within the cleanroom. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative arrangement for securing suspension members 28 to the framework 12. In this arrangement, the suspension member 28 includes an integral flattened portion 80. The flattened portion 80 is sufficiently thin that it may be inserted into the screw slot 44 of the frame member 14. A hole 82, which is dimensioned to receive a fastening member 84, extends through the flattened portion 80. A lateral through-hole 86 in the vertical segment 40 of the frame member 14 is preferably positioned so that when the flattened portion 80 is inserted into the screw slot 44, the fastening member 84 may be inserted through the holes 84 and 82. The fastening member 84 is preferably a sex bolt as shown in FIG. 3D. Alternatively, the fastening member 84 may be a different conventional fastener such as a dowel pin (not shown). FIG. 4 shows an assembled main splice 22 for connecting two colinear frame members 14. The lower portion of the main splice 22 has a slot 90 which is shaped to slidably accommodate the vertical segment 40 of a frame member 14. A cross-shaped slot 92 extends along the length of top of the splice 22. The slot 92 is shaped such that a nut 94 or other fastener may be disposed in the slot for securing the suspension member 28. The slot 92 is provided because the suspension member 28 does not thread into the seam 98 formed by the two frame members 14. Moreover, the cross dowel nut 70 or other fasteners can not be secured as described above at the seam 98. Where the seam 98 occurs at the preferred location for attaching the suspension member 28, i.e. the center of the splice 22, the slot 92 permits such attachment. The bottom of the slot 92 has a plurality of through-holes for accommodating bolts 68, preferably in combination with washers 97, which are threaded into the screw slots 44 of the frame members 14. Preferably, when the splice 22 is installed at least one bolt 68 engages the respective screw slot 44 of the two frame members 14. The cross dowel nut 70 can be used in conjunction with the bolts 68 to increase the strength of the splice 22. The through-holes may likewise be used to thread the suspension member 28 into the screw slot 44. Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B, various clamps are shown for securing components such as air filter modules, blank panels and the like to the framework 12. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the perimeter of an air filter module 18a has a laterally-extending flange 100 which supports the module when seated on the framework 12. An air filter clamp 104 is used for securing a module 18a to the frame member 14. The clamp 104 has an inverted U-shaped slot 106 which is dimensioned to slidably engage the upper portion of the vertical segment 40 of the frame member 14 and seat against the ledges 48a and 48b. The clamp 104 has a through hole 108 in which a bolt 68 and spring 110 are disposed. The bolt 68 engages the screw slot 44 and, in combination with the spring 110, causes downward pressure to be exerted on the flange 100. Typically, some type of conventional sealant 128 is located on the bearing surfaces 52 to form an air-tight seal between the bearing surfaces and the air filter module 18a disposed thereon. FIG. 5B, shows an air filter clamp 112 which is similar to clamp 104, except that it may be used to secure two adjacent modules 18a to opposite sides of a single frame member 14. With reference now to FIG. 6A, a blank panel clamp 120 for securing a blank panel 18b to one side of a frame member 14 is shown. Similar to the air filter clamps 104 and 112, the clamp 120 is adapted to slidably engage the vertical segment 40 such that the clamp 120 abuts the ledges 48 and bears downward against the upper surface of the blank panel 18b. Preferably, the clamp 120 has a leg 122 which extends downward and bears upon the upper surface of the blank panel 18b. As with the air filter clamps 104 and 112, sealant 128 is typically located on the bearing surfaces 52 to form an air-tight seal between the bearing surfaces and the blank panel 18b. FIG. 6B shows an blank panel clamp 130, which is similar to clamp 120, for securing two adjacent blank panels 18b to opposite sides of a single frame member 14. FIGS. 7A-7D depict various clips which cooperate with the frame members 14 and, possibly, the load suspension members 31a or 31b (FIG. 1) to suspend loads such as pipes 32a from the framework 12. As best seen in FIG. 7A, a clip 140 engages the slotted edges 54a and 54b of a frame member 14. The clip 140 has a hollow interior 142 which advantageously provides clearance for a nut 144 and a washer 146 when the clip 140 is secured to the frame member 14. Preferably, the clip 140 is formed from two interlocking members 148 and 150. Each member 148, 150 includes an integral flange 152 which extends inwardly from each side of the interior 142 to restrict the upward movement of the washer 146. Member 148 has a hole 154 dimensioned to receive load suspension member 31a. Each member 148 and 150 has an integral flange 155 and 156, respectively, for engaging one of the slotted edges 54a or 54b. Member 148 has a slot 157 adapted to receive a dovetail flange 158 of member 150. Although the dovetail connection alone will secure the two sections 148 and 150 together, a screw 159 or any other conventional fastener may be inserted laterally through the dovetail flange 158 to further secure the two sections together. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the clip 140 attached to a frame member 14. In this figure, the flanges 155 and 156 engage the slotted edges 54a and 54b, respectively. The dovetail flange 158 interlocks with the slot 157. The two members 148 and 150 are then slidably aligned with each other. FIG. 7C shows a clip 170 for securing a surface mount-type light fixture (shown in phantom). The clip 170 engages the slotted edges 54a and 54b of the frame member 14 in a fashion substantially similar to that described above in connection with FIG. 7A. A downward projecting arm 172 provides a suitable vertical mounting surface to which the light fixture may be attached by screws 174 or other conventional fasteners. FIG. 7D shows a clip 180 for securing a blank panel or filter requiring access from below. The clip 180 engages the slotted edges 54a and 54b of the frame member 14 in a manner substantially similar to that described above in connection with FIG. 7A. An outwardly protruding horizontal leg 182 provides a clamping mechanism to seat the blank panel or filter and allows access from the room below. FIG. 7E shows a clip 190 for securing a substantially heavy load from the framework 12. The clip 190 engages the slotted edges 54a and 54b of the frame member 14 in a fashion substantially similar to that described above in connection with FIG. 7A. Unlike clip 140, however, clip 190 does not have a hollow interior 142. Preferably, the load suspension members are screwed into the bottom of the clip 190. Each of the clips 140, 170, 180, and 190 may be positioned at substantially any location along a frame member 14, either at the time of installation or subsequently. FIG. 8 shows a two-piece partition clip 200 for securing a wall partition 32b (shown here in phantom for enhanced clarity) to the framework 12. The clip 200 is adapted to engage the slotted edges 54 of the frame member 14. Each piece of the clip 200 has holes 202 through which screws 204 are inserted to secure the wall partition 32b. Recesses 206 and 208 are provided to accommodate a crosswise frame member 14b. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

4E

06

B

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, one embodiment of this invention will be described in conjunction with a femoral component 10. It is to be understood that component 10 can be implanted either with or without cement. Component 10 includes a femoral head 12 and a femoral stem 14 which is adapted to be inserted into a cavity formed in the medullary canal of a femur 16 (see FIG. 13). Stem 14 includes a large, flat laterally extending collar 18 having a lower surface 19. Surface 19 of collar 18 is adapted to rest on the cortical bone of the proximal femur in the region of the natural femoral neck. Typically, head 12 is coupled to stem 14 by a Morse cone femoral neck 20 connected to collar 18. When head 12 is inserted onto neck 20, a very firm friction fit is formed, and no additional fasteners are required. Head 12 may be readily removed by proper twisting and pulling in the event it needs to be changed or replaced for any reason after implantation. Typically, stem 14 is held in place in the medullary canal of the femur by the use of cement, such as a methyl methacrylate cement. It is preferred that the mantle formed by the cement surrounding stem 14 within the canal be of approximately the same thickness on all sides of stem 14. Thus, stem 14 should be centered within the canal. In addition, it is highly desirable that accurate replication of the anteversion selected during insertion of the trial implants be achieved. Finally, stem 14 should not be permitted to move while the cement is hardening. To achieve these results, fins 22 are provided on lower surface 19 of collar 18. Fins 22 are adapted to seat in correspondingly formed slots or grooves 24 (FIG. 9) on surface 46 (FIG. 5) of the proximal femur. To perform the three functions set forth above, and to provide a configuration that will perform these functions when used with most femurs, regardless of strength, shape, size and available bone surface, it is preferred that there be at least two non-parallel fins 22 formed on lower surface 19 of collar 18, or a single non-rectilinear fin having non-parallel portions. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-4, two separate, spaced fins 22 are provided. Each fin 22 has a length greater than its width and projects from lower surface 19 of collar 18. Preferably fins 22 extend from the outer edge 21 of collar 18 to a point where they almost touch stem 14. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, fins 22 form an acute angle with respect to one another, but do not touch. Fins 22 converge towards one another in the direction of stem 14, and diverge away from one another in the direction facing away from stem 14. Other embodiments of this invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. With respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, a single fin 30 is provided on surface 19 of collar 18. Fin 30 has a curved, semi-circular or semi-elliptical configuration in which ends 32 face outwardly away from stem 14 and the closed or curved portion is adjacent item 14. Fin 30 can have any shape or radius of curvature, so long as it is non-rectilinear and so long as it extends a substantial distance across surface 21 of collar 18. In FIGS. 7 and 8, two fins 34 and 36 are provided. Fins 34 and 36 are generally orthogonal to one another, and intersect one another at a single point. Preferably, fin 34 extends from edge 21 almost to the surface of stem 14, while fin 36 traverses almost the entire distance laterally across the surface 19 of collar 18. Fins 34 and 36 typically form a plus sign or cross configuration. However, fins 34 and 36 could be disposed at an angle other than 90.degree. with respect to one another, so long as they are not parallel to one another. Fins 22, 30, 34 and 36 can be either milled from the material of collar 18 and formed integrally therewith, or they can be bonded or retrofitted to surface 19 of collar 18 after collar 18 has been formed. In the latter embodiment, fins 22, 30, 34 and 36 could be formed of methyl methacrylate cement which has been molded into the desired shape and bonded to surface 19 of collar 18. It will be appreciated that more than two fins could be provided, or other configurations are possible, so long as the fins prevent both rotational movement of the implanted stem 14 with respect to the femur and lateral movement of stem 14 in a direction generally normal to the direction of elongation of the femur. Moreover, the fins must have a configuration which allows corresponding depressions to be readily etched into surface 46 of the proximal femur. Also, the fins must extend sufficiently far across surface 19 of collar 18 that each fin, or each non-parallel portion of the same fin, engages the bone in the proximal femur over a sufficient distance to adequately prevent rotation and lateral movement of stem 14. Preferably, the coverage of the fins on surface 19 of collar 18 should be sufficiently great that all of these requirements are met for patients regardless of the bone strength, configuration, mass or size so that a standard design can be used with most patients. The method of this invention and the apparatus used to implement this method will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 9-14. It is to be understood that this same method and apparatus can be used for a cemented or uncemented implant. The tools employed include a rasp or broach 40, mill guide 48, end mill or milling bit 70 and clamp 92. Broach 40 is substantially similar to a conventional broach used for enlarging the medullary canal of a femur. As previously indicated, broach 40 has the same shape as stem 14, but is larger in size. The outer surface of broach 40 is coaxial with the outer surface of stem 14, but the distance between the central axis of broach 40 and its outer surface is greater than the distance between the central axis of stem 14 and its outer surface. Serrations 41 are provided along the outer surface of broach 40 for assisting in the enlarging and cleaning out of the medullary canal to from a cavity. Extending from an upper surface 44 of broach 40 is a shaft 42. Disposed near the upper end of shaft 42 is a recess 50 into which a spring mounted ball (not shown) on an attachment can seat for a snap-fit. A generally circular hole 54 is formed on surface 44 adjacent shaft 42. Mill guide 48 is used for forming grooves or slots 24 on surface 46. Mill guide 48 includes machined slots 58 which extend from an upper surface 62 to a lower surface 64 of mill guide 48. Mill guide 48 has the same number of slots 58 as there are fins on collar 18. In addition, slots 58 have the same general configuration as the fins on collar 18. Disposed on upper surface 62 in association with each slot 58 is a semi-circular depression 60. Shaft 42 is intended to be inserted into a channel 52 of mill guide 48, and a spring mounted ball (not shown) in channel 52 provides a snug snap-fit of mill guide 48 onto shaft 42. Milling bit 70 is utilized to machine grooves 24. Milling bit 70 has a rotatable shaft 74 and outer housing 72 which does not rotate and is coaxial with shaft 74. Proximal end 76 of shaft 74 is adapted to be mounted into a chuck of a conventional drill, while distal end 78 is provided with a milling tip which is adapted to cut bone. A shoulder 80 provided adjacent proximal end 76 limits axial movement of shaft 74 with respect to housing 72. Generally spherical ball 82 is disposed at the lower end of housing 72 and is adapted to seat in depression 60 of mill guide 48. The uses of these tools to perform the method of the present invention will now be described. Initially, the femur is prepared for surgery in a conventional manner. Rasp or broach 40 is used to clean out and enlarge the medullary canal to form a cavity in the center of the femur to prepare for insertion of stem 14, so that the outer surfaces of stem 14 are spaced a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the cavity formed. In a conventional manner, the upper surface of the proximal femur is milled smooth and flush with the upper surface 44 of broach 40 to provide a relatively flat surface 46 on the proximal femur upon which surface 19 of collar 18 can rest. This process is typically accomplished using a large rotatable milling tool (not shown) which is mounted on shaft 42 and is rotated by a conventional drill (not shown). Once surface 46 has been prepared as described, mill guide 48 is snapped onto shaft 42. Recess 50 cooperates with a spring mounted ball (not shown) within channel 52 to hold mill guide 48 snugly in place so that lower surface 64 is in contact with surface 44. Peg 56 disposed on lower surface 64 resides in cooperatively formed hole 54 in surface 44 to prevent mill guide 48 from rotating with respect to shaft 42. A slot 58 is provided for each fin 22. Slots 58 of mill guide 48 are configured to provide a slot or groove 24 on surface 46 of the proximal femur which corresponds almost precisely to the size and shape of the selected fins 22 or 30 or 34 and 36 to be provided on collar 18. If, for example, fins 22 have the shape and configuration as shown in FIG. 1, slots 58 would have the shape and configuration shown in FIG. 11. If, on the other hand, a fin 30 is to be utilized, a single slot would be provided in mill guide 48 having the same semi-circular shape or semi-elliptical configuration of fin 30. In this event, only a single depression 60 would be provided on surface 62 at roughly the center of the slot. If fins 34 and 36 are to be utilized, two intersecting slots would be provided in mill guide 48, and a single depression 60 would be disposed on surface 62 at the point of intersection of the slots. The manner of creation of these slots or grooves 24 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12. Milling bit 70 is utilized for this purpose. Shoulder 80 is pushed into abutment with proximal end 84 of housing 72, and ball 82 is seated in cooperatively formed depression 60. Thereafter, the drill is activated and distal end 78 of shaft 74 penetrates surface 46 of the proximal end of femur 16 to substantially the same depth as fin 22 when surface 19 of collar 18 rests on surface 46. Groove 24 is formed by pivoting housing 72 about ball 82 to move shaft 74 back and forth through slot 58 while shaft 74 is being rotated by a drill (not shown). In this way, the cutting of each groove 24 is precisely controlled and each groove 24 is formed with the desired location, depth and width. Using this method, groove 24 will be deepest at a point directly below depression 60 and shallowest at points spaced farthest from depression 60 in a direction parallel to surface 46. This groove 24 will have a somewhat arcurate shape with a radius equal to the distance from the center of ball 82 to the tip of distal end 78. Accordingly, fins 22, 30, 34 and 36 preferably have the same arcuate shape with the same radius of curvature. Also, fins 22, 30, 34 and 36, if viewed from the end, preferably have a U-shaped configuration to conform to the U-shaped cross-sectional configuration of recess 24 as formed by tip 78. Once the foregoing process has been completed, and grooves 24 have been formed, milling bit 70, mill guide 48 and broach 40 are all removed from the femur and stem 14 is inserted as shown in FIG. 13. Fins 22 are inserted into corresponding grooves 24, and preferably force is applied to the upper surface of component 10 to drive it downwardly into the femur so that fins 22 seat securely and tightly in grooves 24. The insertion of stem 14 is accomplished in conjunction with the provision of cement within the cavity in the medullary canal within femur 16, in a conventional manner. Fins 22 automatically center stem 14 within the medullary canal to produce a uniform mantle, to prevent rotation of component 10 during the time the cement is curing, and to produce precise replication of anteversion. Another feature of this invention will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 14-16. As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a depression 90 is formed in the upper surface of collar 18. A clamp 92 is used in conjunction with depression 90 to provide a downward force on stem 14 while the cement is hardening to make certain that surface 19 of collar 18 is urged snugly against surface 46, and that fins 22 are seated in corresponding grooves 24 so that the resulting bond is tight and so that component 10 is in precisely the desired rotational and lateral orientation. Clamp 92 includes a stem 94 having an arcuate upper portion 96, a ball 98 secured to the distal end of upper portion 96, a carriage 104, a flange 102 and a compression spring 100. Stem 94 extends through a hole in carriage 104, and carriage 104 slides along stem 94. A set screw (not shown) in carriage 104 rides in an axially extending slot along stem 94 (not shown) to limit axial travel of carriage 104, and to prevent rotational movement of carriage 104 with respect to stem 94. Carriage 104 includes one or more spikes 106, which extend from one side thereof toward ball 98, and finger grips 105. Spring 100 is captured between carriage 104 and flange 102 and urges carriage 104 in a direction away from flange 102. Use of clamp 92 will now be described with particular reference to FIG. 14. Ball 98 is seated or nested in depression 90 in collar 18. With a thumb pressing against flange 102, and two fingers pressing downwardly on finger grips 105, carriage 104 is withdrawn downwardly towards flange 102. At the same time spikes 106 are driven into engagement with the lesser trochantor. As the downward pressure on carriage 104 is released, spikes 106 dig into the lessor trochantor, and spring 100 biases stem 94 so that ball 98 is urged toward carriage 104. Spring 100 thereby applies a downward pressure to ball 98 which then urges component 10 downwardly to properly seat stem 14 within femur 16. Clamp 92 is removed once the cement has properly hardened. Removal is accomplished by compressing spring 100 between carriage 104 and flange 102 and withdrawing spikes 106 from the lessor trochantor. Clamp 92 applies the requisite seating force to component 10 with little damage to the bone or surrounding tissues. Clamp 92 is easily operated and readily removed by the physician. Another embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 17-19. This embodiment can be used either with or without cement. Like numbers are used for like parts, where applicable. In this embodiment, fins again are disposed on surface 19 of collar 18 of component 10. These fins may have any one of the shapes previously described, particularly with respect to FIGS. 2-8. In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, corresponding grooves are cut into surface 46 of the proximal femur for accepting the fins, prior to implantation of the component. This embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 9-12 in the manner of formation of the grooves for accepting the fins. In this embodiment, instead of mill guide 48, a stamp 120 is mounted onto shaft 42 of broach 40. Stamp 120 includes a peg 122 which extends into hole 54 for proper orientation of stamp 120 and for preventing rotation of stamp 120 during the cutting process. Projections 126 on lower surface 124 of stamp 120 have sharpened edges along the surface thereof confronting surface 46 of the proximal femur. Projections 126 have precisely the same shape, orientation and size as fins 22, 30 or 34 and 36 disposed on surface 19 of collar 18. Once stamp 120 has been mounted onto shaft 42, stamp 120 is driven downwardly against surface 46 by a hammer 132, or other like tool for applying force, to drive projections 126 into surface 46 of the proximal femur. This operation stamps into surface 46 grooves which have exactly the same size, shape and orientation as selected fins 22, 30 or 34 and 36. Once surface 124 has been driven into firm and uniform contact with surface 44, stamp 120 and broach 40 are removed. Component 10 is thereafter inserted as previously described, so that the fins seat in the grooves formed in surface 46 of the proximal femur. Thereafter, the implantation process is completed, precisely as described previously with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 9-12. Typically, shaft 42, mill guide 48, shaft 74 of milling bit 70, clamp 92 and plate 120 are all formed of a hard, corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel. However, other known, hard materials may be used. For purposes of illustration only, typical dimensions of the fins of this invention will be provided. However, it is to be understood, that by providing such examples, the scope of the invention is in no way limited. In a typical implant, fins 22 would each have a length of about 1 cm and a width of about 1 mm. Fin 30 would have an approximate radius of curvature of 1 cm and a total length between ends 32 of about 15 mm. Fins 34 and 36 would typically each have a length of about 1 cm. The sizes and shapes of the tools used for implantation, as described herein, would be selected in accordance with the sizes and shapes of the particular femur upon which the surgical operation is being performed. The foregoing invention provides a method and apparatus for centering a stem within the cavity in the medullary canal of the femur, permitting accurate reproduction of anteversion, preventing rotation once the prosthetic has been seated, and clamping the prosthetic during seating to insure a good cement bond. As a result, a uniform mantle of cement is provided around the circumference of the stem which optimizes load distribution between the bone-cement and metal-cement interfaces, thus rendering less likely failure due to nonevenly distributed stresses. Accurate reproduction of anteversion improves the quality of the implant and improves relative movement within the joint so that the patient can enjoy more nearly normal and pain-free activity. Rotational control prevents false movement while the cement is hardening insuring proper rotational orientation and improving the chances of a better cement bond and longer life for the prosthetic. Clamping during seating also insures a better and tightly cemented bond. The method and apparatus of this invention also have applicability to uncemented components since they permit accurate reproduction of anteversion and prevent rotational movement of the prosthetic once it has been implanted. In view of the above description, it is likely that modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art which are within the scope of this invention. The above description is intended to be exemplary only, the scope of the invention being defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

0A

61

B

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred growth environment for tumor cells in growth chambers 10 in accordance with the method of the present invention. A plurality of growth chambers 10 are positioned within a support chamber, such as petri dish 12. FIG. 2 shows the preferred structural details of chambers 10 which include a generally cylindrical wall 14 and an integral, generally convex bottom 16 that is substantially higher at its center than at foot 18 of wall 14. This arrangement effectively forms a cell collecting annulus 20 which tends to accumulate most individual tumor (or other) cells by gravity when suspended in culture medium 22 within chamber 10. While other configurations of the growth chambers may be used, the particular merit of the annular area is that where the total volume of the growth medium in chamber 10 is on the order of 400 microliters and the total tumor cell population for the initial inoculum is relatively low, in the range of 2.0 to 7.0.times.10.sup.5 viable cells, concentration of the cells for close spacing or touching is essential for rapid growth. Under such conditions, anchorage-independent cells which grow without adherence to the surface of the chamber are provided a favorable growth environment with close cell-cell association or contact. Accordingly, the shape of the bottom of chamber 10 encourages most cells to gravitate to an annular area at foot 18 of wall 14. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, as noted above, three growth chambers, such as three 400 microliter chambers, may be placed in a single petri dish 12 having a 60 mm diameter and surrounded with about 5.0 ml of nutrient liquid. The growth chambers may have internal working volumes ranging from say 200 microliters to 6000 microliters for simultaneous growth of tumor cells. A series of these 60 mm petri dishes can be set up simultaneously, but each petri dish may be subject to differing amount of treatment. By filling both support dish 12 and chamber 10 to a level just below the upper edge of wall 14, cells in each growth chamber are subjected to a slight, but adequate, hydrostatic head to induce diffusion of nutrient components in the surrounding medium into the growth chamber, and diffusion of metabolic waste products outwardly through growth chamber wall 14 to dish 12. To achieve such diffusions into and out of growth chambers 10, the material of construction for the growth chambers is preferably a gel matrix formed by cross-linking acrylamide to include a high volume of water. Such polyacrylamide gel is preferably formed by cross-linking acrylamide with bisacrylamide, and cast in the form of chambers 10, as shown. Desirably, the total solids content of such growth chambers for adequate permeability to diffuse molecules having a molecular weight of less than one million daltons is from about 0.5% to 15%, with water comprising 99.5% to 85%. Most preferably from about 0.5% to 5% and water 99.5% to 95%. The polyacrylamide so cast is highly permeable for diffusion of proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, sugars and salts in the liquid nutrient to the growing cell and for transport of cell-generated metabolic products, e.g., acids, alcohols, and other metabolic products out of chamber 12 through wall 14. Most importantly, the cross-linked acrylamide forming the gel matrix has sufficient mechanical strength to maintain the structural integrity of chambers 10 when subjected to heat and pressure, as when autoclaved to sterilize growth chambers 10. Limitation of the molecular weight of the compounds that will pass through wall 14 prevents transfer of cells or large proteins therethrough, but does not prevent passage of essential proteins or complex organic compounds in the nutrient media to the incubating cells. Other gel materials may be used in addition to the acrylamide, such as montmorillonite or bentonite clays, agar and other gels which are essentially thixotropic and which can be cast in the desired shape of growth chambers 10 and then cured or set sufficiently to withstand mechanical handling in a saline solution during packaging, transport or handling or in a liquid feeder medium during cell culturing. A primary requirement of the gel matrix for practice of the method of the present invention is that the material, such as the preferred cross-linked acrylamide, must be resistant to cell attachment so that anchorage-dependent cells, such as fibroblasts, do not adhere to any of the interior surfaces of the chamber. This assures that anchorage-independent cells, such as tumor cells, will grow or proliferate in the chamber, but without interference by an increasing number of anchorage-dependent cells, including fibroblasts. Thus, even though fibroblasts are present in explanted tissue along with tumor cells introduced into the growth chamber, they do not reproduce or proliferate in the chambers, unless specific growth surfaces are added to the chamber. The attachment-independent cell surface thus restricts growth in number and type of cells to those desired in the fluid medium. Accordingly, the attachment-free surface of the growth chambers may be selectively used for (1) tumor-cell growth in the presence of (and without interference by) normal, attachment-dependent cells, (2) attachment-independent growth of lymphocyte cells, (3) attachment-dependent growth of normal cells, including fibroblasts, on particles introduced into the chamber so that all growth occurs as a monolayer on particles, such as microspheres, and (4) production of cell metabolites from either attachment-dependent, or independent cell growth, as in (1) (2) and (3), and including human monoclonal antibodies from human B-lymphocyte cultures. In production of monoclonal antibodies, attachment-independent growth is particularly useful in that B-lymphocyte cells generate large molecular weight substances, including immunoglobulins, as secretory products in the medium. Because of the passive flow of nutrient and waste products through the highly permeable walls, desired products, such as immunoglobulins, may be harvested from supernatant of the medium, both in the growth chamber and in the surrounding feeder container, without interfering with continued growth of cells or, in the case of attachment-dependent cells, the particle surface. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF GROWTH CHAMBER CASTING Cross-linked acrylamide gels are known for use in electrophoresis to identify cell protein sequences by chromatography. However, migration of cell proteins through such material is by application of an electrical field across the gel with the proteins in an SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) solution. In accordance with the present invention, I have found that the desired properties of growth chambers for passive, rapid culturing of tumor cells, as above set forth, may be produced by controlling the amount and degree of cross-linking of such polyacrylamide gels used to cast growth chambers 10 in accordance with the following procedure. Three working solutions are prepared to form the casting gel. Solution A is prepared by dissolving TRIS (a buffering compound, triamabase) in distilled water. The pH of the solution is adjusted with hydrogen chloride, and diluted to a given volume with distilled water. A minor amount of TEMED (N, N, N.sup.1, N.sup.1 -tetra methyl ethylene diamine) is then added and the resulting solution again diluted to a final volume with distilled water. Solution B is then prepared by mixing approximately 95% powdered acrylamide with 5% powdered methylene bisacrylamide (observing the neurotoxin hazard of such powders, until dissolved in distilled water.) The mixture is dissolved in distilled water to approximately three times the weight of the mixture of acrylamides. Solution C is a 1.2 mg/ml solution of ammonium persulfate in distilled water. The three solutions are then mixed in a ratio of 5:3:6 of the respective solutions A, B and C. The resultant gel mixture is then poured into growth chamber molds having the desired shape, as shown in FIG. 2. A seal is placed over each mold to insure anaerobic conditions for gelling. Preferably, the molds include sufficient riser space to assure the exclusion of air bubbles. After setting at ambient temperature, the growth chambers removed from the molds and washed extensively with distilled water and then placed in bottles containing a saline solution. The storage bottles including growth chambers are then autoclaved at 120.degree. C. and 15 psi for approximately 20 minutes. After cooling, the chambers are then stored (in saline solution) at room temperature until used in accordance with the present invention for cell culture. EXAMPLES OF PREFERRED METHODS OF CELL CULTURE Following are examples that are illustrative of various methods of practicing the methods of the present invention made possible by use of growth chambers constructed in accordance with the present invention: ONCOSCREENING METHOD An explanted tumor specimen is processed, as by chopping, mincing and/or enzymatic digestion and the like to a single cell suspension. Three growth chambers 10 are filled and submerged in growth nutrient in a plate or petri dish 12. The desired concentration of therapeutic drug is added to the nutrient medium surrounding each growth chamber. Approximately 1.0.times.10.sup.5 viable tumor cells in a total volume of 200 microliters are then pipetted from the single cell suspension into each growth chamber. The nutrient level is adjusted to just below the upper end of wall 14 and the culture is incubated for 5-7 days at 37.degree. C. in a CO.sub.2 incubator. After the desired incubation time, the plates are removed from the incubator and the nutrient medium in the petri dishes is removed and discarded. Approximately 200 microliters of cell detection substrate is pipetted into each growth chamber. The growth chambers are then incubated an additional two hours at 37.degree. C. The resulting reaction product within each growth chamber is diluted 1:1 (vol/vol) with stop buffer. 100 microliters samples from the diluted mixture are pipetted into a 96 well microliter plate. The optical density of each well on the microliter plate is then read by color photometric means and the value related to viable cell concentration in each growth chamber. MICROCARRIER BEAD CULTURE Because the growth chambers are specifically designed to prevent adherence of cells to their internal surface, monolayer growth of cells is inhibited. Accordingly, most normal cells require a solid substratum to grow and will readily adhere to any solid particles with such a surface that are present. For this reason cells co-cultivated with microcarrier beads in growth chambers of the present invention readily attach to such beads. The superiority of the present chambers for microcarrier bead system over other tissue culture microcarrier bead systems derives from the fact that the cells are induced to preferentially attach to the beads, since no other solid surfaces are available for binding. Nearly all normal cells present in the culture will attach to the beads in as little as 20 to 60 minutes. Microcarrier bead cultures have a number of applications, including: 1. General tissue culture system for routine propagation and passaging of cells. Cells can be cultured at higher densities and in lower volumes because microcarrier beads provide a greater surface area per volume of growth medium than do plastic flasks. Passaging of cells is simplified. Confluent beads from a growing culture may be pipetted, mixed with fresh beads, and then the new mixture used to reseed additional chambers. In this way, cells are passaged without using enzymes (i.e. trypsin). Thus, cells harvested in this manner can be diluted and reseeded into fresh growth chambers without an enzyme treatment to detach the cells from the surface of the growth chamber. Cells that attach and grow on the microcarrier beads are then easily processed into a single cell suspension by using collagenase rather than trypsin. This avoids the damaging affects that trypsin can have on cell membranes. Trypsin is known to alter antigenic determinants expressed on the plasma membranes of some cells. 2. Isolation of cellular secretory products. Yields are improved because cells are grown at higher concentrations than under standard tissue culture conditions. Supernatants in the growth chambers and surrounding bath are easily removed and cells refed by simple pipetting without disturbing cell cultures, with or without microcarrier beads. 3. Preparation of confluent bead monolayers for specialized testing such as contraction of endothelial cells in response to vascular permeability factors, or in morphological studies of cell-cell interactions. CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROCARRIER BEAD CULTURES Upon initiation of a microcarrier bead culture, there is a rapid (within minutes) binding of cells to the surface of the bead. In the present system, binding is usually complete within 20 minutes to 2 hours. Within 24 hours the cells have spread out over the surface of the bead to form a uniform monolayer. When the beads are fully confluent, cells can be passaged by mixing together old and new beads. In general the cells prefer to remain on the original bead until no more surface area is available and then to transfer to a fresh bead. METHOD 1 (2 hour method) is as follows: 1. Use only siliconized glassware since beads will bind to untreated glass and plastic. 2. Prepare microcarrier beads (Cytodex-3; Pharmacia) at a concentration of 6 mg/ml. Sterilize by autoclaving, and equilibrate with growth medium. 3. In a 60 mm support plate place 3 growth chambers. To the interior compartment of the growth chamber add 100 ul of microcarrier beads. 4. Add 1.times.10.sup.6 cells in a 100 ul volume on top of the beads. Incubate in a 37.degree. C., humidified, CO.sub.2 incubator for 1 hour; mix culture, and incubate for 1 additional hour. 5. Beads should be maximally saturated. Excess unbound cells can be removed by the following wash procedure. With a siliconized Pasteur pipet, pipet up contents of microcarrier bead cultures. Allow beads to sediment into the pipet tip and transfer the sedimented beads to a siliconized glass tube. Discard upper supernatant containing unbound cells. Resuspend beads in fresh medium. Repeat wash step 2 more times. 6. Loaded beads are then transferred to new growth chambers and incubated overnight to promote cell spreading. 7. Place 3 growth chamber in a 60 mm support plate. Add 200 ul of loaded beads and growth medium to inner chamber of growth chamber and 5.0 ml of growth medium to outer chamber of support plate. Place in a 37.degree. C., humidified CO.sub.2 incubator. Method 2 (24-48 hour method) is as follows: 1. Place 3 growth chambers in a 60 mm support plate and add 5.0 ml of growth medium to the support plate. 2. Proceed as in steps 1 through 3 of Method 1. 3. On top of the beads overlay 2.times.10.sup.5 cells in a 100 ul volume. 4. Place in a 37.degree. C., humidified, CO.sub.2 incubator and allow 24 to 48 hours for a confluent monolayer to form. Check with an inverted microscope. 5. Since nearly all of the cells will bind, the wash step used to remove unbound cells in Method 1 is usually unnecessary. Growing cells in microcarrier culture. 1. Place 3 growth chambers in a 60 mm support plate and add 5.0 ml of growth medium to the plate. 2. Load microcarrier beads with cells as in Method 2 above. 3. Place in a 37.degree. C., humidified, CO.sub.2 incubator until beads are confluent. Check with an inverted microscope. 4. Passage cells by mixing old beads with new beads at a ratio of 1:5. 5. Place 3 new growth chambers into a 60 mm support plate. Each growth chamber should contain 200 ul of the old and new bead mixture and the plate should contain 5.0 ml of medium. 6. Return to the incubator, passage when confluent. PRODUCTION OF HUMAN MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY Growth chambers having a molecular weight cutoff of approximately 1,000,000 daltons are used for the production and isolation of relatively large molecular weight substances secreted by a cell culture. For applications where large scale procedures are not required, the growth chamber methodology of the present invention permits direct harvesting of secretory products, including immunoglobulins. Production of monoclonal antibodies from cells grown in the growth chamber is approximately 5 to 10 fold greater than production by an equivalent number of cells grown in plastic flasks. No special equipment is required other than standard tissue culture items. CHARACTERISTICS OF ULTRACLONE GROWTH CHAMBERS Because of the highly permeable nature of the growth chambers, cells growing inside the chambers have complete access to the growth medium in the support plate. Similarly, metabolic waste products diffuse out of the chambers and are rapidly diluted. Because of these unique properties, cells are able to grow to much higher densities within the chambers compared to conventional plastic. Growth chambers with a molecular weight cutoff of approximately 1,000,000 daltons are used to collect secreted metabolic products, including immunoglobulins, from the interior compartment of the growth chamber. The permeability of the chamber wall for human IgM is approximately 2% per 24 hours. Thus, using 24 hour collection periods, approximately 98% of the available secreted IgM is recovered from the interior compartment of the growth chamber. PRODUCTION OF HUMAN MONOCLONAL IgM FROM BL-2 CELLS BL-2 cells are a transformed human B-lymphocyte cell line. These cells are routinely cultured in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, L-glutamine, sodium pyruvate, nonessential amino acids, and gentamicin. When grown under standard tissue culture conditions in 75 cm.sup.2 flasks, BL-2 cells secrete approximately 2.5 ug IgM/10.sup.6 cells/24 hours. Under these conditions the maximum concentrations of IgM which can be achieved in a 24 hour period is 10 ug/ml (10 ml/flask, 4.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml). At these levels, production can only be maintained for a few days before the culture begins to deteriorate. Using growth chambers of this invention, both IgM production and culture longevity are significantly improved. 4.times.10.sup.6 BL-2 cells in 1.0 ml were seeded into the interior compartment of a single growth chamber, and 6.0 ml of growth medium were added to the support plate. Cultures were refed daily by replacing all of the medium inside the growth chamber (1.0 ml) and half of the medium in the support plate (3.0 ml). At selected intervals, supernatants were removed from both interior and exterior compartments and tested for IgM levels. The results of this experiment showed that initial levels of IgM production for the first week were 10 ug/ml/24 hours inside the growth chamber and 0.05 ug/ml/24 hours outside the growth chamber. Thereafter, production stabilized at 40 ug/ml/24 hours inside the growth chamber and 0.15 ug/ml/24 hours outside the growth chamber. By refeeding cultures daily, this production level is maintained for several months. Thus, from a single growth chamber and an initial starting inoculum of only 4.times.10.sup.6 cells, it was possible to collect greater than 1 mg IgM per month at a concentration of approximately 40 ug/ml. The maximum concentration of IgM which could be achieved by not harvesting supernatants for 72 hours was 80 ug/ml inside the chamber and 1.2 ug/ml outside the chamber. IV. OTHER EMBODIMENTS (a) Because of the molecular weight cutoff imposed by the gel structure of the growth chambers, it also is possible to seed IgM-producing cells into growth chamber in a serum-free medium while maintaining standard serum concentrations in the outer compartment. Under these conditions the cells still have access to all serum components of less than 1,000,000 daltons. The IgM in supernatants collected from inside the growth chamber is then easily separated from the other low molecular weight components of the medium by standard gel filtration chromatography. (b) Because the gel structure of the growth chamber allows cells in the chambers continuous access to a large pool of nutrient medium, it is possible to seed lymphocyte cells into the growth chambers, allow such cells to reach maximum density and then maintain that cell density in long-term culture by periodically changing only the nutrient growth medium surrounding the growth chamber without diluting, removing or subculturing the cells. Under these conditions the cells remain viable and continue to produce secretory products, such as immunoglobulins, in levels comparable to those described above. Further modifications and changes in the growth chambers and methods of culture of both anchorage-independent and anchorage-dependent cells will become apparent to those skilled in such arts from the foregoing disclosures. All such modifications and changes coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims are intended to be covered thereby:

2C

12

M

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of the N-carboxyanhydride of the -Benzyl Ester of Glutamic Acid (H-Glu(OBzl)-NCA). 100 g (0.42 mol) of H-Glu(OBzl)-OH are suspended in 885 ml of ethyl acetate. The suspension is cooled to 5 C. and then 90 g (0.91 mol, 2.16 eq) of gaseous phosgene are introduced therein over 1 hour 30 at a temperature of 10 C. The temperature of the reaction medium is brought to 60 C., then the reaction medium is placed under reduced pressure (850-950 mbar) and is left under stationary conditions for 3 hours at a bulk temperature of 60 C. The medium becomes clear after one hour under stationary conditions. Distillation is subsequently carried out at approximately 13 mbar to separate 600 ml of a mixture of ethyl acetate and of phosgene. 600 ml of industrial heptane are added under warm conditions to the remaining medium and the medium is cooled at 0 C. for 1 hour. The product which crystallized is filtered off and washed with industrial heptane. After drying, 106 g (yield: 95.5%) of H-Glu(OBzl)-NCA are obtained, the level of hydrolysable chlorine of which is less than 0.05%. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of the N-Carboxyanhydride of the -Benzyl Ester of Glutamic Acid (H-Glu(OBzl)-NCA) 100 g (0.42 mcl) of H-Glu(OBzl)-OH are suspended in 885 ml of ethyl acetate. The suspension is cooled to 5 C. and then 90 g (0.91 mol, 2.16 eq) of gaseous phosgene are introduced therein. The reaction medium is heated to 60 C. The reaction takes place slowly. The reaction medium has to be left under stationary conditions for 6 hours at this temperature instead of 3 hours in the preceding example. Distillation is subsequently carried out as above to separate 600 ml of a mixture of ethyl acetate and of phosgene. 600 ml of industrial heptane are added under warm conditions to the remaining medium and the medium is cooled at 10 C. for 2 hours. The product which crystallized is filtered off and washed with industrial heptane. After drying, 88 g of H-Glu(OBzl)-NCA are obtained, the level of hydrolysable chlorine of which is 0.13%. The yield is only 74.6%. EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of the N-Carboxyanhydride of N-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropyl)alanine (EPAL-NCA). 350 ml of anhydrous ethyl acetate and then 42 g (0.15 mol, 1 equivalent) of N-(1-ethoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropyl)alanine (EPAL) are introduced into a thermostatically controlled 1 liter reactor rendered inert beforehand with nitrogen. 6 g (0.165 mol, 1.1 equivalent/EPAL) of anhydrous gaseous hydrochloric acid are then introduced over 15 minutes at a temperature of between 10 C. and 28 C. into the mechanically stirred suspension obtained in order to form EPAL hydrochloride. 30 g (0.3 mol, 2 equivalents/EPAL) of gaseous phosgene are subsequently added to the reaction medium over one hour. The medium is subsequently heated to 60 C. and the pressure is reduced to approximately 800 mbar to produce reflux of the ethyl acetate. These conditions are maintained for 3 hours. It is then found, by HPLC analysis, that there is no more EPAL in the reaction medium. The remaining hydrochloric acid and excess phosgene are removed and the ethyl acetate is separated by lowering the pressure to approximately 13 mbar (1.3 kPa). 200 ml of diisopropyl ether are subsequently added to the concentrated reaction medium and it is cooled to 0 -5 C. The EPAL-NCA crystallizes. It is collected by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere. After drying under vacuum at a temperature of 20 -25 C., 41.2 g of EPAL-NCA (white solid) with a purity of greater than 99.7%, determined by HPLC, are obtained, the level of hydrolysable chlorine of which is less than 0.05%. The yield is 90%. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of the N-Carboxyanhydride of N-(1-ethoxy-carbonyl-3-phenylpropyl)alanine (EPAL-NCA). The same amounts of compounds as in the preceding example are used and the preparation is carried out in the same way and under the same conditions, with the exception of the pressure of the reaction, which is not reduced and which remains standard atmospheric pressure. After reacting for eight hours at 60 C., 3.73% by weight of unreacted EPAL still remains in the reaction medium and no conversion is any longer observed. EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of the N-Carboxyanhydride of Alanine (H-Ala-NCA). 25 g (0.285 mol) of alanine (H-Ala-OH) are suspended in 220 ml of ethyl acetate. 70.5 g (0.71 mol, 2.5 eq) of gaseous phosgene are subsequently introduced into the suspension over 1 hour 30 at a temperature of 10 C. The reaction medium is heated to 55 C., is then placed under reduced pressure (850-950 mbar) and is thus left under stationary conditions for 6 hours at a bulk temperature of 55 C. It becomes clear after 3 hours under stationary conditions. Distillation is subsequently carried out under a very low pressure in order to separate 200 ml of a mixture of ethyl acetate and of phosgene. 80 ml of toluene are then added under warm conditions to the remaining medium and another distillation is carried out in order to separate 78 g of a mixture of ethyl acetate and of toluene. The remaining medium is subsequently cooled at 0 C. for 1 hour. The product which crystallized is filtered off and washed with 39 g of cold toluene. After drying, 19.4 g (yield: 59.2%) of H-Ala-NCA are obtained, the level of hydrolysable chlorine of which is less than 0.05%.

2C

07

D

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the casing cutting tool 10 of the present invention consists of an elongated mandrel 12, a substantially cylindrical knife body 14, a plurality of elongated knife blades 16, and a lower cone 18 on the mandrel 12. The mandrel 12 is attachable at its upper end 13 to a workstring (not shown). The workstring could be a conventional drill string of threaded pipe, or it could be another type of workstring, such as a coiled tubing string supporting a downhole mud motor. The knife blades 16 are pivotably suspended from a point near the lower end 15 of the knife body 14. Each knife blade 16 is suspended above a ramp 20 formed on the sloping surface of the cone 18. The cone 18 is solid, except for a fluid flow passageway, and the outer diameter of the cone 18 is substantially the same as the maximum outer diameter of the cutting tool 10. The slope of the ramps 20 can be made relatively steeper to achieve greater mechanical advantage, or flatter to achieve a greater movement of the blades 16. Each blade 16 has, generally, an upper end 22 and a lower end 24. An outer tip 26 is formed on the lowermost extremity of each blade 16. The upper end 22 of each blade 16 is attached to the knife body 14 by means of a pivot pin 28. The pivot pin 28 can be formed as a part of the knife blade 16 and pivoted in a fixed hole in the knife body 14. Alternatively, the pivot pin 28 can be fixedly mounted in the knife body 14, and the upper end 22 of the knife blade 16 could have a hole which pivots around the pivot pin 28. In either case, the pivot point of the blade 16 is fixed by the pivot pin 28 with relation to the knife body 14. The knife body 14 is a hollow substantially cylindrical body concentrically mounted in a sliding relationship on the mandrel 12, with an annular space in between. A lower annular flange 38 and an upper annular flange 39 project inwardly from the inner surface of the knife body 14, to create the annular space. The annular space between the mandrel 12 and the knife body 14 is divided into a pressure chamber 30 and a return spring chamber 40, by an annular flange 36 projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the mandrel 12, between the inwardly projecting flanges 38, 39. The outer wall of the pressure chamber 30 and the return spring chamber 40 is formed by the inner surface of the knife body 14, and the inner wall of the pressure chamber 30 and the return spring chamber 40 is formed by the outer surface of the mandrel 12. The upper wall 32 of the pressure chamber 30 is formed by the lower face of the annular flange 36, and the lower wall 34 of the pressure chamber 30 is formed by the upper face of the lower flange 38 on the knife body 14. The upper wall 44 of the return spring chamber 40 is formed by the lower face of the upper flange 39, and the lower wall 46 of the return spring chamber 40 is formed by the upper face of the annular flange 36 on the mandrel 12. A helical spring 42 under compression is positioned in the return spring chamber 40, surrounding the mandrel 12, pressing against the upper wall 44 and the lower wall 46 of the return spring chamber 40. A vertically rising abutment 48 is located next to each ramp 20, with a substantially vertical face next to the ramp 20. Each abutment 48 rises past the lower end of its respective knife blade 16, when the cutting tool 10 is fully extended, and the knife blades 16 are at their highest point. Rotation of the mandrel 12 causes each abutment 48 to contact its respective knife blade 16, causing the knife blades 16 to rotate with the mandrel 12. A fluid flow passageway passes through the mandrel 12 to allow the flow of drilling fluid to the wellbore below the cutting tool 10, and to enable the selective expansion of the knife blades 16. The fluid flow passageway consists of a longitudinal bore 50, which passes through the mandrel 12 from its upper end 13 to its lower end 17, and at least one lateral bore 52, passing from the longitudinal bore 50 to the exterior surface of the mandrel 12. A port 54 is located in the outer end of the lateral bore 52, where the fluid flow passageway enters the fluid pressure chamber 30. A flow restriction 56 is built into the fluid flow passageway in the lower end of the longitudinal bore 50. The flow restriction 56 is sufficiently large to allow a normal flow rate of drilling fluid to traverse the cutting tool 10 without creating an appreciable back pressure. However, the flow restriction 56 is sufficiently small so that the fluid flow rate can be increased with pumps at the well site, to create a back pressure in the fluid flow passageway. Specifically, a back pressure is created in the vicinity of the lateral bore 52, to cause an increase in fluid pressure within the pressure chamber 30. This pressure acts against the upper wall 32 and the lower wall 34 of the pressure chamber 30, to cause the pressure chamber 30 to expand. At the same time, the return spring 42 is acting against the upper wall 44 and the lower wall 46 of the return spring chamber 40 to resist expansion of the pressure chamber 30. When desired, a sufficiently large back pressure can be created to overcome the compression strength of the return spring 42 and to drive the knife body 14 downwardly relative to the mandrel 12. FIG. 2 shows the cutting tool 10 positioned in a wellbore, within an inner casing IC and an outer casing OC. In this view, the fluid flow rate through the longitudinal bore 50 has been increased to the point that the flow restriction 56 has caused a back pressure within the fluid flow passageway. The back pressure is sufficient to raise the pressure within the pressure chamber 30 to the point where the compression strength of the return spring 42 has been overcome, and the pressure chamber 30 has begun to expand. Expansion of the pressure chamber 30 has caused the knife body 14 to be driven downwardly a short distance relative to the mandrel 12. This relative movement has caused the lower ends 24 of the knife blades 16 to contact the ramps 20, causing the lower ends 24 of the knife blades 16 to kick outwardly. The lower tips 26 of the knife blades 16 have moved outwardly sufficiently to contact the inner surface of the inner casing IC. It can be seen that, in the deployment shown in FIG. 2, the knife blade 16 contacts the ramp 20 at a contact point 58. The contact point 58 acts as a fulcrum, and the upper portion of the blade 16 acts as a force moment arm 60, while the lower portion of the blade 16 acts as a resistance moment arm 62. The force moment arm 60 is longer than the resistance moment arm 62, and preferably three or four times as long, yielding a significant mechanical advantage in applying cutting force to the casing. The workstring is then rotated, causing the mandrel 12 and the knife blades 16 to rotate. The lower tip 26 of the blade 16 then begins to cut into the inner casing IC. As the lower tip 26 of the blade 16 advances through the casing, the resistance moment arm 62 will shorten, as the contact area between the blade 16 and the casing advances upwardly along the edge of the blade 16. The length of the force moment arm 60 remains relatively constant. The knife blade 16 in this embodiment has a corner of the blade 16 forming the contact point 58, so the location of the contact point 58 is stationary relative to the blade 16, as the contact point 58 progresses down the ramp 20. Alternatively, the blade 16 could have a rounded contour at the contact point 58. Even with a rounded contour at the contact point 58, the location of the contact point 58 relative to the blade 16 changes only slightly as it progresses down the ramp 20. Either configuration ensures that the length relationship between the force moment arm 60 and the resistance moment arm 62 remains substantially the same. At the stage of deployment shown in FIG. 2, the cutting tool 10 also can be used to pull the upper section of the inner casing IC from the wellbore. The contact point 58 of the knife blade 16 is positioned on the ramp 20, and the weight of the upper section of the inner casing IC wedges the knife blade 16 against the cone 18. The heavier the casing, the more securely the knife blade 16 is wedged against the cone 18. The workstring can now be lifted, pulling the mandrel 12 out of the wellbore. As the mandrel 12 rises, the knife blades 16 are pulled upwardly, since they are tightly wedged against the cone 18. Since the knife blades 16 are wedged in a position where they extend outwardly past the inner casing IC, the blades 16 lift the cut upper section of the inner casing IC out of the wellbore. In this stage of deployment, the compressive force of the return spring 42 tends to cause the knife blades 16 to retract. However, in order to actually retract the knife blades 16, the return spring 42 would have to be strong enough to lift the knife body 14 and the cut section of casing sufficiently to relieve the force wedging the knife blades 16 against the cone 18. Typically, the weight of the cut section of casing will be far in excess of the compressive force generated by the return spring 42, and the knife blades 16 will remain wedged against the mandrel cone 18. FIG. 3 shows the cutting tool 10 in a more advanced stage of deployment of the knife blades 16. Further expansion of the pressure chamber 30 has caused the knife body 14 to be driven downwardly an additional distance relative to the mandrel 12. This additional relative movement has caused the lower ends 24 of the knife blades 16 to kick outwardly, off of the outer edge of the cone 18. The lower tips 26 of the knife blades 16 have moved outwardly sufficiently to contact the inner surface of the outer casing OC. It is to be expected that the lower tips 26 of the blades 16 will have worn down significantly by this point. It can be seen that, in the deployment shown in FIG. 3, the knife blade 16 contacts the ramp 20 at a contact point 59. The contact point 59 acts as a fulcrum, and the upper portion of the blade 16 acts as a force moment arm 60, while the lower portion of the blade 16 below the edge of the cone 18 acts as a resistance moment arm 62. The force moment arm 60 is still significantly longer than the resistance moment arm 62, still yielding a significant mechanical advantage in applying cutting force to the inner casing IC and the outer casing OC. As the lower tip 26 of the blade 16 advances through the outer casing OC, the force moment arm 60 will shorten slightly, as the knife blade 16 slides down past the contact point 59 at the edge of the cone. However, the length of the resistance moment arm 62 also will shorten slightly, as the contact area between the knife blade 16 and the outer casing OC moves up the edge of the blade 16. Rather than cutting into an outer casing OC, the cutting tool 10 can be used in this configuration to pull the upper section of the inner casing IC from the wellbore. The original contact point of the knife blade 16 has kicked off of the edge of the ramp, causing the weight of the upper section of the inner casing IC to wedge the knife blade 16 even more forcefully against the cone 18 than in FIG. 2. Here again, the heavier the casing, the more securely the knife blade 16 is wedged against the cone 18. The workstring can be lifted, pulling the mandrel 12 out of the wellbore. As the mandrel 12 rises, the knife blades 16 are pulled upwardly, since they are tightly wedged against the cone 18. Since the knife blades 16 are wedged in a position where they extend outwardly past the inner casing IC, the blades 16 lift the cut upper section of the inner casing IC out of the wellbore. In this stage of deployment, the only force tending to cause the knife blades 16 to retract is the compressive force of the return spring 42. The weight of the casing can not urge the blade 16 to ride up over the contact point 59, or to slide up the ramp 20. In order to actually retract the knife blades 16, the return spring 42 would have to be strong enough to lift the knife body 14 and the cut section of casing sufficiently to relieve the force wedging the knife blades 16 against the cone 18. Typically, the weight of the cut section of casing will be far in excess of the compressive force generated by the return spring 42, and the knife blades 16 will remain wedged against the mandrel cone 18. While the particular invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended other than as described in the appended claims.

4E

21

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In FIGS. 1-2, like items are identified by like and corresponding numerals for ease of reference. Referring to FIGS. 1a-1c, a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is generally identified by the reference numeral 10. FIGS. 1a-1c show a top view of the apparatus 10 (FIG. 1a), a side view of the apparatus 10 in a deflected position (FIG. 1b), and a side view of the apparatus 10 in a relaxed position (FIG. 1c). The apparatus 10 comprises a longitudinal apparatus housing 12 which is interconnected to an active electrode assembly 14 and a current return electrode assembly 16. The housing 12 may be of molded plastic construction and may include a portion which is contoured for optimal handling by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing comprises an elongated, substantially rigid plastic tube having an outside diameter selected to allow the housing 12 to be at least partially inserted through an access cannula for laparoscopic surgery. The active electrode assembly 14 includes an active electrode 18 and signal supply wire 20 which terminates in standard plug 22 for electrically interconnecting the electrode 18 to a standard electrosurgical generator 24 (FIG. 2). It will be appreciated that the plug 22 can be of a type suitable for interconnection to the generator outlet normally utilized by monopolar instruments. The electrode 18 may be of various configurations depending, for example, on the intended application. Thus, the illustrated electrode 18 can be employed for localized cutting and/or coagulating. A so-called hoop electrode such as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b may be preferred to remove blockage from passageways, e.g., in transurethral surgery. Similarly, a generally blade-shaped electrode such as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be preferred for making longitudinal incisions. As shown in FIGS. 1a-1c, the electrode 18 is generally hook-shaped having a longitudinal portion 26 and a transverse portion 28. A relatively small end surface 30 is thereby provided so that the electrosurgical effects are restricted to a small tissue area. Insulation 31 is provided about a portion of electrode 18 to reduce the likelihood of shunting or short circuits between electrode 18 and return assembly 16. The electrode 18 may be removably interconnected to the wire 20 by way of a socket 32 to facilitate replacement of the electrode 18. The return electrode assembly 16 comprises an electrode shoe 34 and a current return wire 36 which terminates in standard plug 38 for electrically interconnecting shoe 34 to a standard electrosurgical generator 24 (FIG. 2). The shoe 34 may be removably interconnected to wire 36 by way of socket 37. The shoe 34, which is partially covered by insulation 40 to prevent shunts or short circuits, includes an exposed tissue contact surface 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 42 is generally "U" shaped and is disposed around the electrode 18 to enhance tissue contact, particularly in areas of irregular tissue topography. In order to achieve satisfactory performance and avoid tissue damage, shoe 34 must maintain an adequate area of tissue contact. It will be understood that the area of tissue contact necessary to avoid harmful current densities will depend on a number of factors including the power supplied to apparatus 10 and the rate of movement of the shoe 34. The apparatus 10 can be advantageously employed in certain low power (10 to 35 watts), narrow surgical applications, e.g., laparoscopic surgery. In such a setting, the shoe 34 should maintain an area of tissue contact at least three times that of the active electrode 18. Such an area of tissue contact performs adequately under conditions wherein the shoe 34 is frequently moved, avoids excessive obstruction of the surgeon's view and allows the apparatus 10 to be sized appropriately for laparoscopic applications. Of course, the required area of tissue contact will be greater for higher power applications and for applications where the shoe 34 is moved infrequently. The electrode 18 and the shoe 34 are interconnected to the housing 12 in a manner such that the shoe 34 and contact surface 42 are urged into tissue contact when the electrode 18 is positioned for surgery. For example, a spring or other resilient member may be disposed between the assemblies 14 and 16 so that the shoe 34 is urged into tissue contact when the electrode 18 is positioned for surgery. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe 34 is interconnected to the housing 12 by way of an integral or interconnected conductive leaf spring 44 (which additionally serves to electrically interconnect shoe 34 and wire 36). The spring 44 allows for relative movement between the active electrode 18 and electrode shoe 34. It will be appreciated that many other configurations and assemblies for maintaining return electrode/tissue contact are possible according to the present invention. For example, shoe 34 could be pivotally mounted on housing 12 and a coil spring or other resilient member could be disposed between the electrode 18 and shoe 34 to urge the electrode 18 and shoe 34 laterally apart. Similarly, for applications wherein the return electrode is longitudinally retracted when the active electrode is positioned for surgery, a resilient member could be provided to urge the return electrode towards a longitudinally extended position. Referring to FIG. 2, standard plug 22 of signal supply wire 20 and standard plug 38 of current return wire 36 are interconnected with standard electrosurgical generator 24 for use with apparatus 10. It is an advantage of the present invention that the apparatus 10 can be interconnected to the generator outlet normally utilized by monopolar instruments. By way of example only, electrosurgical generator 24 may be any of the following or equivalents thereof: the "ACC 450," "ACC 470" or "MCC 350" of Erbe Electro Medical Equipment; the "FORCE 2" or "FORCE 4" generators of Vallylab, Inc.; the "EMS 3000," "EMS 4400," or "EMS 5000" of Bard Electro Medical Systems, Inc., the "X10" of Bovi, Inc.; the "9000" by Concept, Inc.; or the "EXCALIBER," "MH 380" or "MH 450" of Aspen Laboratories, Inc. These products are designed to receive standard plugs 22 and 38, and can be preset to selectively provide at least an appropriate first predetermined RF signal for tissue cutting and an appropriate second predetermined RF signal for coagulation. Generally, it is also possible to use these products for desiccation. Again, caution must be exercised in matching a generator or generator setting with a particular instrument and application as the required area of return electrode/tissue contact depends on factors including the power supplied to the instrument and rate of return electrode movement. The apparatus 10 can be employed in laparoscopic surgery as follows. First, the surgeon makes a small incision to allow insertion of an access cannula. The access cannula, which may be provided at its leading edge with a trocar, is then inserted into the patient to provide access to the surgical site. Thereafter, the electrode 18 and shoe 34 are inserted through the access cannula to the surgical site. The surgeon positions the electrode 18 for surgery with the aid of an optical system. To initiate a surgical procedure, the surgeon moves the electrode 18 towards the tissue to be treated, or downwardly as viewed in FIGS. 1b and 1c. The shoe 34, which contacts the tissue first, deflects as shown in FIG. 1b to allow the electrode 18 to be positioned for surgery. In a cutting mode, the cutting depth can be adjusted by simply pressing the instrument harder against the tissue such that greater deflection is achieved. During surgery, the spring 44 urges the shoe 34 against the tissue so that adequate tissue contact is maintained. It will be appreciated that shoe 34 must maintain a sufficient area of tissue contact to function in a cut or coagulation mode substantially without cutting or burning of the tissue adjacent to the shoe 34 or attendant fouling of the shoe 34. Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, top and side views, respectively, of apparatus 46 constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention are shown. The apparatus 46 is provided with a so-called hoop electrode 48, such as is commonly employed for transurethral surgery. The electrode 48 is partially covered by insulation 50 to prevent shunts or short circuits between the hoop electrode 48 and current return electrode shoe 52. Similarly, insulation 54 is provided on a top portion of the shoe 52 to prevent shunts or short circuits. A bottom surface 56 of the shoe 52 is exposed to provide a tissue contact area. When the electrode 48 is in a retracted position (shown), the electrode 48 rests against an insulation pad 58 provided on the bottom surface 56 of current return electrode shoe 52. As the electrode 48 is positioned for surgery, shoe 52 is deflected such that electrode 48 pulls away from pad 58. The bottom surface 56 of the shoe 52 is urged into contact with tissue during surgery by spring 60. Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, top and side views, respectively, of a apparatus constructed in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention are shown. The apparatus 62 includes a generally blade-shaped active electrode 64. Again, insulation 66 is provided about a portion of the electrode to reduce the likelihood of shunts or short circuits between the electrode 64 and the current return electrode shoe 68. Insulation 70 is also provided on a top portion of the shoe 68 to reduce the likelihood of shunts or short circuits. However, a bottom surface 72 of the shoe 68 is exposed for tissue contact. The shoe 68 and bottom surface 72 are generally "U" shaped and are disposed around the electrode 64 to enhance tissue contact, particularly in areas of irregular tissue topography. In addition, a front portion of the shoe 68 may be slanted upwardly, as shown, to enhance tissue contact when the apparatus 62 is employed in an angled position as is common for making incisions. As the electrode 64 is positioned for surgery, the shoe 68 is deflected such that the electrode 64 extends therethrough. Spring 76 urges the bottom surface 72 into tissue contact when the electrode 64 is thus positioned for surgery. Referring to FIGS. 5-8b, a bipolar electrosurgical instrument 80 constructed in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the instrument 80 is connected to a standard electrosurgical generator 82 via electrical wires 84 and standard plugs 86 as described above. Like the embodiments described above, the instrument 80 can be interconnected to generator outlets normally utilized by monopolar instruments to perform cutting, coagulation and desiccation procedures as desired. Generally, the instrument 80 comprises a housing 88, a hook-shaped active electrode 90 and a generally semi-spherical shaped passive electrode 92. The housing 88, which may be formed from molded, substantially rigid plastic, includes a hand-held portion 94 and an elongated tubular portion 96. In addition, the housing 88 includes a lever assembly 98 for extending and retracting the active electrode 90, and a swivel joint 100 for rotatably interconnecting the hand-held portion 94 and tubular portion 96, as will be described in detail below. The active electrode 90, which is formed from conductive metallic material partially sheathed in insulating material 102 such as Kevlar or one of various ceramic insulators, includes an exposed portion 104 terminating in hooked tip 106. As will be appreciated upon consideration of the description below, the hooked tip 106, in addition to transmitting an electrosurgical signal to the tissue, is also used to frictionally engage or slightly puncture the tissue so that the tissue can be drawn rearwardly into firm contact with the passive electrode 92. Passive electrode 92, which is preferably formed from conductive metallic material, includes a slit 110 for receiving the active electrode tip 106 and tissue therein when the active electrode is in a retracted position as described below. In this manner, the tissue is firmly engaged to ensure reliable tissue/electrode contact, the surface area of tissue/electrode contact is increased and the region of tissue exposed to electrical current flow is minimized. Passive electrode 92 is electrically interconnected to generator 82 via lead 112. During surgery, it may be desirable to change the angular orientation of the active electrode tip 106, for example, to facilitate approaching tissue from the bottom, top, side, etc. However, it is generally not convenient to rotate the entire housing because such rotation could inhibit convenient thumb or finger access to the lever assembly 98. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, swivel joint 100 is provided to accommodate rotation of the electrodes 90 and 92 without rotating hand-held portion 94 of housing 88. In this regard, the electrodes 90 and 92 are mounted to rotate in unison with the tubular portion 96 of housing 88 which, in turn, is mounted on swivel joint 100. Swivel joint 100 is rotatably mounted on the hand-held portion 94 of housing 88. The surgeon can thus rotate the electrodes 90 and 92 without rotating hand-held portion 94 by grasping the swivel joint 100 and turning the joint 100 (as shown in FIG. 7) relative to hand-held portion 94. An additional feature of the instrument 80 relates to the ability to move the active electrode 90 between an extended position (FIG. 8a) for enhanced viewing when engaging tissue and a retracted position (FIG. 8b) for enhanced instrument performance when producing the desired electrosurgical effects. In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the active electrode 90 is accomplished by deploying lever assembly 98. Component parts of lever assembly 98 are shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5 and the partial cut-away view of FIG. 6. The assembly 98 comprises lever 114 (shown separated from hand-held portion 94 in FIG. 6 for clarity of illustration), active electrode mount 116 and passive electrode mount 118. The lever 114 is pivotably mounted on hand-held portion 94 via lever tab 120 which is received within a mating opening in the tail section 122 of hand-held portion 94. The illustrated lever 114 is a hollow plastic structure defined by side walls 124, front wall 126 including slot 128 for receiving a rearward extension 130 of active electrode 90 and curved top 132. A pair of molded longitudinal protrusions 134 extend inwardly from side walls 124. These protrusions 134 are received about a narrowed portion of passive electrode mount 118, which is interconnected to passive electrode 92 and the lower extremities of the protrusions 134 abut against the beveled front edges 146 of active electrode mount 116 which is interconnected to active electrode 90. Preferably, the active electrode 90 is biased towards the extended position for enhanced viewing during tissue engagement. This can be accomplished by urging the active electrode mount 116 towards a forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring 136 is disposed between the tail section 122 of hand-held portion 94 and active electrode mount 116 to urge the mount 116 towards a forward position. The spring 136 extends around an alignment cylinder portion 138 and abuts against shoulder 140 of active electrode mount 116. Thus, when no pressure is exerted on lever 114 by the surgeon, the spring 136 forces active electrode mount 116 (and active electrode 90) forward which in turn forces the lever 114 to a raised position due to the abutting relationship between protrusions 134 and the beveled front edges 146 of active electrode mount 116. The upward movement of lever 114 and, hence, the forward movement of active electrode 90 is ultimately limited by bulges 142, extending from the front wall 126 of lever 114 on both sides of slot 128, which abut against the top wall 144 of hand-held portion 94 when the active electrode 90 is in its fully extended position. Conversely, when the surgeon depresses the lever 114, the active electrode mount 116 and active electrode are moved rearwardly, eventually reaching the fully retracted position wherein the tip 106 of active electrode 90 is substantially nested within slit 110 of passive electrode 92. In operation, the instrument can be used as follows. The elongated tubular portion 96 of housing 88 is inserted through an access cannula to the surgical site. The surgeon then moves the instrument axially and transversely relative to the access cannula and turns the swivel joint 100 as necessary to engage the tissue to be acted upon with the active electrode 90. The active electrode 90 is then pressed against the tissue to frictionally engage or slightly puncture the tissue thereby gripping the same. The tissue can then be drawn rearwardly to the passive electrode 92 by depressing lever 114. Transmission of an appropriate electrical signal from generator 82 is then initiated by activating a conventional foot or finger operated switch (not shown) to achieve the desired cutting, coagulation and/or desiccation effect. In this manner, a longitudinal incision can be formed through a series of such retract and cut motions. It is an advantage of the present invention that a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus is provided wherein the return or passive electrode reliably maintains contact with tissue when the active electrode is positioned for surgery. It is a further advantage of the present invention that the return electrode can maintain tissue contact even in areas of irregular tissue topography. The present invention also provides a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus which is suitable for laparoscopic applications and which allows for enhanced viewing of the surgical site. It is a still further advantage of the present invention that a bipolar electrosurgical apparatus is provided which can function in a cut and in a coagulation mode for certain applications and can receive signals from generator outlets commonly associated with monopolar instruments. Moreover, the present invention allows for simple adjustment of cutting depth during surgery substantially without the need to interrupt surgery and limits the electrical current flow to a small tissue region. Further advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The active electrode 90 is electrically interconnected to generator 82 via lead 108. While the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments thereof, additional alternative embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as further defined by the claims set forth below.

0A

61

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A multiple needle electrospray apparatus for a mass spectrometer includes a plurality of electrospray needles 10 mounted on a rotatable plate 12 for sequential injection of multiple sample streams. The rotatable electrospray apparatus allows collection of data from multiple sample streams by a single mass spectrometer 20 in a short time by rotating the electrospray apparatus to sequentially monitor the stream from each of the needles 10 for a brief duration before rotating the plate 12 to another of the needles. One example of a method for screening compound libraries which involves analysis of multiple sample streams by electrospray mass spectrometry is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/070,131, filed on Apr. 29, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to one application of this method, a compound library is prepared, such as by combinatorial chemistry techniques. Multiple sample streams each of which contain a compound library or sublibrary are passed through a plurality of frontal chromatography columns. Each stream being passed through a single column to analyze the interaction of members of that sample stream with a target receptor within the column. The columns include a solid support or inert material on which the target receptor is bound or coupled. As the sample stream is continuously infused through the chromatography column, those compounds within the sample stream having a higher affinity for the target receptor (i.e., ligands) will be more strongly bound to the target receptors. When substantially all of the target receptors are filled, the compounds will break through and begin to pass out of the column with those compounds having the lowest affinity passing out of the column first. The sample streams exiting the chromatography columns are analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry to determine the break through time for each compound. Mass spectrometry is particularly useful for this process because it allows for both detection and identification of the library members present in the sample streams exiting the columns. FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an electrospray device for delivery of multiple liquid sample streams to the mass spectrometer 20 . The electrospray device includes an electrospray chamber 14 for charging the droplets of a sample stream delivered by the electrospray needles 10 and delivering the charged ions in a beam to the mass spectrometer 20 . The electrospray needles 10 each have an upper end mounted on the rotatable plate 12 in the circular arrangement illustrated in the top view of FIG. 2 . The lower ends of the electrospray needles may be rotated into a reproducible delivery position within the electrospray chamber 14 . The delivery position is at a precise location with respect to an orifice 22 of the mass spectrometer 20 which allows the sprayed droplets to be focused into a beam passing through the orifice. The delivery position is preferably within about 0.5 mm of an ideal position. In fluid connection with each of the electrospray needles 10 is a sample source such as the chromatography columns 18 illustrated in FIG. 1 . The chromatography columns 18 are preferably mounted on the top of the rotatable plate 12 . The electrospray chamber 14 surrounds the orifice 22 of the mass spectrometer and is open to atmospheric pressure. The electrospray chamber 14 includes a front wall 28 having two vertically extending slots 30 which allow the electrospray needles 10 to pass into and out of the electrospray chamber as the plate 12 is rotated. As illustrated in the top view of FIG. 2 , a top wall 32 of the electrospray chamber 14 includes a semicircular opening 34 which receives a portion of the rotatable plate 12 . The electrospray needles 10 are preferably coaxial needles which deliver the sample stream through an inner needle lumen and deliver a nebulizer gas, such as nitrogen, coaxially around the sample stream to break up the flow of the sample stream into a spray of droplets. The electrospray chamber 14 includes a charged sampling plate 16 surrounding the mass spectrometer entry orifice 22 . The electrospray chamber 14 also includes an electrode 26 in the form of a half cylindrical portion of the front wall 28 of the electrospray chamber. The charged sampling plate 16 and the half cylindrical electrode 26 are charged with an electric potential preferably of about 0 to 6000 volts. The electric field established by the sampling plate 16 and the electrode 26 surrounds the grounded needle 10 and imparts a charge to the sprayed droplets. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the charging of the sample stream droplets exiting the electrospray needle 10 may be accomplished by use of a charged electrospray needle in place of the charged sampling plate 16 and electrode 26 . The needle 10 may be continuously charged or may be charged only when the needle reaches the delivery position within the electrospray chamber 14 by an electrical contact. A counter current drying gas, such as nitrogen, is delivered to the electrospray chamber 14 through a passageway 24 between the charged sampling plate 16 and the entry orifice 22 to assist in desolvating or evaporating the solvent from the sample stream to create fine droplets. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the drying gas may be delivered to the electrospray chamber 14 in manners other than through the passageway 24 . In addition, the nebulizer gas may be delivered to the electrospray chamber 14 separately rather than by a co-axial flow through the electrospray needle. Both the nebulizer gas and the drying gas are introduced into the electrospray chamber 14 to obtain fine droplets of the sample stream. However, depending on the flow rate of the sample stream, the fine droplet size may be achieved without the need for a nebulizer gas and/or a drying gas. The rotatable plate 12 is rotated by a motor connected to a drive shaft 36 of the plate. Preferably the motor is interfaced with a controller to control the rotation of the plate and the dwell times for each of the needles. Although the rotatable plate 12 has been illustrated as a circular plate, it should be understood that other plate shapes, such as multi-sided plates, rings, and the like, may be used without departing from the invention. In operation, multiple sample streams are continuously delivered to each of the chromatography columns 18 from sample sources by, for example, a pump, such as a syringe pump. The sample streams exiting the columns 18 may be combined with a diluent in a mixing chamber or mixing tee 38 positioned between the column and the needle 10 . The sample streams pass continuously through the electrospray needles 10 with a nebulizer gas delivered around the sample streams to break up the flow into droplets. Sample streams pass through all of the needles 10 simultaneously with only one of the streams from a needle positioned at the delivery position being analyzed by the mass spectrometer at a time. The sample streams from the remaining needles 10 are collected by a tray 40 for delivery to waste or for reuse. To perform analysis of the multiple sample streams, one embodiment of the invention provides that the rotatable plate 12 is stepped in one direction, e.g., counter clockwise, through approximately half of the needles 10 . When a quadrupole mass spectrometer is used a dwell time for each electrospray needle 10 ranges from about 0.5 to 10 seconds, preferably about 1 to 5 seconds before switching to the next column. After analysis of approximately half the sample streams, the rotatable plate 12 then returns clockwise to a home position and begins stepping in an opposite direction, e.g., clockwise, through the remaining half of the needles 10 . Finally, the rotatable plate 12 returns again to the home position and repeats the procedure. The system operates continuously for a preset period of time related to the chromatographic requirements. Step times for rotation between successive needles is preferably about 10 to 100 msec. The rotation of the plate 12 in one direction followed by reversing the rotation is preferred to prevent the feed lines for feeding the sample streams from the pump to the columns 18 from becoming twisted. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sample source, the pump or alternative, and the feed lines for delivery of the sample streams to the columns 18 may be mounted on the plate 12 . With this embodiment, the plate 12 will be rotated continuously in one direction to sequentially analyze the flows from each of the needles without requiring the plate to reverse direction and return to a home position. The mass spectrometer for use with the present invention may be any of the known mass spectrometers including a quadrupole mass spectrometer, quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, Penning or Paul ion trap mass spectrometer, FTICR (Fourier transform inductively coupled resonance) mass spectrometer, time-of-flight mass spectrometer, and the like. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer is preferred due to its high spectral acquisition rate (>100 spectra per second). However, the slower quadrupole mass spectrometer may also be used which can record spectra at a rate of approximately 0.5 to 1 per second. The dwell times for analysis of each sample stream will vary depending on the spectral acquisition of the mass spectrometer used. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an electrospray device for analysis of sample streams from ten columns. When the electrospray device having ten columns is employed with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with analysis at a rate of about 1 spectrum per second and a dwell time of about 5 seconds per column is used, the system will take about 5 spectra from each column at a time and will cycle through all the columns in approximately 60 seconds. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different numbers of electrospray needles depending on the number of sample streams which are to be analyzed. The spacing of the multiple electrospray needles 10 is important to the operation of the electrospray device. In particular, the electrospray needles 10 should be spaced sufficiently to prevent cross over effects resulting from the sample stream from one columns influencing the analysis of the sample stream of an adjacent column. In addition, the electrospray needles 10 should be spaced as close together as possible to minimize the step times for rotation between adjacent needles. Preferably, the spacing between columns should be about 0.5 cm to 10 cm, depending on the mass spectrometer used. FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a rotatable electrospray apparatus for delivery of sample streams to a mass spectrometer 120 . The electrospray apparatus includes a plurality of electrospray needles 110 mounted in a radial arrangement on a rotatable plate 112 . Each of the needles 110 are in fluid connection with a chromatography column 118 . The radial arrangement of the electrospray needles 110 allows more columns 118 to be positioned on a rotatable plate 112 of a smaller diameter. According to this embodiment, the discharge ends of the needles 110 are preferably spaced a distance sufficient to prevent a cross over effect between adjacent needles However, the columns 118 can be arranged close together around the periphery of the rotatable plate 112 . The orientation and arrangement of the rotatable plate 12 , the columns 18 , and the electrospray needles 10 may be varied to achieve many different angular relationships for use with different types of mass spectrometers. For example, the rotatable plate 12 may be positioned vertically and the columns 18 and needles 10 may be positioned horizontally. In addition, for some types of mass spectrometers the electrospray chamber is not enclosed by walls. The present invention provides distinct advantages over prior art methods of operating and screening one column at a time. The rotatable electrospray apparatus allows multiple sample streams to be easily delivered to a single mass spectrometer and provides fast repetitive screening of simultaneously operating columns with a single mass spectrometer. While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and equivalents employed, without departing from the present invention.

7H

01

J

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1,101. Bottle2. Neck3. Shoulder4. Body5. Bottom6,106. Support pillar7a,7b. Short end cylinder8. Peripheral groove11,111. Step portion12,112. Vacuum absorbing panel13,113. Flat raised portion14,114. Vertical grooveSO. Ordinary stateS1. Swelled state PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS This invention is further described with respect to a preferred embodiment, now referring to the drawings.FIGS. 1-5show the synthetic resin bottle in one embodiment of this invention, in whichFIG. 1is a front view;FIG. 2is a cross-sectional plan view of the bottle1taken along line A-A shown inFIG. 1;FIGS. 3(a) and3(b) are a front view and a vertical section taken along a vertical centerline, respectively, of a vacuum absorbing panel12of the bottle shown inFIG. 1;FIG. 4is a cross-sectional plan view of the vacuum absorbing panel12and its vicinity taken along line B-B shown inFIG. 3(a); andFIG. 5is a cross-sectional plan view of the vacuum absorbing panel12and its vicinity taken along line C-C shown inFIG. 3(a). The bottle1is a biaxially drawn and blow molded product made of a PET resin. It has a basic shape of a round bottle with a capacity of 500 ml, and comprises a neck2, a shoulder3, a body4, and a bottom5. The bottle1also comprises six vacuum absorbing panels12in a dented shape disposed around the body in parallel in a circumferential direction. The body4has a hexagonal shape, as shown in the cross-sectional plan view ofFIG. 2. Six support pillars6are disposed between neighboring vacuum absorbing panels12to let these support pillars6take charge of rigidity and buckling strength of the bottle1. A short cylinder7ais disposed at a position just on the upper ends of the vacuum absorbing panels12. A peripheral groove8and another short cylinder7bare disposed at the lower ends of the vacuum absorbing panels12. These three portions perform the function as peripheral ribs that protect the body against deformation into a swelled or dented state. The vacuum absorbing panels12in a vertically long rectangular shape are surrounded by respective step portions11and are dented inward from the support pillars6of the body4. A flat raised portion13having a flat top surface is formed in the central area of each vacuum absorbing panel12. In addition, a vertical groove14is formed at laterally central positions (along the vertical centerline) of this flat raised portion13over about the total height of the flat raised portion13. A vertically central area is on the same plane as the flat raised portion13and has no groove. Here, the vertical groove14looks as if it is divided into two upper and lower portions. Over a range from the vertically central area to each of the upper and lower ends of the groove, the vertical groove14deepens gradually from the groove-lacking state to a depth of 1.5 mm and also gradually widens from zero width to a lateral width of 5 mm (SeeFIGS. 3(a),3(b),4, and5). FIG. 6is a front view of a bottle101in a comparative example prepared to clarify the features of the bottle1in the embodiment of this invention. The bottle101of this comparative example has vertical grooves in a vertically long diamond shape, which is an only difference from the vertical grooves14of the vacuum absorbing panels12. Other portions of the bottle101remain in the same shapes as those of the corresponding portions of the bottle1.FIGS. 7 and 8show a vacuum absorbing panel112of the bottle101in the comparative example.FIGS. 7(a) and7(b) are respectively a front view and a vertical section taken at the laterally central area (along the vertical centerline).FIG. 8is a cross-sectional plan view of a vacuum absorbing panel112and its vicinity taken along line D-D shown inFIG. 7(a). As obvious fromFIGS. 7 and 8, the vertical groove114is formed in a flat raised portion113to have a vertically long diamond shape. Unlike the vertical groove14in the above embodiment of this invention, the vertically central area of the diamond shape serves as a starting point for the panel to deform into a dented state at the time of depressurization. Over a range from the vertically central area to both upper and lower ends, the groove gradually becomes shallow and narrow, starting from a depth of 1.5 mm and a lateral width of 5 mm. The following heat tests and the tests on vacuum absorbing capacity were conducted with the bottles1of the above embodiment and the bottles101of the comparative example. (1) Heat Tests Each bottle was filled with water heated to 87° C., and the capped bottle was observed for any abnormal deformation. (2) Vacuum Absorbing Capacity Measurement Tests Each bottle to be measured was filled with water up to the neck, and a rubber stopper equipped with a burette was fitted in the neck. A vacuum pump was activated to reduce pressure inside the bottle at a speed of 3 mmHg/sec, as measured with a manometer. When the bottle showed abnormal deformation, the degree of depressurization that was read off at that time was determined as suction strength. Vacuum absorbing capacity was calculated at the same time from a difference in the values of burette readings before and after the test. The value of 1 mmHg amounts to about 133 kPa (kiloPascal). Results of the above tests were as follows: (1) Heat Tests In the case of the bottle1in the embodiment of this invention, a swelled state S1for the central height position of each vacuum absorbing panel was in an extent outlined by a chain double-dashed line inFIG. 4, which is a range with no problem from the viewpoints of appearance and production line adequacy. As the bottle1was cooled down, the central area of the panel returned to a steady state SO, and smoothly went on to the dented state. On the other hand, in the case of the bottle101in the comparative example, there developed abnormal deformation in which two out of six vacuum absorbing panels112experienced a greatly swelled state S1at the central height position, as outlined by a chain double-dashed line inFIG. 8. Especially the grooves114deformed as if they opened, and permanent deformation remained. After the bottle101was cooled down, the vacuum absorbing panels112failed to return to the steady state SO. (2) Vacuum Absorbing Capacity Measurement Tests The bottle1of this invention gave 142 mmHg of suction strength and 27 ml of vacuum absorbing capacity. The bottle101in the comparative example gave 133 mmHg of suction strength and 26 ml of vacuum absorbing capacity. Test results described above established that the bottle1in the preferred embodiment does not impair the vacuum absorbing function, but rather improves the function more than achieved by the bottle101in the comparative example, and can effectively control the extent of swelling deformation at the time of the hot filling, and especially the extent to which the vacuum absorbing panels12are deformed into a swelled state at the central height positions. The tests also proved that the bottle1has a greatly improved heat resisting property. This invention has been described above with respect to a preferred embodiment and its action and effect. It is to be understood, however, that this invention should not be construed as imitative only to this embodiment. A round 500-ml bottle made of a PET resin was shown in the above embodiment. The action-and-effects of this invention are fully brought out also for those bottles made of other synthetic resins, small- or large-size bottles, or square bottles in addition to round ones. The vertical groove may be able to have various shapes within the scope in which the groove depth is increased over a range from the vertically central area to the upper and lower ends of each vacuum absorbing panel, taking into account increased rigidity and design aspect, in addition to the function as the starting points for deformation into a swelled or dented state. For instance, the vertically central area does not necessarily be a groove-lacking area as found in this embodiment. The groove may have the same width along its entire length, and can gradually deepen more as the groove comes closer to both ends. Two vertical grooves may be disposed in parallel in the laterally central area. Or, a vertical groove may be in vertical segments apart from each other. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the synthetic resin bottle of this invention effectively controls the extent of swelling deformation at the time of the hot filling, without impairing the vacuum absorbing function performed by the vacuum absorbing panels, and has also an improved heat resisting property. Thus, wide applications of use are expected in the product fields requiring a hot filling step.

1B

65

D

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described by examples in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a welding device for metal honeycomb carrier to enforce one embodiment of the method according to this invention, wherein reference numeral 31 shows a core section which is formed by piling a stainless steel corrugated plate 33 and flat plate 35 and coiling them in multiple. The stainless steel here used consists of Cr of 19.0-21.0 wt %, Al of 4.5-5.5 wt %, REF (Ce, La, etc.) of 0.001-0.1 wt %, C of 0.01 wt % or below, and the balance of F. And it has thickness of 50 um. And the corrugated plate 33 has a distance of 2.56 mm between its ridges (or grooves) and height of 1.24 mm from the groove to the ridge; and the radius at the top of ridge and groove is 0.5. This core section 31 is disposed with its end surface 37 upside, and a total reflection mirror (oscillating mirror) 39 above the end surface 37. This total reflection mirror 39 receives laser beam 43 from a CO.sub.2 gas laser generator 41 through a condensing lens 45. The total reflection mirror 39 and the condensing lens 45 are accommodated in a welding head 47, which has an oscillating device 49 disposed to oscillate the total reflection mirror 39 in the arrow direction A shown in FIG. 1. In the device for welding the metal honeycomb carrier configured as described above, the laser beam 43 generated from the laser generator 41 is condensed with the condensing lens 45, lead to the total reflection mirror 39, reflected thereon, and radiated to the end surface 37 of the core section 31. The welding head 47 is moved at a certain speed in the arrow direction B when the laser beam 43 is oscillated. And in the present device, since the total reflection mirror 39 is oscillated with the oscillating device 49, the trace of the laser beam 43 radiated on the end surface 37 of the core section 31 forms a zigzag curve 51 as shown in FIG. 2. Where the trace of the laser beam 43 forms the zigzag curve 51, an energy supply amount per unit time at an amplitude end 53 becomes extremely great as compared with that at the center section C, resulting in causing so-called burn through on the corrugated plate 33 or flat plate 35 positioned at the amplitude end 53. Thus, the occurrence of burn through on the corrugated plate 33 or flat plate 35 clogs the metal honeycomb carrier, increasing the exhaust resistant of the metal honeycomb carrier against the exhaust. In the method of the present invention, therefore, the amplitude end 53 and its neighbor of the laser beam 43 on the end surface 37 of the core section 31 are masked with masking material 55 which reflects the laser beam 43. This masking is effected by attaching the masking material 55 in a pair at a certain interval on the end surface 37 of the core section 31. To practice the method of this invention, for example in FIG. 2, when the output of the CO.sub.2 gas laser generator 41 is about 1,000 W and the amplitude D of the laser beam 43 is 2 mm to 30 mm, the oscillating frequency by means of the oscillating device 49 is desirably 120-150 Hz. And the masking is preferably effected to cover a distance E of at least 0.3 mm inside from the amplitude end 53. In the method of the present invention, the laser beam 43 is designed to move in the vertical direction with respect to the welding direction at the certain amplitude D, so that if the diameter of the laser beam 43 on the end surface 37 of the core section 31 is as small as about 0.2 mm for example, welding can be done with a width substantially corresponding to the amplitude D of the laser beam 43, thereby surely being able to weld the corrugated plate 33 and the flat plate 35. In the method of this invention, the amplitude end 53 and its neighbor of the laser beam 43 on the end surface 37 of the core section 31, or the section which receives extremely great energy supply per unit time is masked with the masking material 55, thereby surely being able to prevent the burn through on the corrugated plate 33 or flat plate 35 exposed at the position of the amplitude end 53. In the above embodiment, the masking material 55 is directly applied to the end surface 37 of the core section 31. But this invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, an appropriate masking material may be well disposed on the way of the laser beam 43 from the welding head 47. In the above embodiment, the condensing lens 45 is disposed between the laser generator 41 and the total reflection mirror 39. But, the method of this invention is not limited to that embodiment. It is naturally possible to arrange the condensing lens 45 between the total reflection mirror 39 and the core section 31. In the above embodiment, the condensing lens 45 and the total reflection mirror 45 are independently arranged within the welding head 47. But the method of this invention is not limited to that arrangement. For example, using so-called R lens which integrally consists of a condensing mirror and a total reflection mirror is effective to oscillate this R lens. Generally, welding depends on an energy charging amount per unit area and unit time. Therefore, the welding condition may be adjusted to meet the amplitude end to which the laser beam energy is concentrated without masking the amplitude end and its neighbor of the laser beam, determining the amplitude to 2-3 mm and oscillating the laser beam perpendicular to the welding direction at a certain amplitude, thereby effecting the welding. In this case, welding is effected at both amplitude ends only. FIG. 3 shows a device for welding the metal honeycomb carrier to conduct another embodiment of the method according to this invention, where the structure is same with that of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that a condensing member 60 is different. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment are used for the same elements. The core section 31 is disposed with the end surface 37 upside, and the condensing member 60 is disposed above the end surface 37. The laser beam 43 is lead to the condensing member 60 from the laser generator 41 through the condensing lens 45. The condensing member 60 and the condensing lens 45 are accommodated in the welding head 47, which is freely movable in the arrow direction C. The condensing member 60 in this embodiment is formed of a cylindrical concave mirror as shown in FIG. 4, and works to reflect cylindrical laser beam 61 from the condensing lens 45 at an angle of 90.degree. and also convert this laser beam 61 into a linear beam 63. The condensing member 60 is disposed in the welding head 47 so that an axis 65 of the cross section of the linear beam 63 is perpendicular to the moving direction F of the welding head 47. With the device for welding the metal honeycomb carrier configured as described above, the laser beam 43 generated from the laser generator 41 is condensed through the condensing lens 45, lead to the condensing member 60, reflected on the condensing member 60, and at the same time converted into the linear beam 63, and radiated onto the end surface 37 of the core section 31. And the welding head 47 is moved at a certain speed in the arrow direction F as shown in FIG. 3 when the laser beam 61 is generated. According to the method of the present invention, the laser beam 61 is converted into the linear beam 63 with the condensing member 60 and radiated onto the end surface 37 of the core section 31. The welding width can be made extensively broader than before by setting the axis 51 of the linear beam 63 to be perpendicular to the moving direction C of the welding head 47. Thus the corrugated plate 33 and the flat plate 35 can be mutually welded quickly and securely. The linear beam 63 produced by the condensing member 60 is capable of welding uniformly because the power densities at the center and the peripheral area have a very small difference. More specifically, in the method of the present invention, even if the diameter of the laser beam 61 condensed by the condensing lens 45 is for example as small as about 0.2 mm, welding can be substantially done on the corrugated plate 33 and the flat plate 35 quickly and securely with width corresponding to the length of the axis 65 of the linear beam 63. The above embodiment describes an example of applying the method of this invention to the cylindrical core section 31. To apply the method of this invention to an ellipse core section 67 as shown in FIG. 5, moving the welding head 47 in parallel with the linear side of the flat plate 69 as shown by an arrow G allows more uniform welding. Specifically, as indicated by the arrow H, to weld from the position perpendicular to the flat plate 69, the linear beam 63 may have a state to spot on the corrugated plate 71 or flat plate 69 only. Therefore, the burn through of the flat plate 69 becomes relatively greater than the corrugated plate 71 but, welding in parallel to the longitudinal direction the flat plate 69 results in producing uniform burn through because the linear beam 63 is always in a state to straddle the corrugated plate 71 and the flat plate 69. FIG. 6 shows another condensing member used in this method of the invention. This condensing member 60 consists of a cylindrical convex lens and can convert the cylindrical laser beam 61 into the linear beam 63 by passing the laser beam 61 through it. In the above embodiment, the condensing lens 45 is arranged between the laser generator 41 and the condensing member 39. But the method of this invention is not limited to that embodiment. It is naturally true that the condensing lens 45 may be disposed between the condensing member 60 and the core section 31. And also in the above embodiment, the axis 65 of the linear beam 63 is set in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the welding head 47. But the method of this invention is not limited to that embodiment. It is naturally true that the axis 65 of the linear beam 63 is tilted toward the moving direction of the welding head 47. Further in the above each embodiment, a method for welding a metal honeycomb carrier where the flat plate and the corrugated plate are rolled. This method can be also applied to welding of a metal honeycomb carrier which is of a type forming the core section by laminating the flat plate and the corrugated plate. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments excepting for these restriction in the attached claims because much broader embodiments can be configured without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

1B

23

K

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) In the figures the reference numeral 1 indicates the taker gripper body comprising two sides 2 and 3 and terminating at its end 4 in a horizontal hook 5. Said horizontal hook 5 defines with said end 4 a frusto-conical cavity 6 (see specifically FIG. 3), against the walls of which there is always elastically pressed a movable wedge 7 carried at the end of a lever 12 and defining with said hook 5 a narrow recess 8 into which the wefts 9 and 10 to be simultaneously clamped are inserted until they remain trapped. It is however apparent that only the initially inserted weft 9 is securely trapped by said weft gripping and clamping member of wedge type 5, 7. To ensure effective and reliable clamping also for the weft 10, in combination with said gripping and clamping member 5, 7 there is also used a weft gripping and clamping member of elastic type, consisting substantially of an elastic blade 11 of differential thickness which, rigidly fixed to said lever 12 of the movable wedge 7 by screws 13 (see specifically FIG. 1), cooperates via its greater-thickness outer part 11' with a gripping surface 14 provided on the lower face of said hook 5. Said blade 11 is also provided with a longitudinal tooth 15 cooperating with a corresponding groove 16 provided in said lower face of the hook 5. In this manner said wefts 9 and 10 are obliged to arrange themselves as indicated in FIG. 3, i.e. to follow a labyrinth path about said tooth 15. The greater-thickness outer part 11' of the blade 11 ensures that the wefts 9 and 10 are always gripped in this region upstream of the tooth 15 and never in tile region 17 (see specifically FIG. 3) downstream of said tooth 15, even if the weft were to comprise enlargement defects in this region, and this together with said labyrinth path means that an extremely high force is required to withdraw said wefts 9 and 10, so ensuring effective clamping of several wefts simultaneously. Finally, said lever 12 of the wedge 7 is hinged at 18 to the sides and 3 of the gripper body 1, and its free end 12' is hinged to one end 19' of a second lever 19 which is hinged at 20 to said sides 2 and 3 of the gripper body 1 and cooperates at its free other end 19" with a spring 21 supported by the gripper body 1 and tending to rotate the lever 19 anti-clockwise, and hence the lever 12 and wedge 7 clockwise so that this latter presses elastically against the walls of said frusto-conical cavity 6. In this manner, if the end 19" of the lever 19 is pressed against the action of the spring 21, the wedge 7 and the blade 11 are rotated anti-clockwise about the axis 18 to withdraw from the surfaces against which they grip, hence allowing simple removal of the wefts 9 and 10 when the taker gripper has completed its travel.

3D

03

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown the power assist hospital bed10in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The hospital bed10includes a bed12that is supported by a frame14. The bed12, along with the frame14are in the nature of a conventional hospital bed. In particular, the bed12and the frame14can be similar to existing bariatric beds that are used to accommodate oversized patients. The frame14of the hospital bed10includes the upper bed-supporting portion16and a lower frame18. Suitable mechanisms20can be manipulated by various motors so as to raise and lower the upper frame16with respect to lower frame18. A plurality of wheels22are rotatably mounted on the lower frame18so as to support the frame14upon an underlying surface24, such as the floor of a hospital. Importantly, in the present invention, drive wheels26are interconnected to the frame14and, in particular, to the lower frame18. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the drive wheels26can be movable between a first position in which the drive wheels26are in spaced relationship to the underlying surface24and a second position (illustrated inFIG. 2) in which the drive wheels26resiliently contact the underlying surface24. The mechanisms which allow the movement of the drive wheels26between the upper position and the lower position will be described in detail in association withFIGS. 3-5. In particular, the drive wheels26include a motor28that is drivably connected thereto. The motor28is in the nature of a DC brush motor. As such, multiple turns of the shaft of the motor28can cause a single rotation of the drive wheels26. The DC brush motor28allows the drive wheels26to be rotatable in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction. As such, the drive wheels26can facilitate the ability of the hospital bed10to move forwardly and backwardly. When the drive wheels26are in their upper position, there is no contact between the outer surfaces of the drive wheels26and the underlying surface24. As such, the hospital bed10can remain in a stationary position or pushed in a conventional manner. When the drive wheels26contact the underlying surface24, the motion imparted to the drive wheels26by the motor28causes the drive wheels26to contact the underlying surface24and thereby move the hospital bed10in a desired direction with a desired speed. A control mechanism30is connected to the frame14and is cooperative with the drive wheels26so as to move the drive wheels26between the first position (illustrated inFIG. 1) and the second position (illustrated inFIG. 2). The control mechanism30includes a handle32with a controller34mounted at an upper end thereof. The handle32includes a first member36which extends horizontally outwardly from the upper frame16. A second member40is connected at a lower end thereof to the first member36. The second member40is illustrated as extending in a vertical orientation. A spring-type actuator42has one end joined to the first member36and an opposite end joined to the second member40. The spring actuator42serves to maintain the second member40in a vertical orientation. In normal use, when the handle32is released, the spring-type actuator42will return the first member40to its vertical orientation. A bumper44is positioned at the pivotal connection between the first member36and the second member40. Bumper44will resist damage to the handle32and to exterior surfaces in the event of contact therewith. The controller34includes handgrips46extending outwardly therefrom. A paddle member48extends outwardly of the controller34. Paddle member48is pivotally connected to the controller34so as to be manipulated so as to cause the drive wheels26to be rotated in one direction or another. A key actuator50extends outwardly of the rear of the controller34. Key actuator50receives a key that serves to activate the drive mechanism of the hospital bed10. When the key50is removed, it is impossible to operate the drive mechanism. The key actuator50must receive the key, and have the key turned in order actuate the drive mechanism. A belly switch52is positioned at the top of the controller34so as to have a surface extending outwardly therefrom. This belly switch52serves to stop a rotation of the drive wheels26when the belly switch52contacts an exterior surface. As such, the belly switch52serves as a fail safe mechanism in the event that the hospital bed10should move rearwardly in an undesired manner. The controller34is suitably connected by electrical lines to the motor28and to the actuator which serves to move the drive wheel26between their upper position and their lower position. FIG. 2illustrates the hospital bed10in a position in which the drive wheels26have been lowered to a portion contacting the underlying surface24. As can be seen, the control mechanism30has handle32extended such that the second member40extends at an obtuse angle with respect to the first member36. In other words, a pulling force applied to the controller34and, in particular, upon the handgrips46overcomes the resistance of spring actuator42so as to allow the user to move the handle32into a convenient ergonomic orientation. As such, the user can conveniently “drive” the hospital bed10in a desired manner. When the handgrips46are released, then the spring-type actuator42will return the second member40to its generally vertical orientation. FIG. 3is a detailed view of the drive wheels26and the motor28when the drive wheels26are in their upper position. As can be seen, a support structure50supports the drive wheels26and the motor28. The support structure50includes a channel member52having an inverted U-shape construction that can be secured, by conventional means, onto a cross member54associated with the hospital bed10. In other words, the channel member52will overly the periphery of the cross member54so as to establish a strong securing engagement therewith. A flange56will extend upwardly from the channel member52. A panel58is pivotally connected by hinge60to the channel member52. The drive wheels26and the motor28are supported beneath the panel58. The panel58includes a flange surface60extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. This flange surface60is in the nature of an angle member that is affixed to the upper surface of the panel58at an end opposite the hinge60and the channel member52. An actuator means61is cooperative with the channel member52and with the panel58for moving the panel58and the drive wheels26between the upper position and the lower position. In particular, a clevis62is pivotally connected at pivot63to the flange56extending upwardly from the channel member52. A housing64is pivotally connected by the clevis62to the flange56. An actuator66is positioned within the housing64. The actuator66includes a piston68that extends outwardly of the housing64. The piston68has an end70opposite the housing64that is received by the flange surface60of the panel58. A spring72extends between the housing64and the flange surface60so as to resiliently contact the flange surface60. The piston68is slidable relationship relative to the flange surface60of panel58. The spring72resiliently urges the panel58pivotally downwardly relative to the frame14of the hospital bed10such that the drive wheels26can be moved to the lower position. The piston68is generally freely slidable through the flange surface60of the panel58. The piston68includes a drive piston74that directly extends outwardly of the housing64. A support flange76is affixed to an end of the drive piston74at an end opposite the housing64. A pair of rods78are affixed to a side of the support flange76opposite the drive piston74. The spring72extends over and along the pair of rods78. A nut80is affixed to the end of the rod78opposite the support flange76and a side of the flange surface60opposite the spring72. Nut80serves to limit the inward movement of the rod78. The spring72will bear against the flange surface60so as to urge the panel58toward the downward position. The force of the contact between the nut80and the flange surface60will overcome the force of the spring72so as to maintain the drive wheels26in their upper position. InFIG. 3, it can be seen that a axle housing82extends downwardly from the plate58so as to allow the drive wheels26to be rotatably mounted thereto. Similarly, the axle housing82will also receive an end of the drive motor28therein. A suitable electrical line84can extend from the drive motor28to the controller34and to the power supply of the hospital bed10. FIG. 4shows a plan view of the support structure50. In particular, inFIG. 4it an be seen that the drive wheel26comprises a pair of which wheels extend outwardly from opposite sides of the plate58. Furthermore, it can be seen that there are pair of rods78which extend in generally parallel relationship to each other and through the flange surface60of the plate58. A pair of nuts80abut the opposite side of the flange surface60from the spring78. InFIG. 4, it can be seen that the housing64is pivotally connected to the channel member52. Actuator66extends outwardly therefrom. The drive piston74directly extends from the actuator66and is joined to the support flange76. The use of a pair of rods78assures against any twisting motion imparted during the movement of the drive wheels26between their upper position and their lower position. Additionally, the resilient forces exerted by spring78are distributed over a wider surface of the flange surface60. Although it is possible within the concept of the present invention that a single rod78can be used, it believed that the pair of rods78distributes forces more evenly, avoids twisting forces, and serves to move the drive wheels26in a more efficient and convenient manner. FIG. 5illustrates the drive wheels26in their lower position. InFIG. 5, it can be seen that the clevis62of the housing64is pivoted angularly downwardly. This is the result of the movement of the rod78generally outwardly by action of the outward movement of the drive piston74. As can be seen, the spring72is exerting a relatively strong force against the flange surface60. This causes the plate58and the attached drive wheels26and motor28to pivot downwardly. A portion of the rod78extends outwardly on the opposite side of the support flange60. As a result, the spring72directly resiliently urges the drive wheels26downwardly. Any bouncing force encountered by the drive wheels26on the underlying surface or any uneven surfaces encountered by the drive wheels26can be absorbed by the spring72in a natural manner. Suitable electrical lines82connect with the actuator64so as to cause the drive piston74to move outwardly. FIG. 6is an isolated view showing the control mechanism30of the present invention. Control mechanism30includes a channel member38which can be secured to a cross member of the hospital bed10. The first member36extends from the channel member38. The second member40extends vertically upwardly from the first member36. A generally wheel-type bumper34is located at the intersection of the first member36with the second member40. Spring-type actuator42also extends angularly between the first member36and second member40. Controller34is located at the upper end of the second member40. Controller34includes the belly switch52, the paddle switch48and the key actuator50thereon. Handgrips46extend radially outwardly of the controller34. Arrows84illustrate the relative movement of the hospital bed10relative to the movement of the paddle member44about its pivot axis. Electrical line86is illustrated as extending outwardly of the control mechanism30for connection to the motor28and to the other circuitry associated with the hospital bed10. FIG. 7is an end view of the control mechanism30. In particular, inFIG. 7, it can be seen that the controller34has paddle members48extending outwardly on opposite sides of the housing90of the controller34. Handgrips46also extend radially outwardly on opposite sides of the housing90. The belly switch52is illustrated as extending across the top of the housing90. The key actuator50is located on a central surface of the controller34for easy access by the user of the hospital bed10of the present invention. InFIG. 7, it can be seen that the channel member38has a suitable structure for engaging the cross member associated with the hospital bed in a conventional manner. Both the channel members used for the drive wheels26and for the control mechanism30can be readily adapted to many shapes and sizes of hospital beds. It is relatively easy to attach the channel members to cross members associated with such hospital beds. InFIG. 7, it can be seen that the spring-type actuator42has one end connected to the first member36and an opposite end connected to the second member40of the handle32. FIG. 8shows an end view of the lower frame18of the hospital bed. In particular, it can be seen that wheels22are in the nature of casters that extend downwardly from the lower frame18in a conventional manner. A housing100is affixed to the cross member102of the lower frame18. Housing100includes 12 volt batteries104and106connected together in series. As such, the output of the batteries104and106is 24 volts. This enhances the power available for the operation of the hospital bed of the present invention. Control circuitry108is supported on the top of housing100. Similarly, a charger110can be connected to the batteries104and106so as to allow for a recharging of the batteries104and106from the natural power supply provide to the hospital bed10. A suitable cover can be applied over her control circuitry108, the charger110, and over the housing100so as to enclose each of these items in a safe environment. The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

0A

47

C

The invention will now be elucidated by the following, non-restrictive examples. EXAMPLE I Preparation of Wallpaper Adhesives The following wallpaper adhesives were prepared according to standard methods (see for example: Modified starches: properties and uses' ED. O.B. Wurzburg, CRC Press, Inc. 1987; or U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,649). A: Crosslinked, carboxymethylated wallpaper adhesives were prepared in aqueous dispersion by a reaction of amylopectin potato starch with a combination of epichlorohydrin (ECH; 0.0005-0.05 w/w% based on dry starch) to crosslink and chloroacetic acid sodium salt (CM; 0.05-1.5 mole per mole dry starch) to carboxymethylate the starch. The reaction was performed in the presence of sodium hydroxide (1.01-1.10 mole per mole chloroacetic acid sodium salt). B: Crosslinked, carboxymethylated, hydroxypropylated wallpaper adhesives were prepared in dispersion by a reaction of amylopectin potato starch with a combination of epichlorohydrin (ECH; 0.0005-0.05 mole per mole starch) to crosslink, chloroacetic acid sodium salt (CM; 0.05-1.5 mole per mole dry starch) to carboxymethylate, and propylene oxide (HP; 0.05-1.0 mole per mole starch) to hydroxypropylate the starch. The reaction was performed in the presence of sodium hydroxide (1.01-1.10 mole per mole chloroacetic acid sodium salt). C. Crosslinked, acetylated wallpaper adhesives were prepared in suspension by a reaction of amylopectin potato starch with sodium trimetaphosphate (NaTMP; 0.0005-0.05 mole per mole starch) to crosslink and acetic anhydride (Ac 2 O; 0.01-0.20 mole per mole starch) to acetylate the starch. The reaction was performed at alkaline pH (8-12.5). D. Crosslinked, hydroxypropylated, cationic wallpaper adhesives were prepared in solution by a reaction of amylopectin potato starch with sodium trimetaphosphate (NaTMP; 0.0005-0.05 mole per mole starch) to crosslink, propylene oxide (HP; 0.05-1.0 mole per mole starch) to hydroxypropylate and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTMAC; 0.005-0.10 mole per mole starch) to cationize the starch. The reaction was performed at alkaline pH (10-13). EXAMPLE II Properties of Wallpaner Adhesives Adhesive strength: A 200 m layer of the adhesive dispersion was brought onto beech wood (7 cm 25 cm) using a small rod (Erichsen, model 358). Pieces of cotton (5 cm x 30 cm) were stuck to the beech wood. The samples were dried for 24 hour at 22 C. and 50% humidity. The adhesive strength was measured with a Zwick Materials Testing Machine in cN/cm. Viscosity Measurements A certain amount (see below) of product was dissolved in 336 g of water (15 DH) by stirring at, 250 rpm for 5 minutes with an 8-hole blade stirrer. The solution was kept for 30 minutes at 25 C. and subsequently stirred at 250 rpm for 1 minute. The viscosity was measured with a Brookfield RVF viscometer (20 rpm; spindle 5; reading after 1 minute). A concentration rate of 1:32 (CR 1:32) means that 10.5 g of product was dissolved in 336 g of water. A concentration rate of 1:24 (CR 1:24) means that 14.0 g of product was dissolved in 336 g of water. A concentration rate of 1:20 (CR 1:20) means that 16.8 g of product was dissolved in 336. A concentration rate of 1:10 (CR 1:10) means that 33.6 g of product was dissolved in 336. The results of the adhesive strength and viscosity measurements are shown in tables 1-3. TABLE 1 Viscosity and adhesive strength of anionic wallpaper adhesives Viscosity Adhesive (mPa s.) strength Starch DS (CM) max 1 DS (ECH) max 2 (CR 1:32) (cN/cm) PS 3 0.5 0.0065 12300 35-40 PS 3 0.5 0.0043 12500 35-40 PS 3 0.5 0.0022 8100 35-40 PS 3 0.2 0.0065 5500 35-40 PS 3 0.2 0.0043 7800 35-40 PS 3 0.2 0.0022 5700 35-40 APS 4 0.5 0.0065 10100 35-40 APS 4 0.5 0.0043 13100 35-40 APS 4 0.5 0.0022 13600 35-40 APS 4 0.2 0.0065 4300 35-40 APS 4 0.2 0.0043 7600 35-40 APS 4 0.2 0.0022 14300 35-40 1 DS (CM) max Maximum degree of substitution of carboxymethyl groups in mole per mole starch 2 DS (ECH) max Maximum degree of substitution of epichlorohydrin in mole per mole starch 3 PS Potato Starch 4 APS Amylopectin Potato Starch TABLE 2 Viscosity and adhesive strength of anionic, hydroxypropylated wallpaper adhesives DS DS DS Viscosity Adhesive (CM) (ECH) (HP) (mPa s.) strength Starch max 1 max 2 max 3 (CR 1:32) (cN/cm) PS 5 0.175 0.0043 0.26 8500 45-50 PS 5 0.175 0.0032 0.26 9700 40-45 PS 5 0.175 0.0022 0.26 9600 40-45 APS 4 0.175 0.0043 0.26 9000 45-50 APS 4 0.175 0.0032 0.26 13600 45-50 APS 4 0.175 0.0022 0.26 18500 40-45 1 DS (CM) max Maximum degree of substitution of carboxymethyl groups in mole per mole starch 2 DS (ECH) max Maximum degree of substitution of epichlorohydrin in mole per mole starch 3 DS (HP) max Maximum degree of substitution of hydroxypropyl groups in mole per mole starch 4 APS Amylopectin Potato Starch 5 PS Potato Starch TABLE 3 Viscosity and adhesive strength of non-anionic wallpaper adhesives Adhesive Crosslink Ester/Ether Viscosity strength Starch Reagent Dsmax 1 Reagent Dsmax 1 CR 2 mPa s. cN/cm PS 3 NaTMP 0.00015 Ac 2 O 0.10 1:22 11100 35-40 APS 4 NaTMP 0.00015 Ac 2 O 0.10 1:24 10900 30-35 PS 3 ECH 0.0022 HP 0.75 1:20 9800 35-40 APS 4 ECH 0.0011 HP 0.75 1:23 10100 30-35 PS 3 ECH 0.025 CHPTMAC 0.042 1:10 16500 95-100 HP 0.75 APS 4 ECH 0.025 CHPTMAC 0.042 1:20 16500 55-60 HP 0.75 1 DSmax Maximum degree of substitution of epichlorohydrin in mole per mole starch 2 CR Concentration rate 3 PS Potato Starch 4 APS Amylopectin Potato Starch

2C

08

B

EXAMPLES Materials In the examples which follow, the following materials were used: A) a non-filled polyether polyol based on glycerin, propylene oxide, and ethylene oxide (17% by weight) with a 35 OH No. available as Multranol 9143 from Bayer Corporation; B) a filled polyol (20% by weight solids (polyurea)) based on glycerin, propylene oxide, and ethylene oxide (17% by weight) with a 28 OH No. available as Multranol 9151 from Bayer Corporation; C) a polyether polyol based on propylene glycol, propylene oxide and ethylene oxide (13% by weight) with a 28 OH No., available as Multranol 9182 from Bayer Corporation; D) a polyether polyol based on ethylene diamine and propylene oxide (630 OH No.), available as Multranol 4050 from Bayer Corporation; E) Water; F) 70% Bis(dimethyaminoethyl), available as Niax A-1 from WITCO; G) a low molecular weight, low viscosity silicone surfactant, available as B-4690 from Goldshmidt (this surfactant is used as a comparative surfactant); H) a silicone surfactant, available as L-3801 from WITCO; I) regrind (polyurethane fillers) prepared in accordance to the procedure discussed in Nodelman et al, A Viable Technology for the Recycling of Polyurethane Energy-Absorbing (EA) Foams, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; J) polymethylene poly(phenyl isocyanate) (polymeric MDI) available as Mondur MR, from Bayer Corporation; and K) 2-methylpentanediamine, available Dytek A from Dupont Formulations Formulations were made by combining the respective components of a polyisocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component with simple mixing techniques. Table 1 shows the different formulations that were used. Formulations of Example 1 are used for comparative purposes. The 0%, 10% and 12% regrind refers to the regrind based on the final foam block, further discussed below. TABLE 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Component 0% Regrind 10% Regrind 12% Regrind A -- 30 30 (B-Side) B 30 B-Side C 30 30 30 B-Side D 25 25 25 (B-Side) E 3 3.6 3.7 B-Side F 0.1 0.1 0.1 (B-Side) G 1 -- -- (B-Side) H -- 1 1 (B-Side) I 0 20.6 25.5 (B-Side) J 87.2 95.3 96.9 (A-Side) Density 3.86 4.03 4.16 Foam-Making Procedure To make the foamed blocks, a reaction injection molding (RIM) machine, a Hennecke RIM-DO-MAT machine with a Hennecke MQ-8 mixhead was used. The parts were made in an open-pour process in a 10 in..times.10 in..times.2.5 in. heated aluminum mold. The injection pressure was 175 bar on the polyol and isocyanate side. The throughput in the mixhead was maintained at 120 g/sec. for 10% filled systems and 160 g/sec. for the unfilled control. The unfilled polyol blend was heated to 30.degree. C. in the RIM machine and at the 10% filler loading (18.7% on the B-side) the temperature was increased to 45.degree. C. The isocyanate temperature was run at 30.degree. C. for the unfilled system and 35.degree. C. for the filled system. For both filled and unfilled systems, the mold temperature was 55.degree. C. and the blocks demolded in 5 minutes. Foam-Testing Procedure To determine the compressive strength of the foams, the Quasi-static compression (compressive strength) (CLD 50% full block (psi)) was tested according to ASTM D 1621-94, modified for full-block measurement, using an Instron 4200 series tension apparatus with a 10,000 lb. compression cell. Generally, the higher the number, the more compressive strength the foam has. Example 1 is a comparative example. Table 1 shows the formulations. Table 2 shows the compressive strength properties of the foams. To determine dynamic impact properties of the foams a specially-designed dynamic impact sled in accordance to the process discussed in D. F. Sounik, D. W. McCullough, J. L. Clemons, and J. L. Liddle, Dynamic Impact Testing of Polyurethane Energy-Absorbing (EA) Foams, SAE Technical Paper No. 940879, (1994). The dynamic impact sled was designed by Hennecke Machinery Group and was a horizontal high-speed dynamic impact sled designed to impact a foam sample at speeds up to 35 mph. In the examples, the movable sled (tup) was cylindrical and weighed 19.5 kg. Table 3 shows dynamic impact properties of the foams. TABLE 2 ENERGY-ABSORBING PROPERTIES COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 0% Regrind 10% Regrind 12% Regrind CLD 40 psi 44.9 psi 42.3 psi 50% full block (2.76 bar) (3.10 bar) (2.91 bar) TABLE 3 DYNAMIC IMT PROPERTIES (Dynamic impact, 17 mph, 43 lb. cylindrical top) Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 0% Regrind 10% Regrind 12% Regrind Max force 5060 lbs 5014 lbs 5371 lbs (2277 kg) (2256 kg) (2417 kg) Max deflection 1.96 in 1.92 in 1.93 in (49.78 mm) (48.77 mm) (49.02 mm) Discussion The compressive strength of the foams containing 10% and 12% polyurethane fillers (44.9 and 42.3 psi respectively) was higher than the compressive strength (40 psi) of the foam made without fillers. The dynamic impact properties results indicate that the 10% regrind foam had about the same crush strength as the unfilled control. The 12% regrind foam was only slightly weaker than the foam made without regrind. These results are not what is typically observed upon addition of a solid filler to a foam. Comparative Examples I-IV The procedure of Examples 2-3 was repeated except that a high molecular weight, cell-opening silicone surfactant was not used. Also, the formulations below were used. Table 4 shows the formulations. Table 5 shows the compressive strength properties of the foams. Table 6 shows dynamic impact properties of the foams. TABLE 4 FORMULATIONS I II III IV 0% 5% 8% 10% Regrind Regrind Regrind Regrind B 30 30 30 30 (B-Side) C 30 30 30 30 (B-Side) D 25 25 25 25 (B-Side) K .1 .1 .1 .1 (B-Side) E 3.0 3.2 3.35 3.35 (B-Side) G 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (B-Side) F 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (B-Side) I -- 9.9 15.8 15.8 (B-Side) J 86.7 89.6 91.8 96.6* (A-Side) Density (pcf) 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 *also contained 5% fillers, based on the total weight of the A component. The 0%, 5% and 8% and 10% regrind refers to the regrind based on the final foam block. TABLE 4 FORMULATIONS I II III IV 0% 5% 8% 10% Regrind Regrind Regrind Regrind B 30 30 30 30 (B-Side) C 30 30 30 30 (B-Side) D 25 25 25 25 (B-Side) K .1 .1 .1 .1 (B-Side) E 3.0 3.2 3.35 3.35 (B-Side) G 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (B-Side) F 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 (B-Side) I -- 9.9 15.8 15.8 (B-Side) J 86.7 89.6 91.8 96.6* (A-Side) Density (pcf) 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 *also contained 5% fillers, based on the total weight of the A component. The 0%, 5% and 8% and 10% regrind refers to the regrind based on the final foam block. DYNAMIC IMT PROPERTIES (Dynamic impact, 17 mph, 43 lb. cylindrical top) 0% 5% 8% Regrind Regrind Regrind 10% Regrind Max 4713 lbs 4883 lbs 5017 lbs 5807 lbs force (2121 kg) (2197 kg) (2258 kg) (2613 kg) Max. 1.79 in 1.92 in 1.97 in 2.01 in de- (45.47 mm) (48.77 mm) (50.04 mm) (51.05 mm) flec- tion (in.) Discussion The compressive strength of the foams made with fillers was less than the compressive strength of the foam made without fillers. The dynamic impact properties results show that as the % filler increases, the deflection increases (suggesting a softer foam). These results are what is typically observed upon addition of a solid filler to a foam. Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

2C

08

L

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, a user 1 wearing a typical full face mask 2 is shown. The full face mask 2 has a regulator 6, breathing tube 5 connected to an air supply (not shown), and a transparent face lens 4. The full face mask 2 is provided with a communication device according to the present invention. Only the receiver unit 30 element of the device can be seen mounted outside the face mask 2. It is understood, however, that the transmitter unit is securely mounted within the face mask 2. Although the communication device is generally described in conjunction with a full face mask, it is contemplated that the invention can be used to provide communication across any clear substrate. As shown in FIG. 2 the communication device is composed of two major parts, a transmitter unit 10 and a receiver unit 30. When in use, the transmitter unit 10 is placed on the side of the clear substrate 25 from which the audible sound 13 to be transmitted originates. The receiver unit 30, then, is positioned on the opposite side of the clear substrate 25 in optical relationship with the transmitter unit 10. The transmitter unit 10 comprises a microphone 12, signal converting circuit board 14, battery 16, and infra-red transmitter 18. In the embodiment shown the infra-red transmitter 18 is a light emitting diode (LED) 18. The microphone 12 picks up the audible sound 13 and sends an electrical signal to the circuit board 14 which is powered by the battery 16. The signal from the circuit board 14 is amplified and sent to the infra-red transmitter 18 which emits infra-red light rays 23 that pass through the clear substrate 25. The rays 23 are received by the receiver unit 30 positioned on the opposite side of the clear substrate 25. The receiver unit 30 includes a receiver 32, which in the embodiment shown is a phototransistor responsive to the infra-red light rays 23. Both the infra-red transmitter 18 and the infra-red receiver 32 are in confronting relationship on opposite sides of the clear substrate 25. A signal converting circuit board 34 is responsively coupled to the receiver 32 by way of a shielded cable 31a, 31b and a break-away connector 33. The circuit board 34 is powered by a battery 36. The output from the circuit board 34 is coupled to the speaker 38 which then broadcasts a sound 35 that corresponds to the audible sound 13 of the user. In this way, the voice of the user can be transmitted across a clear substrate without materially affecting the seal integrity of that substrate. When used in conjunction with a full face mask, the communication unit will transmit infra-red light rays through the face lens 4 (FIG. 1) of the mask. The transmitter unit 10 with its individual components is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The circuit board 14 is sealed in a transmitter housing 15. The microphone 12, infra-red transmitter 18, and battery 16 are connected to the circuit board 14 in the housing 15 by their respective cables 19, 20, and 21. Battery cable 21 has a connector 17 for facilitating replacement of the battery 16. The components shown can, therefore, be situated to best accommodate the particular use of the transmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the components of the transmitter unit 10 may be waterproofed by any known technique, for example epoxy potting. The purpose for having the transmitter components be waterproofed is that if they are mounted in a full face mask 2, they are likely to be subjected to immersion in water. For example, Government regulations normally require that the masks be cleaned after each use. The steps for cleaning often include submerging the mask in water. A transmitter unit mounted in the mask must therefore be able to withstand such procedure. The transmitter unit 10 has a timer switch 11 which activates a timer (not shown) within the housing 15. The timer, which is depicted in FIG. 9 and explained in more detail further below, allows the transmitter unit 10 to operate for a predetermined time period (e.g. 1 hour). Rather than have the transmitter unit 10 be voice activated, it is designed to continually operate for only a set period of time after manual activation in order to extend the life of the battery 16. A voice activated transmitter unit may draw power from the battery 16 even when the mask is not in use, for example, in response to extraneous noise. According to the present invention, while donning the mask, the user can actuate the switch 11, and the transmitter unit 10 will be operative for one hour. If after an hour, more time is needed, the switch 11 can be actuated again. During other periods when the unit 10 is not in use power is not drawn from the battery 16. A one hour time span has been selected for the preferred embodiment because government regulations normally limit to such time worker exposure to hazardous areas. The predominant practice, however, is only one-half hour exposure. Furthermore, most breathing apparatus connected to the full face mask only have one hour supply with a small reserve. Consequently, the present invention contemplates a one hour operative period of time, it being clear that any period of time may be selected. In this way the timer also functions as a warning system to alert the user that he should leave the hazardous area when the speaker 38 no longer broadcasts sound 35. FIG. 4 shows the receiver unit 30 in more detail, including its mounting configuration with respect to full face mask 2. The infra-red receiver 32 is housed in a protective suction cup 37 that in turn is adhered to the exterior of the lens 4 of the face mask 2. A sealant may be used to more securely affix the suction cup 37 to the lens 4. The infra-red receiver 32 and suction cup 37 should be placed in confronting relationship with the infra-red transmitter 18 (not shown). Cables 31a, 31b and breakaway jacks 33a, 33b connect the infra-red receiver 32 to the receiver housing 39. When the jacks 33a, 33b are connected, the receiver circuit is complete, and power from the battery 36 supplies the receiver unit 30 thereby placing it in operative condition. When the jacks are disconnected, the receiver unit 30 cannot receive infra-red signals and convert them to audible sounds. In addition to functioning as an on/off switch for the receiver unit 30, the breakaway jacks 33a and 33b provide a safety feature. Should the shielded cable 31a, 31b become snagged on an object, the breakaway jacks 33a and 33b will detach and thus allow freedom of movement. Furthermore, the breakaway jacks 33a, 33b will aid in the donning of the mask and associated gear. The housing 39 encloses the battery 36, the speaker 38, as well as the circuit board 34 which has a built in locator alarm circuit shown in FIG. 10. When an emergency arises, the user may activate the locator alarm by actuating the switch 40. An audible tone will then be placed on the speaker 38 thereby signaling others that the user is in distress. Switch 40 toggles the alarm on and off. Because the battery is directly coupled to the circuit board, the locator alarm can be operated even when the jacks 33a and 33b are disconnected. The receiver unit 30 has an automatic volume control which functions much like an automatic squelch. The circuitry of the receiver unit 30, illustrated in FIG. 10 is designed such that the volume level of the speaker 38 remains constant and undesirable feedback, primarily from the speaker 38, is eliminated. The automatic volume control can be set in the field to a desired level after which the circuitry in the receiver unit 30 will automatically maintain the volume level constant. A fuller description of the automatic volume control and other circuitry of the receiver unit 30 is provided further below. FIG. 5 illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention wherein the communication unit according to the present invention is mounted to the self-contained breathing apparatus sold under the trademark "SCOTT". For clarity only the transmitter unit 10 and those portions of the receiver unit 30 which are affixed to the full face mask 42 are shown. The "SCOTT" mask 42 has a large conical-shaped lens 44 with a regulator 46 mounted at the apex. A breathing tube (not shown) connects the regulator to a supply of air. The transmitter unit 10 is fitted inside the mask 42 by setting the microphone 12, the transmitter housing 15, the battery 16, and the transmitter 18 in a silicone sealant which is adhered to the inside surface of the lens 44. The silicone sealant does not affect the molecular structure of the mask. Any suitable adhesive that does not react with the molecular structure of the mask could be used to affix the transmitter unit 10 thereto. The transmitter unit 10 is positioned at a lower region of the lens such that the vision of the user is not obstructed. A positive pressure is maintained within the mask 42, and the overall sealing integrity is not affected. The infra-red transmitter 18 emits infra-red light directly through the medium of the lens 44. The infra-red receiver 32 is mounted on the exterior of the lens 44 directly opposite the infra-red transmitter 18. When the jack 33a is coupled to the rest of the receiver unit 40 (not shown in FIG. 5, but see FIG. 4), the emitted light rays are received and converted into an audible sound. FIG. 6 is a front view of the "SCOTT" mask equipped with the transmitter unit 10 and a portion of the receiver unit 30. As can be seen, the transmitter unit components 12, 15, 16, 18, effectively, are wrapped around the lower portion of the lens 44. In practice, the user will activate the timer switch 11 before donning the mask 42. The user will then have a 1 hour operating period. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein the communication unit according to the present invention is mounted to the self-contained breathing apparatus including a face mask 52 sold under the tradename "MSA". For clarity only the transmitter unit 10 mounted within the apparatus is shown. The MSA mask 52 is made of a soft neoprene material with a plexiglass face lens 54. A breathing tube 55 supplies air from a source (not shown) to a regulator 56. The air then passes through existing internal pockets 53a and 53b to the user 51. The transmitter unit's housing 15 and the battery 16 are placed in respective side pockets 53a and 53b. Placement of these components in the pockets 53a and 53b does not affect the positive pressure within the mask nor the normal breathing of the user. Furthermore the sealing integrity of the mask 52 is not compromised. The microphone 12 is pinned to excess neoprene seam material 59 in the MSA masks of the type used herein. A pin (not shown) connected to the microphone 12 is punched through the excess neoprene material 59 near where the mouth of the user 51 is during use and is held in place on the opposite side by a clasp (not shown). Any suitable clip, for example an alligator clip, could be used for attaching the microphone 12 to the excess material 59. The MSA mask normally is manufactured with a baffle plate 57 attached near a point 55 where a lower portion of the lens 54 joins the neoprene material of the mask 52. The infra-red transmitter 18 is mounted to the baffle plate 57 by punching a hole 58 therein and inserting the transmitter 18 through the hole such that the infra-red light is transmitted through the face lens 54. The baffle plate 57 is normally biased against the lens 54, and, therefore, maintains the mounted infra-red transmitter 18 in confronting relationship with the receiver 32 (not shown). In practice, the user 51 can activate the transmitter unit 10 either before or after donning the MSA mask. Because the pocket 53a where the transmitter housing 15 is placed is made from soft neoprene material, the switch 11 can be activated from outside of the mask 52 by pushing on it through the soft neoprene material. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of the transmitter unit 10. A switch activated 1-hour timer 115 which controls the operation of the transmitter unit 10, comprises a momentary switch 111, a capacitor 113, MOSFET 114, diode 112, and capacitor 117. When the switch 11 on the transmitter unit (FIG. 3) is depressed, the circuit switch 111 momentarily completes the power connection between two series connected 3 volt lithium batteries 126a and 126b and the capacitor 113. The momentary connection made by the switch 111 is sufficient to charge the capacitor 113. The charge is then sufficient to gate FET 114 on. The FET 114 acts as a switch to couple the battery 126a, 126b to the transmitter circuitry 135 via lead 118 for a certain period of time; thereafter the transmitter will shut off when the FET 114 is gated off. The diode 112 coupled to the capacitor 113 controls its decay time. The choice of capacitor 113, MOSFET transistor 114, and diode 112 determines the operating time for the transmitter unit. The components of the signal converting and transmitting circuitry 135 include a crystal microphone 122 which receives voice sounds 13 of the user and transmits a corresponding audio signal to the remaining circuitry. The audio signal is coupled to ceramic coupling capacitor 131. The operational amplifier 138 is biased by the input resistors 119 and 124 and the feedback resistor 129. The timer 115 provides one input 139 to amplifier 138 via resistor 124 to enable the amplifier 138 while FET 114 is gated on. Output capacitor 132 AC couples the output signal of the operational amplifier 138 to driver transistor 136 which is appropriately biased by means of biasing resistors 133, 134 and 137. An infra-red light emitting diode 128 coupled to the output of the drive 136 emits an infra-red signal 23 corresponding to the original sound signal 13. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of the receiver unit 30 which has two modes of operation. In the first mode the receiver unit 30 receives and converts infra-red signals 23 to audible sounds 35. In a second mode the receiver unit 30 operates a locator alarm. In the first mode the photo transistor 146 receives the infra-red signal 23 and converts it to an electrical signal which is then applied to the input 159 of operational amplifier 160 via coupling capacitor 154 which filters DC. The operational amplifier 160 amplifies the electrical signal to drive the speaker 143. The speaker 143 has parallel RC network including series connected capacitors 172, 176 and resistor 174. A feedback loop 161 including capacitor 162 and variable resistor 164 is coupled across the operational amplifier 160. The feedback loop 161 controls the tone quality of the speaker 143. The variable resistor 164 can be adjusted and set to achieve a desired sound. A hole may be formed in the receiver unit housing, adjacent the potentiometer 164, to provide the access needed to make the adjustments desired. The receiver circuitry 30 has a negative feedback loop 177 that functions as an autosquelch to automatically maintain the volume of the speaker 143 at a predetermined level, and to eliminate undesirable feedback. Transistor 180 drives the circuit loop 177 by amplifying the electrical signal in accordance with the setting of the parallel connected potentiometer 184 and capacitor 186. Transistor 188, responsive to the output of the transistor 180, gates field-effect transistor 196 which is coupled to the input 159 of the operational amplifier 160, thereby controlling its operating point such that the volume level remains relatively constant. Resistors 178, 182, 190, 192 and capacitor 194 further condition and filter the signal before it is applied to the operational amplifier 160. According to the present invention, if the amplitude of the voice of the user is either too loud (or too soft), the feedback loop 177 adjusts the corresponding electrical signal to reduce (or increase) the input signal of the operational amplifier 160, which in turn drives the speaker 143. The volume level of sound 35 emitted by the speaker 143, therefore, remains constant regardless of the level of the voice input. The user can take the unit out to the field and manually adjust the potentiometers 164 and 184 to reach the desired tone and volume levels. The electrical signal from the phototransistor 146 is coupled to the remaining circuitry through shielded cable 31a and 31b provided with breakaway jacks 33a and 33b. The first jack 33a is a mono jack and the second 33b is a stereo jack. They function as an on/off switch for the receiver unit 30. When the jacks 33a and 33b are connected as shown in FIG. 10 and the receiver unit is receiving an infra-red signal, a circuit will be completed, and power is supplied from the battery 142. A double pole double throw switch 156 having two contact assemblies 156a and 156b, will be positioned as shown in FIG. 10. Contact 156a is in connection with its right pole, and contact 156b is in connection with its lower pole. The two contacts 156a and 156b are operatively coupled as illustrated by the dotted line 157. Contact 156a functions as a monitor for the battery 142. When the jacks 33a and 33b are disconnected the contact 156a is positioned to the left to prevent power from being drawn from the battery 142. When the jacks are connected, contact 156a is positioned to the right in order to allow power to be drawn from the battery 142. Contact 156b is operated when the manual locator alarm switch 40 is actuated. However in the normal operating mode i.e. when the alarm is not activated, contact 156b is in the down position as shown in FIG. 10. In this way, the electrical signal from the phototransistor 146 is coupled to operational amplifier 160. The second mode of operation for the receiver unit concerns the locator alarm. When the locator alarm switch 40 is actuated, contact 156b moves to engage the upper pole and thereby operatively couple the feedback loop 161 to the operational amplifier 160. The feedback loop 161 has a capacitor 166 which causes the noise of the operational amplifier 160 to be AC coupled to its input 159 amplification whereby the speaker 143 is driven to produce a steady tone. The following is a list of the parts contemplated for the transmitter and receiver circuitry: __________________________________________________________________________ TRANSMITTER RECEIVER ITEM DETAIL ITEM DETAIL __________________________________________________________________________ 111 TINY SPST (Momentary 33a 1/8 MONO JACK pushbutton) 33b 1/8 STEREO JACK 112 1N4148 (Diode) 142 ALK 9V (Alkaline 113 6.8 TANT (Tantalum 16V Battery) Capacitor) 143 8R.2W (2 in. Speaker) 114 VN10KM (MOSFET Transistor) 146 TIL414 (Phototransistor) 117 .1 MONO (Monolithic Capacitor) 152 180K (Resistor) 119 33K (Resistor) 154 .1 MONO (Capacitor) 122 XTAL (Crystal Microphone) 156 DPDT LOCK (Locking 124 33K (Resistor) Pushbutton) 126a LITH 3V (Lithium Battery) 160 LM386N (Operational Amplifier) 126b LITH 3V (Lithium Battery) 162 10u TANTALUM (Capacitor) 128 IR LED (Diode) 164 1K (15 Turn PC Mount 129 470K (Resistor) Potentiometer) 131 .1 MONO (Capacitor) 166 470p MILITARY CERAMIC 132 .1 CERAMIC (Capacitor) (Capacitor) 133 82K (Resistor) 172 220 16YLY (16V Electrolytic 134 1K (Resistor) Capacitor) 136 2N2222A (Transistor) 174 10K (Resistor) 137 39K (Resistor) 176 .1 CER (Capacitor) 138 CA741CE (Operational Amplifier) 178 120K (Resistor) 180 PN2222A (Transistor) 182 100K (Resistor) 184 20K (15 Turn PC Mount Potentiometer) 186 220 16VLY (Capacitor) 188 2N3906A (Transistor) 190 470K (Transistor) 192 220K (Transistor) 194 10u TANT (Capacitor) 196 VN10KM (Transistor) __________________________________________________________________________ The above-mentioned theory of operation of the circuitry is not intended to be limiting. Substitution of equivalent parts to achieve the described function of the circuitry is contemplated. The present invention provides a simple, yet effective voice communication system whereby a user can communicate across a transparent substrate without materially affecting the substrate. While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather the invention covers 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 and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

7H

04

B

DEFINITIONS Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiments While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims. Paper in Microcosms. In the laboratory multiple small anaerobic environments can be established in individual bioreactors known as microcosms. Using formulae which we provided, microcosms were set up microcosms (delete) in which treated paper served as the main carbon source for anaerobic microbes. Both the evolution of methane and, by analysis of DNA, changes in the microbial communities which were present were studied. The researcher concluded (Chen, 2010): “Taken together, the results of all tests indicate that (the invention) could effectively control paper degradation in relatively high amounts. Moreover, even with a relatively small amount of coating on paper, (the invention) was able to decrease methane generation. Microbial communities in anaerobic paper degradation were also influenced by the presence of (the invention) which might be associated with methane performance. The potential of (the invention) in methane reduction implies a possibility of putting this formula into industrial process and production.” The results of an experiment showing strong inhibition of methane formation by two concentrations of the invention are shown inFIG. 1. The high concentration of the invention repressed methane almost completely. The lower concentration reduced methane by about half. BioLithe A ConcentrationMass Percentage ofChemical Component(g/L)Component (%)ferric ammonium citrate47.940.6Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate5042.4manganese gluconate 14.4 g/4.84.1Copper sulfate anhydrate2.52.1Zinc gluconate12.710.8Total117.9100 BioLithe B HighLowMassChemicalConcentrationConcConcPercentage ofComponent(g/L)g/Lg/LComponent (%)Ferric ammonium47.971.97.234.8citrateMagnesium sulfate44.466.66.732.3heptahydrateManganese9.614.41.47.0gluconateCopper sulfate57.50.83.6anhydrateZinc gluconate30.645.94.622.3Adjust pH to 5.5Total137.5206.320.6100 BioLithe C HighLowChemicalConcentrationConcConcMass PercentageComponent(g/L)g/Lg/Lof Component (%)Sodium chloride30.066.66.732.3Potassium chloride30.066.66.732.3Magnesium18.039.94.019.4chlorideAmmonium1533.33.316.1chlorideAdjust pH to 5.5Total93206.420.6100 Preferred Solutions in ATA Tests. Anaerobic toxicity assays (ATA) show whether tested compounds have the potential to interfere with anaerobic biodegradation processes. ATA tests at a leading research university showed that the invention strongly inhibited biogas (a marker for total biodegradation; essentially carbon dioxide plus methane) and methane formation (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively). The lowest concentration of the invention inhibited biogas (total biodegradation) by approximately 42%. Inhibition from the higher concentrations of the invention was around 58%, showing that some biodegradation was still occurring. The invention inhibited methane to a much greater degree than carbon dioxide. The lowest concentration sample produced only one-third as much methane as the untreated sample. The higher concentrations of the invention nearly eliminated methane (FIG. 3) while still permitting some biodegradation (FIG. 2). By use of the invention, methane can be nearly completely repressed, or partially inhibited, depending on the concentration of the invention used. Carbon dioxide can also be repressed, but to a lesser extent than methane, which is what would be expected if the invention discriminated against the methanogens by supplying nutrients to their competitors. The samples were not “poisoned”; some biodegradation still took place. Methanogen Inhibitors. Another component in the formulations can be chemicals which inhibit the growth of bacteria which produce methane. These are shown in the table below. Selected from this group, methanogenisis inhibitors would be added in the formulations for addition to paper production. TABLE 1.2Summary of studies that investigated specific methane inhibitorsTable from Chen (2010), of Methane inhibitorsSuppressiveInhibitorSystem InvestigatedConcentrationReferenceEthyleneMarine sediments>5%v/vOremland andTaylor, 1975MethylLandfill cover soil>0.01%v/vChan and Parkin,chloride20002-BromoethaneAnaerobic digested0.1-0.27mMChae et al., 2010sulfonic acidsludge + activated(potentlysludgeinhibited)50mMParameswaran et(completelyal., 2009inhibited)ThymolSwine manure1.5/3.0g/LVarel and Wells,2007Nickel (Ni2+)Anaerobic medium2.5mMLorowitz et al.,1992SodiumAnaerobic digester>3,500mg/LKugelman andMcCarty, 1964PotassiumAnaerobic digester>2,500mg/LKugelman andMcCarty, 1964CalciumAnaerobic digester>2,500mg/LKugelman andMcCarty, 1964MagnesiumAnaerobic digester>1,000mg/LKugelman andMcCarty, 1964Copper (Cu2+)Anaerobic digester10-250mg/LSanchez et al.,1996Zinc (Zn2+)Anaerobic digester10-250mg/LSanchez et al.,1996Ferric ironSewage sludge21mg/LZhang et al., 2009(Fe3+) The salts listed are the ones which show the have the highest effect of interfering with methane output, including the ability to suppress it completely. These chemicals have exhibited methane suppression effects, and combined with chemicals which encourage the growth of competing microbes, contribute to reducing methane production from cellulose in landfills. The middle-to-higher concentrations of the listed compounds should be capable of heavily to completely suppressing methane formation. Use of the Product in Paper Making: Since the earliest days of paper making, paper machine design has undergone continuing development, making it possible to make wider webs of paper, at ever increasing speeds, and to more exacting standards of quality. While the fundamental elements of most paper making machines has remained constant, operators of paper making machinery are constantly on the alert to find new methods of increasing the speeds of operation while simultaneously maintaining the same or similar quality standards. Shortly after the development of the basic paper machine, a cylinder former was developed for use therewith. A cylinder former facilitated the manufacture of the first paperboards. In this regard, paperboards can be loosely defined as a stiff and thick paper. The line of demarcation between paper and paperboard is somewhat vague, but has been set by ISO at a grammage of approximately 224 grams per meter square. Therefore, material above 224 grams per meter square is termed board while lighter weights fall into the category of paper. While no standard has been set for caliper, the 224 gram per meter square basis weight corresponds roughly to a caliper of about 0.10 inches or “ten points”. Paperboard can have a single ply or multi-ply structure; further, it can be manufactured on a single fourdrinier wire or on a series of formers of the same type or combination of types. In the production of paper, a stock consisting of papermaking fibres, water and normally one or more additives is brought to the headbox of the paper machine. The headbox distributes the stock evenly across the width of the wire, so that a uniform paper web can be formed by dewatering, pressing and drying. The pH of the stock is important for the possibility to produce certain paper qualities and for the choice of additives. Furnishing—Before the fiber furnish is carried to the paper machine, many noncellulose items are added to it. These additives fall into four categories: 1. internal sizing added to improve the liquid resistance of the paper 2. materials for loading and filling which improve optical and physical properties 3. dyestuffs and pigments to impart color to the paper 4. and additives for special characteristics. The majority of these additives are introduced at the refiners/beaters, because that is the cheapest and easiest place. This allows for very uniform distribution, no special equipment is needed, and it is desirable to have the additives adsorbed into the fiber before bonding occurs. Internal Sizing—There are two basic sizing principles. The first, internal sizing, consists of mixing the sizing agent, such as rosin, with the fibers and forming the mixture into a uniform distribution of fiber and sizing agents. The other method of sizing, surface sizing, consists of applying the sizing agent to the already formed sheets. The ultimate purpose of sizing is to render the sheet more resistant to liquids. This could be ink or water, depending on the end-use requirement of the sheet. The most widely used internal sizing agent is rosin, a gummy substance that oozes from the cut surface of a pine tree. The paper industry classifies paper according to its sizing into three groups: unsized, weak-sized, and strong-sized papers. Unsized papers are called waterleaf; weak-sized papers, slack-sized; and strong-sized papers are known as hard sized. Blotting paper is an example of waterleaf, sized newsprint is one of slack-sized, and bond paper is a hard-sized paper. Filling and Loading. Filling and loading are different names for the same operation. Either name emphasizes a different aspect or function: Filling—non-fibrous, mineral materials plug the spaces between fibers in a web of paper. Loading—the same basis weight of a paper can be maintained by replacing some of its fiber content with non-fibrous materials that have a much higher specific gravity than cellulose fibers. (The specific gravity of fillers is between 2.6 and 4.5, that of cellulose fibers is 1.5. Fillers, or loading materials, were originally considered adulterants used chiefly to cheapen the paper. It was not long, however, before they were recognized as serving perfectly legitimate purposes by increasing the opacity of the paper, aiding in obtaining a good finish on calendaring, and improving printing qualities by reducing “show-through” and “strike-through” of the ink. Today fillers are used in the great majority of printing papers. Clay is probably the oldest paper filler. It is also used as a coating pigment. Other fillers include calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, talc, diatomaceous earth, and the most opaque white pigment, titanium dioxide. The paper properties affected by fillers include opacity, brightness, smoothness, strength and ink receptivity. Additives for Special Characteristics—Binders: The binders act in many different capacities, but their primary function is to increase the strength of the paper. Bursting, tensile, and folding strength are tremendously increased by the addition of binders. They also decrease surface fuzz and increase hardness and durability. Starch is the most important of these additives. The fiber-to-starch-to-fiber link is a stronger bond than is the fiber-to-fiber bond. The bonding increase promoted by starch is directly proportional to the inherent strength of the fiber type. Although formulations of the invention may be added at any of the wet steps of paper making, adding a solution in the starch addition step has been found to be an effective way to add a non methanogen bacteria growth additive. Following wet end operations which concludes with pressing, a sheet of paper, in the manufacturing process, is conveyed through a dryer section where residual water is removed by evaporation. On conventional paper machines, the thermal energy employed for evaporating the water out of the paper is made available by means of wrapping the paper around a series of large diameter, rotating, steam filled cylinders. By most estimates, the massive dryer section employed with conventional paper machines is the most expensive part of the paper machine in terms of capital cost. It is also the most costly to operate because of the high energy consumption associated with same. Therefore, efforts to increase the evaporation rate to reduce the number of dryers and conserve energy, thereby reducing steam usage, have heretofore been the focus of some attention by efficiency experts. In the formation of paperboard such as what is utilized in milk cartons and similar products, the paperboard exiting the dryer section passes through a size press. In this regard, sizing operations are carried out primarily to provide the paperboard with resistance to penetration by aqueous solutions. Sizing operations also provides the paperboard with better surface characteristics, and, further, provides certain physical properties to the paperboard, such as surface strength and internal bond. In particular, surface sizing operations typically utilize starch particles to fill the surface voids in the paperboard thereby reducing pore radius and thus the rate of liquid penetration. Still further, there is another form of sizing, that is, internal sizing which utilizes rosin or other chemicals to reduce the rate of water penetration by affecting the contact angle. Typically, surface sizing operations take place, most commonly, at a station which is located between dryer sections. The most common substance used in a surface sizing solution is starch, either cooked or in a modified form, that is, oxidized or enzyme converted. On occasion, wax emulsions or special resins are added to this solution. Other agents may also be used, as well, to provide specific strength and particular optical characteristics. A formulation of the invention may be added to surface sizing operations, and thus be impregnated into the matrix of fibers in the paper. Sizing solution is commonly applied to the multi-ply paper as it passes between a two-roll nip; hence the term “size press”. Size presses come in various forms, including vertical, horizontal or inclined. In each case, however, the objective is to flood the entering nip with sizing solution. When this occurs, the paper passing through the nips absorb some of the solution and the balance is removed from the nip. The overflow solution is collected below the nip and recirculated back to the nip. The retention time of the multi-ply sheet in the pond and nip of the size press is very brief and consequently, the sizing operation must be carefully controlled to insure that the requisite amount of solids suspended in the sizing solution is absorbed uniformly across the multi-ply sheet. At the same time, the amount of water absorption should be minimized so that the steam requirement for subsequent drying is maintained at the lowest level. The main variables affecting the size press performance relate to the multi-ply sheet or paperboard characteristics; sizing solution composition; and design and operation of the size press. There are two basic mechanisms for incorporating starch solutions into the multi-ply sheet or paperboard at the size press. The first mechanism is the ability of the multi-ply sheet or paperboard to absorb the sizing solution; the second is the amount of sizing solution film passing through the nip, and the manner in which the paperboard and roll surfaces separate. Still further, other factors such as sheet moisture has a significant effect on the rate of sizing solution absorption. Formulations sodium nitrate+potassium nitrate+magnesium nitrate hexahydrate sodium nitrate in the range 0.15 g/kg of paper to 2.5 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.38 g/kg paper;potassium nitrate in the range of 0.06 g/kg paper to 1.25 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.14 g/kg paper;magnesium nitrate hexahydrate in the range of 0.18 g/kg paper to 2.75 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.4 g/kg paper sodium nitrate+potassium nitrate+magnesium nitrate hexahydrate+buffering agent(s) to bring solution to pH 5.5-6.0sodium nitrate in the range 0.15 g/kg of paper to 2.5 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.38 g/kg paper;potassium nitrate in the range of 0.06 g/kg paper to 1.25 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.14 g/kg paper;magnesium nitrate hexahydrate in the range of 0.18 g/kg paper to 2.75 g/kg paper, preferentially around 0.4 g/kg paperone or more buffering agents to bring the solution to a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 buffering agents contemplated include, but not limited to,a mixture of acetate salt and acetic acid;a mixture of monobasic and dibasic phosphate saltsa mixture of dibasic phosphate and citric acidMES (2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid)in concentrations necessary to keep the pH in the desired range Biolithe 8: ferric ammonium citrate 71.9 g/L magnesium sulfate 66.6 g/L manganese gluconate 14.4 g/L copper sulfate 7.5 g/L zinc Gluconate 45.9 g/L Biolithe C: Sodium chloride 30 g/l Potassium chloride 30 g/L Calcium chloride 30 g/L Magnesium chloride 18 g/L Ammonium chloride 15 g/L

3D

21

H

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS A turbocharger incorporated into an automobile engine will be described below as a specific embodiment of the invention with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5. As shown inFIG. 1, a turbocharger1is provided with a turbine4connected to an exhaust passage3of an engine2. An impeller (a turbine wheel)7including a plurality of vanes6is provided in a turbine housing5of the turbine4and fixed to a shaft8to be capable of rotating about the shaft8. An exhaust gas of the engine2passes through the exhaust passage3and flows into the turbine housing5of the turbine4. The exhaust gas flowing into the turbine housing5passes between the vanes6of the turbine wheel7and then flows through an outlet of the turbine housing5to the outside. The turbine4is a rotary machine that converts a kinetic energy of the exhaust gas flowing through the turbine housing5into a rotary motion of the turbine wheel7(the shaft8). The turbocharger1is further provided with a compressor11connected to an intake passage10of the engine2. An impeller (a compressor wheel)14including a plurality of vanes13is provided in a compressor housing12of the compressor11and fixed to the shaft8to be capable of rotating about the shaft8. The compressor11is a rotary machine that suctions air through an inlet of the compressor housing12, compresses the air, and then discharges the compressed air through an outlet of the compressor housing12when the turbine4rotates the shaft8such that the compressor wheel14is rotated. The air passing through the compressor11passes between the vanes13of the compressor wheel14in the compressor housing12, and then flows through an outlet of the compressor housing12to the outside. In the engine2into which the turbocharger1is incorporated, the turbine wheel7of the turbocharger1is rotated using the kinetic energy of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage3, and the air that is increased in pressure by the compressor wheel14rotating integrally with the turbine wheel7is fed to the engine2through the intake passage10. Next, the structure of the compressor wheel14provided in the compressor11of the turbocharger1and the periphery thereof will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 2. The plurality of vanes13(only one of which is shown inFIG. 2) of the compressor wheel14shown in the drawing are provided at equal intervals in a rotation direction of the shaft8. The vanes13project from the compressor wheel14toward an inner surface of the compressor housing12and extend from the inlet side to the outlet side of the compressor housing12. Further, an abradable seal layer16is formed on the inner surface of the compressor housing12. The surface of the abradable seal layer16and the surface of the vane13, which oppose each other, are shaped to follow a predetermined shroud curve Lc in the compressor housing12. When the compressor wheel14rotates, the abradable seal layer16is abraded by the vanes13such that a tip clearance between a part of the inner surface of the compressor housing12that opposes the vanes13and the vanes13themselves is adjusted to a minimum value. By reducing the tip clearance between the part of the inner surface of the compressor housing12that opposes the vanes13and the vanes13themselves in this manner, the compressor11of the turbocharger1can be driven efficiently. As shown inFIG. 3, a corner portion13aof each vane13on the outlet side of the compressor housing12is shaped so as to move gradually further away from the shroud curve Lc of the abradable seal layer16toward an end portion (a right end portion in the drawing) of the vane13on the outlet side of the compressor housing12. More specifically, the corner portion13ais shaped such that an end of the corner portion13aon the outlet side of the compressor housing12is withdrawn to a position P1removed from the shroud curve Lc of the abradable seal layer16by a distance A, and so as to follow a tangent L that passes through the position P1and contacts a shroud curve (a curve matching Lc) of the vane13. Further, the distance A is set at a value that corresponds to a maximum displacement amount generated when the compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like while rotating such that the vane13displaces toward the abradable seal layer16. Note that the compressor wheel14shakes while rotating due to factors such as residual unbalance or the like in the compressor wheel14and dimensional tolerance, wear, and so on in components such as the shaft8(FIG. 2) to which the compressor wheel14is fixed and a bearing for supporting the shaft8. Next, an action brought about in the compressor11of the turbocharger1by forming the corner portion13aof the vane13on the outlet side of the compressor housing12in the shape described above will be described. When the tip clearance between the inner surface of the compressor housing12shown inFIG. 2and the vanes13of the compressor wheel14is adjusted, the abradable seal layer16formed on the inner surface of the compressor housing12is abraded by the vanes13of the rotating compressor wheel14. At this time, however, shaking (vibration) and the like occur in the compressor wheel14, leading to variation in an amount by which the vanes13abrade the abradable seal layer16. More specifically, either the abradable seal layer16is abraded too shallowly by the vanes13such that the abrading amount is insufficient or the abradable seal layer16is abraded too deeply by the vanes13such that the abrading amount is excessive. However, even when variation occurs in the abrading amount of the abradable seal layer16in this manner, the corner portion13aof the vane13on the outlet side of the compressor housing12impinges on the abradable seal layer16in a part of the corner portion13athat opposes the inner surface of the compressor housing12as shown inFIG. 4. Variation occurs in the abrading amount of the abradable seal layer16when the compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like such that the position of the corner portion13avaries in the direction of an arrow in the drawing. In this case, in accordance with the position of the corner portion13ain the direction of the arrow, an intersecting position P2of the surface of the corner portion13aand the surface the abradable seal layer16, which oppose each other, displaces along the surface of the abradable seal layer16that opposes the corner portion13ain a left-right direction of the drawing. However, even when the intersecting position P2displaces in this manner, all parts of the corner portion13aof the vane13other than the end thereof on the outlet side of the compressor housing12impinge on the abradable seal layer16so as to abrade the layer16. As a result, formation of a step in the part (indicated by a dot-dot-dash line in the drawing) of the abradable seal layer16abraded by the corner portion13aof the vane13can be suppressed, thereby preventing a situation in which air stops flowing smoothly from the vicinity of the corner portion13aof the vane13toward the outlet of the compressor housing12due to the step. Further, a situation in which the compressor11cannot be driven efficiently because the air does not flow smoothly from the vicinity of the corner portion13aof the vane13toward the outlet of the compressor housing12can be suppressed. The improvement in the driving efficiency of the compressor11obtained in this embodiment will now be described with reference to a graph shown inFIG. 5. On the graph, a solid line L1and a dotted line L2show a relationship between an intake air amount of the engine2per unit time and a rotation speed of the turbocharger1under a condition where a turbocharging pressure of the engine2generated by driving the turbocharger1(the compressor11), or in other words a pressure of the intake passage10, is fixed at a predetermined value a. Further, a solid line L3and a dotted line IA show the relationship between the intake air amount of the engine2per unit time and the rotation speed of the turbocharger1under a condition where the turbocharging pressure of the engine2generated by driving the turbocharger1(the compressor11), or in other words the pressure of the intake passage10, is fixed at a predetermined value b which is smaller than the predetermined value a. Note that the solid lines L1, L3show this relationship in a case where the corner portion13aof the vane13is formed in the shape shown inFIG. 3, while the dotted lines L2, L4show this relationship in a case where the corner portion13aof the vane13is formed in a shape corresponding to the shroud curve Lc. InFIG. 5, the solid line L1is positioned further toward a reduced rotation speed side (a lower side of the drawing) of the turbocharger1than the dotted line L2and the solid line L3is positioned further toward the reduced rotation speed side of the turbocharger1than the dotted line L4. This indicates that a rotation speed of the turbocharger1required to fix the turbocharging pressure of the engine2at the predetermined value a or the predetermined value b is reduced. In other words, the turbocharging pressure of the engine2can be fixed at the predetermined value a or the predetermined value b even when the rotation speed of the turbocharger1is reduced, leading to an improvement in the driving efficiency of the compressor11of the turbocharger1. According to the embodiment described in detail above, effects illustrated below in (1) to (4) are obtained. (1) In the compressor11of the turbocharger1, formation of a step on the abradable seal layer16formed on the inner surface of the compressor housing12when the abradable seal layer16is abraded by the corner portion13aof the vane13provided on the compressor wheel14can be suppressed in a case where the rotating compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like. Hence, a situation in which the compressor11cannot be driven efficiently because air does not flow smoothly from the vicinity of the corner portion13aof the vane13toward the outlet of the compressor housing12due to the step can be prevented from occurring. In other words, the air can be discharged from the compressor11efficiently. (2) The corner portion13ais shaped such that the end of the corner portion13aon the outlet side of the compressor housing12is withdrawn to the position P1removed from the shroud curve Lc of the abradable seal layer16by the distance A, and so as to follow the tangent L that passes through the position P1and contacts the shroud curve (a curve matching Lc) of the vane13. By forming the corner portion13ain this shape, the surface of the corner portion13athat opposes the abradable seal layer16can be formed as a conical surface, and therefore the corner portion13acan be formed easily. (3) Further, the distance A is set at a value that corresponds to the maximum displacement amount generated when the compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like while rotating such that the vane13displaces toward the abradable seal layer16. By setting the distance A in this manner, all parts of the corner portion13aother than the end thereof on the outlet side of the compressor housing12impinge on the abradable seal layer16reliably even when the rotating compressor wheel14vibrates or the like such that the amount by which the vane13abrades the abradable seal layer16varies. (4) In the turbocharger1, the compressor wheel14is rotated at high speed, leading to an increase in the amount of air discharged from the compressor11. Therefore, when the abradable seal layer16is abraded by the corner portion13asuch that a step is formed in the part of the layer16on the outlet side of the compressor housing12, the step has a great adverse effect on the efficiency with which the air is discharged from the turbocharger1(the compressor11). However, this adverse effect can be suppressed. The embodiment described above may be modified as follows, for example. The distance A does not necessarily have to be set at a value that corresponds to the maximum displacement amount generated when the compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like while rotating such that the vane13displaces toward the abradable seal layer16. If the distance A is to be modified from that of the embodiment, the distance A may be set at a larger value than the value corresponding to the maximum displacement amount. The corner portion13adoes not necessarily have to be shaped so as to follow the tangent L passing through the position P1inFIG. 3. For example, the corner portion13amay be shaped to follow an arc-shaped curve that passes through the position P1and contacts the shroud curve (a curve substantially matching Lc) of the vane13. Further, a corner portion of the vane13of the compressor wheel14on the inlet side of the compressor housing12may be formed similarly to the corner portion13aon the outlet side. In this case, the inlet side corner portion is shaped so as to move gradually further away from the shroud curve Lc of the abradable seal layer16toward an end of the vane13on the inlet side of the compressor housing12. By forming the inlet side corner portion in this shape, all parts of this corner portion of the vane13other than an end thereof on the inlet side of the compressor housing12impinge on the abradable seal layer16so as to abrade the layer16even when the compressor wheel14shakes (vibrates) or the like such that variation occurs in the amount by which the vane13abrades the abradable seal layer16. Accordingly, formation of a step in the part of the abradable seal layer16abraded by the corner portion of the vane13can be suppressed, thereby preventing a situation in which air is no longer suctioned smoothly into the vicinity of the inlet side corner portion of the vane13from the inlet side of the compressor housing12due to the step. As a result, a reduction in the driving efficiency of the compressor11can be suppressed. Furthermore, the invention may be applied to the turbine4of the turbocharger1. In this case, an abradable seal layer is formed on an inner surface of the turbine housing5, and the surface of the abradable seal layer and the surface of the vane6of the turbine wheel7, which oppose each other, are shaped to follow a shroud curve of the turbine housing5. Further, a corner portion of each vane6of the turbine wheel7is formed in a similar shape to the corner portion of the vane13provided on the compressor wheel14according to the above embodiment. In this case, a corner portion of the vane6on an outlet side of the turbine housing5is shaped so as to move gradually further away from the shroud curve of the abradable seal layer toward an end of the vane6on the outlet side of the turbine housing5. By forming the outlet side corner portion of the vane6in this shape, all parts of this corner portion of the vane6other than the end thereof on the outlet side of the turbine housing5impinge on the abradable seal layer so as to abrade the layer even when the turbine wheel7shakes (vibrates) or the like such that variation occurs in the amount by which the vane6abrades the abradable seal layer. Accordingly, formation of a step in the part of the abradable seal layer abraded by the outlet side corner portion of the vane6can be suppressed, thereby preventing a situation in which the exhaust gas no longer flows smoothly from the vicinity of the outlet side corner portion of the vane6toward the outlet of the turbine housing5due to the step. As a result, a reduction in a driving efficiency of the turbine4can be suppressed. Note that when the invention is applied to the turbine4, as described above, the corner portion of the vane6on an inlet side of the turbine housing5may be formed as follows. The inlet side corner portion may be shaped so as to move gradually further away from the shroud curve of the abradable seal layer toward an inlet side end of the vane6. By forming the inlet side corner portion in this shape, all parts of this corner portion of the vane6other than the end thereof on the inlet side of the turbine housing5impinge on the abradable seal layer so as to abrade the layer even when the turbine wheel7shakes (vibrates) or the like such that variation occurs in the amount by which the vane6abrades the abradable seal layer. Accordingly, formation of a step in the part of the abradable seal layer abraded by the corner portion of the vane6can be suppressed, thereby preventing a situation in which the exhaust gas no longer flows smoothly to the vicinity of the corner portion from the inlet side of the turbine housing5due to the step. As a result, a reduction in the driving efficiency of the turbine4can be suppressed. The invention may also be applied to a rotary machine such as a compressor or a turbine of a member other than a turbocharger.

5F

01

D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A method and system for providing help information for a computer program is provided. In one embodiment, the help system provides help information based on a schema that specifies the structure of a valid computer program. The schema provides definitions of program element types that are specific instances of a program element type derived from more general program element types. For example, a program element type may be “a Java method call,” which is a specific instance of the more general program element type “object-oriented method call.” The program element types have associated help information that may be system-defined or user-defined. The help system provides help information for a computer program that is defined by program elements having a program element type. For example, a statement that is a call to a method may have the program element type of “a Java method call.” The help system receives from the user a selection of a program element of the computer program for which help information is desired. The help system identifies a “program element type derivation” of program element types relating to the selected program element. A “program element type derivation” is a list of increasingly more general program element types that define the current type. For example, the derivation of a method call program element would include the “Java method call” and “object-oriented method call” program element types. The help system then displays the derivation to the user. When the user selects a program element type from the displayed derivation, the help system retrieves the help information associated with the selected program element type. The help system then displays the retrieved help information to the user. In this way, a user can select help information relating to a program element at various levels of generalization. In one embodiment, a computer program is represented as a program tree, and the program element types are defined via “is a” relationships between nodes. The program element types may be predefined in a schema or defined as part of the computer program. For example, a “Java method call” may be a predefined program element type, and the declaration of a certain variable in the computer program may be a user-defined program element type. Thus, nodes within the program tree may have is a relationships with nodes representing the computer program or with nodes within schemas. The is a relationships define an ancestor-and-descendent relationship in that the “Java method call” program element type is a descendent of an “object-oriented method call” program element type, and the “object-oriented method call” program element type is an ancestor of the “Java method call” program element type. Each ancestor program element type may represent an increasing level of generalization or abstraction of program element types. These increasing levels of generalization define a chain of program element types (i.e., a derivation). In an alternate embodiment, the help system provides help information associated with other types of derivations and derivations for related program elements. A derivation can be based on a programmatic relationship, which may include a derivation based on the organization of the computer program, referred to as a “program tree derivation.” For example, a statement within a method may have a derivation that includes the class definition in which the method is defined, the module that contains the class definition, and the project that contains the module. This derivation may be defined by the hierarchical relationship among the operators and operands of a program tree. The related program elements include ancestor program elements, sibling program elements, and descendant program elements. For example, the related program elements of an actual parameter of a method invocation may be the other parameters of the method invocation and the method invocation itself. In such a case, the help system may provide help information related to the actual parameter, the other parameters, and the method invocation program tree elements. The help information may be provided for the program elements themselves and help associated with their program element type derivations and program tree derivations. As another example of a derivation, program trees may represent different levels of abstraction of a computer program. The levels of abstraction may include a design-level specification of the behavior of a computer program (e.g., a design document) and an instruction set specific level of the computer program. Each program tree represents a more concrete representation of the next higher level of abstraction. The program elements for a program tree at one level of abstraction may reference their corresponding program elements of the program tree at the next higher level of abstraction. These levels of abstraction are referred to as “program tree abstraction derivations.” For example, a program tree that defines the structure of a user interface may specify a dialog box at one level of abstraction that is defined as list box and then a drop-down list box at lower levels of abstraction. The program element for drop-down list box may have a child program element that specifies the font for the choices within the drop-down list box. When the help system provides help information for the drop-down list box program element, it may provide help information associated with the font specified by the child program element and with the program element type derivation that may include information describing a font generally. The help system may also provide help information associated with the program tree derivation (e.g., list box and dialog box) of the drop-down list box. FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a portion of a program tree240that shows a sample user project and sample schemas in one embodiment. The program tree240includes a user project or program subtree250and schema subtrees260. The schema subtrees include subtrees270,280, and290, which may be a standard part of each program tree that represents a Java computer program. The root of the program tree is represented by node241. The user project subtree250includes nodes251–254, which represent program elements for a portion of the following code: class MyWriter {void write(byte i) {writeByte(i);}void writeByte(int i) { . . . }. . .} Schema subtree290specifies the structure of a valid program tree that may be common to any programming language. Schema subtree280specifies the structure of a valid program tree that may be common to any object-oriented programming language. Schema subtree270specifies the structure of a valid program tree for the Java programming language. For example, node282specifies that a program tree representing a computer program in an object-oriented programming language can have a node that is a node type or program element type of “OO.” In addition, nodes283,284, and285indicate that a node with a node type or program element type of “OO” can have child nodes with node types of “OO member function,” “OO data member,” and “OO supertype,” respectively. Each child node also may specify the number of occurrences of a node of that node type that is allowed in a valid program tree. For example, “0 . . . N” means that there may be zero or more occurrences, “0 . . . 1” means that there may be zero or one occurrence, “1” means that there must be only one occurrence, etc. The child nodes in one embodiment may represent the possible categories of a node of the parent node type. For example, a node of node type “Java class” in a program tree can have child nodes with the categories of “Java method,” “Java field,” or “superclass,” as indicated by nodes274,275, and276. Each node of a program tree may have its node type defined by a reference to a node within a schema. For example, user program nodes252,253, and254reference schema nodes272,274, and274, respectively. Each schema represents a certain level of abstraction defining a valid computer program. In this example, schema subtree290represents an abstraction of schema subtree280, which in turn represents an abstraction of schema subtree270. Each node of a schema subtree may have a reference to the corresponding node in the next higher level of abstraction. For example, node276(corresponding to a “superclass” node type for the Java programming language) has a reference to node285(corresponding to the “supertype” node type for an object-oriented programming language), as indicated by the dashed line277. Each node may represent a structure containing information (e.g., documentation or help information) relating to the node type of the node. The references between nodes represented by the dashed lines are referred to as “isa” relationships. Each is a relationship may be considered to extend the structure of the referenced node. For example, node276(with a node type of “superclass”) has an is a relationship with node285(with a node type of “supertype”). Node285may have documentation that describes the “supertype” node type generically, while node276may have documentation that describes the Java “superclass” node type specifically, effectively extending the documentation of node285. FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating components of an editing system300in one embodiment. The editing system300may include a program tree editor301, an update program tree component302, a display program tree component303, and a help component304. The program tree editor invokes the update program tree component when the programmer has indicated to make a modification (e.g., add a node) to the program tree. The program tree editor invokes the display program tree component to update the display of the program tree. The system also includes a program tree store305. The program tree store contains the program tree, including the schemas currently being modified by the program tree editor. The help component is invoked when a user has selected a program element and has requested help. The help component generates and displays the derivation for the selected program element. When a programmer selects a program element type from the displayed derivation, the help component displays help information associated with the selected program element type. The help system may be implemented on a computer system that includes a central processing unit, memory, input devices (e.g., keyboard and pointing devices), output devices (e.g., display devices), and storage devices (e.g., disk drives). The memory and storage devices are computer-readable media that may contain instructions that implement the help system. In addition, the data structures and message structures may be stored or transmitted via a data transmission medium such as a signal on a communications link. Various communications links may be used, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or a point-to-point dial-up connection. FIG. 4is a display page that illustrates the display of a derivation for a selected program element in one embodiment. The display page400includes a display representation401of a portion of a program tree representing the MyWriter class252(seeFIG. 2). In this example, the programmer has selected the name of the writeByte method402in the call statement within the definition of the write method. The programmer then indicated to display help information associated with the selected method. In response, the help system identified the program element type derivation of the writeByte method definition. The writeByte method definition corresponds to node254of the program tree (FIG. 2). Referring back toFIG. 2, although the subtree representing the statement is not shown, it has a node corresponding to the name “writeByte” that has an is a relationship with node254. Node254has an is a relationship with the “Java method” program element type represented by node274. Node274has an is a relationship with the “OO member function” program element type represented by node283. Node283has an is a relationship with the “definition” program element type represented by node292. Thus, the derivation for the selected program element includes node254, node274, and node283. Returning toFIG. 4, the help system may generate a display list403by retrieving a name attribute associated with each node in the derivation. When the programmer selects a name from the display list, the help system retrieves the documentation or other help information associated with the corresponding node. For example, if the programmer selects the “Java method” program element type from the display list, then the system retrieves documentation associated with node274(FIG. 2), which may be stored as an attribute of the node, and displays it to the programmer. The “statement” in the display list corresponds to the selected program element and is, strictly speaking, not considered part of the derivation. When the programmer selects the “statement” from the display list, the help system displays user-defined help information that is associated with the selected program element. Alternatively, rather than displaying the display list, the help system can retrieve the documentation from each node in the list and display it. FIG. 5is a flow diagram illustrating the processing of the help component in one embodiment. The component is passed an indication of the currently selected program element and displays a list containing the program element type derivation of the selected program element and help information when the programmer selects an entry (e.g., program element type) from the display list. In block501, the component invokes the identify derivation component to identify the derivation of the passed program element. In blocks502–504, the component loops, identifying the ancestor nodes of the passed program element. The component may also add an entry to the display list corresponding to the passed program element. One skilled in the art will appreciate that entries corresponding to other program elements may be added to the display list. For example, entries corresponding to the parent node or sibling nodes of the passed program element within the program tree may be added to the display list. In block502, the component selects the next node in the derivation. In decision block503, if all the nodes in the derivation have already been selected, then the component continues at block505, else of the component continues at block504. In block504, the component adds the name of the selected node to the display list and loops to block502to select the next node in the derivation. In block505, the component displays the display list to the programmer. In block506, the component receives a selection of a program element type from the displayed list. In block507, the component retrieves help information associated with the selected program element type. In block508, the component displays the retrieved help information and then returns. FIG. 6is a flow diagram illustrating the processing of the identify derivation component in one embodiment. The component is passed a program element and returns the program element type derivation for that program element. In block601, the component sets the current node to the passed program element. In blocks602–604, the component loops, selecting each ancestor node of the passed program element and adding it to the derivation. In decision block602, if the program element type of the current node is null, the component is at the end of the derivation and returns, else the component continues at block603. In block603, the component adds the program element type of the current node to the derivation. In block604, the component sets the current node to the program element type of the current node and then loops to block602to determine whether the end of the derivation has been reached. One skilled in the art will appreciate that although specific embodiments of the help system have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, one skilled in the art could adapt the described help system to provide help information for the derivation of any type of programmatic relationship and for any type of related program elements. The related program elements can be defined on a program element type basis. For example, the related program elements to an actual parameter could be the other actual parameter (i.e., sibling program elements) and to a method could be its enclosing class (i.e., program element). Accordingly, the invention is defined by the appended claims.

6G

06

F

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described in conjunction withFIGS. 1 through 4. A wristwatch1illustrated inFIG. 1has a band3attached to a watch casing assembly2. In the watch casing assembly2, a cover glass6through which a dial is visually recognizable is attached to the front of a case band5, while a case back7illustrated inFIGS. 2B and 3Bis screwed into the back of the case band5. The dial, a not-shown watch movement and other components are accommodated within the watch casing assembly2. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the band3is releasably attached to the case band5of the watch casing assembly2at portions corresponding to 6 and 12 of the dial. The band3includes a plurality of band pieces11each of which has a concave11aand a convex11b, for example. The adjoining band pieces11are connected by the engagement between the adjoining concave11aand the convex11b. The respective engagement portions are connected by means of bar-shaped piece connection members12inserted through the band3in a band width direction in such a manner as to be rotatable around the piece connection members12. The band3is not limited to a structure formed by a plurality of the band pieces11connected with each other as described herein, but may be made of other material such as synthetic resin and leather which is formed into a belt shape. A connection piece15is attached to each end of the band3positioned on the side of the watch casing assembly2. More specifically, the connection piece15is made of metal, for example, and has a rectangular shape in a plan view as illustrated inFIG. 1. One end of the connection piece15in its longitudinal direction engages with the concave11aof the band piece11disposed at the end of the band3to be connected with the band piece11disposed at the end of the band3by inserting a bar-shaped piece connection member13through this engagement portion in the width direction of the band3. The piece connection member13is a similar component to the above-described piece connection member12, and the connection piece15and the band piece11connected thereto are rotatable around the piece connection member13. A reference numeral16inFIGS. 2A and 2BandFIGS. 3A and 3Bdenotes a through hole through which the piece connection member13is inserted. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 3A, an end surface15aof the connection piece15and an inclined back15bconnecting with the end surface15aform an obtuse angle α. The end surface15aof the connection piece15functions as an opposite surface described later. The connection piece15has the maximum thickness at the end surface15a. This thickness is smaller than the thickness of a case band outside surface5adescribed later which functions as another opposite surface opposed to the end surface15a. The connection piece15has a fixing screw hole17which is formed from its back15b. The fixing screw hole17extends in a normal direction of the back15b. The case band5of the watch casing assembly2is made of metal, for example. A pair of bow legs21are formed integrally with the case band5at respective portions corresponding to 6 and 12 of the dial. A bow crotch22as a spacing is formed between a pair of the bow legs21. More specifically, the bow crotch22for releasably receiving the connection piece15is formed by sides21aof a pair of the bow legs21parallel to each other and the case band outside surface5aprovided between a pair of the bow legs21and to connect with the sides21a. The sides21aare surfaces opposed to sides of the connection piece15received by the bow crotch22. The case band outside surface5afacing to the bow crotch22is a flat surface opposed to the end surface15aof the connection piece15received by the bow crotch22, and is inclined vertically or almost vertically as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 3A. A back21bof each bow leg21is a slope which gradually lowers from the root to the top of the bow leg21. The back21bhas a flat fixing surface26which is squarely folded along the side21a. More specifically, in a preferred example of this embodiment, a notch26awhich opens to the bow crotch22and the back21band extends in a longitudinal direction of the bow leg21is provided on the back21bof the bow leg21as illustrated inFIGS. 2A,2B,3A and3B. The fixing surface26is formed by the inner surface of the notch26a. The fixing surface26extends in the longitudinal direction of the bow leg21with an inclination of lowering toward the top of the bow leg21to be disposed substantially parallel to the back15bof the connection piece15, for example. The case band5has a bottomed circular attachment hole27which opens to the case band outside surface5afacing to the bow crotch22. The inclination of the attachment hole27is opposite to the inclination of the back21bof the bow leg21, more precisely, the inclination of the fixing surface26. That is, the attachment hole27is so inclined as to approach the case back7from its opening toward the bottom (inside). Thus, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 3A, the fixing surface26and the attachment hole27are disposed in such positions that an axis extension line A of the attachment hole27and an extension line B of the fixing surface26cross each other within the watch casing assembly2. In this embodiment in which the case band outside surface5ais directed almost vertically, providing the attachment hole27along a normal direction of the case band outside surface5a, i.e., providing the attachment hole27substantially parallel to the cover glass6or the case back7is excluded to satisfy the above-described crossing relationship. As a result, an angle β formed by the case band outside surface5aand the axis extension line A of the attachment hole27is acute, and the attachment hole27opens to the case band outside surface5ain an oblique direction. The angle β is preferably established in a range of (60±20)°, for example. It is more preferable to determine the angle β in a range of (60±5)° for securing a mechanical strength of an acute-angled case band portion5bhaving the above-described angle β by providing a sufficient wall thickness for the case band portion5band for facilitating insertion of a projection18described later into the attachment hole27. A cylindrical packing28accommodated in the attachment hole27is bonded to the inside surface of the attachment hole27by adhesive. The packing28is made of elastically deformable material such as rubber. A projection18which projects diagonally downward to releasably engage with the attachment hole27is disposed at a central portion of the end surface15aof the connection piece15in its thickness direction. The projection18has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the hole configuration of the attachment hole27. The projection18is tightly inserted into the inside of the packing28while elastically deforming the packing28. The shapes of the projection18and the attachment hole27are not limited to cylindrical or round, but may be other shapes as long as they correspond to each other, such as a plate or other shape and a hole shape identical or similar thereto. The connection piece15having the projection18which is inserted into the attachment hole27is housed in the bow crotch22between the bow legs21, and is releasably connected to the case band5by means of a fixing screw29which is threaded into the fixing screw hole17of the connection piece15from its back. A head29aof the fixing screw29has a shape such as an ellipse so as to be positioned throughout the fixing surfaces26of a pair of the bow legs21in tight contact with the fixing surfaces26when the threading is completed as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2Band also to be positioned within the width of the connection piece15when the threading is loosened as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The thickness of the head29ais smaller than the depth of the notch26a, and thus the head29aof the fixing screw29is positioned above the back21bof the bow leg21. As a result, the head29adoes not contact the wrist of the user when the wristwatch1is attached thereto, thereby preventing degradation of the wearing comfortableness. When the back21bof the bow leg21is positioned sufficiently above the case back7, the back21bof the bow leg21itself can function as the fixing surface and the head29aof the fixing screw29can be disposed within the range between the back21band the case back7. Accordingly, the degradation of the wearing comfortableness caused by the head29acan be prevented. The head29ahas an operation groove30in the shape of minus (−) or plus (+). The operation groove30has a structure capable of receiving a driver of a common type. In a particular example of this embodiment, the operation groove30has a minus (−) shape which is capable of receiving a periphery of a coin. The head29amay have another configuration such as a rhomb and a rectangle having major and minor axes. Next, the procedures for connecting the connection piece15attached to the end of the band3with the watch casing assembly2are described. The fixing screw29is already threaded into the connection piece15from its back. The head29aof the fixing screw29is positioned within the width of the connection piece15without sticking out from both ends of the connection piece15in its width direction by disposing the major and minor axes of the head29aalong the longitudinal and the width directions of the connection piece15, respectively. The connection piece15in this condition is fitted into the bow crotch22between the opposed bow legs21by moving the connection piece15diagonally downward while inserting the projection18of the connection piece15into the attachment hole27of the case band5from diagonally above. The head29aof the fixing screw29in this condition does not obstruct the fitting. The fitting depth of the connection piece15into the bow crotch22is limited by the condition where the end surface15aof the connection piece15contacts with or is opposed to the case band outside surface5awith an extremely short distance therebetween when the projection18is sufficiently inserted into the attachment hole27. Thus, the end surface15aand the case band outside surface5afunction as surfaces opposed to each other. The connection piece15is so positioned as to be sandwiched between both sides of the bow legs21in the width direction in such a condition that the inclined back15bis disposed slightly above the similarly inclined fixing surface26. This condition is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Subsequently, the fixing screw29threaded into the back of the connection piece15is rotated in a tightening direction. The rotating operation is carried out by means of a coin, for example, whose edge is inserted into the operation groove30of the head29a, or by a driver of a common type. In other words, the rotating operation can be conducted without using a special-purpose tool. When threading of the fixing screw29by the rotating operation in the tightening direction is finished, the major axis of the head29acomes to coincide with the width direction of the connection piece15at this stage with each end of the head29ain the longitudinal direction projecting from the connection piece15. These projecting portions allow the head29ato be positioned throughout the fixing surfaces26forming the bottoms of the notches26a, and to tightly contact the fixing surfaces26to secure the connection piece15to the case band5. The secured condition is shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. The connection piece15secured to the case band5by the above-described procedures receives external forces from various directions via the band3and so forth. However, the connection piece15does not separate from the case band5. More specifically, when a pull force F substantially parallel to the cover glass6and the case back7acts on connection piece15as illustrated inFIG. 4A, the pull force F provides a force F1at the engagement portion between the projection18and the attachment hole27and a force F2at a tight contact portion between the head29aof the fixing screw29and the fixing surfaces26. The force F1can be divided into a divisional force F1adirected diagonally upward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4Aalong the axis direction of the projection18and a divisional force F1bperpendicular to the divisional force F1aand directed diagonally downward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4A. On the other hand, the force F2can be divided into a divisional force F2adirected almost directly above as viewed inFIG. 4Aalong the axis direction of the fixing screw29and a divisional force F2bdirected diagonally downward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4A, i.e., along the fixing surface26toward the top of the bow leg21. The divisional forces F1band F2boppose the divisional force F1awhich urges the projection18to separate from the attachment hole27. Moreover, the movement of the connection piece15diagonally upward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4Ais prevented by the engagement between the fixing surfaces26and the head29aof the fixing screw29. Furthermore, a frictional force produced on the fixing surfaces26in opposition to the divisional force F2band the engagement between the projection18and the acute-angled case band portion5bformed by the case band outside surface5aand the attachment hole27oppose the forces F1and F2, thereby preventing the movement of the connection piece15in a pull direction by the pull force F. The anticlockwise rotation of the connection piece15due to the divisional force F2aas viewed inFIG. 4Ais avoided by the contact between a lower portion of the end surface15aof the connection piece15positioned below the root of the projection18and the case band outside surface5aas well as by the engagement between the projection18and the attachment hole27. Accordingly, the connection piece15does not separate from the case band5by the removal of the projection18from the attachment hole27caused by the pull force F. When the attachment hole27and the projection18are disposed substantially parallel to the cover glass6or the case back7or parallel to the fixing surface26, the pull force F is opposed chiefly by the frictional force produced on the fixing surface26in opposition to the divisional force F2b. Consequently, there is a possibility of removal of the projection18from the attachment hole27and thus separation of the connection piece15caused by the pulling of the connection piece15in the pull direction. Additionally, when a push-down force F acts on the connection piece15(i.e., a pull-down force acts on the connection piece15) as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the push-down force F provides a force F3(F3=push-down force) acting on the engagement portion between the projection18and the attachment hole27with no resistance from the fixing screw29to the push-down force F. The force F3can be divided into a divisional force F3adirected diagonally downward to the right as viewed inFIG. 4Balong the axis direction of the projection18, and a divisional force F3bdirected diagonally downward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4Band perpendicular to the divisional force F3a. Since the divisional force F3aurges the projection18to be inserted into the attachment hole27, the projection18does not separate from the attachment hole27due to the divisional force F3a. The divisional force F3burges the connection piece15to rotate anticlockwise as viewed inFIG. 4B. However, this rotation is prevented by the contact between the lower portion of the end surface15aof the connection piece15and the case band5aas well as the engagement between the projection18and the attachment hole27. Consequently, the connection piece15does not separate from the case band5by the removal of the projection18from the attachment hole27due to the push-down force (pull-down force) F. When a push-up force F acts on the connection piece15(i.e., a pull-up force acts on the connection piece15) as illustrated inFIG. 4C, the push-up force F provides a force F4acting on the engagement portion between the projection18and the attachment hole27and a force F5acting on the tight contact portion between the head29aof the fixing screw29and the fixing surfaces26. The force F4can be divided into a divisional force F4adirected diagonally upward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4Calong the axis direction of the projection18, and a divisional force F4bdirected diagonally upward to the right as viewed inFIG. 4Cand perpendicular to the divisional force F4a. On the other hand, the force F5can be divided into a divisional force F5adirected almost directly above as viewed inFIG. 4Calong the axis direction of the fixing screw29, and a divisional force F5bdirected diagonally upward to the right as viewed inFIG. 4C, i.e., along the fixing surface26toward the case band outside surface5a. The divisional force F4bdoes not act in a direction for removing the projection18from the attachment hole27. Since the divisional force F5bacts in such a manner as to push the connection piece15toward the case band outside surface5a, the projection18does not separate from the attachment hole27due to the divisional force F5b. On the other hand, both the divisional force F4aand the divisional force F5aact in a direction for removing the projection18from the attachment hole27. However, the movement of the connection piece15in a direction diagonally upward to the left as viewed inFIG. 4Ais prevented by the engagement between the fixing surfaces26and the head29aof the fixing screw29. Accordingly, there is no possibility of the removal of the projection18from the attachment hole27and thus the separation of the connection piece15from the case band5due to the push-up force (pull-up force) F. The connection piece15is supported by the case band outside surface5aor the bow legs21in opposition to external forces in directions other than the above-described directions. Thus, the connection piece15does not separate from the case band5by the removal of the projection18from the attachment hole27. The connection piece15attached to the case band5by the above-described procedures does not accidentally come off by external forces as described hereinbefore. Additionally, since the packing28is provided between the projection18and the attachment hole27in this attachment condition, looseness of the connection piece15can also be avoided. The packing28may be attached to the periphery of the projection18by adhesive or other means rather than to the inner surface of the attachment hole27. Next, procedures for removing the connection piece15from the case band5for replacement of the band3or other reason are explained. First, the fixing screw29is rotated in a loosening direction to dispose the head29aof the fixing screw29within the width of the connection piece15as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B. In this condition, the head29aof the fixing screw29is separated from the fixing surfaces26, thereby releasing the fixing condition of the connection piece15which is brought about by the fixing screw29. Subsequently, the connection piece15is shifted diagonally upward such that the end surface15aof the connection piece15is separated from the case band outside surface5a, and the projection18is removed from the attachment hole27while detaching the connection piece15from the bow crotch22. The connection piece15can thus be separated from the case band5. In the wristwatch1as described above, the connection between the connection piece15and the case band5is provided not by means of a spring bar but by the engagement between the inclined projection18and the attachment hole27and the tight contact between the head29aof the fixing screw29and the fixing surfaces26of the bow legs21. Thus, the connection piece15of the band3can be attached to and detached from the case band5by the procedures as described above without using a special-purpose tool which is required for handling the spring bar if it is employed. As a result, the assembling efficiency for producing the wristwatch1is improved, and also attachment and detachment of the band3to and from the case band5by the user are facilitated without damaging the case band5. Therefore, when the user prepares various types of bands, design variations of the wristwatch1for use can be offered by replacing the band with a desired one at appropriate timing. In the embodiment as described above, the head29aof the fixing screw29is so sized as to be disposed within the width of the connection piece15. Thus, the connection piece15can be attached to and detached from the case band5with the fixing screw29attached to the connection piece15. Accordingly, the fixing screw29is not required to be separated from the connection piece15, preventing the loss of the fixing screw. Moreover, the required rotation amount of the fixing screw29is only 90 degrees, for example, which enhances the maneuverability. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described hereinbefore. For example, a flush screw or other having the round head29alarger than the width of the connection piece15may be employed as the fixing screw29. In this case, the connection piece15can be attached to the case band5by threading the fixing screw29into the connection piece15from its back15bto dispose the head29athroughout the fixing surfaces26of a pair of the bow legs21in tight contact therewith when the threading of the fixing screw29is completed. Conversely, the connection piece15can be inserted into and released from the bow crotch22by loosening the fixing screw29to remove the fixing screw29from the connection piece15. Additionally, in the present invention, the projection18may be projected diagonally upward from the case band outside surface5a. In this case, the attachment hole27into which the projection18is inserted is provided on the connection piece15such that the attachment hole27is open at the central portion of the end surface15aand that the hole inner part is positioned diagonally above the opening. Moreover, in the present invention, the case band outside surface5amay be an inclined surface which gradually approaches the center of the case band5toward the front of the case band5in its thickness direction, rather than the surface extending almost vertically. In this case, the attachment hole27open to the case band outside surface5aor the projection18projecting from the case band outside surface5ais provided along the normal direction of the inclined case band outside surface5a. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wristwatch in which a band can be easily attached to and detached from a case band by a user without damaging the case band, since the attachment and detachment of the band to and from the case band are handled without using a spring bar which is expanded and contracted by a special-purpose tool.

6G

04

B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A friction clutch according to the present invention and its operation are explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5-6. The friction clutch comprises a clutch casing 9 connected to a flywheel 13 at a radially outer side by a screw connection 15. The flywheel 13 is attached to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and rotates with the crankshaft about an axis of rotation 14. A pressure plate 3 is arranged inside the clutch casing 9 and is connected to the clutch casing 9 in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. The pressure plate 3 is acted on by a pressure spring 4 which, in the present case, is a diaphragm spring. The pressure spring 4 is supported on the clutch casing 9 and exerts an engagement force on the pressure plate 3 directed toward the flywheel 13. The clamping force of the pressure spring 4 may be released via diaphragm spring tongues 4' which point radially inward. A clutch disk 6 is attached in a rotationally fixed manner to a transmission input shaft (not shown) via a hub 8 and is arranged between the pressure plate 3 and the flywheel 13. The clutch disk 6 has friction linings 11, 12 on its radially outer sides and is connected to the hub 8 by rivets 7. In the engaged position of the clutch, the clutch disk 6 is clamped between the pressure plate 3 and the flywheel 13 by the force of the diaphragm spring 4 to transmit torque. The diaphragm spring 4 is supported on the clutch casing 9 by spacer bolts 5. The radially outer area of the diaphragm spring 4 bears against an edge 32 of the pressure plate 3. The edge 32 may optionally comprise a low friction bearing 32a such as a sliding contact bearing or a roller bearing. In the drawings, the clutch is depicted as a so-called pushed friction clutch. However, a pulled friction clutch may also be provided. In the pulled friction clutch design, the external diameter of the diaphragm spring 4 is supported on the clutch casing 9, while a middle diameter is supported on the edge 32 of the pressure plate 3. In the present case of the pushed friction clutch, the torque transmission may be interrupted by pushing the spring tongues to the left in accordance with FIG. 3 by a disengagement device (not shown), thereby pivoting the pressure spring 4 about the attachment to the spacer bolts 5 with the result that the radially outer area of the diaphragm spring 4 no longer exerts any clamping force on the edge 32 of the pressure plate 3. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressure plate 3 is guided on a circumferential periphery of the clutch casing 9 by a plurality of tangential leaf springs 17 (one of which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) which are circumferentially distributed between the pressure plate 3 and the circumferential periphery of the clutch casing 9. The tangential leaf springs 17 may be designed such that, absent any other force on the pressure plate 3, they exert a ventilating force on the pressure plate 3. The ventilating force generated by the tangential leaf springs 17 urges the pressure plate 3 away from the clutch disk 6. The pressure plate 3 and clutch casing 9 are connected in each case to the tangential leaf springs 17 by rivet connections 18, 19. The tangential leaf springs 17 include a slot 20 at one of the rivet connections 18, 19 which will be described in more detail below. FIG. 5 also shows a lining spring 16 which may be arranged between the two friction linings 11 and 12. Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, devices 1 are arranged in the clutch casing 9 at one or more locations distributed over the circumference of the clutch casing 9. These devices include levers 2 which are pivotally mounted in webs 10, 10a on the clutch casing 9. The levers 2 each have an arm 21 which projects transversely with respect to a pivoting axis of the lever 2. The pivoting axes run essentially in the radial direction. The end of each arm 21 corresponds to a projection 31 on the pressure plate 3 which project essentially in the axial direction (cf. FIG. 2). This device 1, which is formed by the lever 2, webs 10, 10a, arm 21, and projection 31, functions as follows: During the engagement operation of the clutch and also during operation of the vehicle in the engaged state when the internal combustion engine is exerting an accelerating force on the driven flywheel 13--when the drive train is in a pulling mode--the friction linings 11, 12 of the clutch disk 6, which is connected to the transmission in a rotationally fixed manner, exert a "braking force" on the pressure plate 3 which is directed oppositely to the driving direction or direction of rotation D. During the pulling mode, the end of the arm 21 of the levers 2 bears against the projections 31 on the pressure plate 3, thereby circumferentially supporting the pressure plate 3. This circumferential support via the arm 21 and lever 2 is achievable because during the pulling mode, the slots 20 in the tangential leaf springs 17 as shown in FIG. 5 allow a slight relative movement of the pressure plate 3 relative to the clutch casing 9 counter to the direction of rotation D until the projections 31 abut the arms 21 of the devices 1. The slot 20 is arranged so that it does not permit this rotation of the pressure plate 3 in the direction of rotation D. In the pulling mode, the pressure plate 3 is circumferentially guided counter to the direction of rotation D by the tangential leaf springs 17. Accordingly, the device 1 for supporting the pressure plate 3 in accordance with the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 provides a reinforcement force which acts essentially proportionally to and in addition to the force of the diaphragm spring 4, so that in the pulling mode of operation, a higher torque can be transmitted. The extent of this self-reinforcing action is dependent on the angle .alpha. which is formed between the bearing of the arm 21 of the lever 2 which is held by the webs 10, 10a of the clutch casing 9 and the edges 32 (see FIG. 2). The larger the angle .alpha. in accordance with FIG. 2 is selected to be, the greater this self-reinforcing action becomes. This self-reinforcing action may be improved by ensuring that the minimum possible friction force is produced between the diaphragm spring 4 and the pressure plate 3. This friction force reduces the required relatively small capacity of the pressure plate 3 to rotate. Therefore, the optional low friction bearing 32a shown in FIG. 1 which comprises, for example, a sliding-contact or roller bearing and exhibits the minimum possible friction may be provided. The above-described self-reinforcing action for the pressure force of the pressure plate 3 is produced for as long as the internal combustion engine provides a driving force to the drive train--as long as the drive train is in the pulling mode. This driving force is present when the vehicle is moving off, when accelerating and also at high speeds because the motor must provide a force to maintain the high speed. However, if the driver releases the gas pedal, the drive train enters a pushing mode in which the transmission rotates the clutch disk and generates a pushing force on the internal combustion engine due to the momentum of the vehicle which rotates the engine via the clutch disk. This drag moment on the engine eliminates the self-reinforcing action and reduces the pressure force--instead of pulling the motor vehicle, the motor is now being pushed at a higher rotation by the vehicle. This action can advantageously be utilized, in extreme cases, for example in the event of the driver changing down incorrectly, to allow the clutch disk to slip at least for a short time, so that it is possible to avoid an overload on the internal combustion engine (excessive rotation). The change F.sub.AP in pressure force in the design described above corresponds to the formula given below: ##EQU1## where F.sub.F is the force applied by the diaphragm spring 4, .mu. is the coefficient of friction between the friction linings 11, 12 and the flywheel 13 or the pressure plate 3, and the angle .alpha. is the current angle of the arm 21. FIGS. 4a to 4d clearly show how the device may be designed in order to achieve different effects. FIG. 4a corresponds to the clutch design illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 and 6. There is no need to go into this action in more detail. A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 4b in which an additional arm 21' of the lever 2 is used. Both the arm 21 and the additional arm 21' comprise closed links between the clutch casing 9 and the pressure plate 3. The previous embodiment of FIG. 4a has only one closed link and one open link. In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the tangential leaf spring 17 in accordance with FIG. 5 is freed from its torque attachment to the pressure plate 3 and is only required to apply a ventilating force at most. In this design, the arms 21, 21' of the lever 2 absorb both compressive forces and tensile forces. Moreover, exact mounting of the lever 2 is ensured in all operating conditions. Alternately, it is also conceivable for the arms 21, 21' each to have one open link with respect to the clutch casing 9 or the pressure plate 3, in which case it is necessary to provide a guide which ensures that the location and position of the levers cannot change uncontrollably. If it is assumed that the direction of rotation D in FIG. 4b is the same as that in FIG. 4a, the design of the arm 21 is identical to that shown in FIG. 4a, in terms of its action, so that the pressure force is increased in pulling mode. However, if, in such a case, the design illustrated in dashed lines, with an arm 21', is selected, during pulling mode in the drive train, this structure reduces the pressure force of the diaphragm spring 4 on the pressure plate 3. Such an arrangement may advantageously be used when friction linings are used which are made from inorganic material and in which the coefficient of friction .mu. falls within a certain range above the sliding speed. In this case of self-attenuation of the pressure force, all that changes in the formula given above is the sign before the angle .alpha.. Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 4c in which the arm 21 of the lever 2 at one end is arranged on the pressure plate 3 with a closed link and at the other end is arranged on the flywheel 13, again with a closed link. For this purpose, a recess 22 is provided on the flywheel 13. Assuming pulling mode and a direction of rotation corresponding to D, the levers 2, together with their arms 21, are subjected to tensile load and exert a self-reinforcing force on the pressure plate 3. FIG. 4d shows yet another embodiment in which the lever 2 is connected between the clutch casing 9 and the pressure plate 3 via two open links. In this embodiment, an independent guide 35 holds the lever 2 in a proper position. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which a tangential leaf spring 17a assumes the function of the above-described lever 2 with their arms 21, 21'. One end of the tangential leaf spring 17a is connected fixedly to the pressure plate 3 by a rivet connection 19, while the other end is connected fixedly to the clutch casing 9 by a rivet connection 18. Instead of being connected to the clutch casing 9, the leaf spring 17a may also be connected directly to the flywheel 13. The drawing furthermore shows the radially outer edge of the diaphragm spring 4, as well as the friction linings 11, 12 of the clutch disk and the screw connection 15 between clutch casing 9 and flywheel 13. The axis of rotation of the overall friction clutch is indicated by 14. Where it is desired for the pressure force to be self-reinforcing in pulling mode, the arrangement is made in such a way that the direction of rotation corresponds to D and the line X which connects the two rivet connections 18 and 19 is arranged in such a manner that the angle .alpha..sub.1 between the connecting line X and a plane parallel to the friction linings 11, 12 is arranged to be mathematically positive. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure force is increased in pulling mode and reduced in pushing mode. If the direction of rotation is reversed, or if the angle .alpha..sub.1 is mathematically negative, the actions in the pulling mode and pushing mode are correspondingly reversed. The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims.

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EXAMPLE 1 Production of a CrO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst According to the Invention A solution of 24.85 g ZrOCl.sub.2.times.8H.sub.2 O and 1.33 g La(NO.sub.3).sub.3.times.6H.sub.2 O is prepared by introducing the salts slowly and with stirring into 50 ml of bi-distilled water at room temperature. The solution is added drop by drop and at the same time as a 25% NH.sub.3 solution into distilled water, the pH value of which has been adjusted to 10 by means of NH.sub.3. The hydroxide mixture obtained this way is washed so many times with distilled water after filtration until Cl ions can no longer be detected using an AgNO.sub.3 test. The (Zr, La) hydroxide mixture is then dried in air at 120.degree. C. for 24 hours. The catalyst precursor obtained is further treated as follows: 13 g of the catalyst precursor are added slowly and with stirring to 50 ml of an 0.02 M (NH.sub.4).sub.2 CrO.sub.4 solution at room temperature. The water is evaporated from the mixture obtained under continuous stirring for one hour at 50.degree. C. The product is dried for 24 hours at 120.degree. C. and subsequently treated in air for 4 hours at 600.degree. C. The CrO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst obtained contains 0.6% by weight of Cr and possesses a specific surface area of 98 m.sup.2 /g according to BET. EXAMPLE 2 Production of a MoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst 13 g of the catalyst precursor of example 1 are added slowly and with stirring to 50 ml of an 0.02 M (NH.sub.4).sub.6 Mo.sub.7 O.sub.24.times.4H.sub.2 O solution at room temperature. The water is evaporated from the mixture obtained under continuous stirring for an hour at 50.degree. C. The product is dried for 24 hours at 120.degree. C. and subsequently treated in air for 4 hours at 600.degree. C. The MoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst obtained contains 1% by weight of Mo and possesses a specific surface area of 88 m.sup.2 /g according to BET. EXAMPLE 3 Production of a WoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst 13 g of the catalyst precursor of example 1 are added slowly and with stirring to 50 ml of an 0.01 M Na.sub.2 WO.sub.4.times.2H.sub.2 O solution at room temperature. The water is evaporated from the mixture obtained under continuous stirring for an hour at 50.degree. C. The product is dried for 24 hours at 120.degree. C. and subsequently treated in air for 4 hours at 600.degree. C. The WO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst obtained contains 1% by weight of W and possesses a specific surface area of 80 m.sup.2 /g according to BET. EXAMPLE 4 Characterisation of a CrO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO, Catalyst According to the Invention by Measurement of the Hydrogen Adsorption Capacity by Means of Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR) and Temperature Programmed Desorption of Hydrogen (TPDH) TPR and TPDH measurements were carried out in an equipment corresponding to that specified by Robertson et al. (J. Catal. 37 (1975) 424). 500 mg of the catalyst produced according to example 1 was thermally treated in a flow of argon for one hour at 300.degree. C. After cooling down to room temperature the sample was heated up at a heating rate of 10 K/min to a final temperature of 750.degree. C. in a flow of 5% hydrogen in argon for the purpose of initial hydrogen adsorbance. Subsequently, the sample was cooled down to room temperature in the H.sub.2 /Ar flow. Subsequently, the H.sub.2 /Ar flow was replaced once again by Ar and the sample linearly heated up at 10 K/min to 750.degree. C. in the Ar flow in order to desorb the hydrogen taken up. After this pre-treatment procedure, a linear heating up of the sample to 750.degree. C. in the 5% hydrogen in argon flow was carried out once again. The consumption of hydrogen occurring was detected catharometrically and yielded the TRP result characterised by the hydrogen consumption and the peak maximum temperature shown in Table 1. After cooling down, linear heating up to 750.degree. C. in the Ar flow was carried out. The amount of hydrogen being desorbed was again recorded continuously and yielded the TPDH result in Table 1. The TPR and TPDH results are a measure of the reversible hydrogen adsorption or desorption capacity of the catalyst in the range of reaction temperatures of the catalytic reactions. TPR TPDH H.sub.2 consumption H.sub.2 desorption in in mmol/g.sub.catalyst T.sub.max, .degree. C. mmol/g.sub.catalyst T.sub.max, .degree. C. 0.0245 approx. 490 0.0253 approx. 550 EXAMPLE 5 Catalytic Testing of a Catalyst According to the Invention The catalytic reaction was performed in a temperature regulated quartz column-flow reactor with a diameter of 8 mm heated by means of a radiation oven. A sample of 500 mg of the CrO.sub.x /--La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst produced according to sample 1 with a grain size of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm was treated in the reactor for one hour at 550.degree. C. in flowing hydrogen. Subsequently, a flow of hydrogen saturated with n-octane as shown in Table 2 was passed over the catalyst at the same temperature. The reaction attained a stationary state after one hour. Analysis of the reaction products was carried out by online gas chromatography; the gas chromatographic separation of the aromatic compounds as well as the other C.sub.5 -C.sub.9 hydrocarbons took place on a Benton-34 column, that of the low boiling C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 reaction products on an aluminium oxide column. Calculation of the degree of conversion U and the selectivity S took place according to: EQU U=(E-A).times.100/E; with E: number of moles of hydrocarbons put in, and U: number of moles of hydrocarbons which failed to react; EQU S=P.sub.i.times.n.times.100/(E-A).times.m; with P.sub.i : number with of moles of the product i, n: number of carbon atoms in i, and m: number of carbon atoms in the educt. TABLE 2 Results of the n-octane conversion via the CrO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst at normal pressure after one hour re- action time, weight of catalyst 500 mg, reaction temperature 550.degree. C., molar ratio of n-octane/H.sub.2 = 1/12.5, hydrogen flow 3 l/h. Selectivity in % of C n-octane de- C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 gree of con- C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 aromatic version in % alkanes alkanes compounds 70.5 0.19 0.1 97 Aromatic distribution, mole-% p-xy- m-xy- o-xy- ethyl- benzene toluene lene lene lene benzene styrene 1 6.1 4.7 6.5 53.7 27.4 1.3 EXAMPLE 6 Catalytic Testing of a MoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst Produced According to Example 2 The test was carried out analogously to example 5. TABLE 3 Results of the n-octane conversion via the MoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst at normal pressure after one hour re- action time, weight of catalyst 500 mg, reaction temperature 550.degree. C., molar ratio of n-octane/H.sub.2 = 1/12.5, hydrogen flow 3 l/h. Selectivity in % of C n-octane de- C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 gree of con- C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 aromatic version in % alkanes alkanes compounds 40.2 0.38 0.05 94 Aromatic distribution, mole-% p-xy- m-xy- o-xy- ethyl- benzene toluene lene lene lene benzene styrene 1.7 7.1 4.1 4.9 56.9 24.7 1.1 EXAMPLE 7 Catalytic Testing of a WoO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst Produced According to Example 3 The test was carried out analogously to example 5. TABLE 4 Results of the n-octane conversion via the WO.sub.x /La.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst at normal pressure after one hour re- action time, weight of catalyst 500 mg, reaction temperature 550.degree. C., molar ratio of n-octane/H.sub.2 = 1/12.5, hydrogen flow 3 l/h. Selectivity in % of C n-octane de- C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 gree of con- C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 aromatic version in % alkanes alkanes compounds 21.2 1.5 2.4 80.3 Aromatic distribution, mole-% p-xy- m-xy- o-xy- ethyl- benzene toluene lene lene lene benzene styrene 1.1 1.4 3.7 5.7 60 27.7 0 EXAMPLE 8 Catalytic Testing of a Comparison Catalyst Pt/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 This comparison catalyst concerns a classical reforming catalyst produced by impregnation of a .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a specific surface area of 300 m.sup.2 /g with hexachloroplatinic (IV) acid. The platinum content was 0.5% by weight. Subsequent to impregnation, the catalyst was calcined in air for one hour at 550.degree. C. and then reduced for one hour in hydrogen. The catalytic testing was carried out analogously to example 5. TABLE 5 Results of the n-octane conversion via the Pt/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 catalyst at normal pressure after one hour re- action time, weight of catalyst 500 mg, reaction temperature 450.degree. C., molar ratio of n-octane/H.sub.2 = 1/12.5, hydrogen flow 3 l/h. Selectivity in % of C n-octane de- C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 gree of con- C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 aromatic version in % alkanes alkanes compounds 90.2 37.6 -- 61.0 Aromatic distribution, mole-% p-xy- m-xy- o-xy- ethyl- benzene toluene lene lene lene benzene styrene 30.1 34.0 4.1 16.6 11.3 1.4 0 EXAMPLE 9 Testing of a CrO.sub.x /ZrO.sub.2 Catalyst A catalyst was produced by impregnation of a zirconium hydroxide sample supplied by Messrs. MEL with 0.02 M (NH.sub.4)CrO.sub.4 solution. The Cr content was 0.6%. Subsequent to impregnation, the catalyst was calcined in air for four hours at 600.degree. C. and then reduced for one hour in hydrogen. After this pre-treatment the catalyst possesses a specific surface area of 44 m.sup.2 /g according to BET. The catalytic testing was carried out analogously to example 5. TABLE 7 Results of the n-octane conversion via the CrO.sub.x /ZrO.sub.2 catalyst at normal pressure after one hour re- action time, weight of catalyst 500 mg, reaction temperature 550.degree. C., molar ratio of n-octane/H.sub.2 = 1/12.5, hydrogen flow 3 l/h. Selectivity in % of C n-octane de- C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 gree of con- C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 aromatic version in % alkanes alkanes compounds 22.2 0.1 0.2 95.3 Aromatic distribution, mole-% p-xy- m-xy- o-xy- ethyl- benzene toluene lene lene lene benzene styrene 0.8 4.2 3.7 7 55.6 25.6 1.2

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